Tacos and tequila may be SBP’s signature combo (we did name our blog after them, after all), but we’re also your go-to source for all things LA. This time, we’re trading margaritas for merlots and spotlighting the city’s coolest wine-and-bite experiences. From breezy beachside pours to tucked-away gems, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite wine bars that deserve a spot on your list. Here’s where to sip, swirl, and savor like a true local.
1. Esters Wine Shop | Santa Monica
Let's just say we were early adopters of this local fave (it’s featured in our Santa Monica guide, no less). Esters is part wine shop, part oyster bar, and entirely the kind of place where one glass of a new discovery may quickly become a bottle. The vibe is chic but approachable, with a curated list that’ll impress even your pickiest wine friend. Don’t skip the charcuterie — it’s legendary.
Photo credit: Alex Scott // @esterswine
2. Offhand Wine Bar | Santa Monica
Tucked behind an unassuming exterior, Offhand is Santa Monica’s antidote to the glossy wine bar scene. Inside, you’ll find vinyl spinning, natural wines flowing, and lighting that makes everyone look like they belong on the cover of a record sleeve. It’s equal parts laid-back and elevated — the perfect spot for lunch, a date, or catching up with friends.
Photo credit: @offhandwinebar // @westsidewinos
3. Bodega | Santa Monica
Equal parts coffee shop, wine bar, and community hub, Bodega is the spot where your morning brew can turn into an afternoon pour. The laid-back atmosphere pairs perfectly with their rotating selection of organic wines, making it a local favorite for sipping without pretense. Bonus: the people-watching is top-tier.
Photo credit: @bodegasantamonica
4. Venice Beach Wines | Venice
If Venice had a spirit animal, it’d be Venice Beach Wines: effortlessly eclectic, effortlessly cool. Their small but mighty patio is ideal for catching a buzz while the neighborhood strolls by on Rose, and the wine list spans from funky natural pours to old-world classics. Order a glass, grab some tapas, and let Venice do its thing.
5. A.O.C. Wine Bar | West Hollywood
Suzanne Goin’s original A.O.C. is known as much for its small plates as it is for a pretty serious wine program, nailing that upscale-but-not-stuffy balance. It’s the kind of place where you’ll linger for hours with friends.
Photo credit: @aocla, @carolinestyne, @suzannegoin
6. El Chucho | Mar Vista
New kid on the block but already a neighborhood darling, El Chucho delivers a stellar lineup of natural wines in a laid-back, dive-bar-like space. Expect vibrant pours, endless pool games, zero snobbery, and a killer playlist that makes you want to stay for “just one more.” Consider it Mar Vista’s best-kept secret (until now).
7. Stir Crazy | Hollywood
Hollywood’s quirkiest wine hangout doesn’t bother with weekends — Stir Crazy is strictly a Monday through Friday affair. The result? A loyal crowd of locals who know where to find the good stuff midweek. Expect funky bottles, artsy energy, and the kind of offbeat charm that makes it feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret club.
Photo credit: @stircrazy.la
8. Justine’s Wine Bar | Frogtown
Nestled in Frogtown’s ever-cool creative corridor behind a vegan bakery, Justine’s is small, intimate, and exactly where you want to be. With a sharp focus on natural and low-intervention wines, every bottle feels like a discovery. Bonus points for the candlelit vibe that makes even a Tuesday feel romantic.
9. Baby Battista | Atwater Village
Located beneath Nico’s Bottle Shop, Baby Battista may be tiny, but its charm is larger than life. Think neighborhood hangout energy with a wine list that punches way above its weight. Pull up a stool, chat with the staff, and prepare to become a regular faster than you can say “another glass, please.”
10. Seco | Silver Lake
Sleek, stylish, and Silver Lake through and through, Seco is where design-savvy interiors meet a killer wine list. It’s the perfect backdrop for date night, but equally great for catching up with friends over a round of small plates and funky natural pours. In short: Instagram-worthy and palate-approved.
Photo credit: @seco.silverlake
