The Standard

Hotel. Restaurant. Rooftop Bar. Club. Awesome Night Out.

The Standard is definitely a highlight of living in Downtown Los Angeles. First of all, dtLA has one of THE best cityscapes around.


Now, imagine being right in the midst of that with a lychee martini or a G&T in hand, while a cooler Southern California breeze slightly ruffles your hair. The noise level is not deafening. You are on a rooftop bar where there is no ceiling for the music and chatter can bounce back against. Instead, it just dissipates into the night air. At one section, you are next to a nice warm fire. Women in short dresses congregate close to the fire, glowing in its yellow-red hues.

At another section, there is a shimmering blue swimming pool. This section is cooler, quieter, further away from the noise of the crowd and the thrum of the music. Here, there are mostly couples, courting. Scattered all throughout the rooftop are lounge chairs and couches. Groups of young to middle-aged people are laughing, talking and sharing a drink. At one corner is a small square dance floor where people enjoy whatever grooves them. And yes, along one side are these red...pods...with waterbeds inside, where girls share giggles and secrets, and boys try to look into the darkness to discover what exactly the laughter is all about.

Standard is the ultimate rooftop and pool party. The bar is well-stocked, and there are ample well-to-do men working in the financial district who are willing to buy drinks.

This spot is definitely a go-to spot any day of the week.

Logistics:

The Standard is located on the rooftop of the Standard Hotel, on the corner of Flower St. and 6th St.
There is $15 valet parking, or a smattering of $5-$10 parking lots within a few blocks of it. There is also street parking where available.

Most week days there is no cover charge. On the occassional hopping Thursday-Sunday there may be a $10-$20 cover charge.