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Messhall Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Messhall Kitchen
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Regional American gastropub in Cecil B. DeMille's former Brown Derby building with summer camp-themed industrial design. The kitchen emphasizes organic seasonal ingredients in comfort classics like white cheddar mac and cheese, BBQ ribs, and the signature Mess Burger. The spacious patio with fire pits and impressive bourbon collection create a casual yet professional lunch atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mess Burger, Mac and Cheese, Baby Back Ribs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Historic building housing Brown Derby since 1940 with bourbon focus
Who should go: Groups and professionals seeking American comfort food
When to visit: Weekday lunch Monday-Friday 12-3pm
What to order: Mess Burger, kale caesar, dollar oysters on Tuesdays
Insider tip: Valet parking is only $8 and worth it for convenience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 (excellent value for Los Feliz), street parking challenging but available on side streets
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - jeans acceptable but keep it polished for lunch meetings
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patio - conversations flow easily even during busy lunch
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday evenings
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including veggie burger, salads, and sides like mac & cheese
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 adaptable options, call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available, several naturally GF options, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd-4th date - the casual vibe and noise level work for established rapport, but lacks the intimate atmosphere for getting-to-know-you conversation. Request patio seating for more romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, walk-ins welcome. Weekend dinner risky - call ahead or expect 30-45 min bar wait. Tuesday oyster nights get packed, reservation strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially patio with fire pits. Comfort food menu appeals to kids, casual atmosphere accommodates families. Better for ages 8+ who can handle gastropub seating - no dedicated kids' menu but burgers and mac & cheese work.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches needing privacy without stuffiness, groups wanting shareables and bourbon selection, clients who appreciate historic LA venues, outdoor dining when weather cooperates
Skip if: You need quiet intimate ambiance, want cutting-edge culinary innovation over comfort classics, seeking quick 30-minute lunch (service is relaxed), or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options
Messhall Kitchen
7.7
Summer camp-themed American tavern near Greek Theatre featuring raw oyster bar and bourbon collection. Regional American comfort food includes the signature Mess Burger and weekend brunch specials like country benedict, all served on sprawling patio with fire pits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mess Burger, Country Benedict, Crispy Brussels
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Historic location with Cecil B. DeMille Brown Derby history and $1 oyster Tuesdays
Who should go: Greek Theatre concertgoers and bourbon enthusiasts
When to visit: Saturday or Sunday brunch, or Tuesday for $1 oysters
What to order: Mess Burger, any BBQ special, crispy brussels
Insider tip: Valet parking available and you can leave car during Greek Theatre concerts
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available ($15-18), street parking challenging in Los Feliz but easier on weekdays. Can leave car during Greek Theatre shows.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the camp theme means jeans and tees work, but most guests lean toward brunch-nice on weekends
Noise level: Moderate indoors, quieter on patio - conversation-friendly except when Greek Theatre crowds arrive pre-show
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Friday/Saturday, especially 6-8pm Greek Theatre show nights
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - decent options including veggie hash, salads, and brussels sprouts, though menu skews meat-heavy
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 adaptable dishes, best to call ahead for brunch modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - burger available on GF bun, several naturally GF options, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date - the camp vibe and sprawling patio create relaxed energy, but can get loud on concert nights. Brunch date here is solid move.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners yes, but reserve for weekend brunch and any night with Greek Theatre shows. Bar seating usually available as backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - the summer camp theme appeals to kids, outdoor space lets them move around, and classic American menu has crowd-pleasers. High chairs available.
How's the oyster bar? $1 oyster Tuesdays are the move (usually 4-6pm) - fresh East and West coast selection. Regular price ($3-4 each) rest of week, quality consistent.
Is the patio heated? Yes - fire pits and heat lamps make it comfortable year-round, though prime patio spots fill fast on nice evenings
Best For
Better for: Pre-concert dining with parking solution, bourbon selection (100+ bottles), $1 oyster deals, and group brunches where sprawling patio space matters more than culinary innovation
Skip if: You want cutting-edge LA cuisine or intimate ambiance - this is comfort food done well, not destination dining. Also skip if you hate crowds on Greek Theatre show nights.
Messhall Kitchen
7.7
Summer camp-themed restaurant in historic Cecil B. DeMille building serving regional American comfort food. Weekend brunch features substantial dishes like smoked brisket hash and country benedicts on a sprawling patio with fire pits perfect for pre-Greek Theatre meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Brisket Hash, Country Benny, Mac and Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Nostalgic summer camp theme with solid regional American brunch in historic venue
Who should go: Groups and families seeking spacious patio dining with comfort food
When to visit: Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm brunch, weeknights before Greek Theatre shows
What to order: Smoked brisket hash, country benedict, bourbon cocktails
Insider tip: Building once housed Cecil B. DeMille's branch of the Brown Derby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Self-parking lot available, street parking easier on weekdays. Arrive early for weekend brunch.
Dress code: Casual comfort - think weekend brunch attire, athleisure perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderately lively - energetic brunch buzz but conversation-friendly, quieter on patio
Weekend wait: 20-30 min walk-in typical Friday-Saturday evenings
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several egg dishes, avocado toast, veggie scrambles available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes, better options elsewhere for strict vegans
Gluten-free options: Some options - ask about GF bread substitutions for benedicts and toast
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd or 3rd dates. The camp theme and bustling brunch vibe keeps things light and fun, but can be too energetic for intimate conversation. Patio tables offer more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, arrive and expect minimal wait. Weekend brunch is a gamble - waits can hit 30-45 minutes by 11am. Reserve ahead or arrive right at 10am opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. The playful camp decor entertains children, patio has space for restless kids to move around, and menu includes approachable comfort food. Great for families with kids under 12.
Good for large groups? Yes - one of the better Los Feliz options for groups of 6-10. Spacious patio accommodates bigger parties, and shareable comfort food works well for communal dining.
What's the scene before Greek Theatre shows? Popular pre-show dinner spot with lively crowd. Arrive 2+ hours before showtime to eat leisurely and avoid parking chaos. Staff knows the drill and can time service accordingly.
Best For
Better for: Choose Messhall for: spacious group brunches, families with kids, casual outdoor dining without pretension, solid comfort food over inventive cuisine, pre-Greek Theatre convenience
Skip if: Skip if you want: quiet romantic ambiance, cutting-edge cuisine, vegan-forward menu, quick weekday breakfast (Alcove is faster), intimate dining for two (try Little Dom's instead)
Messhall Kitchen
8.1
Housed in a 1940s Cecil B. DeMille building, this regional American gastropub channels summer camp nostalgia with Vermont cheddar mac and cheese, BBQ ribs, and an impressive bourbon collection. The sprawling fire pit patio and industrial-chic design create a social atmosphere that draws pre-Greek Theatre crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mess Burger with grilled onions, Three-cheese mac and cheese, Baby back ribs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Historic building with fire pit patios and Tuesday $1 oysters
Who should go: Groups, Greek Theatre concertgoers, bourbon enthusiasts
When to visit: Tuesday happy hour or weekend brunch
What to order: Mess Burger, mac and cheese, dollar oysters on Tuesdays
Insider tip: Valet is $8 and they'll hold your car during Greek Theatre shows
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 (they'll hold your car during Greek Theatre shows), street parking available but competitive on event nights
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers totally fine, it's a relaxed gastropub vibe
Noise level: Moderately loud indoors, quieter on the patio - conversation-friendly but has energetic buzz
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially pre-Greek Theatre shows (5-7pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins typically seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie burger, salads, and sides like mac and cheese
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified options available, call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF buns available for burgers, several naturally GF options, kitchen accommodates requests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - the fire pit patio is romantic and conversation-friendly, but skip if you want quiet intimacy (it gets buzzy). Weekend brunch is your safest bet for lower energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknights, yes. Weekend dinners and Tuesday happy hour (dollar oysters), make a reservation. Avoid walking in 5-7pm on Greek Theatre event nights - it's packed with pre-show crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly, especially weekend brunch and early dinners. The summer camp theme resonates with families, outdoor space gives kids room to move, and the comfort food menu has crowd-pleasers. High chairs available.
What's the scene like on Tuesday nights? Lively happy hour scene driven by $1 oyster special - expect a younger, social crowd. Arrive by 5:30pm to avoid the rush and secure patio seating. Great for casual hangouts, not ideal for quiet conversations.
Is the patio heated year-round? Yes - fire pits and heaters make the patio comfortable even in cooler months. The outdoor space is actually the main attraction, so don't let weather deter you.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and pre-show dining (especially Greek Theatre), bourbon selection, outdoor dining with heaters/fire pits, Tuesday happy hour deals, and casual American comfort food in a unique historic setting
Skip if: You want quiet intimacy, fine dining ambiance, cutting-edge culinary innovation, or extensive vegan options - head to nearby Kismet or All Time instead for those needs