0 Followers
Engine Co. No. 28
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Engine Co. No. 28
8.2
A historic firehouse turned American grill that works surprisingly well for family dinners, especially with teens. The room feels special without being stiff, and the menu leans into hearty classics that land with kids and adults alike. Service can be brisk during rushes, but the setting makes it a memorable downtown meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
meatloaf, fried chicken, crab cakes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Landmark firehouse dining room serving classic American comfort.
Who should go: Families wanting a sit-down downtown classic.
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dinner.
What to order: Meatloaf, fried chicken, a shared starter.
Insider tip: Request a booth—best for kids and big groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking is available in adjacent DTLA structures, with street parking limited and competitive after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and tees are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished for the historic setting.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak dinner hours but still manageable for family conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during pre-theater rushes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless there’s a nearby office crowd surge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—salads, pastas, and a few hearty sides can work.
Vegan options: Limited—expect to build from sides and salads; call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made GF with modifications, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a classic DTLA setting with character; the historic firehouse adds charm without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for weekday lunches, but weekend dinner walk-ins should expect a wait unless arriving early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for older kids and teens who enjoy hearty American classics; booths make it easier for families.
Best For
Better for: A more memorable, historic dining room than nearby corporate-leaning DTLA options, with comfort-heavy dishes that satisfy mixed family tastes.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining or strict vegan/GF accommodations—other DTLA spots handle those better.
Engine Co. No. 28
8.1
A historic downtown room that still plays like a proper public house at happy hour. Their wings are straightforward and well-executed—crispy, sauced right, and big enough to split with a round of beers. The vibe is classic DTLA: part landmark, part reliable weekday retreat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken wings, Wagyu happy hour bites, Beer-and-burger combo
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Landmark firehouse setting with wings that satisfy at happy hour.
Who should go: Downtown crews who want history with their beer.
When to visit: Weekdays early evening for calmest pace.
What to order: Wings, a happy hour snack, draft beer.
Insider tip: Sit in the bar area for the best happy-hour flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at The Bloc garages nearby; limited metered street parking on weekdays before 6pm, easier after.
Dress code: Smart casual; workwear and polished jeans fit the classic firehouse setting.
Noise level: Moderate—bar area hums during happy hour but conversations remain manageable.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on events at nearby venues.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; steady but not packed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a few comfort-style small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—may need to modify existing dishes; check with staff.
Gluten-free options: A handful of items adapt easily; wings can often be requested sauce-only but confirm day-of.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, conversation-friendly first meets—historic firehouse charm and moderate noise make it relaxed rather than high-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes outside peak happy hour; bar seating is first-come and offers full service.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids; the vibe is bar-forward during happy hour, so earlier visits are better for families.
Best For
Better for: Classic comfort plates and a historic, character-rich room that feels authentically downtown.
Skip if: You're after ultra-modern cocktails or outdoor seating—this leans traditional and indoors.
Engine Co. No. 28
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
A historic firehouse-turned-restaurant that delivers a classic, comfortable power-lunch vibe steps from the towers. Expect American comfort plates done with care, a steady bar program, and a room that feels appropriate for old-school deal talk. Strong choice when you want lunch to feel substantial and familiar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken fried steak, Crab cakes, Steak sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A century-old firehouse setting with hearty lunch classics.
Who should go: Traditionalist hosts and office groups.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service.
What to order: Crab cakes, steak sandwich, pot pie.
Insider tip: Sit in the main hall for the full firehouse vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at The Fig at 7th or nearby towers; street parking is limited during business hours.
Dress code: Business casual; button-downs and polished attire fit the historic room.
Noise level: Moderate; lively lunch buzz but still suitable for deal-making conversations.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday-focused operation.
Weekday lunch: Short waits with a reservation; walk-ins may wait 10–20 minutes during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, market sides, and a few mains can be adapted.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and sides may work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation—several proteins and salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to business or catch-up lunches; the historic setting is charming but feels more professional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes outside peak noon windows, though reservations help avoid delays during busy corporate lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids, but the vibe leans professional and may not engage younger children; no dedicated kids' menu.
Best For
Better for: Classic American comfort plates in a distinctive historic setting that feels substantial and grounded for business hosting.
Skip if: You want a trend-driven menu, rooftop views, or a quieter, more intimate atmosphere for personal occasions.
Engine Co. No. 28
8.4
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:
Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Pot Pie, Crab Cakes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Historic firehouse setting delivering hearty, throwback American comfort favorites.
Who should go: Business diners, pre-show crowds, and classic-comfort seekers.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or pre-theater seatings before nearby shows.
What to order: Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Pot Pie, signature crab cakes.
Insider tip: Request the downstairs firehouse room or patio for maximum atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during dinner services; nearby paid garages along Figueroa and 7th offer easy access. Street parking is limited and fills quickly on weeknights.
Dress code: Smart casual. Business attire is common during weekdays, but polished jeans and a nice top work fine for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably hold a conversation, though the historic room carries a natural hum during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially before theater showtimes.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; business-lunch rush may create a short line but tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection — salads, veggie-focused starters, and a few mains can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; best to ask the server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free comfort dishes are available; servers can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The historic firehouse setting and warm lighting create an intimate, conversation-friendly atmosphere that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes outside of prime pre-theater windows. For dinner near curtain times, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably. Older kids who enjoy classic American dishes will be fine, though the room’s ambiance skews more adult and business-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric, historic dining with elevated comfort food that feels both nostalgic and polished — ideal for business meals and pre-show outings.
Skip if: You want ultra-modern, chef-driven cuisine or a quick, minimalist meal. This is a sit-down experience built around classic American comfort.