The Pacific Ocean doesn't care about your dinner reservations.
That’s the first thing you realize when you step off the elevator at Hotel Erwin. You’re at High Rooftop Lounge, and suddenly the chaotic energy of the Venice Beach Boardwalk—the drum circles, the smell of sage and cheap pizza, the tourists buying "I'm in LA" t-shirts—it all just fades into a background hum. You've got a front-row seat to the most consistent show in California.
Honestly, finding a good view in Los Angeles isn't hard. Finding one that doesn't feel like a corporate board room or a pretentious club where you need a promoter just to get a stool? That's the real trick. High Rooftop Lounge Venice is weirdly democratic for being a rooftop bar in one of the most expensive zip codes on the planet. It's the only true rooftop lounge in Venice, and that distinction matters because it dictates the entire vibe of the neighborhood's social scene.
The Reality of the Venice Social Scene
People expect Venice to be all "Baywatch" and rollerblades. It's not. Venice is gritty. It’s expensive. It’s a mix of tech billionaires in hoodies and artists who have lived in the same rent-controlled shack since 1974. High Rooftop Lounge sits right in the middle of that tension.
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The lounge is perched atop Hotel Erwin, a boutique spot that has leaned hard into the 1970s surf culture aesthetic. If you're looking for white marble and bottle service girls with sparklers, you're in the wrong place. Go to West Hollywood for that. Here, it’s about mismatched furniture, heavy blankets for when the marine layer rolls in, and a cocktail list that actually tastes like the beach.
You’ve probably seen the photos on Instagram. The "Sunsets and Chill" neon sign is basically a local landmark at this point. But the photos don't tell you about the wind. The wind in Venice is relentless. One minute it’s 75 degrees and perfect; the next, the fog rolls in from the Santa Monica Bay and you’re suddenly grateful for the space heaters and those oversized hoodies they sell in the lobby.
Why the "Only Rooftop" Label is a Big Deal
In a city obsessed with height, Venice is remarkably flat. Building codes and coastal commission regulations make it nearly impossible to build high-rise structures right on the sand. Because Hotel Erwin was grandfathered in, High Rooftop Lounge has a monopoly on the 360-degree view.
From the north side, you’re looking straight at the Santa Monica Pier. To the east, you see the Hollywood sign and the Getty Center on a clear day. To the south, you see the planes taking off from LAX, looking like tiny fireflies over the ocean. And to the west? Just blue. Lots of it.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Let’s talk about the menu because rooftop food is notoriously hit or miss. Usually, you’re paying for the view and getting a soggy slider in return.
The menu at High focuses on what they call "social snacks." It's mostly shared plates. If you’re hungry for a three-course steak dinner, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you want something to pick at while you drink a spicy margarita, you're in luck.
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- The Loaded Fries: They’re salty, they’re greasy, and they’re exactly what you want after a day in the sun.
- Tacos: They usually have a rotating selection. The fish tacos are the standard choice, but honestly, the carnitas usually has more flavor.
- The "Medusa": This is a cocktail staple here. It’s bright, a bit tart, and looks great in photos, but it actually holds up as a well-balanced drink.
A quick tip: The prices are high. You're in Venice. You're on a roof. Expect to pay $18 to $22 for a cocktail. Is it "worth it"? In terms of raw ingredients, probably not. In terms of sitting there for two hours watching the sky turn purple? Absolutely.
The Logistics of Getting a Table
Don't just show up at 5:00 PM on a Saturday and expect to sit down. You won't.
They use Resy for bookings, and during the summer months, sunset slots are booked out weeks in advance. If you're a walk-in, they might stick you at the "standing room only" bar area, which is fine, but your legs will hate you after an hour.
The "Pro" Strategy for Sunset
If you can't get a reservation, go early. Like, 3:00 PM early. The sun is still high, the crowd is thinner, and you can usually snag a spot by the railing. As the day turns into evening, the staff generally won't kick you out as long as you're still ordering.
Also, keep in mind there is a cover charge sometimes. It depends on the day, the DJ, or the event. Always check their website or give them a quick call before you head over if you’re trying to keep the budget tight.
Dealing with the Venice Weather
I mentioned the marine layer earlier, but it deserves its own section. Southern California has this thing called "May Gray" and "June Gloom." During these months, the coast is often covered in a thick, gray mist that doesn't burn off until mid-afternoon—or sometimes not at all.
If you visit High Rooftop Lounge during a gloom day, you won't see the sunset. You’ll see a wall of white.
However, there is something weirdly cozy about it. The lounge provides blankets. There’s something very "Pacific Northwest" about sitting in a thick fog with a warm drink while the heaters are blasting. Just don't come expecting tropical vibes if the forecast says overcast.
Parking: The Ultimate Venice Nightmare
Do not try to find street parking in Venice. You will lose your mind. You will circle for 45 minutes, find a spot that looks legal, and then get a $73 ticket because you didn't see the tiny sign about street sweeping or "Resident Permit Only."
Just valet at Hotel Erwin. It’s expensive, but it saves you the headache. Or, better yet, take a rideshare. If you’re coming from Santa Monica, grab a "Circuit" (those little electric shuttles) or just walk down the boardwalk.
The Vibe Shift: Day vs. Night
High Rooftop Lounge undergoes a personality transplant around 7:00 PM.
During the day, it's very "brunchy." You'll see families with older kids, groups of friends in sunglasses eating avocado toast, and tourists taking photos of their drinks. It’s relaxed. You can actually have a conversation without shouting.
Once the sun goes down, the volume goes up. The DJ starts spinning house music or classic hip-hop remixes. The lighting gets low. It becomes much more of a "scene." This is when the locals usually head out to find a dive bar like The Brig or Townhouse, and the nightlife crowd moves in.
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Common Misconceptions
People often think this is a "pool bar." It is not. Hotel Erwin does not have a rooftop pool. If you show up in a bikini expecting to lounge on a daybed by the water, you're going to feel very out of place. It’s a lounge in the truest sense—chairs, tables, and a bar.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s "locals only." While Venice locals do frequent it (usually on weekdays), it’s very tourist-friendly. The staff is used to people asking where the "Muscle Beach" is or where they can find the Venice Canals.
Realities of the Experience
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the service can be slow when it’s slammed. Sometimes the music is a little too loud for the 4:00 PM crowd. And yes, you are paying a "view tax" on every single item you buy.
But there’s a reason it’s always full.
There is a specific moment, usually about ten minutes after the sun has actually dipped below the horizon, when the "afterglow" hits. The sky turns this incredible shade of bruised orange and deep violet. The palm trees along the boardwalk become silhouettes. You look down at the madness of Venice Beach—the skaters, the performers, the chaos—and you realize you’re in one of the most unique places on Earth.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book 2 weeks out: Especially if you want a weekend sunset.
- Bring a layer: Even if it's 80 degrees at noon, it will be 60 degrees by 8:00 PM.
- Check the surf report: Seriously. If there’s a big swell, you can watch the surfers from the rooftop. It’s better than any TV.
- Validation: If you’re driving, make sure you get your valet ticket validated at the bar to save a few bucks.
- Skip the full meal: Eat a big lunch at Gjusta or Felix, then come here for drinks and light snacks.
If you want to experience Venice without getting sand in your shoes or dealing with the direct chaos of the boardwalk, High Rooftop Lounge is the move. Just remember to look up from your phone occasionally; the view is better in person than through a filter.