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JOEY DTLA
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
JOEY DTLA
8.3
A polished, high-energy Bloc anchor where families can order across a huge comfort-plus-modern menu without drama. The patio and open dining room fit strollers and bigger kid energy, and the kitchen’s range keeps picky eaters and adventurous parents both happy. Expect noise and a scene, but reliable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parmesan truffle fries, steak frites, sushi rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Big-tent menu in a downtown patio-driven setting.
Who should go: Families with older kids and mixed tastes.
When to visit: Early evening for easiest seating.
What to order: Fries, a main each, and a shared dessert.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating—it’s calmer than inside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in The Bloc garage with direct elevator access; rates vary but early evening is typically $5–$10 with validation. Street parking is limited and competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual works best—jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished due to the downtown setting.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially indoors during peak dinner hours. Patio seating is noticeably calmer and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, longer during event nights at nearby venues.
Weekday lunch: Usually 0–10 minutes; busiest from 12pm–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple bowls, salads, and mains are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; 2–3 items can be made vegan with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Strong GF-friendly lane with clearly marked items and staff accustomed to handling modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual first dates if you sit on the patio, but the energy inside is loud and bustling—better for a fun, low-pressure meet-up than an intimate dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially off-peak. Walk-ins are common, though waits climb quickly after 6pm on weekends. Patio tables often turn over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for families with school-age kids or teens. Space for strollers exists on the patio, and the broad menu handles picky eaters well.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and families wanting a polished setting with a wide menu that accommodates mixed tastes without sacrificing atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or quick in-and-out service; the energy level can feel intense during peak hours.
JOEY DTLA
8.2
A buzzy FIGat7th anchor that keeps a clear “gluten-friendly” lane across bowls, mains, and a standout GF dessert. It’s not a dedicated GF kitchen, but the menu is easy to navigate and the staff is accustomed to modifications. Best for social dinners when you want broad options without playing ingredient roulette.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak or salmon plate with GF sauce, Korean cauliflower tacos (GF prep), Molten chocolate cake (gluten-free)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Big-menu downtown hotspot with an explicit gluten-friendly section.
Who should go: Groups needing safe GF choices in a lively setting.
When to visit: Weeknights or happy hour to avoid longer waits.
What to order: GF tacos, steak/salmon plate, GF molten cake.
Insider tip: Tell your server you’re GF before ordering—mods are easiest early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: FIGat7th garage offers validated parking; expect $6–$10 depending on time. Street parking is limited and competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans work, but most groups lean stylish—common for downtown happy hour and night-out energy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak times; conversations are possible but expect a lively room, especially near the bar.
Weekend wait: 35–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins are common and seating turns quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of bowls, salads, appetizers, and mains with easy modifications.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—expect a few marked items plus mod-friendly plates.
Gluten-free options: Strong—clearly labeled gluten-friendly menu items with staff trained on modifications (not a dedicated GF kitchen).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, polished atmosphere. It’s energetic rather than intimate, so great for casual-but-fun first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Walk-ins work for lunch and early evenings; prime dinner slots often require a wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for families but not the main target. High chairs and space are available, though the vibe leans adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting a trendy downtown spot with reliably labeled gluten-friendly options and broad menu appeal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or a fully dedicated gluten-free kitchen with zero cross-contact risk.
JOEY DTLA
8.2
A high-energy Bloc dining room that runs a true daily happy hour with a social bar scene. Their hibachi chicken wings hit the sweet spot—charred-savory, slightly sweet, and built for sharing. Expect buzzy patio and lounge vibes that skew more scene than sports bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hibachi chicken wings, Chicken sliders, Crispy mashed potatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hibachi-style wings plus a Bloc-forward happy hour scene.
Who should go: Friends chasing a lively downtown hang.
When to visit: Daily 3–6pm for easiest bar access.
What to order: Hibachi wings, sliders, a spritz.
Insider tip: Patio seats move fastest—ask to start there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available inside The Bloc garage (typically $8–$12 with restaurant validation). Street parking is limited and competitive after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished—jeans are fine, but many opt for elevated casual or night-out attire.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak happy hour; conversation is possible at tables but tougher in the bar and patio zones.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits; often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options, including bowls, salads, and appetizers with customizable builds.
Vegan options: Limited; 1–2 items can be made vegan with modifications but not a dedicated section.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several gluten-free dishes are clearly marked, and staff is used to handling GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, social vibe with good people-watching. Not ideal if you prefer quiet or intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually during happy hour if you arrive early. Patio and lounge fill fast, so walk-ins should come before 4:30pm for the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable earlier in the day, but the room leans adult and energetic. Best suited for teens and up rather than younger children.
Best For
Better for: A high-energy happy hour with shareable wings and patio buzz in a central DTLA location.
Skip if: You want something quiet, reservation-driven, or more food-focused than scene-forward.
JOEY DTLA
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
A polished, modern brasserie-style room with a broad menu that keeps mixed crowds happy, from sushi to steaks to shareable comfort plates. Their private-dining setup is reliable for birthdays, team dinners, and client nights where you want a lively scene without sacrificing execution. Expect upbeat service and a menu built to travel smoothly across diets and appetites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Sushi + Sashimi Selection, Truffle Udon Carbonara
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Flexible private dining in a buzzy downtown all-crowd pleaser.
Who should go: Groups with varied tastes.
When to visit: Early dinners to beat peak noise.
What to order: Steak frites, sushi roll set, truffle udon.
Insider tip: Reserve a private space and pre-select family-style starters for fast flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available inside The Bloc’s garage with direct restaurant access; street parking on 7th can be scarce during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean polished; jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, with moderate-to-loud chatter during peak hours; private rooms keep conversation manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple salads, bowls, and pasta dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—about 2–3 items or modifiable plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes—clear labeling on the menu and staff accustomed to adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for energetic, social dates rather than intimate ones—choose the patio or quieter corners for better conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits can stretch on weekends; bar seating and the patio offer faster walk-in options.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for ages 8+; high chairs are available, but the vibe skews lively and adult during evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed-diet menus, birthdays, and celebratory nights where you need reliable private-dining flow.
Skip if: You want quiet fine dining, chef-driven tasting menus, or highly specialized cuisine.
JOEY DTLA
8.6
A high-energy brasserie anchor at The Bloc that stays packed for a reason: big-room buzz, a prime street patio, and a menu that’s broad but reliably dialed in. The kitchen lands crowd-pleasers like steak frites and sushi with steady pacing, while service is built for after-work surges. Trendy in the true downtown way—see-and-be-seen without feeling precious.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Cauliflower, Steak Frites, Sushi & Sashimi Selection
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Downtown’s biggest patio scene paired with a dependable all-day menu.
Who should go: After-work groups and style-forward lunch crews.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or late dinner.
What to order: Fried cauliflower, steak frites, sushi rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating early—walk-ins fill fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at The Bloc is the most reliable option, with validation available; street parking is very limited during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine but most guests lean polished due to the after-work and social crowd.
Noise level: Moderate-high; conversation is doable at smaller tables but the room and patio both carry a noticeable buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, longer if the patio is in high demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though business lunch surges can cause a short queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, bowls, appetizers, and a few mains can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be modified, but the menu is not strongly vegan-oriented.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly dishes are available; staff can guide modifications but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, trendy energy rather than a quiet setting; the patio is the best pick for conversation with a bit more breathing room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—walk-ins are common, but expect waits during happy hour and prime dinner windows. The bar area and patio list move fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids; the menu is broad and service is quick, but noise levels and crowd density make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: One of the best options downtown for large groups who want a mix of shareables, sushi, and comfort dishes in a stylish, high-energy setting.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, intimate dinner or strictly vegan/gluten-free dining, there are calmer or more specialized spots nearby.
JOEY DTLA
8.3
A high-energy corner brasserie at FIGat7th with one of downtown’s largest street-level patios, built for all-day hangouts that slide from lunch to late-night. The menu is broad but reliably executed—steaks, sushi, and shareables that fit groups and after-work flow. Come for the outdoor buzz and steady service, stay for the easy, repeatable crowd-pleaser rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Cauliflower, Steak Frites, Sushi Cone
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Massive downtown patio paired with a dependable, crowd-ready menu.
Who should go: After-work groups and patio-first diners.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour or late dinner.
What to order: Korean fried cauliflower, steak frites, sushi cones.
Insider tip: Request a patio table on the Flower/7th corner for peak people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: FIGat7th garage offers validated parking with direct escalator access; street parking is limited and tight during rush hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and tees are fine, but most groups lean slightly polished for the DTLA after-work scene.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at smaller tables, but the patio runs energetic during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid range of options, including bowls, salads, appetizers, and sushi cones.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—usually 2–3 customizable dishes or plant-forward bowls.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free; staff is used to requests and can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, stylish patio with easy conversation starters; less ideal if you prefer quiet or intimate vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially weekdays; for weekends or prime happy-hour windows, expect a wait and request the patio early.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—daytime is easiest with ample patio space; evenings trend more adult and social, so families may prefer earlier visits.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, versatile menus, lively patio energy, and consistent service that handles mixed tastes well.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet date spot, chef-driven cooking, or a deeply specialized cuisine experience.
JOEY DTLA
8.2
Inside The Bloc, JOEY DTLA runs a lively, global menu where seared-salmon sushi, tuna-avocado rolls, and lobster-and-prawn sushi tacos share space with steaks and burgers. It’s less a traditional sushi bar and more a polished hangout where cocktails and upbeat energy frame the sushi-focused plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Salmon Sushi, Tuna + Avocado Roll, Lobster & Prawn Sushi Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A buzzing, design-forward room where creative sushi plates headline a broad, cocktail-friendly menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting sushi with strong cocktails and energy
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend evenings when the room is buzzing
What to order: Seared salmon sushi, tuna + avocado roll, lobster sushi tacos
Insider tip: Use happy hour to sample sushi and small plates before committing to a longer dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is available inside The Bloc with validated rates; street parking is limited and competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; elevated denim, button-downs, and dressy tops fit the room’s polished vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with a buzzy social atmosphere; conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–70 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sushi rolls, bowls, and shared plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items plus modifiable salads and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes — multiple sushi options and mains can be prepared gluten-friendly upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an upbeat, energetic setting with stylish decor. For quieter or more intimate first dates, consider a calmer sushi bar instead.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but waits can be long during prime hours. The bar and lounge area often seat walk-ins faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens during daytime or early evenings; the late-night scene is more adult-oriented with louder music and cocktails.
Best For
Better for: Groups seeking vibrant energy, cocktails, and creative sushi plates in a modern setting.
Skip if: You want traditional sushi craftsmanship, quieter dining, or a purely Japanese-focused menu.