0 Followers
A.O.C.
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
A.O.C.
8.6
A.O.C. is a wine bar and small plates institution where a leafy courtyard and balcony tables make al fresco dining feel like a Mediterranean dinner party off 3rd Street. Seasonal market-driven dishes and an extensive by-the-glass list draw both neighborhood regulars and destination diners for long, lingering evenings outside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spanish Fried Chicken, The Farmer’s Plate (roasted vegetables, muhammara, burrata & grilled toast), Charcuterie Board with Grilled Toast
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Market-driven small plates and one of LA’s most beloved wine patios.
Who should go: Wine lovers and small-plates fans who prioritize ambiance.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for peak patio energy.
What to order: Spanish fried chicken, farmer’s plate, charcuterie board.
Insider tip: Ask for a courtyard or balcony table when you reserve for the full patio experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings (around $12–$15). Street parking on 3rd Street and the surrounding residential blocks is possible but tight after 6pm—plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished—light dresses, button-downs, elevated basics.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio conversations are comfortable, but peak dinner hours bring lively chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal waits; patio tables fill first but turnover is steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—A.O.C. builds many small plates around vegetables and grains.
Vegan options: Moderate—there are a few vegan-friendly dishes, but the menu skews toward dairy and meats.
Gluten-free options: Good support—several dishes are gluten-free by design, and servers note modifications clearly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The patio lighting, wine selection, and shareable plates create an easy, intimate rhythm that works well for early-stage dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. The bar area sometimes opens up for walk-ins, but patio seating is rarely available without a booking. Arrive early if trying your luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. Early evenings are fine for well-behaved kids, but the space is tighter and more adult-oriented later at night. No dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Wine-focused dinners, seasonal small plates, and one of the most atmospheric patios in Beverly Grove.
Skip if: You want large entrées, ultra-quiet dining, or a budget-friendly meal—A.O.C. leans shareable, lively, and on the pricier side.
A.O.C.
8.9
A.O.C. helped define LA’s market-driven, small-plates wine bar model, serving seasonal dishes built around organic, locally sourced ingredients on a leafy Beverly Grove patio. Locals use it for everything from brunch to late-night wine and snacks when they want serious cooking without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spanish fried chicken, Farmer’s Plate, Pea shoot salad
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Pioneer of seasonal, farm-driven small plates with serious wine.
Who should go: Diners who care about seasonal dishes and great wine
When to visit: Golden hour patio or peak dinner for full buzz
What to order: Spanish fried chicken, Farmer’s Plate, seasonal vegetables
Insider tip: Request courtyard patio seating when booking for best experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available most evenings ($12–$15). Street parking on 3rd Street and surrounding residential blocks is possible but fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished—think elevated date-night or brunch attire.
Noise level: Moderate. The patio allows for normal conversation, though peak dinner hours can bring a lively wine-bar buzz.
Weekend wait: 35–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—many vegetable-focused small plates and seasonal produce dishes.
Vegan options: Some options available, though limited; staff can guide modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good selection of naturally gluten-free plates; several dishes can be modified upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The leafy patio, candlelight, and shareable plates create an intimate but relaxed setting ideal for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Walk-ins are accommodated at off-peak hours, but dinner—especially the patio—usually requires a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The menu skews adult and the vibe is refined, making it better for older kids or early seatings.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal small plates, a standout wine list, and a charming patio ambiance that’s more romantic and farm-driven than many nearby wine bars.
Skip if: You want large entrées, a quiet room, or a budget-friendly meal; the experience is best for diners who enjoy shared plates and market-driven menus.
A.O.C.
8.9
Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s wine bar remains a benchmark for LA small plates, with seasonal dishes built for sharing and an all-organic-leaning wine list. The leafy patio and polished service make it a go-to for relaxed but serious dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spanish Fried Chicken, Farmer's Plate, Charcuterie & Cheese Board
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A pioneering California wine bar where market-driven small plates meet a deep, carefully curated list of organic and biodynamic wines.
Who should go: Date-night diners and wine lovers seeking seasonal California cooking.
When to visit: Golden-hour patio seating or Sunday brunch for peak ambiance.
What to order: Spanish fried chicken, farmer's plate, seasonal vegetables.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu by-the-glass pours; the team often has limited bottles open that never make it onto the printed list.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings (around $12); meter and neighborhood street parking exist but can be tight after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—elevated but relaxed. Jeans are fine when paired with something polished; many guests dress up for the patio.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are comfortable on the patio; the indoor dining room gets livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though patio seats may take a few minutes during peak brunch-adjacent hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent selection—many small plates and vegetables are naturally vegetarian or can be easily adapted.
Vegan options: Moderate—there are typically 2–3 vegan-friendly dishes, and the kitchen is accommodating with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Strong options—several dishes are naturally gluten-free and servers are well-versed in guiding substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the candlelit patio, shareable plates, and attentive but unobtrusive service create an easy, intimate atmosphere perfect for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—though prime patio tables go early. Walk-ins are more successful on weekdays; for weekends, arriving right at opening or later in the evening increases your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—but better for older kids or mature diners. There’s no dedicated kids menu, and the vibe leans adult, especially at night.
Best For
Better for: A.O.C. excels at seasonal small plates, wine-forward dining, and a patio experience that feels effortlessly polished—ideal for date nights and long, leisurely meals.
Skip if: If you're seeking a quick, budget-focused meal, very quiet ambiance, or large-format entrées rather than shared plates, other spots may suit you better.