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Argo Mediterranean Grill
Master Critic Review
Argo Mediterranean Grill
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Family-run Mediterranean focusing on house-made spreads and perfectly charred proteins since opening in Studio City. The mutabbal showcases freshly grilled eggplant with robust smokiness, complementing juicy chicken and lamb kebabs. Outdoor misting system and happy hour specials make this a Ventura Boulevard staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Kebab Plate, Lamb Lule, Mutabbal (Smoky Eggplant Dip)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Second location from La Verne original, everything made in-house daily
Who should go: Quick lunch crowd, kebab enthusiasts, outdoor diners
When to visit: Happy hour 2-6pm for $2 off plates
What to order: Combo plate with chicken and lamb lule, mutabbal, tabbouleh
Insider tip: Free parking in back lot - rare on this stretch of Ventura
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant off Colfax - easy access, rare find on Ventura
Dress code: Casual - gym clothes to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Low to moderate - outdoor patio quieter, inside has some kitchen noise but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical, counter-service so no formal wait
Weekday lunch: No wait - order at counter, grab a table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including falafel, dolma, hummus plates, all spreads
Vegan options: Yes - most vegetarian items are vegan, ask about pita preparation
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice available, salads work, but cross-contamination risk with shared grill
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - outdoor patio has nice ambiance and misting system. Counter-service keeps it low-pressure. Skip if you want white-tablecloth romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - counter-service model. Grab table after ordering. Peak lunch (12-1pm) and dinner (6-7pm) get busy but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual setup, high chairs available, kids love the chicken kebabs. Outdoor seating with misters great for families. All ages welcome.
How does this compare to Carousel in Glendale? More casual and affordable than Carousel. Argo does better kebabs and house-made spreads. Carousel wins on full-service experience and larger menu. Come here for quality quick Mediterranean.
Is the happy hour worth it? Absolutely - $2 off combo plates (2-6pm) makes already reasonable prices even better. Can get a full meal under $12. Best value window on Ventura.
Best For
Better for: House-made freshness over chain competitors (Zankou, Daphne's) - everything from spreads to kebabs made daily. Better smoky char on proteins than most fast-casual Mediterranean. Free parking beats most Ventura Boulevard options. Happy hour pricing unmatched in area.
Skip if: You want full table service (this is counter-order). Looking for Lebanese-specific dishes beyond basic kebabs/spreads. Need guaranteed gluten-free prep. Want upscale date-night ambiance - this is more family-casual despite good food quality.