I’ve been to some high bars throughout my journeys across the globe. However, with the completion of the tallest building in Los Angeles, the highest bar in the Western Hemisphere is now in my backyard. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Spire 73, located above the InterContinental hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, is now the highest bar on this side of the planet.

The building that houses Spire 73 is also the Korean Air Headquarters. It’s one of Downtown LA’s most recent structures. It also has La Boucherie a high-end French restaurant located two floors below.

The architecture is beautiful. The interior design is colorful and playful. It’s sleek in every aspect. Picture-worthy in all senses.

The lobby of the InterContinental Hotel is beautiful

Sleek design

Getting to Spire 73

If you’re a tourist and don’t have transportation, getting to the new tallest building in Downtown LA is actually pretty easy. Depending on which direction you’re coming from, you can take the Metro rail to Downtown. The Blue Line and other lines end at 7th Street Metro Center. It is literally located across the street.

If you live in LA or LA County. I suggest taking a Lyft or Uber to your destination. Downtown LA parking is a pain and expensive when you find it. I do not recommend driving.

My Experience

As a native Angelino, I have a very jaded attitude when it comes to new venues that pop up around LA. I am a harsh critic because growing up, LA has always made things difficult for its residence. Needless to say, I am very excited and proud to say that LA now has the highest bar on the Western Hemisphere.

Upon arrival, we are dropped off by the hotel entrance. We walk in and the lobby is beautiful. Some of the walls are covered by little figurines that slowly change color, which makes it look like a beautiful gradient. We follow the signs that say go upstairs to get the Spire 73 elevator.

There’s a rope and a guard. I ask if this is the proper line. He says yes. We wait for 15 minutes. The guard says it’s ‘one in, one out.’ Meaning it’s probably so busy, there’s no space for new people. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was all a lie. Sometimes, exclusivity is alluring. Are they trying to make it seem exciting? Because I don’t enjoy waiting in line. I am not a patient person.

I got there early, around 7 o’clock. After 8 pm they charge a $25 cover. Another thing I don’t do anymore is pay a cover fee. Can you tell I’m getting old?

I find this odd because this is not a club. It’s not a concert. We are not seeing performers. However, since I’m here before 8 pm it’s not a problem.

We wait until the line gets long and the guard asks us to proceed to the elevators. Without explanation, everyone, including me, is confused. The elevator buttons don’t work. Is someone going to explain this to us?

I hit the button to go up and it assigns an elevator. Some people come down, get off. The doors shut. No one gets on. The entire group is confused. Another elevator opens and we all get on. The only problem here is it’s going to the wrong floor. These elevators are programmed to head to one floor only, floor 71. The bar is on floor 73. Regardless, we all get on. Confused, but we’re all going with the flow. My ears pop as we rise, which is kind of fun.

As we reach level 71 we get off. There are no signs, but there is a hallway.

I walk down the hallway. Alas, at the end I see a sign that says, “left La Bucherrie, right Spire 73.” Ok…? Is there another elevator that goes from this floor to floor 73? I guess we’ll find out.

I’m starting to feel like this is overly complicated. I don’t work in construction or architecture but I’m not sure why they didn’t create an elevator that goes all the way up?

I’m not enjoying this part of the experience.

If it’s going to be this complicated, it would be nice if someone explains things. Thanks, LA. Once again, you’re proving that you overly complicate everything as usual.

Spire 73 Review

At this point, I’m hoping this is worth it.

We enter the bar and the views are spectacular. I love it.

To my surprise, it’s very busy. Lots of people taking pictures. Many couples standing around. The decor is cute.

Although the crowd seemed overly pretentious which made me want to leave right away.

Perhaps many of the guests were tourists but there seemed to be a lot of Hollywood types trying to impress you with their designer clothes.

The couple in front of me was about to get it on. Lying on top of each other and fingering his girlfriend’s butt, right in front of me. I don’t mind, but I should let you know. Sexuality is something that should not be taboo (in my eyes at least.)

The drinks were typical of LA prices. I got a glass of Prosecco for $17 USD. It’s high but normal around this area.

I sipped my cocktail and took some amazing pictures. I’m glad we have a bar up here. I’m glad people are loving it. It’s great that everyone wants to see it. However, I am very disappointed by how difficult it was to get on the elevator. LA you are not NYC. 

I know that I am way too harsh when it comes to judging things in LA. 

At the end of the day, this experience was just ok. Perhaps when the hype is gone it will be better. In reality, I think I deserve to give this place another try.

Should you go? I think you should support this venue. However, you should know what you’re walking into. I would say go once and give it a try. 

It’s not high-end but I think they want you to think it is.

The view is incredible. Clouds flow elegantly across the sky. The planes pass by closely. The breeze feels good.

I finished my drink and had dinner in their French restaurant two floors down. That place blew me away. However, that’s for the next post.

Have you been to Spire 73? I would love to know if you loved it?

Let Me Break It Down For You:

• Spire 73 located above the InterContinental hotel at 900 Wilshire Blvd
• You can take the Metro Rail to 7th Street Metro Center and walk across the street
• $25 cover charge after 8 pm
• The highest bar in the western hemisphere
• LA, you are not NYC but kudos for trying
• The views are spectacular
• Check out their sleek website for more info

Do I recommend it? If an out-of-town friend showed up at my doorstep, would I take them? I would take them for the view… Although if I’m being completely honest, I like the Bank Tower building better.

Spire 73 wants to feel like a high-end bar. It’s nice, but it didn’t feel high-end to me.

Nevertheless, I have to give them credit though. LA, you now have the highest bar on this part of Planet Earth and that’s pretty spectacular!