In many areas of the country, COVID restrictions have begun to ease, despite much of the confusion coming from the government regarding vaccination efforts, and that means favorite summer activities may be back on the schedule for lots of folks. It’s been more than six months since loyal bar patrons have been able to imbibe inside their favorite L.A. watering holes, and our moniker as the City of Angels has perhaps never rung more true; meanwhile, the beverage industry has used this time to innovate, presenting barhopping Los Angelinos with crafty cocktails-to-go that are easily ordered online.

As the climate in So Cal heats up, so does the bar scene – hopefully, this year, with less masking and social distancing. Let’s get on with our picks for the best bars to check out around Woodland Hills this summer…because, as we all know, there’s plenty to drink about.

The Canyon Bistro, located at 120 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Topanga, wants every patron to know that all its employees have been vaccinated and that an AirDoctor air purifier system has been installed in the dining room, featuring an Ultra HEPA filter to catch microns down to COVID level. If anything, The Canyon Bistro is known for its boutique wine list, its vendors passionate about providing the establishment fine wines at reasonable prices. If wine is your thing, not many restaurants offer a fine Sancerre by the glass – but The Canyon Bistro does, along with covering many regions in France including Cote du Rhone, Bordeaux, Provence, Alsace, and more. Additionally, two premium beers are on tap here, Pranqster and Scrimshaw, and the venue offers bottled boutique beers such as organic wheat variants from Germany and France.

JJ Sullivan’s Irish Pub, located at 22917 Ventura Boulevard, is often referred to as the most authentic Irish pub in the Valley, offering cold beer, an extensive selection of whiskeys, interesting cocktails and good old fashioned Irish craic. Established in 2012, JJ Sullivan’s serves the Woodland Hills and West Valley communities, always making all patrons feel welcome through a neighborhood-esque vibe that can’t be beat anywhere in the Los Angeles region.

Sagebrush Cantina, located at 23527 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, presents a fetching proposition when it’s time to hit the local Woodland Hills bar scene, evidenced by its offering of beers (Pacifico, Corona, Heineken, and Bud Light), Negra Modelo, light lagers, Cadillac Margaritas, sangria, and even a Sagebrush House Margarita made with Sauza Tequila that can’t be missed.

White Harte Pub, located at 22456 Ventura Boulevard, is now open for outdoor dining on its three heated outdoor patios, so if you’re already gearing up for a searingly fun summer, this is your joint. The cocktail menu here is as extensive and diverse as its legions of return customers, encompassing everything from delicious white and red wines from all over the world to draught and bottled beers. Happy Hour at White Harte Pub goes down Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm, offering $6 Red Sangrias, $5 house wines, $6 well liquors, and $1 off select beers, to say nothing of the smattering of $8 house specialty cocktails awaiting your sophisticated taste buds.

The Copper Mine, located at 21733 Ventura Boulevard, is the perfect spot for a summertime cocktail, offering a menu that has something for everyone – draft beers, pale ales, wheat drinks, unique concoctions, cider cans, bottled beers, a plethora of red and white wines, sparkling wines, vodka creations, rum specialty drinks, gin selections, tequilas and more. All in all, The Copper Mine offers a selection of 250 craft spirits, 18 beers on draft, and a wine list that would make the most seasoned of vino lovers blush.

HQ Gastropub, located at 20969 Ventura Boulevard Suite 32, focuses on pairing high-quality food, beer, wine, spirits, and music with an eclectic and visually inspiring décor replete with classic vintage guitars and art. A craft cocktails menu comprises specialties like the Malibu, Lime in the Coconut, Rumjack, Take Your Whiskey Home Whiskey Sour, Margaritaville Margarita, House Wells, and House Mimosa, in addition to an impressive selection of wines and draught beers. HQ Gastropub’s proprietary recipe of global cuisine combined with entertainment amenities are just part of the venue’s broad appeal; this is a synergy of outstanding food, beverage, staff, atmosphere, music, and art that must be experienced firsthand.

Between the aforementioned cocktail dens, neighborhood pubs, and some of Woodland Hills’ best betters, we guarantee you will never be thirsty this summer.