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Best Places For Day Drinking In Los Angeles

day drink friends alcohol
(credit: istockphoto)

In tinsel town, it is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of entertainment and business moguls enjoying a liquid lunch. As industry folks wine and dine each other, it is vital to know the hot spots for an afternoon cocktail or two to seal the deal.

Thompson Hotels
(credit: Thompson Hotels)

Above Beverly Hills
9360 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 273-1400
www.abovebeverlyhills.com

With a bird's eye view of chi-chi Beverly Hills, sipping cocktails on this rooftop bar will be an afternoon to remember. Located inside the Thompson Hotel, Above Beverly Hills is the perfect location for lunching poolside for hotel guests or a late lunch meeting spot for hotel members. Enjoy a simple kale salad or a light tuna tartare while sipping signature drinks including the Lemonade Chill, Strawberry Smash and The Crisp. Have a bigger crowd joining you? The Lemonade Chill comes in a pitcher size big enough for you and your guests.

Related: Best Rooftop Bars In Los Angeles

day drink alcohol
(credit: istockphoto)

Goldie's on Third
8422 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 677-2470
www.goldiesla.com

If you really want to feel a part of the beach-exec community, Goldie's is your locale. Based on a community-minded philosophy, Goldie's uses ingredients from local farmers and purveyors to give each item on its food and drink menu a "feel good" component, in addition to an all-natural approach. Sit in the Goldie's patio for light bites on a lazy, sun-filled afternoon or by candlelight for an evening out. Favorite cocktails on the bar menu include The Smokey Pueblo, featuring fair quinoa vodka and heirloom tomatoes, the Japanese Cocktail, which includes Nikka Pure Malt 12 year Whisky, and the Lazarus Fair, a fun and flirty cocktail consisting of Bummers & Lazarus Gin and spiced cranberry and honey. When your stomach begins to growl, try the avocado on toast, and for bigger eyes, opt for the classic Goldie's BLT or the burger.

Red Lion Tavern
(credit: Red Lion Tavern)

The Red Lion Tavern
2366 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 662-5337
www.redliontavern.net‎

Since 1959, this German-themed beer garden has been a hot spot that only locals know about. Today, it is still the secret gem, especially amongst the entertainment and music executive crowd. Featuring beers of the month such as Hofbrau Maibock and draft beers including Warsteiner Verum, Warsteiner Dunkel, Kostritzer Schwarzbier and Bitburger Pilsner, The Red Lion Tavern is great for tossing back a cold one on a hot day. The beer garden menu is available all day until 10 p.m. and includes signature dishes such as the beerstein soup, split pea soup, bratwurst or bockwurst on a roll with sauerkraut and fried German pickles, with ranch dressing.

Culver Hotel Lounge
(credit: Culver Hotel)

The Culver Hotel Bar
9400 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 558-9400
www.culverhotel.com

For late-afternoon meetings or a friendly rendezvous, The Culver Hotel Bar is the perfect scene for snacks and drinks. With the Renaissance-inspired décor, your afternoon will be spent living vicariously through the vintage architecture and antiques. Have a glass of champagne during afternoon tea and stay through happy hour, where you will enjoy house wines beers on tap or signature drinks including the Dirty Harry or The Mediterranean. The bar's light bites are a perfect complement to your cocktails. Taste the tempura green beans, garlic French fries or the delicious fish tacos.

Abbey1
(credit: The Abbey Food & Bar.com)

The Abbey
692 N. Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 289-8410
www.abbeyfoodandbar.com

When you're an insider in the Los Angeles bar scene, The Abbey is one you never miss. Although it is a frequented spot by LA's cool and chic gay crowd, The Abbey is a watering hole for all of Angelenos, gay and straight alike. Order one of the establishment's martinis and enjoy an afternoon of good times, yummy food and great people watching. Enjoy the bar's mini steak poblano and cheese tacos or the delicious fish tacos.

Related: Best Day Drinking Bars In Los Angeles 2012

Jennifer Geisman is a freelance writer and faithful beauty junkie living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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