So as California has started to slowly open up again, a lot of us are still wondering what is safe to do, what is open, and is it finally time to venture out for that long awaited glass of wine in public?
I can't answer all these questions for you, as what you feel is safe and comfortable is completely up to you!
However, if you are feeling desperate to check out a new patio spot, here are my recommendations for the top 6 best socially distanced patio spots around L.A.
1. The Stonehaus in Westlake Village
https://the-stonehaus.com
I have to credit my cousin Katie for telling me about this one, a gorgeous mini vineyard in the heart of the Westlake Village! With plenty of space to spread out, and even live music on the weekends, this is my number one new favorite spot to sip and socially distance! For the fully perfect Sunday, I recommend hiking in gorgeous Malibu and stopping by Stonehaus for a glass on your way back to L.A. Gotta find that work/life balance right?!
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8am-9pm,
Friday & Saturday: 8am to 11pm
Happy Hour: Weekdays 4pm to 7pm
Dogs Allowed
Live Music: Thu: 5-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sun 2:30pm -6:30pm
Recommended Wine: Nautilus, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc
2. Urban Press Winery
https://www.urbanpresswinery.com
This little gem in Burbank has been one of my favorite wine bars for a while, and with all the changes they have continued to roll with the punches! From giving away hand sanitizer and creating mini bottles for virtual wine tasting in April, they now have been able to expand onto San Fernando Blvd. for al fresco dining with live music to boot! And if you want a quieter more romantic vibe, they still have their adorable upstairs patio for quieter conversation.
Hours: Wed & Thurs: 3pm to 9pm, Fri & Sat: 12pm to 11pm, Sun: 12pm to 8pm
Happy Hour: Wed - Fri: 3 pm to 6:30pm
Live Music: Check website for schedule
Recommended Wine:’16 Mascherato Cabernet Franc
m
Sn 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
3. Castaway Burbank
https://www.castawayburbank.com
This gorgeous restaurant is nestled in the hills of Burbank with views overlooking all of L.A. You have the option of a super relaxed vibe by the firepit enjoying happy hour specials or an upscale dining experience at a table with their extensive menu. You’ll be hard pressed to find views like this anywhere else in L.A.
Hours: Monday - Wed: 5pm to 9pm
Thur - Fri: 5pm to 10pm
Saturday: 4pm to 10pm
Sunday: 4pm to 9pm
Brunch: Sat & Sun: 11am to 3pm
Happy Hour: Mon - Fri: 4pm to 6:30pm
Recommended Wine: Rita's Earth Babcock Pinot Noir OR the Gin Membership cocktail ;)
4. Lady Byrd Cafe
http://ladybyrdcafe.com
This brand new restaurant in the heart of Echo Park knew what they had to do when opening during a pandemic… Create the most adorable little greenhouses on their large patio! With a charming atmosphere, this place is perfect for your first brunch out. Be prepared to spend a while here though, as you might have to wait if you specifically want to sit in the greenhouses, and they certainly don’t rush the food and service. But I say, pretend you are in France... and relax!
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 8:30am-9pm,
Fri & Sat: 8:30am-10pm
Dogs Allowed
Recommended Wine:
Sauv Blanc Hooks Bay,
New Zealand
5. Melody
https://melodyla.com
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 5pm to 11pm
Sat: 11am to 11pm
Sun: 11am to 10pm
Happy Hour:
Mon: 5pm to 11pm, Tues - Fri: 5pm to 7pm,
Sat & Sun: 3pm to 7pm
Recommended Wine:
Domaine M&S Bouchet "Le Sylphe" 1998 Cabernet Franc
Melody is the the definition of your lovely local neighborhood wine bar. Very relaxed vibes on this big open patio, you order your food and wine at a window and it’s brought to your table. They have all their bottles of wine available for takeaway at reduced store price, or to consume on premise with a corkage fee. Be ready to try something new from their very unique collection of wines from all around the world. Bring your adventurous spirit!
6. L'Antica Pizzeria Di Michele
https://damicheleusa.com
A classically styled Italian meets California Chic, look no further for a stone oven prepared pizza and a glass of wine in this Hollywood garden. You would never know this place was here if you didn't know where to look. They take your temperature when you walk in and require masks on when talking to the servers. I felt very taken care of and safe while dining on their beautiful terrace. They even made a special heart-shaped pizza for us girls!
Hours:
Mon - Wed: 11am - 10pm,
Thurs & Fri: 11am to 12am,
Sat: 10am to 12am,
Sun: 10am to 11pm
Recommended Wine:
Ferrari Brut Rose, Trento DOC
Let me know your favorite wine drinking patios right now, and if all else fails, I'm always down to pack a wine tumbler for a park picnic!
(Castaway Burbank)
Loved learning about all the wonderful safe wine patios near you. Would hope to experience when we visit Urban Press in Burbank and the cool greenhouse set up at the Lady Byrd Cafe in Echo Park!