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Black Market Liquor Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Black Market Liquor Bar
8.1
Chef Antonia Lofaso's decade-old American gastropub features globally-inspired small plates in a moody brick-walled space. The unmarked entrance opens to leather booths and an open kitchen where crowd-pleasers like the deep-fried fluffernutter share menu space with sophisticated seasonal offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deep-Fried Fluffernutter, Burrata with Seasonal Accents, Seasonal Small Plates
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Celebrity chef ownership with eclectic American menu and craft cocktail program
Who should go: Professionals seeking upscale-casual with shareable plates format
When to visit: Weekday dinner or weekend for full atmosphere
What to order: Start with burrata, try seasonal specials, save room for fluffernutter
Insider tip: The unmarked black door entrance adds speakeasy intrigue to client meetings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive during peak hours; public lot on Ventura Blvd within 2 blocks
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - collared shirts and nice jeans work, skip the gym wear
Noise level: Moderate - brick walls create some echo but booths provide intimacy for business conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including burrata, seasonal vegetable plates, and creative sides
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 items, mostly vegetable-forward small plates; call ahead for modifications
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - several naturally GF dishes, kitchen handles modifications well
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the moody lighting and booth seating create intimacy, while the shareable plates format naturally encourages interaction. The unmarked entrance adds a 'discover something special together' element.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Friday/Saturday dinners book up - reserve ahead or expect 30-45 min bar wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - the moody ambiance and small plates format cater to adults. Older teens fine for special occasions. Consider lunch hours if bringing family.
How's the bar scene? Strong craft cocktail program makes it excellent for happy hour or drinks-focused visits. Bar seating fills up 5-7pm with industry professionals.
Can I host a business lunch here? Excellent choice - booth privacy, moderate noise levels, and upscale-casual vibe strike the right balance. Lunch service is efficient without feeling rushed.
Best For
Better for: Choose Black Market when you want chef-driven creativity with approachable shareables, need booth privacy for business talks, or want craft cocktails alongside dinner. The celebrity chef pedigree and speakeasy entrance beat generic gastropubs for impressing clients or dates.
Skip if: Skip if you need guaranteed kid-friendliness, want traditional full-portion entrees over small plates, require extensive vegan options, or prefer quieter acoustics for large group conversations.
Black Market Liquor Bar
8.1
Chef Antonia Lofaso's decade-old American gastropub featuring eclectic menu spanning lobster rolls to Korean wings in brick-lined dining room with leather booths. Large craft beer selection and sophisticated cocktails complement the expansive menu making it Studio City's reliable choice for diverse groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Aguachile, Spicy Korean Wings, Summer Squash Rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Celebrity chef pedigree delivers elevated gastropub fare with menu extensive enough for pickiest eaters
Who should go: Groups with varied tastes seeking upscale casual atmosphere
When to visit: Large front patio fits any party size day or night
What to order: Small plates for sharing, craft cocktails, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Open past 10+ years with consistent quality under Chef Lofaso's direction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $10-12, street parking on Ventura Blvd challenging during peak hours, small lot behind restaurant
Dress code: Smart casual - dark jeans and button-down work, no need for blazers but skip gym wear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - brick walls create some echo but booth seating helps
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including roasted vegetable plates, veggie burgers, and creative salads
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 adaptable options, ask server to modify vegetarian dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - menu marked with GF options, kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - leather booths offer intimacy, lighting is flattering, and the extensive menu ensures your date finds something. Noise level allows conversation without awkward silence. Go for early seating (6-7pm) for quieter experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm), but weekends are packed. Bar seating is first-come with full menu access - your best bet for walk-ins Friday-Saturday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) - burgers, fries, and familiar options available. Atmosphere skews adult evening though. Better for family dinner before 7pm when it's less bar-scene. No dedicated kids menu but kitchen will accommodate.
Good for large groups? One of Studio City's best for 6-10 people - varied menu solves the 'everyone wants different things' problem. Front patio handles bigger parties. Call ahead for groups over 8.
How's the happy hour? Strong value play - discounted apps and drinks weekdays 4-7pm. Fills up fast with industry crowd, arrive closer to 4pm for seating. Food quality doesn't drop for happy hour pricing.
Best For
Better for: Groups with picky eaters who want upscale without stuffiness - menu breadth beats most Studio City competitors. Also wins for celebrity chef credibility without celebrity chef prices. More reliable quality than newer gastropubs.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge innovative cuisine (menu plays it safe), need quiet romantic ambiance (gets loud after 8pm), or seeking best-in-class for specific cuisine (jack of all trades approach). Also skip if you're price-sensitive - similar food available cheaper at casual spots nearby.