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Truxton's American Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Truxton's American Bistro
8.3
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Truxton’s American Bistro in Torrance is a polished neighborhood bistro where a broad comfort-food menu, full bar, and weekday happy hour draw both families and after-work crowds. Small plates, draft beer, and cocktails make the bar area especially appealing for shared bites and drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Cauliflower, Chinese Chicken Salad, Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Penne
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Upscale-casual bistro with strong bar program and snackable happy hour menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting nicer atmosphere without full fine-dining formality.
When to visit: Mon–Thu happy hour for lighter crowds and best bar seats.
What to order: Buffalo Cauliflower, Chinese Chicken Salad, Spicy Red Pepper Penne.
Insider tip: Post up at the bar for happy hour, then stay for full dinner service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking is plentiful in the Skypark complex, with overflow behind the building; rarely fills except during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and polos are standard, but many after-work guests lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate; bar area gets lively during happy hour, but booths and side rooms allow comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for most parties; longer if you want a booth. Bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for groups; service moves quickly with business-lunch pacing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—salads, bowls, pastas, and veggie starters offer multiple choices.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—customizable salads and a few starters can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are GF or can be made GF; staff is knowledgeable and can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished but comfortable, with a lively bar that still allows conversation. Works best for casual first dates rather than ultra-romantic evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes. Walk-ins are common, especially during weekday happy hour. On weekends, expect a short wait or aim for bar seating to skip the line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs, kids’ menu options, and spacious booths make it easy for families. Evenings before 7pm are the smoothest for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Versatility and consistency—great for mixed groups where one person wants cocktails, another wants comfort food, and everyone wants reliable service.
Skip if: You’re looking for a chef-driven menu, deep craft-cocktail program, or ultra-quiet dining. Smaller bistros or specialized gastropubs may be a better fit.
Truxton's American Bistro
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Neighborhood bistro known for “twisted classic” comfort food and a strong burger lineup, from the ribeye-and-pork Phillipe Burger to creative chicken and veggie options. With all-day brunch, full bar, and steady crowds since the mid-2000s, it doubles as a family favorite and casual business-lunch spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phillipe Burger, Candied Jalapeño Chicken Burger Plate, Caprese Burger Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Polished neighborhood bistro where burgers range from classic to cheffy without feeling fussy.
Who should go: Families, brunch groups, and casual business meetups.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before it gets busy.
What to order: Phillipe Burger, Candied Jalapeño Chicken Burger, Monkey Bread starter.
Insider tip: Pair a burger with their garlicky Monkey Bread—locals treat it as mandatory.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking in the center plus ample surrounding street parking; fills up during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, polos, and relaxed weekend outfits all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during brunch but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—veggie burgers, salads, and several starters can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; ask for modifications on salads and bowls, plus a vegan-friendly veggie patty.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free buns available and many entrées can be adapted; staff is used to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and low-pressure—it's friendly, comfortable, and not too noisy, though not the spot for a candlelit, romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, but showing up before peak brunch or dinner hours will get you seated fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, a broad kids' menu, and quick service make it ideal for families with children of any age.
Best For
Better for: Creative-but-approachable comfort food and burgers served in a polished neighborhood space with reliable service.
Skip if: You’re looking for a cutting-edge chef’s tasting menu, a late-night scene, or ultra-cheap diner classics.
Truxton's American Bistro
8.4
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 2006, Truxton’s has been the neighborhood bistro for elevated comfort food, standout Parmesan garlic fries, and brunch-friendly plates. With thousands of reviews and steady lines, it’s a reliable sit-down pick for groups, cocktails, and fry-loaded sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parmesan Garlic Fries, Tres Leches Double Cut French Toast, Al Pastor Sandwich with Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Modern neighborhood bistro where Parmesan garlic fries share billing with brunch, burgers, and cocktails.
Who should go: Groups wanting polished comfort food and reliable service.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before it gets packed.
What to order: Parmesan garlic fries, monkey bread, al pastor sandwich with fries.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster seating and easy fry refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking in the shared center; fills up during peak brunch hours. Street parking available but can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, polos, and brunch-friendly outfits all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively buzz during brunch but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, veggie-forward starters, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items can be made vegan with modifications; fries are typically safe but ask about seasoning.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly dishes and modifications available; kitchen is accommodating but not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates — the atmosphere is upbeat but not noisy, and the menu is approachable with fun shareables like the Parmesan garlic fries. Not ideal if you're aiming for candlelit-romantic vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially for lunch or early dinner. For peak brunch hours, expect a short wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — spacious seating, a kid-friendly menu, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe make it easy for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistently excellent fries, polished comfort food, and reliable group-friendly service set it apart from nearby casual eateries.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for avant-garde cuisine or a quiet, upscale fine-dining experience — this bistro leans lively and comfort-driven.
Truxton's American Bistro
8.4
Since 2006, Truxton’s has anchored Westchester with an all-day bistro menu and a daily brunch heavy on comfort classics. It’s where groups gather for big plates, bottomless coffee, and shareable starters in a bright, casual room that balances neighborhood warmth with polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truxton's Monkey Bread, Farmland Omelet, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood bistro with a deep, flexible brunch menu.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting something for everyone.
When to visit: Late morning weekdays or early weekend brunch.
What to order: Monkey bread, Farmland omelet, breakfast burrito.
Insider tip: Sit near the front windows for natural light and quicker refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Plenty of free parking in the shared lot; street parking available but fills quickly during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, tees, and weekend athleisure all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively brunch buzz but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes; dinner is less busy than brunch but still draws neighborhood families.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — omelets, salads, and several sides can be customized vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few bowls and salads can be modified; ask for vegan substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free upon request; clearly labeled menu items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates — the bright dining room and relaxed vibe make it easy to chat, though it’s not ideal if you’re aiming for something intimate or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common. Arrive before 10:30am on weekends to avoid the brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, a kids’ menu, and plenty of space for strollers make it a strong pick for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: A broad, comfort-forward brunch menu with something for everyone, especially groups who want large portions and fast service.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven dishes, craft cocktails, or a quiet, romantic atmosphere — other brunch spots in the area are better suited to that.
Truxton's American Bistro
8.3
Neighborhood bistro since 2006 with a deep burger section, craft beers, and a polished but relaxed dining room. It’s a go-to for Westchester families and groups looking for reliable burgers, from signature builds to veggie options, before or after a flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phillipe Burger, Truxton's Bistro Sliders, Sweet Potato Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A long-running local bistro where burgers share the spotlight with comfort classics and an unusually broad menu.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting reliable comfort food near LAX
When to visit: Early evening for relaxed dinners before or after flights
What to order: Phillipe Burger, Bistro Sliders, and a side of sweet potato fries.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal burger or slider specials; the kitchen rotates limited-time builds that regulars watch for.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking in the shared plaza plus generally easy street parking on Truxton Ave; fills up during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, and travel-friendly outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak family hours; conversational without shouting except during big group gatherings.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes for groups; smaller parties often seated within 15–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the dining room stays steadily busy with locals.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—veggie burgers, salads, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—veggie patty can be modified, plus a few sides and salads with tweaks.
Gluten-free options: Multiple gluten-free options including burgers with GF buns and several salads; staff is used to guiding substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for laid-back and low-pressure. The polished-casual setting and friendly service keep things relaxed, though it’s not the most intimate spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, especially for small parties. For groups of 6+ or during prime weekend hours, a call-ahead is smart.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—ideal for families with kids 3+. There’s a kids’ menu, roomy booths, and staff accustomed to family dining.
Best For
Better for: Consistent burgers, a flexible menu, and a family-friendly space that’s calmer and more polished than most late-night burger spots near LAX.
Skip if: You want chef-driven or trend-forward burgers, a bar-centric scene, or a quiet, candlelit dinner.