The Tower Bar: Sunset Strip's Most Iconic Dinner & Drinks Spot, According to Tai Lopez
TL Team Jun 05, 2025
If there's one place in LA where old Hollywood glamour meets modern-day celebrity power plays, it's the Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood. Tai Lopez, no stranger to LA's elite hangouts, has been to Tower Bar more times than he can count—for breakfast, brunch, late-night martinis, and everything in between. "It’s not just a restaurant," Tai said, swirling his drink one recent evening. "It's a scene. You go to Tower Bar to be seen, but to act like you’re not trying to be seen."

A Hollywood Landmark

Located in the historic Sunset Tower Hotel, the Tower Bar isn't just another trendy spot on Sunset Boulevard. This Art Deco gem has a long, star-studded past. Designed by architect Leland A. Bryant and completed in 1931, the Sunset Tower Hotel was once home to Golden Age legends like Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. You don’t just walk into a restaurant here; you step into a time capsule.

From its creamy pink facade to the sleek, dimly lit interiors, the place feels like the set of an old noir film—equal parts luxury and mystery. At night, the dining room is dark and intimate, lit mostly by candlelight. No photos allowed, which is part of the appeal. Privacy is paramount here, which is exactly why it's beloved by celebs. You might catch John Mayer casually sipping a whiskey or spot Elisabeth Moss deep in conversation. But you won’t see them on Instagram—and that’s the point.

The Maitre D' With Mystique

Part of the Tower Bar's enduring charm is the famed Maitre D', Dimitri Dimitrov. With his slicked-back hair and quiet authority, Dimitri is like a character out of a Coppola movie. He's the gatekeeper of cool. His mere nod can signal whether you're in or out. “Dimitri runs the joint like a diplomat,” Tai laughed. “He’s a mix of concierge, doorman, and high priest.”









What Tai Ordered

Tai has visited for both breakfast and dinner, and he’s got his go-to orders down:
  • Breakfast/Brunch: Build-your-own omelet. Tai keeps it flexible depending on how he’s feeling that day. Sometimes it’s egg whites and spinach. Other times, bacon and cheddar. It’s all about balance. “You can go super clean or add a little grease,” he noted.
  • Dinner: Tower Bar burger, medium rare. And a couple of very dirty vodka martinis (more on that in a minute). Sometimes he splurges on the steak frites. And always, always ends the night with the make-your-own sundae. “I’m a grown man eating rainbow sprinkles,” Tai joked. “And I’m not sorry.”
Martini 101: Tai's Filthy Ritual

Tai's martini ritual is borderline sacred. He orders a vodka martini, extra dirty, blue cheese-stuffed olives, no vermouth. When he says dirty, he means filthy. “Like, if it doesn’t look like swamp water, send it back.”

Want to order like a pro? Here’s a quick primer:
  • Vodka or gin? Vodka is cleaner; gin is more herbal.
  • Dirty? Olive brine makes it ‘dirty.’ The more brine you add, the dirtier.
  • Vermouth? Tai skips it. You can ask for just a rinse or none at all.
  • Olives? Blue cheese-stuffed are elite. Ask for three.
  • Stirred or shaken? Classic is stirred. Shaken is colder and more diluted.
Sip slow, look cool. And never clink glasses too loudly—this isn’t Coachella.

Menu Highlights

The Tower Bar isn't a food-first destination, but it holds its own:
  • Steak Frites: Classic, reliable, and cooked just right.
  • Burger: One of LA’s better fancy hotel burgers.
  • Chicken Paillard: Light but satisfying.
  • Make-Your-Own Sundae: Kitschy and delicious. Especially good late at night.
Drinks-wise, the martinis steal the show, but they also do a solid Old Fashioned and have a wine list tailored to the exacting tastes of regulars.

The Scene by Day vs. Night
  • Daytime (Breakfast/Brunch): Breezy, open, and great for people-watching. You’re overlooking the pool, and if you sit near the edge of the dining room, you’re basically on a diving board.
  • Nighttime: All class. Dim lighting, quiet chatter, the clink of crystal. Celebs, CEOs, and power players.
Tai's Ratings
  • Food: 7/10 – Solid, slightly better at night. Nothing revolutionary.
  • Service: 5/10 – Inconsistent. Breakfast staff is inattentive. Dinner is hit-or-miss unless you’re famous.
  • Ambiance: 10/10 – Unmatched. Pure Hollywood elegance.
  • Location: 10/10 – Prime Sunset Strip, in the heart of West Hollywood.
  • Value: 6/10 – Expensive, but you're paying for the experience.
  • Overall Experience: 8/10 – Worth it for the vibe, the crowd, and the martinis.
Tips for Visiting Tower Bar
  • Book ahead: Reservations are tough, especially for dinner.
  • Dress up: It’s not a flip-flop kind of place.
  • Don’t take pictures: It’s a rule. Respect it.
  • Minimums may apply: Especially for dinner, so be prepared to spend.
  • Be discreet: Watch, don’t gawk.
Perfect For
  • Date nights: Ultra-romantic setting.
  • Power meetings: Quiet enough to talk, exclusive enough to impress.
  • Celebrity spotting: But keep it cool.
  • Late-night martinis: The bar stays busy deep into the night.
Nearby Itinerary: Celebrity Spotting Day/Night Out
  • Start with lunch at Gracias Madre or Cecconi’s.
  • Stroll through Melrose or grab coffee at Alfred.
  • Dinner at Tower Bar around 8PM.
  • Post-dinner drink at the Chateau Marmont or Sunset Tower's own bar.
  • Nightcap at Bar Marmont or SoHo House if you have access.
How to Act When You See a Celebrity at Tower Bar
  • Don’t stare. One look is fine. Five is weird.
  • Don’t ask for a selfie. That’s the quickest way to get blacklisted.
  • Act indifferent. The cooler you are, the more likely they'll say hi.
  • Talk quietly. Conversations carry.
Tips for Visiting West Hollywood
  • Stay nearby: Consider 1 Hotel, Pendry, or the Sunset Tower itself.
  • Transport: Parking is valet-heavy. Use a rideshare.
  • Explore: Sunset Plaza, Melrose, and Santa Monica Blvd all nearby.
  • Dining: Nobu, Catch, Olivetta, and Laurel Hardware are celeb-adjacent.
Tai's Final Thoughts

"Tower Bar is the kind of place where the waiter ignores you, the martini costs $25, and you still walk out feeling like a million bucks," Tai said with a smirk. "It’s not perfect. But it’s iconic. If you're in LA and want to know what Hollywood feels like, this is your pilgrimage."

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