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Sidewalk Grill
Master Critic Review
Sidewalk Grill
7.9
Fast-casual Mediterranean spot on Vermont Avenue delivering consistently fresh grilled kebabs and creative salads like the signature Cran-Ginger. Dark meat chicken kebabs set this place apart from competitors, while the sidewalk patio provides prime people-watching real estate for Los Feliz locals seeking healthy, flavorful meals without the fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dark Meat Chicken Kebabs, Grilled Salmon, Cran-Ginger Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Rare dark meat kebabs and inventive salad combinations at reasonable prices
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and Griffith Observatory visitors wanting quality fast-casual
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid weekend rush
What to order: Dark meat chicken kebab, salmon plate, baba ganoush side
Insider tip: Outdoor patio with heaters perfect post-hike; $5 wine available
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Avenue and side streets - typically easy to find. Metered spots ($1.50/hr) until 8pm weekdays, free after hours and weekends
Dress code: Extremely casual - athleisure, workout gear, jeans all standard. Post-hike attire common
Noise level: Low to moderate - counter-service setup means quieter than full restaurants. Easy conversation at outdoor tables
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait during peak (6-7pm Saturday). No table wait - counter service
Weekday lunch: Minimal - 3-5 min typical ordering time
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - falafel, veggie kebabs, extensive salad builds, all sides meat-free
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, baba ganoush, hummus, grilled veggies. Request no tzatziki/feta on salads
Gluten-free options: Good options - skip pita, get plates with rice. Kebabs and most sides are GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Casual first date yes, impressive date no. The outdoor patio is charming and conversation-friendly, but counter-service format and plastic utensils read more 'getting to know you coffee' than 'trying to impress.' Perfect for active dates post-Griffith Park hike
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or taken - it's counter service with first-come outdoor seating. During peak weekend dinner (6-8pm), patio fills up but turnover is quick. Worst case, order to-go and picnic nearby
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly for ages 3+. Simple grilled chicken and rice appeals to picky eaters, casual counter-service removes pressure, outdoor seating contains noise. No high chairs but plenty of space for strollers on patio
Good for solo dining? Ideal solo spot. Counter service eliminates awkward single-table dynamics, Vermont Avenue people-watching from patio is excellent, and you're surrounded by other solo diners grabbing healthy quick meals. Laptop-friendly off-peak
Can I bring my dog? Yes - outdoor patio welcomes leashed dogs. Water bowls usually available. Very common to see dogs here given the post-hike crowd
Best For
Better for: Choose Sidewalk Grill when you want Mediterranean that's actually healthy (not fried), when dark meat beats bland chicken breast, for post-outdoor-activity refueling, or when you need quality fast-casual without the Chipotle assembly line stress. The $5 wine also beats most fast-casual competitors
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant experience with table service, need impressive ambiance for special occasions, prefer traditional Greek over modern Mediterranean fusion, or want authentic Middle Eastern (Zankou does that better). Also skip if you're a white meat purist