Any insider tips for The Melt?

Order ahead via apps—pickup is often faster than waiting in line.

What should I order at The Melt?

MeltBurger, classic grilled cheese, fries or tots on the side.

When should I visit The Melt?

Slightly before peak lunch to dodge FIGat7th lines.

Who should go to The Melt?

Office workers, students, and anyone needing a fast comforting lunch.

Any insider tips for Engine Co. No. 28?

Request a booth—best for kids and big groups.

What should I order at Engine Co. No. 28?

Meatloaf, fried chicken, a shared starter.

Who should go to Engine Co. No. 28?

Families wanting a sit-down downtown classic.

Any insider tips for Karl Strauss Brewing Company?

Ask staff for a small beer flight built around your food order.

When should I visit Karl Strauss Brewing Company?

Weekday happy hour or early dinner before downtown events.

Who should go to Karl Strauss Brewing Company?

Office groups, beer lovers, and casual after-work meetups.

Any insider tips for The Liberties of Dublin?

Slide in early for happy hour deals and easier bar seating.

What should I order at The Liberties of Dublin?

House burger, lemon pepper wings, a classic whiskey cocktail.

When should I visit The Liberties of Dublin?

Weekday happy hour or pre-show evenings before crowds.

Who should go to The Liberties of Dublin?

After-work crews, sports fans, and casual date nights.

Any insider tips for District?

Grab bar-area seating for the fullest happy-hour menu.

What should I order at District?

Fish tacos, carnitas tacos, signature cocktail

Who should go to District?

Coworker groups and downtown meetups

Any insider tips for Harbor House?

Check their event calendar—certain nights transform the terrace scene.

What should I order at Harbor House?

Pollo Pomodoro sandwich, Atún tuna sandwich, golden latte.

When should I visit Harbor House?

Golden hour for sunset views or mid-morning coffee breaks.

Who should go to Harbor House?

Remote workers, happy-hour crews, and rooftop-focused social events.

Best American Restaurants in Downtown LA (90017)

6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 The Melt

8.7

$ South Park

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Comfort Food Classics Solo Dining Sanctuaries

At FIGat7th, The Melt turns out fast-casual burgers, grilled cheese, and fries that dominate downtown lunch lines across delivery apps. It’s a high-volume staple for nearby offices thanks to consistent execution, quick ticket times, and price points that stay weekday-friendly.

Must-Try Dishes: MeltBurger, Classic grilled cheese, Patty Melt

What makes it special: High-volume burger and grilled cheese counter that over-delivers for the price.

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#2 Engine Co. No. 28

8.4

$$$ Downtown Financial District

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics

Set in a restored 1912 firehouse, Engine Co. No. 28 serves classic American comfort dishes in one of downtown’s most atmospheric dining rooms. It’s a go-to for pre-theater dinners, business lunches, and nostalgic plates in a space that feels like old Los Angeles with polished service.

Must-Try Dishes: meatloaf, fried chicken, crab cakes

What makes it special: Landmark firehouse dining room serving classic American comfort.

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#3 Karl Strauss Brewing Company

8.2

$$ Downtown Financial District

Vibes: Brewery & Beer Garden Republic Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players

Downtown’s Karl Strauss outpost anchors the Wilshire corridor with a full brewpub menu, rotating taps, and a big indoor-outdoor footprint built for groups. Guests come for shareable appetizers, burgers, and fish & chips that pair naturally with the house beers.

Must-Try Dishes: Duck Fat Pretzel Bites, Fish & Chips, Food Truck Burger

What makes it special: Craft beer–driven DTLA brewpub with a broad, beer-friendly New American menu.

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#4 The Liberties of Dublin

8.1

$$ City West

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Sports Bar Central Trendy Table Hotspots

Modern Irish pub on the City West edge of downtown pairing whiskey and craft beer with elevated bar food like pizzas, wings, and burgers. Locals lean on it for pre-show meetups, casual date nights, and sports-watching in a dim, stylish room with a small patio.

Must-Try Dishes: House burger with fries, Lemon pepper wings, Pepperoni pizza

What makes it special: Stylish Irish pub energy with serious whiskey and better-than-average bar food.

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#5 District

8.0

$$$$ Downtown Financial District

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players Trendy Table Hotspots

Inside the Sheraton Grand, District leans into polished New American cooking with shareable plates, burgers, and cocktails aimed squarely at downtown hotel guests and office towers. The design-forward room and bar make it a flexible option for client dinners or drinks-forward nights.

Must-Try Dishes: Crispy fish tacos, Street-style carnitas tacos, Happy hour cocktail special

What makes it special: Bloc-side happy hour with well-executed tacos in a polished social setting.

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Worthy Picks

#6 Harbor House

7.7

$$ Downtown Financial District

Vibes: Outdoor Dining Oasis Rooftop Views Revelry Girls Night Out Approved Group Dining Gatherings

Harbor House combines an all-day café with a rooftop-style terrace serving California-leaning salads, sandwiches, and cocktails against downtown views. Daytime it’s a laptop-and-latte spot; evenings and events shift the vibe toward social gatherings and sunset drinks.

Must-Try Dishes: Pollo Pomodoro sandwich, Golden latte, Atún tuna sandwich

What makes it special: Indoor-outdoor café and bar with skyline views and event-friendly energy.

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