Rooftop Cara Cara in Los Angeles

Cara Cara: Downtown Los Angeles in 360°

The Proper Hotel's rooftop

The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel stands on South Broadway, in the southern part of Downtown. Its top level, on the 15th floor, is given over entirely to Cara Cara: a covered dining room that opens to the outdoors, a large planted terrace and lounge areas clustered around fire pits, next to the hotel pool. The decor plays on black-and-white patterns, wood and concrete. On one side rise the skyscrapers of the Financial District; on the other, the long view down Broadway and, on clear days, the mountains in the distance.

Seasonal California cuisine

The menu follows the seasons and showcases California produce, cooked without seed oils. Dishes to share include oyster mushroom or fish tacos, hamachi ceviche, small artisanal pizzas ($23–$24), a house burger, grilled sea bass or lamb chops. Most house cocktails fall between $22 and $25, the seasonal sangria is $20, and a menu of nonalcoholic cocktails rounds out the offerings.

DJs regularly set the mood at sunset, notably during “Proper Sounds” nights, and the rooftop also hosts private events and groups.

Practical information

Open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight. Reservations are recommended, especially at sunset and on weekends. Valet parking at the hotel (about $22 for three hours). A 6% surcharge is added to the check. Pico station (A and E lines) is about 700 meters away.