10 Places to Drink Outdoors in LA

The Huffington Post just ranked five excellent choices to enjoy a summer cocktail outdoors in Los Angeles, and now I feel compelled to add to the list.

Suggestions after the jump.

Hungry Cat:
The Hungry Cat in Hollywood is known for its seafood, but it also has a killer cocktail list that is best enjoyed on a warm afternoon on the restaurant’s patio. Tucked away from the busy Sunset and Vine intersection, the Hungry Cat has become a favorite happy hour destination for my friends and I. In fact, in two hours, you might even find me there… 1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Red Lion:
You might not find yourself with a fancy cocktail, but this German biergarten in Silver Lake definitely takes care of the outdoors quotient. In a city that only now seems to be coming around to the whole German drinking concept, Red Lion is a rare place where people can slurp down their frothy brews in the sunlight, all while enjoying various Teutonic decorations (and snacks). 2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

The Standard:
It may not be as new or exciting as some of the other places out there, but the Standard has proven itself to be an old, reliable, well, standard. The one downtown has a fantastic roof deck that is one of the best in the city, but it can be difficult at times to get into. Local Hollywood folk should instead head to the original on Sunset, which still serves up lovely mojitos and a variety of other fun cocktails. Plus, a new canopy system means less sunburn. Yay! Downtown: 550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 / West Hollywood: 8300 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Varnish / Cole’s:
Classic cocktails are the name of the game at The Varnish, which is housed at Cole’s (famous for its French Dips). The bar may not be known for its al fresca experience, but those who wish to enjoy their beverages in the open can hope to nab one of the many tables in front of the establishment. Always a must-stop when Downtown. 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Eveleigh:
Okay, I haven’t been to Eveleigh, but my friend Sly extols its virtues so much that I simply must put it on this list. I trust her taste. From what she says, the place has divine cocktails and a beautiful back porch. Sounds good enough to me. 8752 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Abbey:
In the heart of Boystown is Weho’s most famous gay bar, The Abbey. It’s actually a fairly mixed spot and features both an expansive cocktail list and plenty of outdoor seating. The tables fill up quickly on the weekends, and at night, it can be a bit of a mess, but for summer cocktailing in West Hollywood, it’s not a bad option. 692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 9006

Cat & Fiddle:
Although not a renowned mixology spot (it’s a British pub), the Cat & Fiddle has one of the best outdoor drinking areas in the city. The tables fill up super fast though; so move quickly. 6530 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Dominick’s:
The back patio at Dominick’s is a thing of beauty. Luckily they serve up some fine cocktails too. Try the South-sider. 8715 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

Cabo Cantina:
There are several Cabo Cantinas in Los Angeles, but the one on Sunset is the only one worth going to. Sometimes trashy, frequently cheesy, but always fun, Cabo represents everything that most drink snobs hate. I suppose they have a point: you cannot get a good cocktail there. The margaritas can be horrific too. But on a sunny day, when that roof peels back, and you’ve got two beers in front of you (it’s 2-for-1 seemingly all the time there), it’s definitely a happy place. Great for groups, especially if you plan on quietly mocking the Hollywood douchebags that wander in.8301 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

La Cita:
Sometimes this place is super sketchy, and sometimes it’s super hipster-y. Either way, it’s got a very cool, very retro back patio full of small booths. Definitely a funky dive in the middle of Downtown. 336 S Hill St Los Angeles, CA 90013