The sober curious movement has really picked up momentum, and bars and restaurants are taking note. Gone are the days where mocktails were merely sugary juices; now there are a number of alcohol substitutes available on the market that rival their boozy counterparts both in terms of taste and complexity. This makes it even easier for bartenders to craft creative and truly delicious drinks, and we know just where to go to see what zero-proof cocktails are on offer. Here are the best bars and restaurants for non-alcoholic drinks in Los Angeles.
12 Excellent Spots for Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Los Angeles
1. Asterid
This new downtown restaurant from chef Ray Garcia is perfect for grabbing a bite and a drink after work or before a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall next door. Bar director Chris Chernock has curated a nice zero-proof menu, incluing the coconut milk punch made with Lyre’s nonalcoholic cane spirit, lemon, pineapple, black tea and baking spices. Asterid also offers a lovely dealcoholized sparkling wine, because we could all use some bubbly.
141 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012; asteridla.com
2. Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Miramar
Who doesn’t love a hotel bar? The Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Miramar now offers five different drinks on their “free-spirited” beverage menu that are variations of popular cocktails, like the spicy margarita. Our top pick, however, is the zero-proof version of the ever popular espresso martini made with Seedlip Spice 94, housemade vanilla syrup, chocolate syrup and a touch of Cola which helps add some froth.
101 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401; fairmont.com/santa-monica
3. Kato
Kato is not only one of the best fine dining restaurants in Los Angeles right now, but the bar also leads the way with complex non-alcoholic cocktails. The Amazake Swizzle is created with a mixture of amazake (a traditional Japanese fermented rice drink), Thai coconut milk, masala chai, orgeat and lime juice, topped with a float of Chinotto soda. In addition to the zero-proof cocktails, Kato also offers an impeccable non-alcoholic pairing with their tasting menu that also include dealcoholized wines and non-alcoholic ciders.
777 S. Alameda St. Suite 114, Los Angeles, CA 90021; katorestaurant.com
This prohibition-style hangout in West Hollywood is great for groups thanks to their large booths, and happily that group plan doesn’t need to leave the sober and sober curious behind. There are three spirit-free drinks on the menu, including the Garden Veranda made with Seedlip, jalapeno, basil, lime, agave and hibiscus tea.
7953 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046; employeesonlyla.com
Tucked in a basement in the Arts District is the Los Angeles outpost of one of the world’s best bars. Death & Company’s rotating seasonal menu also now contains great zero-proof options. The current offerings include the non-alcoholic version of one of their opening cocktails, the Buko Gimlet, made with Seedlip Garden, pandan, coconut water and lime.
818 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90013; deathandcompany.com/dcdtla
Messhall Kitchen’s summer camp theme and large patio draws in the neighborhood on sunny days. The restaurant’s current cocktail menu is themed around movies and the menu features two zero-proof drinks, including the complex and well balanced drink called Hold On to Your Potatoes, made with Spiritless Kentucky 74, curry, cardamom, mint and lime.
4500 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027; messhallkitchen.com
7. Big Bar
The lead bartender at this neighborhood Los Feliz bar is sober herself, so she is particularly invested in the non-alcoholic cocktail offerings at Big Bar. There are currently four zero-proof drinks on the seasonal menu that would intrigue even the non-sober, including the flavor-packed Supernova, which is made with Lyre’s Aperitif Dry, Turkish apricots, cardamom, lemon and Italian parsley.
1927 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027; alcovecafe.com/bigbar
8. APB
The new APB, which stands for “All Plant Based”, on Melrose serves up vegan sushi, cocktails and a selection of zero-proof drinks under “dry libations,” all designed by Julian Cox. Their fluffy, creamy Ramos Fizz is made with Amass Riverine, vegan cream, vegan egg whites, citrus, rosewater, soda water and rose petals. To take it even further on the wellness front, APB plans to be fully alcohol-free every Sunday.
7302 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036; apbmelrose.com
Chef Erin Detroit Vesey is currently operating out of queer-owned Redline in downtown LA, where they are throwing a drag brunch every Friday through Sunday. Enjoy Detroit Vesey’s selection of mocktails during brunch like the Beachland Ballroom made with Seedlip Spice 94, tepache, lime juice and smoked tajin spice rim.
131 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014; detroitveseys.com
The Maybourne Hotel’s bar is not only one of the classiest in town, but also one of the best spots to grab cocktails in Beverly Hills right now. The bar currently offers three spirit-free drinks including the No-groni made with Lyre’s “gin” and aperitif rosso, blood orange, and housemade non-alcoholic bitters. They also offer the X-presso Martini made with Lyre’s coffee “liqueur”, espresso, vanilla and milk tincture.
225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210; maybournebeverlyhills.com/restaurants-bars/the-maybourne-bar
11. Accomplice Bar
Accomplice Bar, which is attached to Little Fatty, is easily the best cocktail bar in Mar Vista and their alcohol-free cocktail selections also do not disappoint. The beautifully crafted and presented Green Hills is made with kiwi, grapefruit, bay leaf, apple cider vinegar and bubbles.
3811 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066; littlefattyla.com/accomplice
12. Nerano
This modern Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills just launched a new drink menu with three non-alcoholic options inspired by the sunny days ahead. Instead of using spirit alternatives, Nerano is offering drinks like the DD Mojito made with fresh blackberry, mint, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
9960 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; neranobh.com