Employees Only LA is a dog-friendly elevated cocktail bar and restaurant in West Hollywood that’s made a serious name for itself. The place ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, which is a big deal in the cocktail world. They actually welcome dogs on their patio, which is rare enough in LA that it’s worth knowing about.

The cocktails here are genuinely well-executed—the kind of place where bartenders know their technique and aren’t just throwing ingredients together. The food menu matches that same level of care. You’ll find the vibe sophisticated but not stuffy. It’s the kind of spot where you can dress up a bit without feeling overdone, and nobody judges you for taking your dog along.

The outdoor seating is where you’ll want to be with your dog. There’s enough space that your dog won’t be directly in other diners’ faces, and the atmosphere feels comfortable for everyone involved. They’re clear that this is a 21-plus establishment, so it’s definitely geared toward adults having a proper night out. The staff handles the whole dog thing smoothly—they’re not making a fuss about it or acting like they’re doing you a favor.

West Hollywood has plenty of bars, but most of them will make you choose between your dog and a good cocktail. This place actually gives you both. If you’re in the area and want to grab a well-made drink with better-than-average food while your dog hangs out with you, it’s legitimately worth planning around. The standards for both the drinks and the dog hospitality are genuinely high here, which makes it less of a gimmick and more of an actual good time. You’ll want to call ahead to make sure they have patio seating available and to ask about any seasonal changes to their outdoor setup.