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1515 Restaurant & Lounge
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
1515 Restaurant & Lounge
8.1
Downtown lounge with a full dinner menu that transitions into a late-night scene on weekends. Cocktails and seafood-forward plates suit lingering, post-theater hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters Rockefeller, Lamb chops, Seafood fettuccine
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Weekend late hours with a cocktail-driven lounge and full kitchen.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and late-night daters
When to visit: 10 pm–12:30 am Fri; later on Sat
What to order: Oysters Rockefeller; lamb chops; seafood fettuccine
Insider tip: Head upstairs for lounge seating and quicker bar access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available on North Main and Locust but fills quickly after 8 pm; nearby garage at Plaza Escuela offers $2/hour after validation.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts or dresses recommended; sneakers and hoodies may feel underdressed on weekends.
Noise level: High after 10 pm as the lounge fills; early evening remains moderate enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without reservation; bar seating often faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins welcome before 7 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several starters and salads, plus customizable pastas.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 adaptable dishes; best to request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes – kitchen can accommodate upon request, including pasta swaps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – dim lighting, lively ambiance, and strong cocktails make it an easy win for first dates that blend dinner and nightlife.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late, but reservations are smart on weekends; the upstairs lounge often has open cocktail tables if the main floor is booked.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal – the space transitions into a lounge atmosphere after 9 pm; better suited for adult groups or date nights.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining with full entrées and a real cocktail program—something few downtown spots maintain past 10 pm.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or family dinner; the music and nightlife vibe can overpower conversation after hours.
1515 Restaurant & Lounge
8.1
Downtown mainstay with a full upstairs banquet floor and VIP lounge for truly private dinners. California-leaning menus (think sea bass, lamb chops) and attentive event service make it a reliable pick for celebrations or executive gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea Bass with bay shrimp & scallops, Lamb Chops, Seafood Fettuccine
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Dedicated banquet room and VIP lounge with full bar and separate entrance.
Who should go: Celebrations and corporate dinners
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 pm or book in advance
What to order: Sea bass; lamb chops; seafood fettuccine
Insider tip: Reserve the upstairs VIP lounge for maximum privacy and AV needs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and nearby garage parking along North Main and Duncan Street; valet occasionally available for private events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—blazers and dresses fit the evening crowd, jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively downstairs; private rooms and VIP lounge offer quieter, controlled sound levels for conversation or AV presentations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several appetizers and pasta dishes are easily made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – kitchen can accommodate by request, especially for private events.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta and proteins available; staff knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you book the main dining room or a cozy corner table—the dim lighting and attentive service make for a polished, conversation-friendly date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are sometimes available at the bar or lounge, but prime weekend slots and private rooms require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better suited for adults and business diners, though families with older teens are welcomed during early evening hours.
Best For
Better for: More upscale and private than nearby bistros—ideal for corporate dinners, milestone celebrations, and events needing full AV or dedicated service.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual weeknight bite or a low-key happy hour setting; opt for nearby cafés or gastropubs instead.
1515 Restaurant & Lounge
7.9
Downtown mainstay offering multi-course prix-fixe dinners alongside a California menu. Good for occasions when you want a structured progression without white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prix-Fixe Appetizer Course (seasonal), Sea Bass over Pesto Gnocchi, Surf-and-Turf Ribeye & Scallops
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Well-priced prix-fixe format in a lively downtown setting.
Who should go: Occasion dinners with mixed tastes
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 pm to avoid the rush
What to order: Prix-fixe trio, oysters, sea bass
Insider tip: Prix-fixe offerings change—call ahead to confirm courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking is available next door; limited street spaces fill quickly after 6 pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; collared shirts and nice denim or dresses fit the scene, no jacket required.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat energy from the bar but still easy to hold conversation in the dining room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; bar seating often open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — rotating veggie entrée options and flexible substitutions on request.
Vegan options: Limited — one or two adaptable courses if you alert the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most proteins and salads can be made gluten-free; ask for gluten-free sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the prix-fixe pacing and lively but not loud setting make it comfortable for conversation without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights, but weekends fill quickly; bar and lounge seating are reliable walk-in options.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the structured menu and adult crowd; teens and older welcome for family celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Best for diners who want an approachable tasting experience with full-bar energy rather than hushed fine dining.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer a quiet, slow-paced meal or need extensive vegan options — nearby Rooftop or Va de Vi may fit better.
1515 Restaurant & Lounge
7.8
California plates, a busy bar, and late energy in a polished downtown setting. Brunch-to-late-night flow and cocktails make it a social standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari, House Burger, Eggs Benedict (brunch)
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-energy lounge vibe with full dining and cocktails.
Who should go: Brunch crews and night-out groups
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday happy hour
What to order: Calamari, house burger, benedict
Insider tip: For a quieter visit, go before 6 pm on weekdays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along North Main and Locust can be tight on weekends; nearby garages at Broadway Plaza and Lesher Center usually have spots ($2/hr).
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean upscale for dinner or drinks.
Noise level: Lively after 7pm with music and crowd energy; moderate earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio or lounge tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are easily accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, flatbreads, and pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—request modifications; staff can adapt certain plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many entrées can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—choose an early evening slot or patio table when the energy is relaxed but stylish; later hours shift toward a louder lounge vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weekdays or late nights, but reservations are smart for weekend brunch or dinner due to limited patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the focus is cocktails and social dining; teens are fine during daytime or brunch service.
Best For
Better for: More upscale energy and nightlife buzz than nearby casual spots like Sauced or Torsap Thai—great for groups that want a lively social setting with full dining.
Skip if: You prefer quiet conversation or fine dining pacing—try Va de Vi for a more intimate meal.
1515 Restaurant & Lounge
7.9
An all-day hang for brunch, cocktails, and California plates with a street-side patio where dogs can join. Energy runs from brunch into late evening with friendly, efficient service outside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari with aioli, House burger, Weekend brunch benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Dog-friendly sidewalk patio with brunch-to-late-night flow.
Who should go: Brunch crews and casual cocktail fans
When to visit: Weekdays before 6 pm for easier patio seating
What to order: Calamari; house burger; benedict
Insider tip: Patio is first-come—arrive early during peak brunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown street parking and nearby garages on Locust and Main are your best bets; meters are enforced until 8 pm, with free garage options after hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine but most guests lean polished for brunch or date-night drinks.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat music and patio chatter but still easy enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; patio fills closer to noon on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, flatbreads, and pasta dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes can be adapted on request; ask your server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many entrées and brunch plates can be modified; staff is accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the sidewalk patio offers lively energy without being too loud, and cocktails make a good icebreaker.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually for lunch or early happy hour, yes; weekends and brunch times fill quickly, so reservations help secure outdoor spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — families are welcome during brunch, though it skews more adult in the evenings when the bar scene picks up.
Best For
Better for: Lively brunches, social happy hours, and people-watching with pets in tow.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet fine-dining experience or a fully vegan menu.
1515 Restaurant & Lounge
7.9
Casual California menu with a busy bar scene and a sunny sidewalk patio. Brunch, happy hour, and late-night energy keep the space active outdoors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Plates, Calamari, Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Always-on patio energy from brunch through late night.
Who should go: Brunch and happy-hour crews
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday happy hour
What to order: Calamari; house burger; brunch plates
Insider tip: For a quieter patio experience, opt for weekdays before 6 pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and nearby public garages along North Main Street; easiest access is the Lesher Center garage on Locust Street.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished jeans or sundresses fit right in; evenings lean slightly dressier for the lounge crowd.
Noise level: Lively outdoors, especially during brunch and happy hour; inside can get loud near the bar but quieter on the patio’s outer tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during summer evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are common and quickly seated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie omelet, and several appetizers are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable sides and salads upon request; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — kitchen can modify some dishes; notify server to ensure safe prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the sunny patio and upbeat bar energy make for a relaxed, fun first-date setting. Opt for brunch or a weekday evening if you prefer less noise.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for lunch or early dinners; weekends and brunch benefit from booking ahead as outdoor seating fills up fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime hours are fine for families, but the crowd skews adult in the evenings and during happy hour.
Best For
Better for: Lively brunches, cocktails, and people-watching along the downtown strip.
Skip if: You want quiet fine dining or a romantic, low-noise dinner — nearby Va de Vi or Massimo offer calmer experiences.