Rooftop Bar Near Me in Hollywood: Bar Lis at Thompson Hotel

Bar Lis crowns the top floor of the Thompson Hollywood hotel at 1541 Wilcox Avenue in Los Angeles, elevated above the historic streets of central Hollywood. Opened in 2021 by Ten Five Hospitality, this sophisticated lounge captures the sun-drenched spirit of the Côte d'Azur with mid-century French Riviera aesthetics, polished marble, and lush potted flora. Clear menu pricing defines the experience: signature cocktails are priced at $21, chilled Mediterranean spritzes cost $20, crispy parmesan truffle fries cost $16, delicate hamachi crudo is $25, and classic hand-cut beef tartare costs $24. From its open-air perimeter railing, guests enjoy direct panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills, the glowing Capitol Records spire, and the sprawling Los Angeles basin.

The design of Bar Lis pays tribute to iconic 1960s seaside resorts along the Mediterranean coast of southern France. A graceful indoor-outdoor layout centers around a handcrafted stone water fountain surrounded by manicured topiary trees, blue-and-white patterned banquettes, and brass architectural accents. Plush velvet armchairs and low cocktail tables create intimate conversation areas beneath the evening sky.

A massive retractable glass roof covers the central lounge area, allowing the room to transition smoothly between an airy sunlit terrace in the late afternoon and a protected starry night lounge when temperatures dip. Looking directly north across Hollywood, patrons enjoy commanding vistas of the Hollywood Hills ridgeline, hillside homes, and the historic landscape surrounding Griffith Park.

To the northeast, the circular mid-century architecture of the Capitol Records Building rises prominently above the neighborhood, illuminated against the twilight sky. To the south and east, the view sweeps across central Hollywood toward the sparkling tower clusters of Downtown Los Angeles and Koreatown, offering a dynamic urban panorama that feels distinctly elevated from the street-level hustle below.

As night falls, ambient amber lighting from vintage glass wall sconces and flickering table candles bathes the terrace in a warm, glamorous glow. A dedicated DJ booth nestled near the fountain spins curated French disco, bossa nova, and downtempo house music, enhancing the chic European resort atmosphere without overwhelming conversation.

The cocktail menu reflects refined French bartending techniques combined with Southern California fresh market produce. The signature French Riviera at $21 blends botanical French gin, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, lavender honey syrup, and sparkling champagne. Another favorite is the Jane Birkin at $21, featuring vodka infused with fresh blackberries, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and a splash of ginger beer.

Guests seeking classic effervescence gravitate toward the Saint-Tropez Spritz at $20, made with bitter aperitivo, prosecco, sparkling soda water, and a fresh orange wheel. For wine enthusiasts, the curated list highlights crisp Chablis, Provençal rosé at $18 by the glass, and vintage French champagne, while premium imported European lagers are poured cold at $11.

The kitchen delivers elevated light fare tailored to accompany evening drinks. Freshly shucked half-dozen Pacific oysters at $26 arrive on crushed ice with shallot mignonette and house hot sauce. The hamachi crudo at $25 features thinly sliced yellowtail dressed in yuzu vinaigrette, shaved serrano peppers, and crispy garlic chips.

For richer snacking, the hand-cut beef tartare at $24 comes seasoned with capers, dijon mustard, and quail egg yolk, served with toasted sourdough crostini. The crispy truffle fries at $16 are tossed in white truffle oil, grated aged parmesan, and fresh herbs, served alongside roasted garlic aioli for dipping.

Given the popularity of Bar Lis among both hotel guests and Los Angeles locals, securing an advance reservation through SevenRooms or the Thompson Hollywood hospitality team is essential, particularly for Thursday through Saturday evenings. Prime sunset seating slots between 6 pm and 8 pm fill up several days in advance, while late-night table bottle service requires direct venue confirmation.

Walk-in guests are welcomed based on terrace capacity, with the best chance for immediate bar-side seating occurring right at opening time between 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Visitors enter through the Thompson Hollywood main entrance on Wilcox Avenue, taking the dedicated high-speed elevator directly to the rooftop level where the host stand manages admissions.

Bar Lis operates Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm until 2 am, remaining closed on Sunday and Monday for private buyouts and routine maintenance. The venue strictly enforces an upscale, fashionable dress code after 7 pm; athletic wear, beach flip-flops, torn garments, and plain baseball caps are prohibited, while stylish evening attire is encouraged.

Valet parking is provided directly in front of the Thompson Hollywood hotel on Wilcox Avenue, while multiple secure public parking garages are located within one block along Selma Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard. Rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones are readily available directly outside the hotel entrance.

A night at Bar Lis fits naturally into a broader cultural exploration of the Hollywood entertainment district. The venue sits half a block south of Hollywood Boulevard, placing visitors within easy walking distance of the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Egyptian Theatre, which underwent extensive historic restoration.

Music fans can visit the massive Amoeba Music flagship store located just three blocks away on Hollywood Boulevard before heading up to the rooftop for sunset drinks. The immediate surrounding blocks along Wilcox Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard form a vibrant culinary corridor featuring celebrated dinner spots including Mother Wolf, Ka'Teen, and Beauty & Essex.

For theatergoers attending performances at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre or concerts at the Hollywood Palladium, Bar Lis serves as an ideal pre-show cocktail destination or an elegant post-show nightcap stop. The combination of Hollywood skyline views and Riviera charm provides an unforgettable vantage point above one of the world's most famous entertainment capitals.

Practical Notes: Bar Lis is located on the rooftop of Thompson Hollywood at 1541 Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Entry is strictly restricted to patrons age 21 and older, and all guests must present valid government photo identification upon arrival.