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Laurel Hardware
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Laurel Hardware
8.2
Laurel Hardware turns a former hardware store into a long, brick-walled dining room that opens onto one of WeHo’s more atmospheric back patios. The menu leans into cocktails, pizza, and share plates, making it a reliable move for first dates or casual anniversaries where the setting matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Duck Fried Rice, Truffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A converted hardware store with a long bar and leafy back patio that reads instantly as WeHo date-night central.
Who should go: People who care as much about ambiance and drinks as dinner.
When to visit: Later evenings for a lively bar vibe and a full patio.
What to order: Margherita Pizza, Duck Fried Rice, Truffle Fries.
Insider tip: If you want conversation-friendly volume, aim for earlier reservations before the bar crowd fills in.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available in the evenings; limited street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and side streets becomes difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish edge; jeans are fine but most guests lean trendy or elevated.
Noise level: Moderate to loud in peak hours; back patio is slightly easier for conversation but still buzzy.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; the restaurant is much calmer during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of pizzas, salads, and share plates with clear vegetarian-friendly options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some salads and vegetable sides can be modified; ask your server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free adjustments are available for select dishes; pizzas can be made on a gluten-free crust upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The moody lighting, long bar, and leafy patio create an instantly warm, social atmosphere that takes pressure off the conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait on weekends. The bar area sometimes has faster turnover, though patio tables typically require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the late-night crowd, higher volume, and limited kid-specific menu items. Older teens may be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: A stylish patio-centric date night or group outing where atmosphere and cocktails matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate conversation spot or a menu with extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Laurel Hardware
7.9
Laurel Hardware converts a former hardware store into a buzzy restaurant and bar where strong cocktails and share plates flow toward a leafy back patio. The outdoor area is the calmer side of an otherwise loud, scene-driven room, making it a popular choice for stylish nights that still feel al fresco.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jidori Brick Chicken, Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, Croissant Bread Pudding
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A former hardware store turned cocktail-heavy restaurant with a leafy back patio that softens the party feel.
Who should go: Guests prioritizing drinks and vibes over meticulous cooking.
When to visit: Earlier evening for patio conversation, later for full scene.
What to order: Jidori Brick Chicken, Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, Croissant Bread Pudding.
Insider tip: If you care about hearing your table, ask for a back-patio two-top instead of the main room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings; neighborhood street parking is possible but tight after 6pm along Santa Monica Blvd and nearby side streets.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish edge; jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy given the bar-forward scene.
Noise level: Loud indoors with bar energy; the back patio is moderately noisy and better for actual conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak scene hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only operation; earliest evening slots on weekdays usually have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, burrata, and shareable vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—typically 1–2 items or adaptable dishes depending on seasonal menus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates are available; staff can guide substitutions, though no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you choose the back patio, which offers softer lighting and calmer energy; less ideal inside due to noise and scene-forward crowds.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—but expect a wait during prime weekend hours. Early arrival or requesting the patio increases your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. It skews adult, especially later in the evening; teens may be fine, but it’s not suited for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-first nights with a lively crowd and a prettier patio than many West Hollywood hotspots.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or chef-driven dishes—opt for quieter, more culinary-focused spots in the neighborhood instead.
Laurel Hardware
8.3
Laurel Hardware converts a former hardware store into a high-energy bar and restaurant where strong cocktails, share plates, and a leafy back patio define the experience. It’s as much a nightlife hub as a dinner spot, with music and a mixed crowd that make it a standby for birthday groups and pre-going-out plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings with basil, garlic, and parmesan, Burrata with sungold tomato and arugula, Croissant Bread Pudding
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A converted hardware store turned cocktail-heavy hangout with a sought-after patio and long-running late-night scene.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing drinks, atmosphere, and music over quiet conversation.
When to visit: Early evening for patio conversation, later for full bar energy.
What to order: Chicken Wings, Burrata flatbread or pizza, Croissant Bread Pudding.
Insider tip: Ask about bar or high-top seating if regular tables are booked—those spots often feel more in the center of the action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet usually available in the evenings; meter and neighborhood street parking exist but become competitive after 6pm, especially near Santa Monica Blvd.
Dress code: Trendy smart-casual—most guests lean stylish with elevated basics; jeans are fine if paired with polished shoes or a jacket.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with music and bar energy; patio is marginally calmer but still lively.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer for large groups or patio requests.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner and nightlife spot; early weekday evenings typically have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong vegetarian options including salads, flatbreads, and vegetable-focused plates.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 naturally vegan dishes; modifications may be possible but not guaranteed during peak hours.
Gluten-free options: A few items can be prepared gluten-free on request; pizzas and flatbreads are not typically offered with gluten-free dough.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-energy, stylish atmosphere with great drinks; not ideal for quiet conversation due to music and bar traffic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early evening; bar and high-top areas are typically easier to snag and can be faster than waiting for patio or dining room tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—this is a nightlife-leaning restaurant with loud music and a bar-forward crowd; older teens may be fine, but it’s not suited for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, pre-night-out cocktails, and high-energy dinners where the vibe matters as much as the menu.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined service pacing, or a kid-friendly environment—choose a calmer neighborhood spot instead.
Laurel Hardware
8.7
A design-forward New American restaurant in a former hardware store, Laurel Hardware turns its bar into a serious happy hour destination with garlic-parmesan chicken wings and strong cocktails. Locals lean on it for post-work drinks that slide easily into lingering, share-plate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, Duck Fried Rice, Corn Agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Stylish hardware-store conversion where craft cocktails meet upscale garlic-parm wings.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and small groups wanting elevated happy hour snacks
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 5–6pm before dinner crowds hit
What to order: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, Duck Fried Rice, Corn Agnolotti
Insider tip: Start at the bar for wings and drinks, then move to the back patio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings; limited metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and side streets fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean stylish given the design-forward space, but elevated jeans and a nice top are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible at smaller tables or the back patio, tougher near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–70 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; the restaurant is primarily an evening-focused spot, but early evening happy hour typically has minimal wait if you arrive right at opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several share plates and pastas work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted; staff is used to accommodating GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the moody lighting, thoughtful cocktails, and stylish interior make it an excellent choice for a first date. Sitting on the back patio offers the best balance of ambiance and conversation ability.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for early happy hour or later in the evening, but prime-time weekends may require waiting at the bar or joining the waitlist. Arriving before 6pm improves your chances significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—this is a cocktail-forward, evening-centric spot geared toward adults. Older teens may be fine, but families with young kids will likely prefer more casual or quieter options.
Best For
Better for: More stylish and design-driven than nearby happy hour spots, with better cocktails and more elevated bar snacks—especially the garlic-parm wings.
Skip if: If you want a quiet meal, large portions at low prices, or a family-friendly setting; the energy skews lively, trendy, and adult-oriented.
Laurel Hardware
8.4
Set in a former hardware store on Santa Monica, Laurel Hardware turns farmers’ market produce into shareable New American plates backed by a serious cocktail program. Locals use it for date nights and late dinners where duck fried rice, salads, and pizzas feel as central as the scene in the back patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Fried Rice, Crispy Shrimp, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Farm-to-table New American cooking in a stylish converted hardware store with a lively back patio.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting scene-y, seasonal West Hollywood dinners.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for peak energy and late-night buzz.
What to order: Duck Fried Rice, Crispy Shrimp, Margherita Pizza.
Insider tip: Ask for a table toward the garden patio if you want the full atmosphere without the bar crowd.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available in the evening for a fee, though street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and nearby residential blocks becomes scarce after 6pm. Plan to circle a few minutes or use rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean. Jeans are fine, but most guests dress up slightly for the bar and patio scene.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially in the back patio and bar area. You can hold a conversation, but it’s not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation, particularly after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Laurel Hardware does not operate a traditional weekday lunch; early evening weekday seatings often have minimal waits if you arrive before peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, pizzas, and veggie-forward plates built around farmers’ market produce.
Vegan options: Limited but doable — a few dishes can be modified; ask your server for current accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options exist, especially among salads and entrées, but pizzas require substitution and the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The moody lighting, lively patio, and shareable plates create a relaxed but stylish atmosphere ideal for breaking the ice. It’s more energetic than intimate, so choose it if you want a fun vibe over a quiet one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Walk-ins are most successful early evening on weekdays or late-night after the dinner rush. The bar area sometimes seats walk-ins sooner.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room skews adult with a buzzy bar crowd, dim lighting, and later dinner hours. Older teens are fine, but families with young children may prefer a quieter, more casual option nearby.
Best For
Better for: A livelier, scene-driven West Hollywood night with strong cocktails, produce-forward plates, and a garden-patio atmosphere that outshines many casual New American spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, dedicated dietary menus, or a kid-friendly environment. Choose alternatives if you prefer low-noise dining or more extensive vegan/gluten-free offerings.
Laurel Hardware
8.4
Laurel Hardware turns a former hardware store into a high-energy restaurant-bar where seasonal cocktails, pizzas, and shared plates power a packed happy hour. The long bar, back patio, and dim interior make it a reliable meet-up spot for groups starting the night on the Santa Monica corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Pizza, Brussels Sprouts, Laurel Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A design-forward bar and patio with cocktails built for lingering.
Who should go: Groups chasing buzzy bar energy with solid food.
When to visit: Early evening before peak prime-time crowds and music volume.
What to order: Mushroom pizza, Brussels sprouts, Laurel Burger.
Insider tip: Request the back patio when reserving if you want more breathing room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available on weekends, but most guests rely on metered street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and the side streets; it becomes challenging after 6pm, so plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual with a trendy lean; jeans are fine but most groups dress elevated for the bar and patio scene.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with energetic bar chatter; early evening is more manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 40–70 minutes without a reservation depending on patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Laurel Hardware is primarily an evening destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with veggie pizzas, salads, and shareable plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adjusted but the menu skews vegetarian-friendly rather than fully vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes naturally avoid gluten, and select pizzas can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a stylish, high-energy setting with cocktails and a buzzy atmosphere. It’s less ideal for intimate, low-noise conversation, so earlier hours work best.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating often opens up early, but prime patio and dining tables fill quickly. Walk-ins are possible but expect to wait, especially Thursday through Saturday after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the space is loud, bar-driven, and geared toward adult groups. Teens might be fine, but younger children won’t find much accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Groups looking for upbeat bar energy, stylish design, and strong cocktails before a night out.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, vegan-forward menu, or a family-friendly environment.