What to enjoy at the Western Hemisphere’s highest rooftop bar

Opened in 2017, the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown stands tall within the sleek and shimmering Wilshire Grand Center, introducing a striking new landmark to the city: Spire 73.

The outdoor bar and cocktail lounge is perched high above Los Angeles on the 73rd floor of the hotel, making it the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere.

Guests of the InterContinental and the public can take a smooth, quiet elevator ride up to this towering viewpoint, where they’re greeted with panoramic 360-degree views of Los Angeles, including Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, and the Pacific Ocean.

Also in view: the notoriously congested Highways 10, 101, and 110, where streams of red and white lights stretch for miles, twinkling as the sun sets each evening.

Capitalizing on Los Angeles’ typically sunny weather, Spire 73’s outdoor terrace is designed with a variety of seating options, including a sleek bar, wire-frame armchairs beneath large umbrellas, low, plush sofas nestled between minimalist fireplaces, and high-backed chairs lining the lounge’s edges, offering direct views of the city below.

Despite its towering 1,000-foot height, there’s no need to fret about chilly gusts. Sturdy glass walls shield the space from the wind, and servers are quick to offer cozy blankets when the temperature starts to drop.

Naturally, Spire 73’s primary draw is its drink menu, which features updated takes on classic cocktails. Unsure what to try? Here are three signature drinks to enjoy while soaking in the breathtaking vistas.

Kumquat Old Fashioned

For traditionalists, this refreshing twist on a classic Old Fashioned is a must-try. The combination of Japanese whisky and fresh kumquat gives the drink a lighter texture with a subtly sweet flavor.

"This is our unique take on an Old Fashioned," explains Martin Romero, assistant food and beverage manager at Spire 73. "We start by using Suntory Japanese whisky instead of the usual scotch or bourbon. Then, we muddle kumquat into the drink before straining it, so you won’t find any actual fruit in your glass. We sweeten it with pure cane sugar and garnish with a little more muddled kumquat for a hint of sweetness. It’s perfectly balanced."

Jun Sur, the hotel’s food and beverage director, notes that Japanese whiskies like Yamazaki, Suntory, and Hibiki are often crafted at higher elevations using purified, clearer waters. This results in a whisky with a floral and fruity essence, distinguishing it from traditional Old Fashioned variations.

"Many people shy away from whisky or bourbon because they can be quite heavy. But Japanese whisky is lighter and more approachable compared to traditional whisky or bourbon," Sur adds.

1100 Feet

Named after the height of the building – including its iconic spire soaring above the bar – the 1100 Feet cocktail honors both the landmark’s elevation and Los Angeles’ rich cultural diversity.

"We wanted to highlight the building’s true height, which is 1,100 feet, but we also wanted a drink that embodies the fusion of flavors found here in L.A.,” says Romero. “It’s a reflection of the diverse blend of cultures in the city."

The primary ingredient in the cocktail, Glenmorangie Scotch, is a single-malt whisky crafted in Ross-shire, located in the Scottish Highlands.

Rhubarb bitters, described by Romero as 'herbal and bitter,' hail from Jamaica, as does the dried-apricot garnish. D.O.M. Bénédictine, an herbal liqueur made from 27 different spices and herbs ('None of them dominate,' according to Romero), is produced in France.

The 1100 Feet cocktail also includes Lillet Blanc vermouth, adding a subtle dryness to balance the flavors.

"Glenmorangie is a Scottish whisky I truly love, so it became the base of the drink," says Florence Granteral Fall, Spire 73’s food and beverage manager. "We added a bit of Lillet Blanc and Caribbean bitters to make the cocktail more intriguing."

"We wanted to create a multicultural drink menu, and this cocktail perfectly represents that vision," she adds.

Korean Paloma

If you're a fan of tequila, Spire 73’s reimagined Paloma is a must-try. It pays tribute to Korean Air, which not only helped construct the Wilshire Grand Center but also occupies part of its office space.

"Korean Air’s chairman is a huge fan of Makgeolli," says Fall, referencing the Korean rice spirit that her team incorporated into their version of the Paloma, a cocktail traditionally made with tequila and grapefruit soda.

"Makgeolli is a rice-based spirit that's notoriously tricky to pair. But we found it complements the Código tequila perfectly. Código is a small-batch artisanal tequila aged in French oak barrels from Napa Valley, giving it a unique flavor profile," says Fall.

The cocktail is balanced with the sweetness of agave, the tartness of lime, and a slightly bitter yet refreshing finish from grapefruit juice and Mixwell grapefruit soda, all topped off with a gentle effervescence.

Expanding Downtown LA’s food and drink scene

While Spire 73 is a must-visit spot, the open-air bar isn’t the only exciting food-and-drink experience at the InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles.

If you're particular about both your meat and the tools you use to cut it, La Boucherie will feel like home.

At La Boucherie, restaurant servers perform a unique tableside knife presentation, helping each guest select the perfect tool for their meal. An impressive mustard-pairing display and a show-stopping flaming chocolate soufflé add to the restaurant’s dramatic offerings.

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, 900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017; +1 213-688-7777