Butterfly: Culver City’s New Rooftop Spot
There’s a new rooftop in town that’s worth checking out. Butterfly, sitting on top of The Shay Hotel in Culver City, is the latest project from the José Andrés Group. The name comes from a small monarch butterfly that once landed on the rooftop, and the restaurant has carried that playful spirit ever since.
Rooftop Vibes
The space wraps around The Shay’s rooftop pool, giving you some of the best views of Culver City and beyond. It’s the kind of spot that works for brunch under the sun, golden hour cocktails, or a casual dinner that stretches into the evening. The vibe feels colorful, easygoing, and just a little bit celebratory.
What’s on the Menu
Butterfly leans into Mexican flavors with a creative twist. You’ll find favorites like Baja fish tacos with crispy rockfish, carnitas tacos with avocado salsa verde, and a fun take on queso fundido that’s flambéed with tequila. There’s also ceviche with pineapple-habanero marinade, and crispy Brussels sprouts tossed with chile and pumpkin seeds. The menu is built around sharing, so it’s great for groups.
Drinks lean heavily on agave spirits, with a focus on additive-free tequila and mezcal. The Salt Air Margarita is already becoming a staple, but there are plenty of other cocktails (and mocktails) that play with fresh juices and herbs.
A Different Kind of Rooftop Bar
Over the summer, Butterfly even hosted Bar Nuda—a zero-proof pop-up that offered Mexican-inspired cocktails without the alcohol. It showed how versatile the space is: sometimes lively and buzzing, other times calm and reflective, but always with good food and views to match.
Know Before You Go
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new rooftop to add to your rotation, Butterfly brings together fun flavors, gorgeous views, and an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and a little special. Whether you’re stopping by for tacos and margaritas or making a whole night of it, it’s a spot that feels like it’s already part of the Culver City fabric.
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Butterfly looks like the ultimate celebration spot—that golden hour view by the pool paired with tacos and agaves is practically made for birthdays and milestones. If anyone is planning a special birthday gathering up here, pairing this rooftop vibe with an original birthday song from name verse would take the surprise to the next level. Having a personalized song written around the person's name and shared memories playing right before sunset would make the evening truly unforgettable.
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