The average annual salary for a Bartender in Los Angeles, CA, is $40,080. For those employed at high-end establishments, this figure can climb significantly higher.
With such earning potential, many often wonder what are the LA restaurants where Bartenders make the most money. Upscale restaurants, high-traffic dining establishments and luxury hotel bars often top that list.
These establishments recognize Bartenders’ critical role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and reward them with competitive wages and generous tipping opportunities.
Below, we’ve compiled insights into the most profitable bartending opportunities in Los Angeles.
LA Restaurants Where Bartenders Make the Most Money
Bartending in Los Angeles can be a lucrative career, particularly at high-end restaurants with prestigious awards, such as Michelin stars or James Beard recognition.
Trendy establishments also offer high-paying opportunities due to their potential for heavy foot traffic and popularity.
1. Providence
[Source: Providence]
Providence has been a leader in modern American seafood dining for over a decade, guided by award-winning Chef Michael Cimarusti and Donato Poto.
Its reputation is backed by numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars, a James Beard Award, recognition as one of the “Top 50 Restaurants in the United States” by Gourmet magazine and the top spot in Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants in the Los Angeles Times.
This level of prestige attracts a loyal, affluent clientele willing to pay top dollar for an exceptional dining experience.
2. République
[Source: République]
République is owned by Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke. In 2023, Margarita Manzke earned a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, adding to the restaurant’s prestige.
Housed in a building originally constructed in 1929 by Charlie Chaplin, République blends its rich history with a vibrant dining experience.
The space features a casual bakery, cafe and bar at the front and a more formal dining area in the rear, serving a French-inspired menu crafted daily by the Chefs.
République’s reputation for exceptional food and service attracts a steady flow of guests, from locals to tourists, who are willing to invest in premium dining experiences.
3. Catch LA
[Source: Catch LA]
Catch LA, located in the heart of West Hollywood’s Design District, is a trendy rooftop destination known for its lively atmosphere, celebrity guests and stunning views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.
Catch LA’s lively scene and reputation make it one of the top venues for Bartenders aiming to maximize their income and enhance their careers in Los Angeles.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bartenders in Los Angeles
The restaurants featured here stand out for offering Bartenders higher-than-average wages, with hourly rates of up to $30 per hour — well above the city’s average of $19 per hour.
These establishments share a commitment to providing unique and engaging dining experiences, blending lively atmospheres with top-tier service and attracting a steady flow of clientele.
Whether they offer upscale dining, trendy concepts or intimate settings, these venues provide Bartenders with competitive pay and the opportunity to thrive in rewarding, fast-paced environments.
1. The Proud Bird
[Source: The Proud Bird]
The Proud Bird, named LA’s Hottest Food Hall by Food Network, offers a unique dining experience with its aviation-themed ambiance and panoramic views of LAX’s approach runways.
The venue features an open-air design with industrial accents, communal tables, lounge seating and the sleek Mile High Club bar and lounge, creating an inviting setting for guests to enjoy elevated food and beverage offerings.
Bartenders at The Proud Bird benefit from competitive wages, earning $20 per hour.
2. Highly Likely
[Source: Highly Likely]
Highly Likely is a chic all-day cafe and restaurant that serves as a welcoming community gathering space. It currently has two locations in LA: one in West Adams and another in Highland Park.
Known for its great food, excellent coffee and delicious beverages, Highly Likely prioritizes sourcing from sustainable and local vendors to deliver consistently high-quality offerings to its neighborhoods.
With a pay range of $18 to $20 per hour, Highly Likely offers competitive earnings in an inviting atmosphere. Its commitment to sustainability, strong community presence and welcoming setting make it a rewarding workplace for Bartenders.
3. The Little Room
[Source: The Little Room]
The Little Room offers an intimate and upscale cocktail experience in the heart of Los Angeles.
With its dim lighting, plush seating and sophisticated atmosphere, it has become a sought-after destination for cocktail enthusiasts and guests seeking a more refined nightlife experience.
Head Bartenders at The Little Room earn a pay range of $22 to $30 per hour.
With its exceptional pay, inviting ambiance and steady stream of customers, The Little Room stands out as one of the best-paying and most rewarding places for Bartenders in Los Angeles.
Best-Paying Upscale Hotel Bars in Los Angeles
Upscale hotel bars in Los Angeles offer Bartenders some of the best opportunities for competitive pay, with many offering $20 per hour, along with strong tipping potential.
These establishments cater to a diverse mix of affluent guests, including business travelers, tourists and locals, making them ideal for Bartenders seeking a steady stream of customers and generous earnings. Examples include:
1. The Beaudry Room Conrad
[Source: Hilton]
The Beaudry Room at the Conrad Los Angeles is an upscale bar known for its sophisticated atmosphere and breathtaking views of Downtown LA. Nestled within the Hilton family of luxury hotels, this venue attracts an elite clientele who value exceptional service and meticulously crafted cocktails.
2. Westin Bonaventure
[Source: Marriott]
A landmark in Downtown Los Angeles, the Westin Bonaventure, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, is renowned for its iconic architecture and bustling hospitality scene. The hotel’s bar is a lively hub serving premium drinks to a mix of tourists, business travelers and locals attending events or conferences.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles
[Source: Four Seasons]
Four Seasons is a renowned luxury hotel brand known for its exceptional service and upscale amenities.
In its Los Angeles location, the bars and lounges offer an elegant atmosphere for both locals and visitors, making it a prime destination for those seeking expertly crafted cocktails and a sophisticated dining experience.
Maximizing Bartender Earnings in Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles offers Bartenders excellent opportunities to earn competitive wages, but success often depends on understanding the factors that influence earning potential.
From selecting high-paying venues to mastering valuable skills, Bartenders in this vibrant city can maximize their income by making strategic choices.
Choosing the right location to boost earnings
Where Bartenders work within Los Angeles significantly impacts their income. Neighborhoods such as Downtown LA, Hollywood and Silver Lake are home to venues that offer competitive hourly wages and attract affluent guests who are more likely to tip generously.
These areas feature fine dining restaurants, luxury hotel bars and popular rooftop lounges that cater to both locals and tourists.
Bartenders in these high-demand locations benefit from higher pay and larger check averages, which result in greater tipping potential.
Cost of living considerations
Living in Los Angeles presents high expenses, particularly for rent in sought-after neighborhoods. Additionally, transportation and dining costs further contribute to the financial challenges of living in the city.
To manage these costs effectively, Bartenders should seek positions at venues that offer competitive hourly pay and strong tipping opportunities.
Many high-end establishments also provide benefits such as discounted meals, health insurance and career development programs to help offset the high cost of living.
Developing skills to increase earnings
Bartenders who specialize in creating innovative cocktails and delivering exceptional guest experiences are better positioned to succeed in Los Angeles.
Upscale establishments value expertise, creativity and professionalism, all of which contribute to higher tips and greater job security.
Investing in advanced skills, such as mixology certifications or learning about wine pairings, can further enhance a Bartender’s earning potential and make them more attractive to high-paying venues.
How To Find LA Restaurants Where Bartenders Make the Most Money
Landing a high-paying bartending job in Los Angeles requires strategic planning and consistent effort. Below are practical steps to help you secure the most lucrative opportunities:
- Refine your skills: Master the art of mixology and stay updated on emerging trends in craft cocktails. Consider enrolling in advanced bartending courses or obtaining certifications like the BarSmarts program to stand out to employers.
- Build your network: Networking is essential in the hospitality industry. Attend bartending events, join professional associations and connect with other industry professionals to discover job openings and gain referrals.
- Target upscale venues: Focus your job search on high-end restaurants, luxury hotels and exclusive social clubs where tipping potential is higher.
- Enhance your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, certifications and notable achievements. Include specific examples of your expertise in customer service, sales and mixology.
- Showcase exceptional service: Employers value Bartenders who can provide memorable guest experiences. Demonstrate your ability to build rapport with patrons, manage high-pressure situations and create unique cocktails.
- Leverage online platforms: Use job boards like OysterLink to find openings at top venues. Stay active in hospitality-focused forums and groups to learn about new opportunities.
Search for jobs
Conclusion: LA Restaurants Where Bartenders Make the Most Money
By targeting establishments that reward exceptional service, honing skills such as mixology and guest engagement and selecting the right locations, Bartenders can succeed in Los Angeles’s competitive hospitality industry.
Despite the city’s high cost of living, the combination of competitive pay, tipping potential and career growth opportunities makes bartending in Los Angeles a highly rewarding career choice.
OysterLink’s Criteria for Choosing These High-Paying Restaurant Bartender Jobs
For this list of Bartender jobs in Los Angeles, we’ve conducted thorough research across popular job boards that post bartending job ads, along with insights from Reddit threads.
Written by Rea Gierran
With a background in Communication Arts, Rea’s expertise lies in content marketing and copywriting. Her published works can be seen on online news websites such as Rappler and Adobo magazine. Outside of her work, Rea takes on the role of a “momager” for Shiro, a TikTok dogfluencer.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
