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Hillstone
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Hillstone
8.7
Upscale American chain known for perfectly executed classics like their legendary ribs and Ding's Crispy Chicken sandwich. The open kitchen, warm wood interiors, and professional service create a reliably excellent dining experience for families and business diners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hawaiian Ribeye with Pineapple, Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Consistent excellence in American comfort food execution
Who should go: Families wanting guaranteed quality dining experience
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quick service, less crowds
What to order: Ribs, chicken sandwich, spinach dip
Insider tip: No substitutions policy is strictly enforced
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 with validation, self-park in structure across street $15, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual - business crowd at lunch, jeans fine but avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate to loud - buzzy atmosphere but conversation possible
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during peak 12-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 solid options including excellent veggie burger
Vegan options: Very limited - house salad and grilled vegetables only
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked items on menu, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - too loud and family-oriented for intimate conversation, but perfect once you're comfortable
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - arrive by 5:45pm weekdays or expect 45+ min wait, bar seating often available faster
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - high chairs available, kids menu, tolerant of noise, but no crayons/activities so bring entertainment for under-5s
Best For
Better for: Consistency and execution - when you need a guaranteed excellent meal without surprises, beats trendy spots for reliability
Skip if: You want creative cuisine or dietary flexibility - go to Gjelina or True Food Kitchen for innovative or customizable options
Hillstone
8.2
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
This sleek modern American restaurant near Third Street Promenade delivers exceptional steaks alongside an extensive sushi selection. The sophisticated atmosphere with candlelit dining and impressive art collection creates an upscale yet approachable date night destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hawaiian Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Spinach Artichoke Dip
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Combines prime steaks with world-class sushi program.
Who should go: Sophisticated diners wanting variety
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for quieter ambiance
What to order: Ribeye, sushi rolls, famous spinach dip
Insider tip: Upstairs dining room is quieter for conversation
Hillstone
8.4
Sophisticated American restaurant near Third Street Promenade serving USDA Prime steaks alongside fresh sushi and modern American classics. The candlelit interior features museum-worthy art and an extensive wine collection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hawaiian Ribeye, USDA Prime Center-Cut Filet, Hand-Rolled Sushi
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Prime steaks meet handcrafted sushi under one roof
Who should go: Business diners and date night couples
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for intimate atmosphere
What to order: Hawaiian ribeye, sushi combo, spinach artichoke dip
Insider tip: Bar seating available for walk-ins
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, Third Street parking structures $3/hour (often full weekends), street parking 2-hour limit until 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual required - dark jeans acceptable but lean dressy, no athletic wear or flip-flops
Noise level: Moderate buzz - intimate conversations possible, livelier bar area
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Walk-in usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 dedicated options plus sides, excellent veggie sushi rolls
Vegan options: Limited - mainly salads and sides, can modify dishes on request
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, knowledgeable staff, sushi options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - dim candlelit ambiance creates romance without being overly formal, conversation-friendly noise level, impressive without seeming try-hard
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, dining room tough on weekends - arrive before 6pm or after 9pm for best chances
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate fine dining, no kids menu but will accommodate, early dinner hours more family-appropriate
Best For
Better for: Superior steak-sushi combination versus pure steakhouses, more polished service than casual Third Street spots, excellent business lunch efficiency
Skip if: Want authentic Japanese-only sushi experience, need budget-friendly options, prefer louder social scene atmosphere
Hillstone
8.7
Hillstone's Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich has achieved legendary status among Santa Monica locals, featuring buttermilk-fried chicken layered with spicy slaw, Swiss cheese, and mayo on a sesame bun. The upscale American restaurant near Third Street Promenade serves this perfectly engineered sandwich that's cut into three manageable wedges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Artichokes, Thai Noodle Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: The meticulously crafted fried chicken sandwich that's become an LA institution
Who should go: Business diners and chicken sandwich connoisseurs
When to visit: Weekday lunch for easier seating
What to order: Ding's sandwich, artichokes, prime rib
Insider tip: Ask to be seated at the bar to avoid wait times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-parking in nearby structures $8-12, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual required - collared shirts preferred, nice jeans acceptable, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, immediate bar seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - grilled artichoke, veggie sushi rolls, salads easily modified
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads without cheese/dressing modifications
Gluten-free options: Some options - grilled fish, salads, but no GF bun for famous sandwich
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - dim lighting, booth seating for intimacy, upscale but not stuffy. Request a booth when reserving.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Difficult at dinner - try the bar for full menu access or arrive before 5:30pm. Lunch walk-ins more feasible.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Early dinner (5-6pm) more accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Superior fried chicken sandwich execution than trendy spots, more consistent service than newer restaurants, proven date night atmosphere
Skip if: You want creative/fusion cuisine, need extensive dietary accommodations, or prefer casual counter service for fried chicken