The best wine bars in Los Angeles in 2026 are Bar Covell in Los Feliz, Augustine Wine Bar in Sherman Oaks for older vintages, El Prado in Echo Park and Tabula Rasa in Thai Town for natural wine, Esters Wine Shop & Bar in Santa Monica and Melody Wine Bar in Virgil Village. Most pour unusual wines by the glass and have small food menus.
LA's wine bars lean toward small producers and natural wines, with knowledgeable staff and no fixed list at some. They are relaxed places for a glass and a snack before or after dinner.
No wine list — tell the bartender what you like.
Bar Covell is a long, wood-lined wine bar on Hollywood Boulevard where the bartenders recommend glasses based on what you like, rather than handing you a list.
It is relaxed and welcoming to beginners.
Good to know: Describe what you like and let them choose.
4628 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Older vintages by the glass in a cozy Valley bar.
Augustine is known for pouring older and rare vintages by the glass, along with a small menu of plates. It feels like a neighborhood bar for serious wine lovers.
It is one of the best places in LA to taste aged wine without buying a bottle.
Good to know: Ask about the oldest bottles open that night.
13456 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
A tiny natural wine bar with vinyl on the stereo.
El Prado is a small, dimly lit bar on Sunset pouring natural wines, with records playing and a few snacks.
It is a favorite of the Echo Park crowd.
Good to know: Go early; there are few seats.
1805 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Natural wine and live music in Thai Town.
Tabula Rasa is a wine bar on Hollywood Boulevard with a natural-leaning list, live music on some nights and a small food menu.
Grab dinner in Thai Town before or after.
Good to know: Check the calendar for live music nights.
5125 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
A wine shop and bar with a strong food menu.
Esters is a wine shop and bar in downtown Santa Monica with a wide list by the glass and a menu of cheese, charcuterie and plates.
Bottles from the shop can be opened at the bar for a corkage fee.
Good to know: Buy from the shelves and drink at the bar.
1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A natural wine bar with a backyard patio.
Melody is a natural wine bar in Virgil Village with a cozy bar, a backyard patio and snacks.
It is a laid-back neighborhood spot.
Good to know: The patio is best on warm evenings.
751 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
A sake bar with Japanese bar food.
Ototo, from the team behind Tsubaki, is a lively sake bar in Echo Park with a long sake list and Japanese drinking snacks.
It is a fun alternative to a wine bar.
Good to know: Ask for a sake flight to taste a range.
1360 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Bar Covell in Los Feliz is one of the most loved, known for its menu-free approach where bartenders pick for you. Augustine is the pick for older vintages.
El Prado, Tabula Rasa and Melody Wine Bar are three of the best natural wine bars.
Most have small plates, cheese and charcuterie. Augustine and Esters serve fuller menus.
Glasses often range from about $14 to $25; older vintages at Augustine cost more.
Most take walk-ins. Augustine and Esters accept bookings for groups.