By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | March 29, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature,
Whether in search of a refreshing cocktail to pair with tacos or a fun new spot to sip with friends, Los Angeles’ top bars and restaurants have creative, delicious palomas you won’t be to get enough of. Read on for the best across the city.
Website/ 1712 N Vermont Ave 90027
The Los Feliz restaurant operates to serve up Mexican cuisine enlivened by innovation and Californian gastronomy. This is made evident by its take on the paloma. Called Tu Compa, it’s made with Mírate’s own version of Squirt, Cascahuin 48, pulque, nami junmai ginjo, granada vallet and pulque paint.
Website/ 24 Windward Ave 90291
Channel seaside vibes at this airy Venice spot with Belle's signature paloma made with Jaja blanco tequila, lime, grapefruit, Cointreau and sparkling water. Enjoy on the patio under swaying palms.
Website/ 8905 Melrose Ave 90069
This beloved plant-based Mexican spot in West Hollywood puts its own spin on the classic paloma, infusing Tromba blanco tequila with lime, salt and housemade grapefruit soda for a crisp, refreshing cocktail. It's the perfect pairing for Gracias Madre's famous plant-based tacos and bowls.
Website/ 8450 W 3rd St 90048
The elegant Toca Madera restaurants are known for their extensive mezcal and tequila menus, so naturally the palomas shine. Off menu, but worth the order, just let your expert bartender know you want a paloma and your choice of premier tequila.
Website/ 3014 W Olympic Blvd 90006
At this family-owned, James Beard-winning Oaxacan spot along Olympic Boulevard, the paloma is a welcome accompaniment to bites of chapulines a la Mexicana (spicy sauteed grasshoppers with jalapeños, onions and tomatoes), mole negro-covered chicken or any taco. Guelaguetza keeps it classic with a mix of tequila, grapefruit and lime.
Website/ 2132 E 7th Pl 90021
Helmed by acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera, Damián offers refined Mexican cuisine in downtown Los Angeles, plus cocktails highlighting artisinal spirits and fresh produce. The paloma coalesces grapefruit cordial, soda, lime and your choice of Cimarron reposado or Mal Bien Espadin for a crisp, easy-drinking refresher between bites.
Website/ 1332 2nd St Rooftop 90401
Helmed by hospitality impresario Nicholas Mathers, Elephanté in Santa Monica goes the Patron route for its paloma. The silver tequila is then combined with sparkling water, Cointreau, grapefruit and lime for a zesty, bubbly rendition.
Website/ Various
The mezcal heroes at Madre add a signature twist on its paloma. Combining tequila blanco with mezcal Espadin, the Paloma Spritz also has grapefruit, lime and sparkling rose for a citrusy cocktail with a hint of smoke.
Website/ 122 S Beverly Dr 90212
For more than a decade, South Beverly Grill has treated Beverly Hills to a quintessential steakhouse experience. Its menu flairs prove its insight to also nod to L.A.’s melting pot of cultures with the inclusion of the likes of sushi and steak frites among American standards like cheeseburgers and barbecue pork ribs. This also extends to its cocktail menu where you can find a top-notch paloma among martinis, whiskey cocktails and its robust wine list. With a reposado base, it is shaken up with lime juice and fresh grapefruit.
Website/ 421 N Rodeo Dr 90210
Tucked away inside the Rodeo Connection, this charming restaurant presents the most intriguing approach yet to a paloma. Living up to its name, the Paloma Especial with a grapefruit, black salt, tequila and Cocchi Americano.
See also: 21 Must-Try Margaritas In Los Angeles
Photography by: Richard Clark/ Getty Images