Belcampo’s self-described “farm-inspired” craft cocktail program offers a reliable set of thoughtful libations that come by way of Soigné Group’s Josh Goldman. Here drinks from an extensive menu come topped with things like beef jerky (from Belcampo’s own farms, of course), and are quite a pleasant way to kick off a very meaty meal. —CC

Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni certainly know how to craft a cocktail, and it shows at their populist Venice Italian spot. The long bar leaves plenty of room for drinking, but adding a side plate or two is practically a must. —FE

Justin Pike has managed this stand-out program for years in Venice with a commitment to quality and nightly consistency. And Casey Lane's Italian-inflected cuisine works well with Pike's pitch-perfect drinks.

This underground Southern Italian restaurant has had standard-bearing cocktails for years. Though things depend heavy on amaros, the execution and creativity at Sotto is some of the best in town.

Gracias Madre is the place to enjoy a light meal with something to please just about anyone. More so than the brightly flavored dishes though, you’re here for the outstanding cocktail program that hails from beverage director Jason Eisner. Sip on an archetype of a margarita or go for something a little more wild, like the bong-inspired Up in Smoke cocktail. Either way, it’s destined to be a great night. —CC

The drinks (almost) take a backseat to the view at this West Hollywood gem, where casual evening sips are elevated by a team of top-notch bartenders. —FE

Ryan Wainwright has been doing great things behind the bar. Taking classic cocktails and funneling them through a contemporary lens, Terrine offers elevated drinks like the Counter Point Sling and one of Eater LA’s top ten cocktails of 2015, the Strawberry Puff. —CC

Few places in Los Angeles are as conducive to boisterous gatherings of friends than Petty Cash, largely thanks to the great drinks being mixed up behind the bar. While it is certainly wise to go for a solid margarita (order it with the good shit!), there are plenty of other standout options, like the Unwed Melon at the Mid-City location and the Rose Jose in the Arts District. —CC

Veteran bartender Gaby Mlynarczyk has transitioned to Brendan Collins' globally inspired restaurant in Hollywood, serving inventive seasonal drinks. Above all, the drinks here are balanced and perfectly suitable to have with the food.

Quietly one of the originators of great cocktails in L.A., Providence continues to make top-notch drinks in a small bar just to the right of the entrance that works as a waiting room before people go to have their tasting menus. Or just pop in and have a crafted cocktail at a classy establishment. —MK

What's better than drinking large batches of inventive cocktails like a line cook out of plastic tubs? The scenery at Commissary at the Line Hotel, for one, which is as stunning as a restaurant can get. —FE

Bar Ama takes the idea of Tex-Mex fare and elevates it far beyond platters of sizzling fajitas. Here a long list of small plates goes down easy with nicely crafted (and relatively affordable) cocktails that create a convivial atmosphere. When roaming the streets of Downtown during the Art Walk or otherwise, it’s a nice place to pop in for a drink or two. —CC

With a solid cocktail program built by Julian Cox, Redbird is one of the classiest places to enjoy a beverage in Downtown. Oh, and the elegant fare by Neal Fraser certainly pairs well with the drinks.

Highland Park got lucky with this one, as Sonny's has become a craft cocktail destination without equal for the neighborhood. It helps, of course, that the easygoing menu is just as worthwhile. —FE

Steve Livigni and Pablo Moix have built up a reliable, market-driven cocktail menu in the Valley, which is a boon for imbibers in the 818. The solid cooking by Antonia Lofaso will keep you well fed as well.