There really is nothing quite as lovely as a relaxing, laid-back lunch on a rooftop amidst skyscrapers, am I right? Unfortunately, the premiere rooftop bar experience in downtown LA, the Standard Hotel, is a big fan of throwing fussy, douchey parties almost every weekend. Due to this little obstacle, I had pretty much given up hope of ever enjoying myself there.
It took us some time (three attempts to be exact), but my friend Barbara and I finally realized that in order to have our perfect, relaxing lunch, (and to avoid fedora-wearing downtown posers) we'd have to go on an off-weekend. Like a really off-weekend. And we couldn't have picked a better time to go than this last Sunday. It had rained all day Saturday, the weather was predicted to barely reach 60 degrees, and it was, after all, January.
By the time we made our way into downtown at lunchtime, the sun was shining and the temp was in the high 60's. Already better than what we expected. To our delight, when we got up to the rooftop bar, there were a total of four people on the entire roof - three patrons drinking mimosas, and one bartender. We had our pick of seats, and laid back on the sofa/chair/beds that serve as the seating, and just took in the amazing skyline views.
It was a little chilly, but we sat right next to a heat lamp, which dramatically improved the experience. The lunch menu was pretty limited, with only about 6 items that were barely more than finger food. I got pork sliders (delicious) and Barb got a grilled cheese sandwich. As we were finishing lunch, the sun came out from behind the buildings, and all of a sudden it felt like a summer day.
We walked around the perimeter of the roof and took pictures of all the views. One part of the restaurant has turned into a "bier garten," which was empty at the time but looked very charming. On the back side of the bar is the semi-famous pool. I know the rooftop bar and pool have been in several movies, most memorable for me in Get Him to the Greek, where Russell Brand jumps from the roof of the bar into the pool and has his life-changing epiphany.
The best part about this whole experience was that we had the place to ourselves. We weren't cramped, sitting on a corner of a cushion that occupied 10 other people. I am pretty sure this was a very atypical experience, but I am glad that we finally planned it right. I certainly wouldn't want to go back and stand four fedoras deep, trying to order a watered-down and ridiculously expensive cocktail, but not much can beat lunch on a sunny, uncrowded day!
It took us some time (three attempts to be exact), but my friend Barbara and I finally realized that in order to have our perfect, relaxing lunch, (and to avoid fedora-wearing downtown posers) we'd have to go on an off-weekend. Like a really off-weekend. And we couldn't have picked a better time to go than this last Sunday. It had rained all day Saturday, the weather was predicted to barely reach 60 degrees, and it was, after all, January.
By the time we made our way into downtown at lunchtime, the sun was shining and the temp was in the high 60's. Already better than what we expected. To our delight, when we got up to the rooftop bar, there were a total of four people on the entire roof - three patrons drinking mimosas, and one bartender. We had our pick of seats, and laid back on the sofa/chair/beds that serve as the seating, and just took in the amazing skyline views.
It was a little chilly, but we sat right next to a heat lamp, which dramatically improved the experience. The lunch menu was pretty limited, with only about 6 items that were barely more than finger food. I got pork sliders (delicious) and Barb got a grilled cheese sandwich. As we were finishing lunch, the sun came out from behind the buildings, and all of a sudden it felt like a summer day.
We walked around the perimeter of the roof and took pictures of all the views. One part of the restaurant has turned into a "bier garten," which was empty at the time but looked very charming. On the back side of the bar is the semi-famous pool. I know the rooftop bar and pool have been in several movies, most memorable for me in Get Him to the Greek, where Russell Brand jumps from the roof of the bar into the pool and has his life-changing epiphany.
The best part about this whole experience was that we had the place to ourselves. We weren't cramped, sitting on a corner of a cushion that occupied 10 other people. I am pretty sure this was a very atypical experience, but I am glad that we finally planned it right. I certainly wouldn't want to go back and stand four fedoras deep, trying to order a watered-down and ridiculously expensive cocktail, but not much can beat lunch on a sunny, uncrowded day!
The rooftop lounge - completely empty!
The pool, deserted.
A great shot of the US Bank Tower, the tallest building in Los Angeles.
The signature upside-down sign out front.
Part of the downtown skyline - the US Bank Tower, the central library, the AT&T building and cell tower, and the historic Biltmore Hotel.
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