High Rooftop Lounge on the majestic deck of Hotel Erwin in Venice has the ultimate of panoramic beach and city views making it the premier beachside rooftop destination in Los Angeles. From on High one can gaze at the skate parks, boardwalk, Santa Monica Mountains, ocean and downtown LA. This super swanky lounge mixes well with the artsy crowd of Venice, preppy professionals, hotel guests and laid back locals alike all of whom gather here nightly to watch the sunset, the main event at High.
On our delightful visit our host was Michael Avakian, F+B Manager for High and our bartender du jour. Michael made us a delectable round of cocktails which matched perfectly with the beachy, uniquely relaxed Southern California vibe of High. These included Lifeguard’s Lemonade (Square One organic cucumber vodka, fresh lemonade, pomegranate juice), Watermelon Margarita (Herradura Blanco, lime, watermelon), Blood Orange Julep (Four Roses small batch bourbon, Solerno Blood Orange liquor, mint, angostura orange bitters), Sonoran Sun (Casa Noble tequila, serrano chile, lemon, orange, cranberry, chile-sugar rim), and Strawberry Mule (Ketel One vodka, house made ginger syrup, strawberry puree, lime juice, ginger ale). All of the drinks were superb and as you can see the color pallet of this round of cocktails cleverly reflected the glorious sunset as well!
Michael next served us a lovely round of small plates including Chicken Sticks (Harissa, cilantro, coconut, curry), Microburgers of Chicken (With mango salsa, local greens and crème fraiche) and Duck Confit (ground sirloin, duck confit, tomato marmalade), High Dog (Applewood bacon, cream cheese, jalapeno) Sushi “Nachos” (Sriracha aioli, sesame crisps, brouniose “pico”) and Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad (Heirlooms, watermelon, balsamic and micro arugula). Since our visit High has introduced a new menu which features Tacos, Quesadillas and their own version of Cup “O” Noodles. Our plates were delish and I am sure that the new menu items are already a big hit.
High is an open-air venue so be sure to bring a sweater, it does get chilly when the sun goes down. High offers comfy banquettes with umbrellas for shade during the day and brunch on the weekends. If you are looking for a romantic spot on Valentine’s Day, this is it! A delightful, calming, mellow respite in the midst of what can be a very chaotic Venice Beach, High is an oasis on a rooftop where every day is a perfectly magical day to watch the sunset.
High Rooftop Lounge
Hotel Erwin 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice, CA
424.214.1063
Email: high@jdvhotels.com
Web site link: High Rooftop Lounge
Featured Mixed drinks: Cocktails with fresh juices, fruits and herbs
Featured Foods: California cuisine, grilled items and bar snacks
Price range for drinks: Signature $11- $13
Price range for food: $5 - $12
Name of chef: Jason Wiggin
Name of owner: The Sokol Family
Name of manager: Ryan Wingo (Director of F+B), Michael Avakian (F+B Manager)
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