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ZipPicks Awards
Best Rooftop Restaurants in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
SmorgasBAR at ROW DTLA
7.7
A curated bar-and-food-pop-up extension of Smorgasburg LA, operating Thursday through Saturday in a repurposed century-old industrial complex with DJs and rotating vendor stalls. The experience hinges on which pop-up is cooking that night — graduates like Bridgetown Roti and Bub & Grandma's Bread built their reputations here, so the curation pipeline tends to surface serious operators. Works best when you treat it as a beer-garden evening with whatever the kitchen-of-the-week is serving, not as a destination for a specific dish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos, Smorgasbord Spread, Food Truck Rotating Specials
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Open-air food hall and bar anchoring the ROW DTLA complex, combining rotating vendors, food trucks, and a festival-like weekend atmosphere in a repurposed industrial space.
Who should go: Groups seeking variety in a lively outdoor food hall setting
When to visit: Sundays for peak vendor turnout and festival energy
What to order: Graze across multiple vendors rather than committing to one; start with tacos, then explore the rotating food truck lineup before settling at the bar
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: ROW DTLA garage with 4,000+ spaces—first 2 hours free any day, then $2.50–$12 escalating. Weekend rates top out at $12 for 6+ hours. No valet.
Dietary Options
Vegan options: Drink menu flags vegan versions of select Micheladas; food vendors rotate weekly so vegan food availability varies by visit
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, casual first date than a romantic one. This is an open-air Sunday food market with nearly 100 vendors, so expect a lively, bustling atmosphere with crowd noise — not intimate or quiet. The upside: you can wander together sampling different foods, grab drinks at the beer garden, and browse the vintage shopping aisle, which takes the pressure off a sit-down dinner. Great for a laid-back 'let's explore together' vibe, not for candlelit conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted — this is a walk-in open-air food market, free entry. It operates Sundays only, 10 AM to 4 PM, year-round. Arriving closer to opening means smaller crowds and easier seating at communal areas. By midday it gets packed, so grab seats at the beer garden early if you want a spot to sit and eat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the market explicitly promotes itself as family-friendly, including a family-friendly beer garden area. The casual outdoor format means kids can move around freely without disturbing anyone. Dozens of food vendors offer variety even for picky eaters. Note: it is not pet-friendly, so leave dogs at home. Best to arrive early before the midday crowds make stroller navigation difficult.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the open-air market format naturally accommodates groups of any size since everyone can scatter to different vendors and regroup. No need to book a large table or worry about party size limits. For organized private events or partnerships, they handle inquiries via email. The main challenge for groups is finding enough communal seating together during peak hours (noon–2 PM), so claim a spot at the beer garden early and use it as home base.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — the entire market is outdoors. It's an open-air format in the ROW DTLA courtyard with communal seating areas and a beer garden. There is no covered or heated seating — it's fully exposed, so dress for the weather. The space is not shaded, which matters on hot LA summer afternoons. No indoor seating alternative is available.
Best For
Better for: Casual outdoor drinking with rotating food pop-ups, craft beer exploration, and a lively weekend scene in the Arts District
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down restaurant experience with a fixed menu—this is a rotating pop-up bar, and pets are not allowed
Hours
Monday8am - 10pm
Tuesday8am - 10pm
Wednesday8am - 10pm
Thursday8am - 10pm
Friday8am - 10pm
Saturday8am - 10pm
Sunday8am - 10pm