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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Downtown LA
Best Burgers in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Hill Street Bar & Restaurant
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
A whisky-forward New American bar and grill anchored by technique-driven comfort food—the seven-hour bolognese on pappardelle is the signature move, backed by a deep brown spirits library that elevates the standard downtown lunch-and-drinks formula. The room stays conversation-friendly even at capacity, making it a reliable staging ground for pre-show groups and business lunches near the Historic Core. Expect solid bar-and-grill pricing without standout value, but the kitchen execution holds up across a broad menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seven Hour Bolognese, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Prime Rib French Dip
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Downtown LA's go-to New American bar and grill with a top-shelf whisky library and seven-hour slow-cooked bolognese on pappardelle
Who should go: Downtown workers, pre-show diners, and group celebrations
When to visit: Weekday happy hour (2–5 PM) for drink specials
What to order: Start with the Seven Hour Bolognese, add the Prime Rib French Dip to split, and close with a Hill Street Old Fashioned from the whisky library
Insider tip: Catch the live Frank Sinatra-style performer on the third Thursday of each month
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking or valet. Nearby lots from $6/2hrs (246 S Spring St, 3-min walk) to $23/2hrs (Broadway Spring Center). Metered street parking on surrounding blocks. Plan ahead for DTLA parking.
Dress code: Smart casual leans professional—suits and business attire common at lunch due to nearby courthouses and offices, more relaxed in the evening. Jeans fine, skip the gym clothes.
Noise level: Moderate to quiet—described as chill and laid-back, stays calm even when busy. Music can tick up at times but conversation-friendly overall.
Weekend wait: Saturday only (4–9 PM), closed Sunday. Reservations available and usually open same-day, so waits are minimal with a booking.
Weekday lunch: Peak crush 11:45 AM–12:30 PM when office workers flood in. Arrive before 11:30 or after 12:30 for a relaxed seat. Reservations accepted.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options: French vegetable roasted stew, beet salad with candied walnuts and goat cheese, Caesar salad, vegetable quinoa salad, roasted vegetable platter.
Vegan options: Limited—French vegetable stew is vegan, and a plant-based patty substitution is available for burgers. No dedicated vegan section on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — exposed brick, high ceilings, and an elegant-but-relaxed atmosphere make this a solid first date pick. Live music adds character without overwhelming conversation, and the vibe is upscale-casual rather than stuffy. The bar program is strong if you want to start with cocktails before sitting down. Request a table away from the bar area for a quieter experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight dinners you can usually walk in without trouble. Weekday lunch gets crowded between 11:45 AM and 12:30 PM with nearby courthouse and office workers — arrive before or after that window. Friday evenings are the busiest service and worth booking a day or two ahead. Closed Sunday and Monday, Saturday is dinner only starting at 4 PM.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — this is a bar-forward restaurant in the business district with a cocktail-focused identity and no confirmed kids menu or high chairs. The food (burgers, flatbreads, pasta) works for older kids and teens, but the atmosphere skews adult. If you're bringing teenagers for a birthday or special occasion it can work, but for younger children there are better options nearby. Call ahead to confirm high chair availability: (866) 445-5781.
Is it good for groups? Yes — they have a dedicated event space seating up to 40 for buffet-style dining and standing room for up to 150. Private event inquiries go through Events@hillstreetla.com, and off-site catering is also available. For standard reservations with a group of 6-8, booking a few days ahead should be sufficient. Note the alcohol license ends at 9 PM, so plan accordingly for evening events.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a converted parking lot serves as one of the neighborhood's largest outdoor dining areas. Al fresco dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday, 6–9:30 PM and typically requires a reservation. Daytime patio seating is available Monday through Friday, noon to 7 PM. Whether the space is covered or heated is not confirmed online — call ahead if weather is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches with clients in the courthouse-and-offices corridor, happy hour with $5 beers and $7 cocktails (Tue–Fri 2–5 PM), pre-show dining steps from Disney Hall and The Broad, and relaxed group dinners on the patio.
Consider Alternatives If: You need easy parking, want a weekend brunch (closed Sun–Mon, Sat opens at 4 PM), need extensive vegan options, or are expecting cutting-edge fine dining—this is solid and reliable, not adventurous.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11:30am - 7pm
Wednesday11:30am - 7pm
Thursday11:30am - 7pm
Friday11:30am - 9pm
Saturday4pm - 9pm
SundayClosed