"You just got tickets to see that indie sad-rock singer you like to drive and cry to sometimes. If you’ve managed to find friends who will indulge your inner emo kid, take them somewhere a little more uplifting for dinner. Like Mama Shelter, the rooftop bar and restaurant on top of Mama Hotel. Most people know it as a bar, but they do a full menu of food that’s better than it needs to be, considering you’re on a roof looking out at all of Los Angeles. And if you have more time before the show starts, you can get another round of drinks and play foosball. Or sit on a couch, staring wistfully at all the people enjoying themselves. They just don’t know." - amy clark, brant cox
"Mama Shelter is technically a hotel. But it’s a hotel with one of the best rooftops you’ll find in LA. With foosball tables, a projection screen playing old movies, and kitschy colorful furniture, Mama Shelter isn’t about the usual models and bottles atmosphere of Hollywood rooftops. The food is solid, well-priced, and ideal for goals of not needing a nap afterwards. And those views are what beveling group photos are made for." - jess basser sanders, amy clark, brant cox
"Maybe you’re still thinking about that patio. Yes we know, Gracias Madre’s outdoor space is great. But you know who else has a great patio? Mama Shelter. And theirs is on a roof. With foosball tables, outdoor movies, and an entire area of large couch/beds dedicated to day-napping. The fact that their bar food menu and movie-themed cocktails are also solid is simply a bonus." - brant cox
"Your cousin who moved to Fargo for work just got diagnosed with a severe Vitamin D deficiency. Time to play healer and take her to Mama Shelter. The rooftop hotel bar in the heart of Hollywood is one of our all-time favorite places to day drink outside, with movie-themed cocktails, foosball, and a whole section dedicated to day beds. Weekend crowds get intense, so we recommend calling ahead for a reservation." - brant cox, brett keating
"If you come to LA with the expectation of dancing and drinking on rooftop patios all weekend, you’ll be disappointed. We don’t really do that, and many of those patios are over-priced, over-crowded, and generally terrible. Except for Mama Shelter. The colorful hotel rooftop in the heart of Hollywood is certainly a party, but that’s what you’re looking for. Grab a well-made cocktail from the bar, play some foosball, watch a movie on the big screen, and pray for the girl in stilettos trying to do a round-off on a daybed. There’s also a separate restaurant section with very solid Mediterranean food in case you get hungry." - brant cox