(323) 848-6677

8358 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069 34.0961 -118.3711

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Neighborhoods: West Hollywood, Central LA

SUNSETTOWERHOTEL.COM

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 9.12.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Carte Blanche, American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Hotel Restaurants, Quiet, Historic Setting, People Watching, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Live Music, Fireplace, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene

Cuisine:

New American

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Tower Bar

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Located on the pool and spa deck of the Sunset Tower Hotel, this glamorous cafe offers an airy cabana-style dining room and poolside terrace overlooking some of L.A.'s best skyline--and tan-line--views. White wicker-like rattan chairs surround slated woden tabletops, which are finished with fresh flowers and accented by potted tropical trees and canvas umbrellas. The crowd varies between well-heeled travelers and Angeleno's cargo-shorts-clad, effortlessly cool hipsters. Dressed-up beachy cuisine like King Crab salad, grilled langoustines and fish tacos comprise the menu.

Editor's Tips

Parking:
For a daytime dining, save the valet fee, and park in a meter on Sunset--note, there's a two-hour maximum.
Look Good:
Indulge in an after-lunch dip, as the pool and its loungers are available free of charge for restaurant guests.
What to Drink:
Sharing a wine cellar with the fancier adjacent Tower Bar restaurant, patrons have access to the high-end wine list as well.
Where to Sit:
Make reservations early to sit in an intimate alcove booth, which offers an incredible view of twinkling city lights--these are often snapped up weeks in advance.
Parking:
Parking is $8 with validation, but few cheaper options exist in the area--side streets generally require permits.
What to Drink:
Sip on one of the Izze Cocktails--a mixture of sweet Izze sparkling blackberry juice, Trago super premium tequila and Chambord, topped off with fresh blueberries and raspberries and a hint of lime juice.
ambiance
98.00000190734863% positive
  1. “The sun was just setting outside and the amber glow of the room agaist the paneled walls set the mood for a very romantic and intimate dinner.”
  2. “great food good service genius ambience and incredible scene-- this will be a staple in l.a.”
  3. “Classy, dark and quiet, great food, white jackets on the waiters, beautiful views, and a conservative but strong wine list.”
  4. “There's a beautiful view of the city and plenty of heat lamps.”
  5. “The room is cozy and kept quite dark.”
  6. “This bar is great, and it accesses an amazing poolside area with an amazing view.”
  7. “It's quiet, tasteful, and the view is exquisite.”
  8. “On tuesdays they have a great jazz pianist playing all night, which created a very lovey ambiance for me and my husband.”
  9. “We sat for a while under heaters and enjoyed the fantastic view of the City.”
  10. “The ambience, the music duo, the staff and the food were all superb.”
  11. “Should you go there, enjoy the food, beautiful room and stunning view, but be VERY certain your bill is accurate before you pay.”
  12. “the food is very reliable and very good not amazing but really great, the service is good (not great) probably their weakest trait, but the best part of the restaurant is the atmosphere, the reliable food, and its a total power scene-- every night filled ”
  13. “That The Argyle offers a place to dine that has amazing food, and spectacular service in a stunning atmosphere is a gift to all who moved to LA from New York and other civilized parts.”
  14. “The ambience is fabulous, great food, terrific view of the city.”
  15. “The soothing, warm, elegant decor and the expert touch of the therapists.”
  16. “the food is delicious and simple the drinks are fantastic the views amazing and the crowd is amazing (every night i have been, i have had good celeb watching form tom ford to ben stiller to angelica huston to sophie dahl, nicole kidman and many more).”
  17. “Besides the elegant ambiance I was pleasantly surprised by the service.”
  18. “Tower Bar maitre d' Dimitri promptly sat us at a corner table with amazing views of the city - but then there are no bad views at Tower Bar (even if you are facing other guest;).”
  19. “The ambiance is so beautiful and Chic.”
  20. “Then we were ushered in by the Maitre'd to a cozy alcove that had beautiful views of the City.”
  21. “The good: the dining room and ambience are really nice - this is a cozy place to have a relaxed meal.”
  22. “The room is nice, the staff are friendly, and it's got a wonderful view, but my main advice to anyone dining or drinking here is to scrutinize your bill before you pay it.”
  23. “The rich walnut paneled walls, soft beige tiles along with the buzz of piano Jazz assured us we were in for a fun evening.”
  24. “started with my favorite, the tuna tartar and the rest of the evening just melted away into the sound of the live piano music and stunning views of Los Angeles.”
  25. “really love this place very cool old hollywood atmosphere- wood paneled walls- views of the city twinkling behind, servers in white coats biut not sdtuffy-- relaxed not too expensive not too obnoxious-- jsut perfect.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “plate of warm chocolate chip cookies came to the table as a treat.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “The Kobe beef burger was exquisite, and they have a great drink selection.”
  2. “Their cocktails are superb.”
  3. “After an amazing spa experience we had drinks and food on the Terrace.”
  4. “The drink specials at the bar are awesome, they are worth trying if you want to find yourself a new drink.”
  5. “have been back to the the tower bar 5 times now and it is my new FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN LA!”
  6. “This bar is great, and it accesses an amazing poolside area with an amazing view.”
  7. “the tower bar is just truly amazing.”
  8. “The food is delicious and the drinks potent.”
  9. “After dinner we enjoyed a cocktail at the bar under the care of Jodi, a feisty quick-witted server / bar tender.”
  10. “This bar is truly classy, and has a great staff.”
  11. “Great spot for business cocktails and dinner”
  12. “I've had great bday party experiences as well as simple night out with a drink at the bar experiences here.”
  13. “the tower bar is the greatest place in la and by far my favorite restaurant.”
  14. “the food is delicious and simple the drinks are fantastic the views amazing and the crowd is amazing (every night i have been, i have had good celeb watching form tom ford to ben stiller to angelica huston to sophie dahl, nicole kidman and many more).”
  15. “Classy, dark and quiet, great food, white jackets on the waiters, beautiful views, and a conservative but strong wine list.”
food quality
82.34999656677246% positive
  1. “Kudos' to The Sunset Tower for providing us with an amazing dining experience, impeccable service, amazing food and personable staff.”
  2. “first we all delighted in thinking that this restaurant was about having a nice relaxing leisurely paced meal.”
  3. “The ambience, the music duo, the staff and the food were all superb.”
  4. “The Tower Bar revives what L.A. has lacked for years: impeccable service and exceptional cuisine, set in the lavish, historic Sunset Tower Hotel.”
  5. “the food is delicious and simple the drinks are fantastic the views amazing and the crowd is amazing (every night i have been, i have had good celeb watching form tom ford to ben stiller to angelica huston to sophie dahl, nicole kidman and many more).”
  6. “Not to any surprise, the staff was still professional and gracious and the food was outstanding.”
  7. “The food is pretty good, although the menu is fairly limited.”
  8. “That The Argyle offers a place to dine that has amazing food, and spectacular service in a stunning atmosphere is a gift to all who moved to LA from New York and other civilized parts.”
  9. “to truly laughably bad service (and I mean that literally, it was so bad we thought we were on Candid Camera), to a 3 1/2-hour meal length (and it wasn't a tasting menu either), this was a mess.”
  10. “The steak salad entree had stale "sugar coated walnuts" and the short ribs were overcooked and (tasted like they'd been) soaked in salt.”
  11. “The recommended orange-balsamic glazed lamb was fabulous.”
  12. “After an amazing spa experience we had drinks and food on the Terrace.”
  13. “the food is always fresh and delicious, the service is always perfect and the feeling of the room is just the best in la. it is old hollywood meets ny with the food and service to match.”
  14. “We began with the Seafood Tower appetizer (recommended fort two or more - $42), which was magnificently presented on stacked silver platters, filled with ice, and overflowing with shrimp.”
  15. “The butter lettuce salad isn't anything special but the pizza appitizer was so delicious and light.”
  16. “great food good service genius ambience and incredible scene-- this will be a staple in l.a.”
  17. “The food was horrible & the service was embarrassing.”
  18. “The food is great.”
  19. “The Kobe beef burger was exquisite, and they have a great drink selection.”
  20. “The menu was great and the food was amazing.”
  21. “The the food was great, service was gracious and quiet, and the classic old school Maitre'd was just perfect.”
  22. “The salmon was NOT fresh and the chicken dish was ridiculously boring.”
  23. “suggest the steak frites, the best I've had in L.A., and be sure to order the french fries cooked in truffle oil.”
  24. “The food is delicious and the drinks potent.”
  25. “The ambience is fabulous, great food, terrific view of the city.”
  26. “The slatted tables were a bit awkward for the flatware, but we quickly put our forks to use after ordering our yummy salad (mixed greens with veggies and candied nuts) and omelets (with truffles).”
  27. “The good: the dining room and ambience are really nice - this is a cozy place to have a relaxed meal.”
  28. “loved it loved the food loved the scene”
  29. “All at prices that are ridiculous given the quality (or lack thereof) of the food.”
  30. “It was a very bad way to end an expensive night of mediocre food and left a very terrible impression of the dining experience in my mind.”
  31. “the food is very reliable and very good not amazing but really great, the service is good (not great) probably their weakest trait, but the best part of the restaurant is the atmosphere, the reliable food, and its a total power scene-- every night filled ”
  32. “Classy, dark and quiet, great food, white jackets on the waiters, beautiful views, and a conservative but strong wine list.”
  33. “Should you go there, enjoy the food, beautiful room and stunning view, but be VERY certain your bill is accurate before you pay.”
  34. “For great food, great service and the prettiest room in LA this is the place!”
menu variety
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. “The menu was great and the food was amazing.”
  2. “to truly laughably bad service (and I mean that literally, it was so bad we thought we were on Candid Camera), to a 3 1/2-hour meal length (and it wasn't a tasting menu either), this was a mess.”
  3. “The food is pretty good, although the menu is fairly limited.”
  4. “The Kobe beef burger was exquisite, and they have a great drink selection.”
  5. “(They have a great cocktail menu too) After reading all the articles on this restaurant we now know why it's getting so much press... I would highly recommend the Tower Bar for a special evening because this is what you will get... We can not wait to return.”
  6. “Stylish, Chic, Amazing menu (and try their signature Martini)”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “the food is very reliable and very good not amazing but really great, the service is good (not great) probably their weakest trait, but the best part of the restaurant is the atmosphere, the reliable food, and its a total power scene-- every night filled ”
  2. “(They have a great cocktail menu too) After reading all the articles on this restaurant we now know why it's getting so much press... I would highly recommend the Tower Bar for a special evening because this is what you will get... We can not wait to return.”
  3. “great place to bring grandpa”
  4. “For great food, great service and the prettiest room in LA this is the place!”
  5. “the tower bar is the greatest place in la and by far my favorite restaurant.”
  6. “The good: the dining room and ambience are really nice - this is a cozy place to have a relaxed meal.”
  7. “It is our favorite restaurant in LA.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “(They have a great cocktail menu too) After reading all the articles on this restaurant we now know why it's getting so much press... I would highly recommend the Tower Bar for a special evening because this is what you will get... We can not wait to return.”
service
88.45999717712402% positive
  1. “great food good service genius ambience and incredible scene-- this will be a staple in l.a.”
  2. “Kudos' to The Sunset Tower for providing us with an amazing dining experience, impeccable service, amazing food and personable staff.”
  3. “The room is nice, the staff are friendly, and it's got a wonderful view, but my main advice to anyone dining or drinking here is to scrutinize your bill before you pay it.”
  4. “Classy, dark and quiet, great food, white jackets on the waiters, beautiful views, and a conservative but strong wine list.”
  5. “Service was very attentive and spot on.”
  6. “the food is very reliable and very good not amazing but really great, the service is good (not great) probably their weakest trait, but the best part of the restaurant is the atmosphere, the reliable food, and its a total power scene-- every night filled ”
  7. “Besides the elegant ambiance I was pleasantly surprised by the service.”
  8. “The Tower Bar revives what L.A. has lacked for years: impeccable service and exceptional cuisine, set in the lavish, historic Sunset Tower Hotel.”
  9. “the food is always fresh and delicious, the service is always perfect and the feeling of the room is just the best in la. it is old hollywood meets ny with the food and service to match.”
  10. “It had been a year or two since we last went there, after service was terrible on two different occasions.”
  11. “The the food was great, service was gracious and quiet, and the classic old school Maitre'd was just perfect.”
  12. “The ambience, the music duo, the staff and the food were all superb.”
  13. “This bar is truly classy, and has a great staff.”
  14. “really love this place very cool old hollywood atmosphere- wood paneled walls- views of the city twinkling behind, servers in white coats biut not sdtuffy-- relaxed not too expensive not too obnoxious-- jsut perfect.”
  15. “After dinner we enjoyed a cocktail at the bar under the care of Jodi, a feisty quick-witted server / bar tender.”
  16. “usually eat inside at the Tower Bar, the fantastic dining room at the Sunset Tower Hotel but when the hostess mentioned their outdoor option--and it was such a beautiful night--I went for it.”
  17. “to truly laughably bad service (and I mean that literally, it was so bad we thought we were on Candid Camera), to a 3 1/2-hour meal length (and it wasn't a tasting menu either), this was a mess.”
  18. “The patrons are classy and the service is outstanding.”
  19. “Our server was fast and very accommodating.”
  20. “That The Argyle offers a place to dine that has amazing food, and spectacular service in a stunning atmosphere is a gift to all who moved to LA from New York and other civilized parts.”
  21. “wonderful two-piece Jazz combo tinkled away in the corner beside the hostess stand.”
  22. “The bartender was attentive and friendly without being intrusive.”
  23. “Not to any surprise, the staff was still professional and gracious and the food was outstanding.”
  24. “For great food, great service and the prettiest room in LA this is the place!”
  25. “magnificent Cote de Beouf ($65), described by our waiter as dry aged for 48 days.”
  26. “The food was horrible & the service was embarrassing.”
value
50.0% positive
  1. “It was a very bad way to end an expensive night of mediocre food and left a very terrible impression of the dining experience in my mind.”
  2. “really love this place very cool old hollywood atmosphere- wood paneled walls- views of the city twinkling behind, servers in white coats biut not sdtuffy-- relaxed not too expensive not too obnoxious-- jsut perfect.”
  3. “The drink specials at the bar are awesome, they are worth trying if you want to find yourself a new drink.”
  4. “All at prices that are ridiculous given the quality (or lack thereof) of the food.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “After dinner we enjoyed a cocktail at the bar under the care of Jodi, a feisty quick-witted server / bar tender.”
1 Star Rating: Poor

05/06/12

BAD - WASTE OF YOUR TIME AND MONEY

by mnelso

THIS STAFF KNOWINGLY AWARE OF BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND STILL FAILED.

*FIRST RESERVATION OF EVE AND STILL WAITED 30 MIN TO BE SEATED

*SERVICE TERRIBLE, FORGETFUL, LACKS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

*MEAL HORRIBLE, PASTA SAUCE TASTE LIKE KETCHUP

*PERSONALITY SMUG, ARROGANT

*THEY SHOULD RESTART WITH NEW PROFESSIONAL STAFF

1 Star Rating: Poor

04/13/10

WORST SERVICE EVER

by sassofrass

I will never give the Tower Bar my service again. The food was horrible & the service was embarrassing. Don't waste your time or $$.

  • Pros: Decor
  • Cons: Everything else
3 Star Rating: Average

01/13/10

Old school Hollywood

by Erin W Davis

One word- Dimitri. Dimitri Dimitrov is the maitre d' at the Tower Bar, and he makes this restaurant what it is. Forget agents, producers and so forth- this is the man who really knows EVERYONE in Hollywood. The Tower Bar is also a great neighborhood spot because, while high profile, it is relaxed and inviting. The food is delicious and the drinks potent. You can have a business meeting here, a romantic date or even meet friends at the bar.

  • Pros: Great service and a posh experience
  • Cons: Pricey
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/22/09

Classic Hollywood Lives!

by tjc1969

My partner and I dined at the Tower Bar for our anniversary on a Wednesday night. We had a perfect evening. The Tower Bar revives what L.A. has lacked for years: impeccable service and exceptional cuisine, set in the lavish, historic Sunset Tower Hotel. From the oysters on the half-shell to the steak frites with truffle oil, our meal was legendary, befitting hollywood's finest. You'll feel like a star...and you'll probably be sitting next to one. We won't wait for our next anniversary to return.

  • Pros: Elegant decor, impeccable service, exceptional cuisine
  • Cons: There's only one Tower Bar
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/22/09

Want the perfect evening out? HERE IT IS!

by JTH

I recently had the privilege of having lunch at the Terrace Restaurant at the Sunset Tower Hotel. It was a perfect sunny, breezy southern California day...the kind that can ONLY be enjoyed outdoors. I sat there under the awning...captivated by the view...eating the freshest Lobster Cobb Salad EVER...thinking "Does it get any better than this?" Well....it does. Before I left I took a look around at the Tower Bar Restuarant and the Argyle Spa. I filed the sneak peak away in my mind on the "LA To Do List" and waited for the next "special occasion." The occasion arrived...my partner's birthday. We started with the Hammam Steam Bath (we had just been in Istanbul...and had no idea that there was even anything like this in LA). Then we had a phenominal couples massage in the couples suite. The soothing, warm, elegant decor and the expert touch of the therapists...makes the best we've had in LA...and one of if not THE best we've had anywhere in the world. We dressed....left the spa and walked upstairs to The Tower Bar Restuarant . The timing of all this was seamless...and flowed so easily...it was amazing. All relaxed, we were greated by the most hospitable maitre' d and staff. The sun was just setting outside and the amber glow of the room agaist the paneled walls set the mood for a very romantic and intimate dinner...and I must confesss a little celebrity watching. The classic Hollywood deco feel and a jazz duo playing at just the right volume...made for a perfect evening. And that is even before the food came out. Everything we had for dinner was prepared to perfection...grilled artichokes...bacon wrapped dates (exotic and decadent) were starters. My partner raved about the Mediterranean Sea bass served with spinach and mushrooms...it looked amazing. I choose something a little more in the comfort food catagory...a very thick cut porkchop with apples and root vegitables. I was comforted ;-) It was awsome. And yes after all of that we even made room for hot molten chocolate cake and ice cream to celebrate my partner's birthday and it came with the very sincere birthday wishes of our server, maitre de and manager. It was the perfect end to the perfect birthday. I say go make a night of it at The Sunset Tower and The Tower Bar Restaurant...oh yes...but don't forget to visit the Terrace for lunch sometime too. Enjoy!

  • Pros: Ambience and Service
  • Cons: Absolutely NONE!

The Details on Tower Bar

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • impeccable service
  • perfect evening
  • great inviting place
  • all superb personable staff
  • enjoyed signature cocktail
  • beautiful prettiest room
  • very romantic dinner
  • highly recommend tower bar
  • all superb food good service genius ambience
  • favorite restaurant
  • warm elegant decor
  • memorable first experience
  • chic ambiance
  • incredible scene
  • really nice dining room
  • beautiful dark wood paneled alcove
  • great menu
  • perfect breezy southern california
  • attentive bartender
  • very cool old hollywood atmosphere
  • fabulous people
  • great neighborhood spot
  • light pizza appitizer
  • beautiful fantastic view
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