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Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.1
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Truxton's American Bistro updates the neighborhood grill idea with burgers, bowls, and shareable starters alongside a strong brunch and cocktail program. It’s a flexible option for business lunches, family dinners, and casual date nights when you want crowd-pleasing American dishes with a few global twists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Truxton's Burger, Weekend Benedict Specials
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern neighborhood bistro balancing burgers, bowls, and a busy brunch.
Who should go: Mixed groups needing a reliable, broad American menu.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday lunch before peak office rush.
What to order: Short rib grilled cheese, house burger, benedict special.
Insider tip: Happy hour bites at the bar are a good value sampler.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in the Skypark shopping center; typically easy except during peak weekend brunch.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, polos, and comfortable weekend wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—tables can converse comfortably, though brunch and peak dinner hours get lively.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, especially before 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid vegetarian options including salads, bowls, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 designated items plus modifiable bowls and salads.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly plates; staff is accustomed to substitutions but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates—comfortable booths, approachable menu, and a relaxed atmosphere make it low-pressure without feeling generic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays. For weekend brunch or larger groups, calling ahead or joining the waitlist is smart.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, a children’s menu, and plenty of booth seating make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: A broad, crowd-friendly menu and reliable service make it stronger than nearby diners for mixed groups or business lunches.
Skip if: If you want chef-driven plates, craft cocktails, or a quieter date-night experience, more specialized restaurants nearby may be a better fit.
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Truxton's American Bistro in Hillside Village is a full-service spot where sandwiches share space with brunch plates, tacos, and comfort-food classics. With over a thousand combined reviews across platforms and a broad menu, it’s where groups can get everything from a hot pastrami and Swiss to a 14th Street breakfast sandwich alongside cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Pastrami & Swiss Sandwich, 14th Street Sandwich (fried egg, brie, bacon, arugula), Tuna Melt
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood bistro where serious sandwiches sit alongside an all-day American menu.
Who should go: Groups needing broad options from brunch sandwiches to late lunches.
When to visit: Weekdays for smoother service or early weekend brunch seatings.
What to order: Hot pastrami and Swiss, 14th Street breakfast sandwich, tuna melt with fries.
Insider tip: Use the Hillside Village parking lot and request a booth for longer meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared Hillside Village surface lot with plentiful spaces; availability is strongest before noon and after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, polos, and athleisure are all common for brunch and lunch.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational at most tables, though brunch rush can feel lively without being overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on peak periods, especially around 6–7pm.
Weekday lunch: Often seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple menu items qualify, including salads, veggie sandwiches, and customizable brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; salads and a few modifiable items can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: A number of items can be prepared gluten-free, and staff is accustomed to handling substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a relaxed, low-pressure meetup with broad menu coverage; not ideal if you're seeking a quieter, more intimate evening spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes; walk-ins are common, and the dining room turns fairly quickly except during peak weekend brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Highly; booths, high chairs, and a flexible menu make it easy for families, particularly those with kids aged 4–12.
Best For
Better for: Best for mixed groups wanting wide menu variety, comfortable seating, and approachable American classics under one roof.
Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want a specialty sandwich shop with hyper-focused craft builds or a quieter, chef-driven atmosphere.
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.0
Truxton’s American Bistro pairs a broad New American menu with a comfortable patio that works for everything from brunch to casual team lunches. The outdoor space feels more neighborhood bistro than bar, with crowd-pleasing plates and cocktails that make it easy for mixed groups to agree on a spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese Wings, Chicken and Waffles, Fish and Chips
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood bistro with a versatile patio and wide-ranging menu.
Who should go: Groups needing something for everyone from brunch to burgers.
When to visit: Weekend brunch hours or early weeknights for quicker patio seating.
What to order: Vietnamese wings, chicken and waffles, fish and chips.
Insider tip: Use the patio for happy-hour style meetups, then stay for a shared plates dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot at Hillside Village with ample spaces; generally easy even during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; patio-friendly attire is the norm.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is easy on the patio, slightly louder indoors during brunch rush.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for patio seating during peak periods.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, veggie bowls, and several meat-free entrees.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for modifications to bowls or salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—marked items and many dishes can be adapted with GF substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual, low-pressure first dates thanks to its comfortable patio and easygoing menu, though not ideal if you're looking for a more intimate, candlelit setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Patio waits peak during brunch, but weekdays and early dinners usually secure a table quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—broad menu, quick service, and a relaxed patio make it suitable for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Versatility—Truxton’s handles mixed dietary needs and group preferences better than more specialized South Torrance spots.
Skip if: You want a destination brunch or a more upscale patio; opt for Misto or Primo Italia when ambiance and polish matter most.
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.0
Truxton’s American Bistro is a neighborhood hangout in Hillside Village with a big New American menu, full bar, and a buzz that runs from brunch through casual dinners. It’s where mixed friend groups, families, and office crews land when they need something crowd-pleasing but still feel like they’re at a current South Bay spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast, Portland fried chicken sandwich, Street Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Lively bistro with an expansive menu and reliable all-day energy.
Who should go: Groups needing approachable food, cocktails, and easy parking.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknights for smoother waits and service.
What to order: Avocado Toast, Portland fried chicken sandwich, Street Fish Tacos.
Insider tip: Use it for casual celebrations and request a booth away from the front door.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared Hillside Village lot with ample spaces; fills during peak brunch and early dinner but still manageable.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests lean relaxed but presentable for mixed-group outings.
Noise level: Moderate-to-busy; conversation is doable at booths, louder near the bar and entry during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during holiday weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; small groups are seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid vegetarian coverage with salads, bowls, pastas, and customizable entrées.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; 2–3 options plus modifiable bowls—confirm with staff for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-marked dishes and flexible modifications, though no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a casual first date where easy conversation and accessible food matter more than romance—energy is lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes, especially on weekdays; on weekends, expect a short wait unless you arrive before the brunch or early dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—broad menu, booster seats, and quick service make it comfortable for families with kids ages 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed dietary needs, and casual gatherings where everyone wants something different without sacrificing vibe.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or romantic dinner, chef-driven plates, or a destination-level dining experience.
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.0
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Truxton’s American Bistro anchors a busy Hillside Village corner with an enclosed private dining room that works as well for work lunches as for family parties. The menu leans broad and crowd-pleasing—from kicked-up mac and cheese to street fish tacos—so mixed groups rarely struggle to agree on what to eat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kicked Up Mac & Cheese, Street Fish Tacos, Classic Avocado Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A flexible private dining room pairs all-day New American comfort food with AV-friendly space for business or family events.
Who should go: Teams, families, and mixed groups needing easy, flexible menus.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and weekend brunches when parking and pacing are easier.
What to order: Kicked Up Mac & Cheese, Street Fish Tacos, Classic Avocado Toast to share.
Insider tip: For daytime events, reserve the private room and pre-select a shortened menu so service stays fast without sacrificing variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot in the Hillside Village center; typically available except during peak weekend brunch hours. Easy overflow street parking along nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; polished jeans and comfortable tops are perfectly appropriate for work lunches or family gatherings.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are manageable in the main dining room, and the private room stays noticeably quieter for meetings or celebrations.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins are usually seated right away unless a corporate lunch rush is underway.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several salads, bowls, and pasta-style comfort dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—expect a few customizable bowls and salads; confirm modifications with staff.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly dishes and bun substitutions; staff is accustomed to requests but no dedicated gluten-free prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for low-pressure, casual dates where comfort food and easy conversation matter more than ambiance. The private room is more functional than romantic; the main room offers friendly energy but not a candlelit vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. For groups larger than six, or for private-room use, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, kid-appropriate menu options, and a relaxed atmosphere make it easy for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Broad, crowd-pleasing menus and flexible private-room setups make it stronger for mixed groups and business lunches than many South Torrance competitors.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere if you want a high-end, intimate ambiance or a chef-driven tasting menu—the experience here is more casual and versatility-driven.
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.5
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Truxton's American Bistro in the Hillside Village center is a flexible business-lunch standby, with roomy booths, a broad American menu, and reliable Wi-Fi. The kitchen balances salads, bowls, burgers, and flatbreads so mixed teams can order everything from light to indulgent without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monkey Bread starter, Mushroom Cauliflower Flatbread, Spicy Cali Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Modern bistro with wide-ranging menus and comfortable, meeting-friendly seating.
Who should go: Teams needing flexible menus and easy Hillside Village access.
When to visit: Weekday lunches between 11:30am–1:30pm for peak energy.
What to order: Monkey Bread to share, entree salads, Mushroom Cauliflower Flatbread.
Insider tip: Ask for a corner booth or patio table if you need a quieter working lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared Hillside Village center lot with ample surface parking; usually open spots during weekday lunch.
Dress code: Smart casual; work attire or neat jeans and a button-down/pullover fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate; open dining room buzz but still suitable for conversation and informal meetings.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak hours, especially 6pm–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak; often seated immediately before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several salads, bowls, and flatbreads can be ordered vegetarian or easily modified.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; bowls and salads can be customized with plant-based substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free modifications available for salads and some entrees; flatbreads and sandwiches have fewer GF paths.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual meetups or low-pressure first dates because of comfortable seating and a broad menu, but it’s more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; walk-ins are common at lunch. Arrive before noon or after 1:15pm to avoid the short peak rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; booster seats, roomy booths, and approachable menu items make it suitable for families with children of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Flexible business lunches, mixed-diet groups, and reliable pacing where teams can linger without pressure.
Skip if: You want a quiet, elevated setting or chef-driven dishes; consider more specialized South Bay spots for those needs.
Truxton's American Bistro – Torrance
8.2
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 and full bar meet a reliable weekday happy hour. Vietnamese Wings and other shareable small plates make the bar area a prime spot for after-work meetups that feel a notch nicer than the average sports bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vietnamese Wings, Chicken & Applewood Bacon Waffle, Portland burger
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Upscale-casual bistro where Vietnamese Wings and a deep comfort-food menu meet an established happy hour.
Who should go: Groups wanting better-than-bar-food wings in a polished room.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon for easier parking and calmer bar seats.
What to order: Vietnamese Wings, Chicken & Applewood Bacon Waffle, Portland burger.
Insider tip: Post up at the bar for faster happy hour service and an easier time sharing wings and small plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared lot in the Skypark business complex; generally easy on weekdays, slightly tighter around 6–7pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; office wear, jeans, and clean sneakers all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are comfortable, though the bar gets lively during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes, especially around peak family-dining hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless a large group arrives at once.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—salads, veggie apps, and a few customizable entrées.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several menu items are GF or can be prepared GF; staff is accustomed to making accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed but polished feel—quiet enough for conversation, with elevated comfort food and a bar that feels more refined than a typical wings spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weekdays; during peak weekend dinner hours, a short wait is likely but manageable.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, a broad comfort-food menu, and a calm dining room make it great for families with kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: A more polished happy hour experience with higher-quality wings and broader menu variety than typical sports bars.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap wings, a rowdy bar scene, or a purely sports-focused atmosphere.