Tacos, music, art and more to enjoy as summer heats up
It’s hard to pin Los Angeles down to one specific genre of cuisine, vibe or inhabitant. This expansive city is overflowing with rooftop bars, a diverse array of restaurants and plenty of artsy activities to indulge in throughout its 88 incorporated cities. From Eagle Rock to Marina del Rey, there is no shortage of hidden gems to fall in love with.
Eagle Rock is known for its effortlessly cool and laid-back vibe, almost falling under the radar in comparison to more publicized cities such as Venice or Santa Monica. Taco/Social is a perfect example of how Eagle Rock puts a creative spin on such an L.A. staple: tacos. At this open-air bustling neighborhood spot, each taco is inspired by flavors from around the world. A simple al pastor or pollo asada taco won’t be found here, but a Korean beef bulgogi taco and a Greek-inspired taco with tzatziki, feta, and french fries will. In addition to their outside-the-box menu, their tequila bar draws in substantial crowds, especially during their take on happy hour, which they fittingly call “Social Hour.”
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Malibu Pier, in partnership with Aviator Nation Dreamland, is closing out the summer with their final Sunday Session of 2026. Complete with live music across multiple stages, partnerships with brands such as Lola Blanket and Sip Margs, and private, backstage lounges, the Sunday Sessions are a community-centered way to listen to emerging artists and enjoy a tamer version of a big summer festival. This Sunday, August 9, will be the second and final of two summer Sunday Sessions, and will feature up-and-coming musical groups such as Rio Kosta and Evening Elephants.
Credit: Photographed by Elizabeth Bercaw
Located in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, Cold Shoulder Bar is hidden in plain sight in classic speakeasy form. Accessible through a sliding bookshelf door from the neighboring bar, Blue Collar, patrons must know the password of the night in order to be awarded entry to this private oasis. Cold Shoulder is everything a speakeasy should be: a dim-lit, warm atmosphere with a quirky twist. At Cold Shoulder Bar, all of their wall and ceiling hangings are hung upside down — from bar stools suspended in the air to old-fashioned, portrait-style paintings that line the walls, this optical illusion is both charming and off-beat, making this spot a memorable visit. Their cocktail menu is hefty and creative as well, making their drinks with names such as “Stranger in the Night” and “Fear and Loathing” with care and artistry.
Credit: Photographed by Elizabeth Bercaw
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Located on vibrant Abbot Kinney, Force of Nature has earned its stripes as a beloved and well-attended rooftop bar in Los Angeles. Occupying the upstairs unit of a centuries-old house in Venice, Force of Nature is accessible by entering through the downstairs wine bar, Only the Wild Ones. Only the Wild Ones is special in its own right, offering a lively atmosphere of young adults crowding around a DJ booth and sprawling into the backyard having loud conversations over fun cocktails. But when it’s time to retreat to a more intimate, relaxed vibe, Force of Nature is the perfect second location conveniently located a mere flight of stairs away. Complete with bar seating overlooking Venice, string lights and a carefully curated list of natural wines, this spot conveys an effortlessly cool vibe that invites visitors to ease into the evening and stay a while.
Credit: Photographed by Elizabeth Bercaw
On an artsier note, the Norton Simon has to be one of the most impressive private art collections Los Angeles has to offer. The Norton Simon’s wide range of art spanning multiple eras, styles and mediums offers a cool escape from the dry heat of August. Ranging from some of the most recognizable pieces of art such as Pablo Picasso’s “Woman With a Book” and Edgar Degas’s “Little Dancer, Aged 14,” the Norton Simon takes visitors on a journey through wildly different and inspiring eras of art. The museum lets in visitors for free during 4:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. the first Friday of every month, which happens to be this upcoming Friday, August 7.
If a classic date night or celebratory outing at a fancy restaurant starts to feel too predictable, why not have dinner on a boat? And not just any boat, but one that was built in 1930 as a luxury motor yacht that carried some of the most distinguished guests, including Queen Elizabeth II. The interior has several rooms including a poker table, luxury suites and vintage advertisements, all of which honor the old-fashioned feel and a legacy that spans nearly a whole century. Perfect for anniversaries, birthdays or simply an excuse to dress up and feel sophisticated, Northwind is the place to be. They do themed dinners and events, where guests are greeted with a cocktail before they even step foot onto the yacht, and are treated to a set menu that comes out gradually as the sun sets and other boats travel throughout the marina. Northwind takes guests back in history through an elevated dining experience on a floating time capsule, ensuring each night is one to remember.