The Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel is a fabulous hangout in Downtown LA for some evening cocktails. The views are tremendous, and the bar has a real Manhattan vibe. As the name suggests, it’s a rooftop bar on top of the Ace Hotel. The bar attracts the young, arty, hip crowd, and serves snacks and light bites.
The cocktail menu is interesting, it’s split into groups of cocktails. With each group being named after a different group of birds, and each cocktail named after a type of bird. I started the evening by ordering the ‘Lovely Cotinga’, this was mixed with American Gin, Mezcal Espadin, Blackberry, Lemon, Lavender, Habanero, and Sea Salt. I must say, this is a lively cocktail due which was most enjoyable. My partner started off with the ‘Black Kite’, an interesting cocktail with Japanese Whisky, Montenegro, St-Germain, Chocolate Bitters, and Barrel Aged Peychaud’s. A smooth cocktail with a strong and focused flavour, certainly a good way to kick off the evening.
For my next cocktail I ordered the ‘Paradise Kingfisher’, this was mixed with Grey Goose Vodka, Raspberry, Pineapple Shrub, Lime, Toasted Sesame Syrup, and Kaffir Lime Bitters. Like the bird it’s named after, this was a colourful and vibrant cocktail. Plenty to enjoy on the palate, and a delicious blend. Next, my partner sampled the ‘Golden Eagle’, a simple but strong cocktail mixed with Bourbon, Genepy des Alpes, Demerara, Mint, and Anise Tincture.
“The Upstairs Bar delivers an Ace atmosphere and stunning views.”
For my final cocktail of the evening I opted to try the ‘Great White Pelican’, this was mixed with Aviation Gin, St-Germain, Lemon, Demerara, Lavender, Orange Flower Water, and Cremant di Limoux. I enjoyed the floral notes in this creation, there was a lovely subtle citrus tone to complete. My partner settled on the ‘Kentucky Mai Tai’, mixed with Bourbon, Mezcal Espadin, Lemon, Peche de Vigne, Cynar, Orgeat, and Anhostura. Another superb cocktail, not shy on alcohol and plenty of kick from the first sip.
We also shared a Cheese Plate comprising of Goat and Cheddar Cheese, Raisin Mustard, Almonds, Turkish Apricots, and 7-Grain Toast. You can’t go wrong spending an evening sipping fine cocktails and enjoying a cheese board. Couple this with the Ace atmosphere and stunning views and you have everything you need for an excellent, and memorable evening.