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District
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
District
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A polished Bloc gastropub that plays like downtown’s reliable after-work landing pad, with tacos showing up as a happy-hour-friendly crowd pleaser. The room feels hotel-sleek but social, and the kitchen keeps things approachable—think crispy fish tacos and shareable plates built for cocktails. Best for groups who want tacos without going full taqueria mode.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy fish tacos, Street-style carnitas tacos, Happy hour cocktail special
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Bloc-side happy hour with well-executed tacos in a polished social setting.
Who should go: Coworker groups and downtown meetups
When to visit: Weekdays 4–7pm happy hour
What to order: Fish tacos, carnitas tacos, signature cocktail
Insider tip: Grab bar-area seating for the fullest happy-hour menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available through The Bloc garage (typically $8–$12 with restaurant validation). Street parking is limited and fills quickly during peak downtown hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire, polished jeans, and elevated casual wear all fit the hotel-adjacent vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively bar energy during happy hour but still possible to hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially if aiming for bar seating during event nights.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait—hotel and Bloc foot traffic is steady but not congested at lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including veggie tacos and shareable snacks. Easy to build a meat-free order.
Vegan options: Limited. Some plates can be modified, but not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate selection. Corn-based tacos are workable, but confirm sauces and fryers with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for low-pressure dates—a polished setting with easy conversation flow, but not ideal if you want something intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially during weekday happy hour. Bar seating is first-come and offers the best access to the happy-hour menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable but not tailored for kids. Best for families with older children; strollers and young kids may feel out of place during peak happy hour.
Best For
Better for: A more polished, hotel-adjacent taco and cocktail experience than most casual taquerias in the area—great for groups who want comfort and consistency.
Skip if: You want authentic, street-style tacos or a fully immersive taqueria vibe—this leans gastropub rather than traditional Mexican.
District
8.3
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A polished hotel gastropub inside The Bloc where happy hour is built for downtown after-work flow. The Korean BBQ wings are the anchor—sticky, savory, and made for pairing with cocktails before the bar fills. Come for an easy group reset that still feels elevated.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean BBQ wings, Truffle fries, Bloc burger sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Korean BBQ wings in a sleek Bloc happy-hour room.
Who should go: After-work groups and downtown hotel-bar regulars.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–7pm before the rush.
What to order: Korean BBQ wings, fries, a classic cocktail.
Insider tip: Happy hour is bar-area focused—arrive early for seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available through The Bloc’s garage (typically $8–$12 with restaurant validation). Street parking is limited and competitive during peak after-work hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire fits right in, and jeans are fine if paired with a clean top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Early happy hour allows easy conversation, but the room picks up after 6pm as groups arrive.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on event traffic at The Bloc and nearby venues.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; hotel and office crowd turnover keeps tables moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of options such as salads, fries, and a few bar bites, but not a dedicated vegetarian lineup.
Vegan options: Limited — typically 1–2 modifiable items, though most bar snacks are not vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: A few options can be made gluten-free; wings are not gluten-free due to sauce and prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual-polished bar setting with easy conversation windows before the after-work surge. Not ideal for an intimate or quiet date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for happy hour—bar seating and high-tops turn quickly. Arrive early on Fridays or event nights to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. It’s a hotel restaurant so staff accommodates families, but the vibe is adult-leaning during happy hour. Best for ages 10+ outside of peak bar times.
Best For
Better for: Polished, consistent happy-hour wings in a comfortable hotel-gastropub setting—ideal for groups wanting reliable service before heading into downtown nightlife.
Skip if: You want a quieter meal, a wings-only specialty shop, or broader dietary flexibility; choose alternatives if you prefer independent, non-hotel spots.
District
8.1
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A polished all-day California room inside The Bloc that stays open later than most nearby kitchens, so it works as a dependable downtown fallback. The menu is broad and meeting-friendly—salads, burgers, market plates—executed with enough care to feel like a real restaurant, not mall dining. Best when you want a comfortable, low-friction late dinner in the center of DTLA.
Must-Try Dishes:
District burger, Ahi tuna salad, Seasonal market plates
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Late-leaning Bloc anchor with reliable California comfort plates.
Who should go: Downtown teams and casual hosts.
When to visit: Weeknights for an easy late dinner.
What to order: Burger, ahi salad, market plates.
Insider tip: Reserve earlier if you want the quieter corner tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in The Bloc garage (enter on Flower St); plentiful after 7pm, standard rates apply. Street parking is limited and metered spots fill early.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and a button-down or nice top fit the room’s modern California vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively after 8pm, but still workable for conversation; quieter on weeknights.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage—salads, bowls, and market plates offer several satisfying picks.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 customizable plates plus sides.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—many items can be made gluten-free; ask for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-pressure, centrally located first date—polished setting, approachable menu, and a comfortable pace without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights. Walk-ins are common; weekends after 7pm may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—spacious seating and approachable dishes work for older kids; less ideal for toddlers due to noise spikes during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Central access, dependable late-night food, and a broad menu that works for mixed groups or team dinners.
Skip if: You want chef-driven plates, a quiet ambiance, or highly specialized cuisine—choose a dedicated destination spot instead.
District
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A modern California all-day restaurant inside The Bloc that’s built for smooth downtown lunches. The room is polished but casual, with seasonal plates and crowd-pleasers that travel well across appetites. Ideal for meetings that need central access, fast turnaround, and a little scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
District burger, Ahi salad, Seasonal vegetable plates
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bloc-anchored California kitchen with reliable midday pacing.
Who should go: Teams and client meetups.
When to visit: Weekday lunch, 11:30–1:30.
What to order: Burger, ahi salad, market plates.
Insider tip: Book earlier slots to keep noise low.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in The Bloc’s structure with direct elevator access; street parking is limited and inconsistent during lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but relaxed. Business denim and tees under blazers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; still workable for client conversations if seated indoors and earlier in the window.
Weekend wait: Not a major weekend-dinner destination, but expect 15–25 minutes if there’s an event at The Bloc.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins may face 5–15 minutes during the 12–1pm peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid—seasonal salads, bowls, and share plates typically include multiple vegetarian-forward choices.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 dishes can usually be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Good—several salads and mains are naturally gluten-free, and staff is familiar with accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual daytime meetup but isn’t ideal for a romantic first date—it's more business-forward and energetic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially early or late lunch. Arriving before 11:45am or after 1:15pm improves walk-in odds significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs and flexible menu items help, but the crowd skews business and adult-oriented during lunch.
Best For
Better for: Fast, polished lunch service and central DTLA access—great when timing and convenience matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quieter, more atmospheric meal or a leisurely lunch with extended conversation; choose a calmer sit-down spot instead.
District
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A modern California all-day restaurant inside The Bloc that balances seasonal cooking with approachable crowd favorites. The attached private dining room works well for smaller corporate gatherings or family celebrations that need a central downtown location. Go for polished comfort—burgers, salads, and rotating market-driven plates—over anything fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
District Burger, Seasonal Vegetable Plates, Ahi Tuna Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Bloc-anchored California kitchen with a true private dining room.
Who should go: Small corporate groups and easy celebrations.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner.
What to order: District burger, seasonal veg, ahi salad.
Insider tip: Book the private room for 12–22 and pre-set a shared starter spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in The Bloc’s garage with direct elevator access; street parking is limited and inconsistent.
Dress code: Smart casual—office attire, clean denim, and polished tops all fit the room’s modern DTLA vibe.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner and happy hour; conversation stays comfortable in the private dining room.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation, longer during event nights around 7th Street.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple salads, veg-forward plates, and seasonal items rotate in.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted, but options vary with seasonal menus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be modified; staff is used to accommodating requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates—polished but not formal, with a comfortable energy. For a more intimate or romantic setting, choose elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially at lunch. For dinner or group visits, book ahead, particularly if you want the private dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens; the menu is broad and the space is roomy. Not especially tailored for toddlers—no kids’ menu or dedicated family amenities.
Best For
Better for: A central DTLA location, dependable California comfort cooking, and an actual private room—ideal for small corporate gatherings.
Skip if: You want high-end fine dining, a quiet romantic atmosphere, or extensive vegan options.
District
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
An anchor inside The Bloc that leans into a true California farm-to-table program, pairing seasonal produce with a broad, polished all-day menu. The cooking is ingredient-forward and reliable, with enough downtown energy to feel like a scene without becoming chaotic. Strong for business meals or a relaxed night out when you want local sourcing done at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal market vegetable plates, Korean BBQ wings, House burger with local greens
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A downtown farm-to-table kitchen built around local farmers and seasonal menus.
Who should go: After-work groups and downtown diners.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening.
What to order: Seasonal veg plates, wings, burger.
Insider tip: Ask what’s best from today’s local market haul.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking at The Bloc is the most reliable option; street parking is limited during business hours but easier after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire, clean sneakers, and polished jeans are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversational at lunch, slightly louder during happy hour but still manageable for groups.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for small parties; groups may wait longer without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during the office rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several seasonal vegetable mains and shareables rotate regularly.
Vegan options: Limited but available — usually 1–2 composed plates plus customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items can be made gluten-free and staff is used to accommodating requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed, modern, and not too formal. The setting feels lively but not overwhelming, making it easy to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially at lunch or early evening. Peak happy hour may require a short wait, so walk-ins should plan a buffer.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids. The space is open and casual enough, but the menu leans adult; best for families with teens or well-traveled younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal California sourcing and a broad farm-forward menu that works across lunch, happy hour, and group gatherings.
Skip if: You want a quiet candlelit dinner or a highly chef-driven tasting menu — this is more polished-casual than fine dining.
District
8.1
A hotel-anchored brasserie with a casual indoor-outdoor flow and a patio noted as dog-friendly. The menu is broad and dependable—salads, burgers, and shareables that work for a low-stakes lunch or pre-event bite. It’s less about culinary risk and more about reliable, pup-welcome downtown convenience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farm-style burger, Seasonal flatbread, Grain bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Dog-friendly patio paired with steady, all-day brasserie cooking.
Who should go: Downtown regulars grabbing food with their dog.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening patio hour.
What to order: Burger, flatbread, a shareable starter.
Insider tip: Sit on the patio edge for extra space with your pup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at The Bloc’s garage; street parking is limited and inconsistent during business hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; office attire blends in, but patio diners often keep it relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy on the patio, with slightly more buzz indoors during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for patio seating; indoor tables are usually faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait thanks to steady hotel-adjacent flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid coverage—salads, flatbreads, and veggie-forward starters.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 modifiable items but not a dedicated section.
Gluten-free options: Multiple adaptable dishes; servers can guide substitutions though no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or pre-event meetups than romantic first dates; the vibe is comfortable but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays; patio waits may occur during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids; the menu is broad and the patio offers space, though it isn’t specifically geared toward families.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, dog-friendly patio dining with a flexible menu that works for business lunch or casual downtown meetups.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven dishes, late-night energy, or a more intimate, high-design dining experience.
District
8.0
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour 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:
Buttermilk fried chicken, District cheeseburger, Seasonal flatbread
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Sleek hotel restaurant balancing sharable New American dishes and cocktails.
Who should go: Business travelers, office groups, and cocktail-first date nights.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or early evening before downtown events.
What to order: Buttermilk fried chicken, District burger, seasonal flatbread.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar for a livelier feel and faster drink refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated valet at the Sheraton Grand; garage self-parking available but can be pricey. Street parking is limited and competitive during peak downtown hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire, elevated denim, and dressy tops all fit the room’s polished hotel aesthetic.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially near the bar; conversations are doable at tables but expect a social energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Typically manageable with a reservation; walk-ins may see 20–40 minutes depending on hotel traffic and events.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; geared toward business diners and hotel guests on a schedule.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, flatbreads, and a few sharable plates accommodate vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides can be modified, but vegan offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — several dishes can be made gluten-free upon request; staff is accustomed to accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish setting, strong cocktails, and shareable plates create a comfortable, upscale environment without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays. On weekends or when the hotel is busy, the bar area is the safest bet for quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — it’s more adult-leaning, but families staying at the hotel do dine here. Best for older kids; no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: A polished, design-forward setting and well-made cocktails ideal for business meals, girls’ nights, and pre-event meetups.
Skip if: You want a destination-level culinary experience or a quiet, intimate dinner; several downtown spots offer more chef-driven menus and softer ambiance.