Rooftop Spire 73 in Los Angeles

Spire 73: an open-air bar at the top of Downtown

On the top floor of the Wilshire Grand Center

Spire 73 occupies the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, set in the upper floors of the Wilshire Grand Center, at 900 Wilshire Boulevard, in the Financial District. The elevator climbs some 300 metres, and the venue bills itself as the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Lined with glass walls, the terrace offers a 360-degree view over the city, from the neighbouring towers to Hollywood and the beaches on a clear day. Sofas, bar stools and fire pits share the space; the seats by the glass have no fire pit, and the wind blows cool at this altitude: best to bring a jacket.

Cocktails, whiskies and small plates

The menu combines mixologist cocktails, alcohol-free cocktails, wines, champagnes and a whiskey collection. On the food side, small plates and bar bites that change regularly, for example crispy shrimp, mushroom bisque or chicken skewers with ponzu, served until 10pm. Sunset is the most sought-after time.

Practical information

Spire 73 opens from 5pm and closes later on Fridays and Saturdays. Booking online is strongly recommended, and a minimum spend of $60 per person applies for two hours at a table. Business casual dress required: no cut-off T-shirts, sleeveless basketball jerseys, jogging shorts or improperly worn trousers; backpacks and oversized bags are refused. The hotel lobby, on the 70th floor, also houses a bar, the Lobby Lounge. Getting there: 7th Street/Metro Center metro station, about 200 metres from the hotel.