Traditionally, cocktails fall somewhere between refreshing, sweet, fruity and strong. In recent years, however, this delicious cocktail has taken over Los Angeles bars and restaurants. While the dirty martini reigns supreme as the ultimate salty cocktail, with venues like Tower Bar, Musso & Frank’s, and Dan Tana serving up some of the city’s most iconic cocktails, Los Angeles bartenders continue to push boundaries and prove that salty flavors can successfully extend from dishes to drinks.
Vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes (yes, we know it’s technically a fruit) have become favorite sources of savory beverages, while seaweed, algae and furikake are used to enhance umami flavors. At Afro-Caribbean restaurant Lucia, okra stars in savory martinis, while Bar Benjamin uses everything from saffron to red curry in its savory dishes. Valley’s Daisy Margarita Bar dedicates its entire drinks menu to salsa lovers, while Casa Madera complements its modern Mexican cuisine menu with tomatillos.
Whether you’re craving a pizza-flavored margarita or a rich mushroom martini, we’ve rounded up the best places to sip delicious cocktails in Los Angeles.
