Best American Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
12 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Howlin' Ray's
LA’s benchmark for Nashville hot chicken with real spice nuance.
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.