From cozy neighborhood gems to buzzy Silver Lake spots, these L.A. wine bars are worth raising a glass to
With California’s massive wine industry, it only makes sense that Los Angeles has become a hub for local wine bars popping up across the city. Sunny SoCal draws transplants looking for the opportunity and diversity of a major city, but also the relaxed vibes that only select L.A. neighborhoods can provide.
I, for one, am the definition of an Angeleno transplant who enjoys a night out — complete with a sleek dress and kitten heels — but prefers to stay away from a crowded club on Sunset, breathing in everyone else’s air. Plant me in a chair, pour me a glass of wine, and I’ll be happy.
With the rise of wine bars comes the overwhelming decision of which one to visit. Where is actually worth it? Here is a list of wine bars offering thoughtful selections — from local picks to bottles shipped from abroad — in settings that are perfect for a sophisticated night on the town.
Mirabelle Wine Bar
Credit: Jessie Caballero
Mirabelle, opened in 2018 by David Gibbs and Nick Caballero, is a hidden gem located on Burbank Boulevard in Valley Village, featuring a moody bar inside with a cozy, garden-esque patio in the back.
The wine menu is diverse, featuring staples such as Italian prosecco and a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, as well as must-try standouts like Carmenere from Chile and a Syrah blend from Morocco. Mirabelle’s wines are also affordable, starting at $14.
This wine bar is a favorite not only for its varied wine selection, but also for its dinner menu, served nightly from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mirabelle’s patio offers a perfect view of the outdoor kitchen, where a grill sits as food is prepared to order.
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Credit: Jessie Caballero
Credit: Jessie Caballero
I recommend starting with the tomatoes and burrata, which features red wine vinegar pearls and basil seeds, followed by the grilled red Thai snapper with fried capers and micro cilantro.
Whether you are looking for a full dining experience or simply visiting for a glass of wine, ordering the grilled country loaf with honey butter is a must. It’s worth the carbs, I promise.
Offhand
Credit: Courtesy of Offhand
Offhand is built on friendship, community and intention.
This Black-owned wine bar, located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica and owned by Khalil Kinsey and Teron Stevenson, has a welcoming neighborhood vibe, aiming to create an environment where guests can appreciate the time spent tasting wine. Offhand is the only wine bar in the U.S. with a strict focus on North American low-intervention winemakers, according to its team.
While wine is the focus, the spot also offers local craft beers, natural sakes and wine-based spins on classic cocktails, such as a Negroni Sbagliato or its Islander. Offhand is also the perfect spot for the ultimate girl dinner, with a menu featuring a variety of conservas, or canned seafood delicacies, burrata and smoked salmon dip.
Credit: Courtesy of Offhand
The bar is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring an array of artisanal sandwiches and coffee selections. A live DJ can be enjoyed Friday through Sunday, with rotating food pop-ups visiting every Sunday. Offhand’s happy hour can be enjoyed from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Barr Seco
Credit: Drew Escriva
Barr Seco feels like a tiny European wine bar dropped onto Sunset Boulevard, where warm interiors and a fashionable Silver Lake crowd create an intimate but buzzy atmosphere. Just like Silver Lake, Seco is effortlessly cool while also being an inviting spot for locals and visitors alike.
Perfect for a girls’ night out, Seco has a carefully curated natural wine list that is approachable to newly indoctrinated winos. Beyond the bottles, Seco’s dining menu showcases both Mexico City and Mediterranean influences. The tuna tostada is to die for, while the spicy vodka pasta will soothe a carb craving every time.
Credit: Drew Escriva
The intimate space is part of Seco’s charm. Its warm, textured interiors and carefully considered design make it feel less like a traditional restaurant and more like the kind of neighborhood spot where you could settle in for an evening over a bottle of wine.
Of course, Seco’s popularity means that the intimate atmosphere can quickly turn buzzy, particularly later in the evening. The bar frequently hosts events, including sports watch parties and themed gatherings, which can be found on its Instagram.
Malendrina
Credit: Courtesy of Malendrina
Malendrina is the newest spot on the list, having opened this summer in Hermosa Beach.
The wine bar combines owner Chuck Azar’s Palestinian roots with Amanda Aragan’s Italian influence, and aren’t just a detail in Malendrina’s backstory — they carry through to the menu, giving the wine bar a distinctly personal identity. Mediterranean flavors, handmade dishes and a boutique wine list make the experience feel more like being welcomed into someone’s home than visiting a traditional wine bar.
Credit: Courtesy of Malendrina
The multicultural menu features black sesame hummus with lavender pita chips, stuffed grape leaves — rolled by hand by Aragan — mortadella and burrata sandwiches, and grilled octopus. Malendrina’s wine list changes with the seasons and offers a tasting for those not ready to commit to a full glass.
For those looking to spend an evening in an environment that feels intimate, away from the chaos of the city, Malendrina is the perfect choice. Its mission is to cultivate “the simple pleasure of sharing good food, good wine and good company.”