There are rooftop bars, and then there are places designed specifically for that moment when the sun begins to disappear behind the Hollywood Hills and Los Angeles starts to sparkle.
Bar Lis, perched high above Hollywood, falls into the second category.
Inspired by the effortless glamour of the French Riviera, the rooftop lounge at The Hollywood Grande is elegant, sophisticated and made for lingering over cocktails while taking in the Hollywood skyline.
Bar Lis’ menu takes its cues from traditional bistro fare with a California twist. For a table of friends, the burrata with summer tomato jam, pickled ramps, ramp salt and toasted sourdough or the tuna tartare, paired with avocado, radish, citrus emulsion and crispy nori are good choices for starters.
The Mezze platter includes babaganoush, pomegranate, crudité and pita or the sour cream & onion dip are also great appetizer choices.
For something more substantial, the menu moves into comfort-food with a smashed cheeseburger, spicy rigatoni vodka with Calabrian chili and burrata, steak frites with an 8-ounce hanger steak and au poivre, and seared Bakkafrost salmon served with roasted baby squash and lemon-herbed brown-butter breadcrumbs.
The cocktail list is where Bar Lis leans into its glamorous personality. There is The Bardot, made with tequila, watermelon, strawberry, agave and lime; the Disco Daiquiri, combining rum with guava, grapefruit and lime; and the Jane Birkin, a combination of Grey Goose, St-Germain, mint, lime and cucumber.
For those who prefer something with a little more attitude, the Femme Folie combines mezcal, Aperol, lemon and raspberry-chipotle with a guajillo chile rim. The Parisian Sunset brings together gin, passionfruit, Amaro Nonino, bitters and ginger beer, while the Midnight in Paris pairs vodka and coffee flavors for a more decadent finish.
There is also the Summer Spritz, a Riviera inspired combination of Patrón Silver, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit liqueur, orange blossom water and bubbles.
Desserts include a double chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream, a strawberry shortcake and a matcha tiramisu.
The French Riviera influence comes through in the design, while the Hollywood location provides the backdrop. Depending on the night, the atmosphere can move from relaxed cocktails and conversation into a livelier, DJ-driven scene. The patio is open and airy with a huge fountain in the middle of the space and bright turquoise and orange pops of color. Inside sets the mood for romance with huge blue comfy booths and zebra and orange sofas and chairs below photos of Hollowood models and celebrities and glowing candles.
Bar Lis is a destination for nights when you want dinner with a view, cocktails with some personality and a little bit of French Riviera transported to the Hollywood Hills. Located at 1541 Wilcox Avenue, open Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm to midnight. Reservations at Reservations@BarLisLA.com.
