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Horses
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Horses
8.8
Horses is a Michelin-recognized contemporary bistro on Sunset that channels old Hollywood energy with martinis, a tight seasonal menu, and one of the city’s most talked-about burgers. It’s a destination for long, lingering dinners where endive Caesar, off-menu vodka rigatoni, and Cornish hen share the table with strong cocktails and excellent people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
Horses Caesar (endive Caesar salad), Off-menu vodka rigatoni “The Herman”, Cornish hen with panzanella
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A buzzy, Michelin-recognized Sunset bistro blending vintage pub bones with contemporary, French-leaning American cooking.
Who should go: Date-night diners and scene-chasers who care about food.
When to visit: Prime evening slots when the room and bar are humming.
What to order: Horses Caesar, vodka rigatoni, Cornish hen with panzanella.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu vodka pasta and plan to eat at the bar if reservations are gone.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available on Sunset, with limited but possible street parking on adjacent residential blocks; expect difficulty after 7pm.
Dress code: Dressy-smart casual; elevated looks fit the room, though polished jeans with a nice top or jacket work fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation at the table, but the bar and peak weekend slots run louder.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes at the bar without a reservation; walk-ins are seated only if you’re patient.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Horses is dinner-focused; earlier weeknight reservations are easier to secure.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — items like the endive Caesar, seasonal vegetable dishes, and certain pastas are strong options.
Vegan options: Limited — menu leans dairy-forward; modifications may be possible but choices are few.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — salads and proteins can be made gluten-conscious, but pastas and breads are not GF-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, vintage ambiance, and balanced buzz make it an excellent first-date setting, especially if you sit at the bar.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait; bar seats are your best walk-in strategy, and early evening or late-night windows improve your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — it’s a scene-forward, adult-oriented bistro with a late crowd and no kid-focused menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Horses excels at elevated yet unfussy bistro cooking with strong cocktails and a high-energy room, making it ideal for celebratory or scene-driven evenings.
Skip if: Skip if you want quiet dining, extensive vegan options, easy parking, or budget-friendly plates.
Horses
8.9
Horses is a high-energy Sunset Boulevard bistro where a famously precise cheeseburger shares the menu with seasonal, French-leaning plates and strong cocktails. Diners come for the combination of old Hollywood bones, sharp cooking, and a room that feels buzzy without losing polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Horses cheeseburger, Vodka rigatoni, Endive or Caesar-style salad
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A Sunset bistro where a refined cheeseburger meets serious cocktails and scene.
Who should go: Burger lovers who also want a big-night-out dining room.
When to visit: Prime evening slots when the bar and dining room buzz.
What to order: Horses cheeseburger, vodka rigatoni, a seasonal salad.
Insider tip: Book bar seats for a slightly easier reservation and great burger access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset is limited; most guests rely on nearby paid lots or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge—think dark denim, button-downs, or elevated evening wear.
Noise level: Lively and energetic with steady bar chatter; still manageable for two-person conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation—often 60–90 minutes for bar or walk-in spots.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable, as Horses is dinner-focused; early evening weekday times have shorter waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—seasonal veggie plates and salads are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on dairy or butter-based preparations.
Gluten-free options: Several adaptable dishes, but confirm with staff; the team is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Horses offers a buzzy, stylish room with great cocktails and a signature burger that creates an easy talking point. It’s lively without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but it’s tough during peak hours. Your best bet is early evening bar seats, which are often released to walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it's geared toward adults, with dim lighting, a strong bar presence, and late-night energy. Older teens may be fine, but young kids won't have much to enjoy.
Best For
Better for: A refined yet high-energy burger experience with elevated cocktails and old-Hollywood atmosphere that feels like an occasion.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fast service, or more extensive dietary accommodations—other neighborhood spots will be more flexible and low-key.
Horses
8.6
Horses reimagines a historic Sunset Boulevard tavern as a fashion-conscious bistro where endive Caesar, Cornish game hen, and milk toast land under gallery-like lighting. Since opening in 2021, it has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand reservations and a MICHELIN-recognized benchmark for scene-driven dining with serious cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Horses Caesar salad, Cornish game hen with panzanella, Milk toast dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Hollywood tavern remake serving polished bistro plates in a buzzy room.
Who should go: Diners chasing Hollywood energy with serious contemporary cooking.
When to visit: Late reservations when the bar and back room are packed.
What to order: Horses Caesar, Cornish game hen, milk toast.
Insider tip: Solo diners have the best shot at last-minute seats at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the $12–$15 range; metered street parking on Sunset and side streets is possible but competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual that leans fashion-forward; elevated denim is fine but most guests dress stylishly for the room’s Hollywood energy.
Noise level: Moderately loud, especially in the bar and back room; you can hold a conversation, but it’s a lively, music-forward space.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–75 minute wait for bar seats without a reservation; tables are rarely available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as Horses is dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several composed vegetable dishes and pastas can be made vegetarian, and servers are used to guiding guests.
Vegan options: Limited — a few starters or salads can be modified, but the menu is not vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can adjust certain plates; no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, polished service, and upscale-but-fun energy make it ideal for an impressive first date, especially if you can secure a table in the main room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely. Your best bet is arriving early and requesting bar seating, which turns over more quickly and sometimes accommodates solo diners or pairs.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the room is loud, late-leaning, and geared toward adults. Teens may enjoy it, but younger children likely won’t find it comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Polished bistro cooking served in a truly Hollywood, see-and-be-seen environment — ideal for special nights, date energy, and stylish groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a kid-friendly spot, or a place with extensive vegan or gluten-free accommodations.
Horses
8.8
Horses is a Michelin-recognized contemporary bistro on Sunset where butcher’s steak, steak frites, and strong martinis share the spotlight with pastas and small plates. Tight tables, dim lighting, and a buzzy bar make it one of the most sought-after modern Hollywood date-night rooms for steak-leaning dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butcher's steak with potatoes al forno, Steak frites, Cheeseburger and fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A modern Hollywood institution where serious cooking meets scene-y energy.
Who should go: Couples chasing big-night energy with great steak.
When to visit: Later slots after 8pm when the room hums.
What to order: Butcher’s steak, steak frites, Caesar endive salad.
Insider tip: If you can’t snag a main-room table, target bar seats for a looser, equally fun date.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically offered in the evening along Sunset; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated jeans are fine, but most guests opt for stylish, night-out attire.
Noise level: Loud; conversation is doable at close range but expect a high-energy room, especially after 8pm.
Weekend wait: Plan on 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; dinner-focused service means off-peak evenings are your best bet.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including salads, pastas, and seasonal vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited; modifications may help, but the menu is not designed around vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes and flexible modifications; confirm with staff for cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want buzzy Hollywood energy and shareable plates; it feels lively and fun, though not ideal for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly; the bar is your best shot. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated early or very late, but core hours usually book up.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really; the room is dim, loud, and geared toward adults. Teens might be fine, but it’s not suited for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Lively, modern Hollywood date nights with standout steak frites, strong cocktails, and buzzy ambiance.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional steakhouse experience or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options.