Best American Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
12 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.8
Nashville hot chicken that’s still the neighborhood’s loudest lunch line for a reason—crackly crust, juicy meat, and heat levels that actually taste like something. The tiny counter setup moves fast and the staff keeps the energy high even at peak chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Chicken Sando (Medium or Hot), Chicken & Waffles, Banana Pudding
What makes it special: LA’s benchmark for Nashville hot chicken with real spice nuance.
8.6
A century-old French dip institution with sawdust floors and cafeteria swagger. The rolls are sturdy, the jus is beefy, and the no-frills pace makes it ideal for a fast historic bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef French Dip, Lamb French Dip, Pickled Eggs
What makes it special: Birthplace-level French dip lore with nonstop local loyalty.
#3
Redbird
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Business Lunch Power Players
A former rectory turned airy dining room where Californian-leaning American plates meet a serious cocktail program. The kitchen is at its best with market-driven vegetables and wood-grilled mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Hamachi Collar, Housemade Pastas, Seasonal Vegetable Plates
What makes it special: New American in a dramatic historic church setting.
#4
Baby Bistro
8.2
A 35-seat Craftsman bungalow where Miles Thompson’s seasonal California cooking feels like a relaxed dinner party. The menu is tiny by design—every dish earns its place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Onion Bread with sheep’s milk cheese, Market Vegetable Small Plates, Rotating Fire-kissed Main
What makes it special: Intimate, market-driven bistro with a build-your-own tasting feel.
#5
Lasita
8.1
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Filipino rotisserie and natural wine in Far East Plaza with a house-party buzz. The chicken is smoky and juicy, and the sides swing bright and funky.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Inasal, Pork Belly Sisig, Calamansi Cream Pie
What makes it special: Rotisserie Filipino cooking paired with a deep natural-wine list.
#6
Nick's Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Old-school diner comfort that’s steady, generous, and exactly what you want before a day downtown. Expect griddle classics, brisk pacing, and a loyal morning crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Biscuits & Gravy
What makes it special: Reliable classic LA diner breakfast with big portions.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Union Station’s long-running American bistro with a romantic old-Hollywood backdrop. The menu skews classic—salads, steaks, and cocktails—best enjoyed before catching a train or show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Union Station Burger, Seasonal Bistro Pasta, Classic Cocktails
What makes it special: Dining inside LA’s most beautiful train station.
#8
Far Bar
7.7
Little Tokyo’s late-night hang for wings, whiskey, and bar burgers in a brick-and-neon setting. Kitchen hits best on shareables that match the beer-and-cocktail flow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Far Bar Wings, Sapporo Burger, Whiskey Flight
What makes it special: A dependable Little Tokyo bar with legit late-night food.
7.6
A polished Historic Core lunch spot serving crowd-pleasing New American staples. Strong on sandwiches, burgers, and comfort pastas with a quiet, workday-friendly feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hill Street Burger, Prime Rib French Dip, Pappardelle Bolognese
What makes it special: Reliable downtown American lunch in a calm room.
#10
Bungraze
7.6
A newer Little Tokyo burger counter leaning into tallow-fried fries and griddled smash-style patties. It’s straightforward, loud on flavor, and best for a quick sit-down bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flatbread Smash Burger, Tallow Fries, Protein Milkshake
What makes it special: Seed-oil-free smash burgers with tallow fries.
7.6
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Pet Friendly Paradise
An Arts District taproom with rotating food pop-ups and a big, warehouse hangout vibe. Come for beer flights and community energy; the food quality depends on the vendor, but the overall experience delivers.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Beer Flight, Rotating Food-Truck Specials, Seasonal IPA Pours
What makes it special: A cornerstone LA taproom with constant community events.
#12
Cherry Pick Cafe
7.5
A light-filled cafe doing coffee, bagel sandwiches, and deli-style lunches for downtown regulars. It’s a simple spot, but execution is clean and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Salmon Bagel, Turkey Pesto Panini, Breakfast Croissant
What makes it special: Dependable downtown cafe with strong breakfast sandwiches.