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Dunsmoor
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Dunsmoor
8.6
Chef Brian Dunsmoor’s American heritage restaurant in Eagle Rock delivers wood-fired, grill-driven cooking with serious technique behind familiar flavors. The menu moves through richly seasoned meats, careful vegetable work, and shareable sides that feel both rustic and refined. A destination for Northeast LA when you want ambitious American cooking without pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-grilled steak or chop of the day, Cornbread with seasonal butter, Beef tartare or crudo starter
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Fire-driven American cooking with a chef’s-counter level of detail.
Who should go: Food-focused diners and couples seeking a special night.
When to visit: Evenings, especially midweek for easiest reservations.
What to order: Grilled main, cornbread, one raw starter.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for walk-in availability and the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates; expect a mix of metered and unmetered spots on Eagle Rock Blvd and nearby residential streets. It fills up after 6pm, so plan a few extra minutes to circle. No valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly elevated lean. Nice jeans and a button-down or a simple dress fit the room’s polished-but-relaxed vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. The wood-fire and open room create energy, but you can still hold a normal conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for bar or patio walk-ins; prime-time tables typically require reservations.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — seasonal vegetable dishes and several sides work well as a composed meal.
Vegan options: Limited — usually 1–2 dishes that can be ordered vegan or are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Strong options — many mains and sides are naturally gluten-free, and staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, bar seating, and refined-but-comfortable cooking make it ideal for a first date where you want something impressive without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. The bar is the best bet for walk-ins, especially early evening on weekdays. Weekends usually require a wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The atmosphere leans adult and dinner-focused, but well-behaved older kids can fit in. No dedicated kids’ menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Ambitious wood-fired American cooking with polished technique — ideal when you want a chef-driven experience without the stiffness of fine dining.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, low-key neighborhood meal or need a broad menu with extensive vegan options.
Dunsmoor
8.4
Chef Brian Dunsmoor’s bar-only burger is a rich, hearth-driven take on the classic—deeply savory, carefully balanced, and paired naturally with duck-fat fries. It’s a perfect ‘sit at the bar and treat yourself’ move rather than a casual burger run. Pricey, but engineered to feel like a full experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dunsmoor bar burger, Duck-fat fries, Seasonal wood-fired sides
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A chef-driven, bar-exclusive burger built with fine-dining precision.
Who should go: Food nerds who want a splurge-level burger.
When to visit: Early evening for easiest bar seating.
What to order: Bar burger, duck-fat fries, whatever’s wood-fired.
Insider tip: Ask for the burger at the wine bar even if dining elsewhere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Eagle Rock Blvd and the nearby side streets is the main option; it can be tight after 6pm, so allow extra time or use rideshare for peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight upscale lean—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished due to the fine-dining dining room attached.
Noise level: Moderate—there’s a lively hum from the dining room, but bar seating typically allows clear conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait for bar seats if you arrive after 6:30pm; earlier arrivals have a better shot at immediate seating.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service at the bar—burger is available during dinner hours only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—this is a meat-focused bar menu, and the burger itself has no vegetarian equivalent.
Vegan options: No meaningful vegan options; the bar menu is built around meat and butter-forward preparations.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified, but the burger is not fully gluten-free due to the bun; ask staff for current GF workarounds.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bar seating gives intimacy without stuffiness, and the polished environment makes it feel elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? The burger is bar-only, so reservations don’t apply; walk in early to secure bar seats, as prime dinner hours fill up fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The wine bar and bar-only format skew adult, and the menu doesn’t cater to younger diners.
Best For
Better for: An indulgent, chef-level burger experience with upscale sides and a wood-fire backdrop—ideal when you want a luxurious take on comfort food.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual, fast, or affordable burger run; the price point and bar-only setup make it less suited for quick bites or groups.
Dunsmoor
8.3
A Glassell Park destination where fries show up in their most indulgent form—often duck-fat cooked and paired with the restaurant’s live-fire, steak-forward menu. They’re crisp, rich, and built to be shared alongside bold mains. This is fries as fine-dining side dish, not a snack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck fat fries, Steak frites, Dunsmoor burger with fries
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Live-fire restaurant serving decadent duck-fat fries.
Who should go: Food-obsessed diners wanting a destination meal.
When to visit: Dinner, especially weekends for full menu energy.
What to order: Duck fat fries, steak frites, burger.
Insider tip: Add fries to the table early—they disappear fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during dinner service; nearby residential street parking is limited and fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated denim works but most guests opt for polished outfits.
Noise level: Moderate; lively dining room but still comfortable enough for conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak live-fire service windows.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Dunsmoor operates primarily as a dinner destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes, though offerings are limited; vegetable-forward starters rotate seasonally.
Vegan options: Very limited; menu leans heavily on live-fire meats and dairy-based sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes, several dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible due to the open-fire kitchen setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, refined plating, and polished service create an upscale but relaxed environment that works well for an impressive first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait. Walk-ins are taken at the bar or smaller tables, with the best chance right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the menu skews adult and the room is geared toward date nights and groups. Older kids and teens comfortable with upscale dining may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Live-fire cooking, luxurious sides like duck-fat fries, and elevated, destination-level ambiance.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual, budget-friendly fry experience or want a meal that’s quick and quiet.
Dunsmoor
8.3
A live-fire, Southern-leaning steakhouse where nearly everything hits the hearth before it hits your table. The cooking is all about deep char, rich smoke, and careful but unfussy technique, with steaks that feel special without going formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-fired dry-aged ribeye, Sour-milk cornbread with honey butter, Hearth-roasted pork chop
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Steakhouse-level beef and sides cooked entirely over a wood-fired hearth.
Who should go: Live-fire steak fans and date-night diners.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations and calmer energy.
What to order: Ribeye, cornbread, pork chop or seasonal hearth veggies.
Insider tip: Grab walk-in seats at the wine bar if the dining room is booked.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Eagle Rock Blvd and surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable before 6:30pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours. No valet on-site.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—jeans are fine, but most diners elevate with nicer tops, boots, or jackets given the date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—lively room with open hearth sounds, but still easy enough to hold a full conversation at a two-top.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for walk-ins; bar seats may open faster if you’re flexible.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service; early weekday evenings have the shortest wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several hearth-fired vegetable plates and salads that feel intentional rather than filler.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be adapted, but the menu leans heavily on butter and animal fats.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—many proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free, and staff is well-versed in modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the warm lighting, open-fire atmosphere, and polished service make it an ideal setting for a first date that feels elevated without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-in spots at the wine bar and select counter seats are your best bet. Arrive early to improve your chances, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—while children are allowed, the darker lighting, adult-oriented menu, and date-night energy make it better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Live-fire cooking and char-focused steaks that balance Southern comfort with upscale execution. Ideal for diners wanting a premium experience without classic steakhouse formality.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, white-tablecloth steakhouses or need a wide array of lighter, dairy-free, or vegan dishes—the menu skews rich and flame-driven.
Dunsmoor
8.7
A Glassell Park live-fire destination where Chef Brian Dunsmoor channels Southern-leaning American cooking through a wood hearth. The menu balances deep smoke, careful technique, and seasonal restraint, landing in that sweet spot of special-occasion food without stiffness. Come ready for a paced, share-forward meal that’s about the hearth as much as the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged ribeye cooked over wood fire, Stuffed whole trout, Roasted squash with ricotta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Hearth-driven, Southern-tilted American fine dining in a landmark Glassell Park room.
Who should go: Special-occasion diners who love live-fire cooking.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing and easier reservations.
What to order: Ribeye, whole trout, seasonal hearth vegetables.
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat for off-menu surprises and tighter service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available on Eagle Rock Blvd and nearby residential blocks; it’s generally manageable before 7pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated—think nice denim, boots, button-downs, or casual dresses. You don’t need formalwear, but avoid overly casual gym attire.
Noise level: Moderate. The open hearth adds a constant low hum, but you can comfortably hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–60 minute wait for bar seating without a reservation; tables are typically booked out in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Dunsmoor is dinner-only, so there is no weekday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there are thoughtful vegetable-forward dishes built around seasonal produce and the hearth. The kitchen can adjust some plates on request.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 naturally vegan items depending on the menu cycle, but this is not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several items are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can accommodate, though there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, attentive service, and a paced meal create an intimate environment without feeling too formal. The open hearth adds a shared talking point.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly for bar seating early in the evening or late night, especially on weekdays. Standard tables typically require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The menu, pacing, and atmosphere skew adult, though well-behaved teens accustomed to fine dining may be comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Live-fire cooking executed at a fine-dining level, Southern-inflected flavors, and a warm yet elevated atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-smoke room; you need extensive vegan options; or you prefer a shorter, faster meal.
Dunsmoor
8.7
A Glassell Park live-fire restaurant from Chef Brian Dunsmoor that turns Southern-leaning American cooking into a slow, celebratory evening around the hearth. Smoke-kissed proteins, deep stews, and seasonal sides land with special-occasion weight without feeling stiff. Best for a planned night where the pacing and craft are part of the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled ribeye over the hearth, Pork & green chile stew, Seasonal hearth vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Hearth-driven heritage cooking with destination-level craft.
Who should go: Couples or groups celebrating a milestone.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing and easier reservations.
What to order: Ribeye, pork chile stew, seasonal hearth veg.
Insider tip: Ask your server what’s best off the fire that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the primary option; arrive a few minutes early as nearby blocks fill during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated but not formal. Most guests dress for a special night out.
Noise level: Moderate; the room carries the hum of an open hearth but conversation at the table is comfortable.
Weekend wait: Expect a significant wait without a reservation—typically 45–75 minutes depending on time and party size.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not served; dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few composed vegetable dishes are available, and some mains can be adapted, but the menu leans protein-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; the kitchen can sometimes adjust sides, but this is not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes, especially proteins and some vegetables; inform your server for guidance on sauces and cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a slower, more intentional evening. The hearth energy and polished service create a warm, romantic setting, though the price and pacing make it better for a date you want to feel meaningful rather than casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on a weeknight if you arrive early. Weekends are rarely walk-in friendly; expect long waits or no availability during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The menu, pacing, and atmosphere are geared toward adults. Older teens who enjoy elevated dining may be comfortable, but younger kids may find it too long and too quiet.
Best For
Better for: A true celebratory meal built around fire-driven cooking, shareable proteins, and an immersive dining experience that feels handcrafted.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, broad vegan options, or a low-cost casual dinner. The format and pacing reward diners looking for a planned, unhurried night.
Dunsmoor
8.6
A Glassell Park hearth-driven restaurant that treats California farms as the starting line, then pushes ingredients through confident wood-fire technique. The menu shifts with the seasons, leaning into vegetables, heritage meats, and smoke-kissed sauces that feel both rustic and exacting. Come for a serious dinner that still carries neighborhood warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hearth-roasted seasonal vegetables, Wood-fired heritage pork or steak cut, Housemade breads with cultured butter
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Live-fire cooking with tightly seasonal sourcing.
Who should go: Food-first diners chasing a standout night out.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier pacing and better bar access.
What to order: Seasonal veg, a hearth main, fresh bread.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for bonus off-menu moments.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Eagle Rock Blvd and side streets is the norm; it can tighten after 6pm, so allow extra time. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge—dark denim is fine, but most guests lean dressy due to the upscale vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; the open kitchen and hearth add ambient buzz, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only; early evening walk-ins sometimes possible.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—seasonal vegetable dishes are a core part of the menu and often standout plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items may naturally be vegan, but most dishes use butter or animal fats; best to confirm day-of.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be adapted, and mains often skew naturally GF, but cross-contact is possible given the hearth setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, stylish, and conversation-friendly without being stiff. The bar seats overlooking the hearth add a memorable touch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly if you arrive early on a weeknight. Weekends are tough—bar seats are your best shot for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this is a grown-up, dinner-focused spot without a kids’ menu or space for strollers. Older teens who appreciate food will fare better than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fire technique, seasonal precision, and a more elevated atmosphere than most neighborhood restaurants.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, extensive vegan offerings, or a casual family dinner—lighter, more flexible spots nearby are better fits.
Dunsmoor
8.6
A hearth-driven restaurant from chef Brian Dunsmoor where the chef’s counter puts you close to the live-fire action and the kitchen’s Southern-leaning California lens. The experience is best at the counter, watching breads, seafood, and heritage meats move through the coals with confident, seasonal pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cornbread with cultured butter, Dry-aged ribeye over the hearth, Smoked bone marrow
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef’s counter live-fire cooking that turns heritage ingredients into a guided, close-up meal.
Who should go: Food-first diners who want a chef-led night out
When to visit: Weeknights for easiest counter access
What to order: Cornbread, a hearth main, seasonal vegetables
Insider tip: Book the chef’s counter for the full show.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates; availability varies but is generally manageable on side streets north of the restaurant. No valet, and peak dinner hours can require a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—button-downs, dresses, and elevated denim all fit the room’s upscale but relaxed energy.
Noise level: Moderate; the open hearth adds ambient sound, but counter seats still allow clear conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins at the counter are rare and may require a 45–90 minute wait.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service isn’t standard; for weekday dinner, early slots (5–6pm) sometimes have limited walk-in potential.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetable dishes are core to the menu, and the team can build a thoughtful sequence if notified.
Vegan options: Limited—live-fire cooking leans heavily on butter and animal fats; call ahead for accommodation.
Gluten-free options: Strong—many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen is good about steering guests toward safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if the goal is an impressive, immersive night. The chef’s counter creates built-in conversation points, but the intensity of the hearth may feel bold for very early dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during prime hours. Your best shot is arriving right at opening on a weekday and requesting counter seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—long pacing, open flame, and tight counter seating make it better suited to adults. Older teens who enjoy culinary experiences may appreciate it.
Best For
Better for: Live-fire technique and chef interaction—few restaurants in the area offer this close-up, seasonal hearth cooking with such precision.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining, need extensive vegan options, or want a quick in-and-out meal—this is an immersive, slower experience.
Dunsmoor
8.7
A hearth-driven destination where live-fire technique shapes a tightly seasonal California menu. The room’s communal-table layout and back wine bar make it one of the few true private-dining-ready anchors in 90065, ideal for chef-led group nights without losing neighborhood warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skillet cornbread with cultured butter, Wood-fired heritage pork chop, Seasonal hearth vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Live-fire seasonal cooking with private-event communal tables and wine-bar options.
Who should go: Food-first groups celebrating something big.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing and easier buyouts.
What to order: Cornbread, hearth main, seasonal vegetables.
Insider tip: Ask about the back wine bar for a more secluded event flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Eagle Rock Blvd and surrounding residential streets; generally manageable before 6pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours. No valet on most nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated; dark denim is fine but most groups dress up for the chef-driven setting and group celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation at the table is still comfortable, but communal tables and the open hearth add ambient energy.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused restaurant; early weekday dinners typically have little to no wait with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—seasonal vegetable dishes and sides often shine due to the hearth-driven cooking.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable plates can be adjusted, but full vegan entrées are not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation—many mains and veg-forward dishes are naturally gluten-free; check with the kitchen for specific preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if the goal is an elevated, chef-led experience—communal seating leans intimate but energetic, ideal for food-forward dates rather than quiet one-on-one nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—your best shot is early on weeknights. Larger groups or private dining setups require advance booking due to the communal-table format.
Is it kid-friendly? Best suited for adults; the menu, pacing, and live-fire setting are geared toward grown-up dining. Older teens comfortable with chef-driven meals may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: Live-fire seasonal cooking in a refined yet neighborhood-rooted setting, plus one of the rare true private-dining configurations in the 90065 area.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional private room with full isolation, or you need extensive vegan options—the format here is communal and hearth-first.