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Craig's
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Craig's
7.8
Celebrity hotspot serving classic American steakhouse fare in an Old Hollywood atmosphere with retro leather booths. Chef Kursten Kizer creates both traditional comfort food and modern vegan specialties for A-list clientele.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in Ribeye, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Vegan Meatball
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Legendary celebrity dining room where deals get made over steaks
Who should go: Entertainment industry executives and celebrity spotters
When to visit: Dinner reservations for prime people-watching opportunities
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, Caesar salad, classic cocktails
Insider tip: Bar seating available for walk-ins when dining room is full
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking nearly impossible on Melrose - plan accordingly
Dress code: Upscale casual to business attire - no shorts or flip-flops, jackets not required
Noise level: Moderate buzz - conversation-friendly but expect industry chatter
Weekend wait: 2+ hours without reservation, book weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 30-45 min walk-in wait during peak business hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - Chef Kizer's plant-based menu rivals the steaks
Vegan options: Outstanding - dedicated vegan entrees, not just sides
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want to impress - the scene can overshadow conversation, better for 3rd+ dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Try the bar for walk-ins after 9pm, or lunch on off-peak weekdays - dinner reservations essential
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended - upscale atmosphere and late celebrity crowd make it adults-only territory
Best For
Better for: Celebrity spotting, closing business deals, impressing out-of-town clients with classic LA glamour
Skip if: You want intimate conversation, casual vibes, or don't care about the scene - better steaks exist for less
Craig's
8.3
Celebrity-favorite American restaurant serving elevated comfort food in dark wood booths with vintage Hollywood glamour. Known for attracting A-list clientele and offering a perfect power lunch atmosphere with consistently executed dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Meatballs, Grilled Branzino, Truffle Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Hollywood royalty dining room with impeccable service and celebrity sightings
Who should go: Entertainment executives, celebrities, power lunchers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business, dinner for scene
What to order: Meatballs, branzino, truffle mac & cheese
Insider tip: Request a booth for privacy and prime people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking $15, street parking extremely difficult - use valet or rideshare recommended
Dress code: Upscale casual to business attire - blazers and dress shirts preferred, avoid shorts and flip-flops
Noise level: Moderate to low - booth design allows for intimate conversation even when busy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, reservations essential
Weekday lunch: 30-45 min walk-in wait, book ahead for guaranteed seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including truffle mac, salads, and vegetable sides
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with advance notice, mostly salads and sides
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen can modify most dishes, separate prep available upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want to impress - the atmosphere is romantic with dim lighting and intimate booths, but the celebrity scene might be distracting for getting to know someone
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult, especially for dinner - call day-of for possible bar seating or cancellations, but don't count on it
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - sophisticated atmosphere better suited for teens and adults, no kids menu available
Best For
Better for: Celebrity spotting, impressing clients or dates, power lunch meetings, and experiencing old Hollywood glamour with consistently excellent service
Skip if: You want casual dining, are on a budget, dislike crowds/scenes, or prefer innovative cuisine over elevated comfort food
Craig's
7.8
Craig's reigns as the ultimate celebrity watching destination where A-listers negotiate deals over ribeye steaks and truffle bolognese. Owner Craig Susser brings 20 years of VIP hospitality expertise to this paparazzi-flanked institution known for its legendary table bread and old-school blue leather booths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Craig's Ribeye Steak, Honey Truffle Chicken, Legendary Table Bread
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: LA's premier celebrity spotting steakhouse
Who should go: Star gazers and special occasion diners
When to visit: Thursday nights for peak celebrity sightings
What to order: Ribeye, Craig Caesar, honey truffle chicken
Insider tip: Bar seating available without reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm due to paparazzi vehicles
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - dark jeans acceptable but avoid athletic wear, celebrities often in designer casual
Noise level: Moderate buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic, gets louder after 8pm
Weekend wait: 90+ min without reservation, bar seats 30-45 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typically, business crowd peaks 12:30-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, salads, and sides can be modified
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads without cheese, kitchen will accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - steaks naturally GF, separate prep available for sides
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - the celebrity atmosphere creates instant conversation starters, though paparazzi outside might be overwhelming for some
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible for dinner tables, but bar seats are first-come and offer full menu - arrive before 6pm or after 9:30pm for best chances
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - sophisticated atmosphere and late dining crowd make it better for teens and up, no kids menu available
Best For
Better for: Guaranteed celebrity sightings and deal-making atmosphere that rivals Soho House, plus better steaks than most scene restaurants
Skip if: You want a quiet intimate dinner or value-focused meal - try Mastro's for pure steak quality without the scene
Craig's
8.3
This celebrity magnet in the Design District delivers upscale American comfort food and vegan specialties with a side of paparazzi action. Chef Kursten Kizer's menu spans from truffle pizza to chicken parmigiana, served in leather booths where A-listers hold court nightly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Short Rib with Blue Cheese Ravioli, Crab Cakes with Remoulade
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: LA's epicenter for celebrity sightings and power dining
Who should go: Industry insiders and star-spotting enthusiasts
When to visit: 8pm for peak celebrity viewing opportunities
What to order: Chicken parm, short rib, butterscotch pudding
Insider tip: Bar seats available for walk-ins with full menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking nearly impossible after 7pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - jeans acceptable if elevated with nice top/blazer
Noise level: Buzzy but manageable - can hear your date if you lean in
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seats 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typically, faster at the bar
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - surprisingly robust vegan menu works for vegetarians
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan specialties, unusual for this scene
Gluten-free options: Limited - modifications possible but not a specialty
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - the scene and celebrity buzz create built-in conversation, though it's pricey and you might get distracted by spotting famous faces
Can I get a table without a reservation? Dinner tables are nearly impossible, but the bar strategy works - arrive before 6:30pm or after 9:30pm for best shot at bar seats with full menu
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens who might appreciate the scene - younger kids would be out of place during prime dinner hours, though weekend brunch works
Best For
Better for: Celebrity sightings and scene over pure culinary innovation - this is where deals get made and TMZ gets their photos
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine or intimate conversation - try Republique for better food focus or Gwen for special occasion dining