Best Outdoor Dining American Restaurants in Los Angeles
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Killer Shrimp
Signature spicy shrimp broth recipe served for decades on the marina.
Notable Picks
8.8
Killer Shrimp is a long-running waterfront spot famous for its spicy, slow-simmered shrimp broth served with crusty bread and strong cocktails. Locals treat it as a go-to for indulgent seafood plates, marina views, and a lively bar scene that runs from happy hour through late dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Killer Shrimp Original, Killer Shrimp & Lobster, Lobster Mac
What Makes it Special: Signature spicy shrimp broth recipe served for decades on the marina.
#2
The Arbour
8.8
Upscale farm-to-table dining showcasing California's agricultural bounty with rustic elegance. The kitchen delivers expertly executed seasonal dishes like Mediterranean sea bass and duck, while the intimate fireplace setting creates romance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Sea Bass, Duck Confit, Truffle Crusted Chicken
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table philosophy with sustainable local sourcing
#3
Manuela
8.7
Inside Hauser & Wirth, Manuela pairs farm-driven Southern-leaning American cooking with an airy, plant-filled gallery setting. Seasonal produce and live-fire touches keep the menu bright and textured, while brunch remains a neighborhood ritual. It’s an Arts District staple that balances craft with comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cream biscuits, Wood-grilled vegetables, Rotating market-driven mains
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table American cooking in a gallery-garden setting.
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Upscale casual taverna delivering classic American comfort food since 2008 in Belmont Shore's heart. Exhibition kitchen showcases culinary talent behind signature items like prime rib dip and butter cake dessert. Glass walls and spacious patio create sophisticated people-watching setting with consistently stellar service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib Dip, Chilean Sea Bass, Butter Cake
What Makes it Special: 17-year neighborhood institution balancing casual warmth with upscale execution and exceptional hospitality
8.7
Superba’s Hollywood location feels like a modern all-day café, where sourdough loaves, laminated pastries, and colorful brunch plates land under high ceilings and big windows. Weekends skew lively, with neighborhood industry folks lingering over coffee, cocktails, and long brunches on Sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soft-scramble sourdough toast, Ricotta pancakes with seasonal fruit, Fried chicken sandwich on house bread
What Makes it Special: Bakery-driven brunch where serious bread and pastry anchor bright California plates.
8.6
Iconic Los Angeles landmark hot dog stand shaped like a giant hot dog, originally built in 1946 and reopened in 2022 after 17 years in storage. This piece of programmatic architecture serves both hot dogs and burgers in a two-story space with massive patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Pup, Sassy Cheese Burger, Jalapeño Pup
What Makes it Special: Only surviving programmatic architecture hot dog building with 75+ year history
#7
Gjusta
8.5
Bakery-deli-market with a sprawling menu, counter ordering, and shaded outdoor seating. Families like the flexibility: pastries for kids, salads and sandwiches for adults, plus take-home pantry items.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Fish Plate, Turkey Reuben, Rotisserie Chicken with Sides
What Makes it Special: Market-style bakery with wide, family-friendly choice and takeaway.
#8
All Time
8.4
This perpetually packed Los Feliz spot serves peak-season vegetable-forward dishes on a charming patio that feels like a backyard potluck hosted by your coolest friend. The handwritten menu changes frequently but always showcases effortless California cooking, from the famous burrata-topped focaccia to dry-aged ribeye for two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia with Burrata, Good Ass Salad, Dry-Aged Ribeye for Two
What Makes it Special: Seasonal, farmers market-driven menu with a rustic backyard dining feel
8.4
Located inside Jamaica Bay Inn on Mother’s Beach, Beachside Restaurant & Bar serves coastal American fare from brunch through dinner with an emphasis on seafood and classic comfort dishes. The broad menu and beachfront patio make it a versatile choice for everything from pancakes with kids to sunset cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cake Benny, Beachside Burger, Fried Chicken & French Toast
What Makes it Special: Beachfront American dining with all-day service and a large patio.
#10
Gjelina
8.4
Since 2008, this produce-forward spot has paired wood-fired pizzas with seasonal vegetables in an industrial-chic space. Go early for a more relaxed date and crisp, charred pies with simply dressed market sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Pizza, Guanciale Pizza, Seasonal Vegetables
What Makes it Special: Long-running, seasonal wood-fired program with Venice energy.
#11
Little Fish
8.4
Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle's former pop-up earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their beer-battered striped bass sandwich and Nordic-influenced seafood breakfast dishes served from a walkup window adjacent to DADA Market. The breakfast menu featuring fish congee and smoked whitefish tartines runs until 11am Wednesday through Sunday.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Fish Sandwich, Fish and Mushroom Congee, Smoked Whitefish Tartine
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib Gourmand for inventive seafood breakfast and legendary fried fish sandwich
8.4
This upscale American breakfast spot has been serving farm-to-table brunch for over 25 years, featuring organic ingredients and California-fresh preparations. The charming patio with heat lamps and the commitment to locally-sourced produce make it a favorite among health-conscious Beverly Hills locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Eggs & Ham, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, California Omelet
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table pioneer with 25+ years of excellence
#13
WeHo Bistro
8.4
A charming French-American neighborhood bistro operating since 2011, known for its warm hospitality and globally-inspired comfort food. The restaurant features a beautiful flower-lined patio and serves everything from burgers to sophisticated French fare, making it equally welcoming for families and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
WeHo Burger, Mushroom Soup, Pasta Mama
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood bistro with free parking and year-round patio
#14
Electric Owl
8.3
Perched along a former rail line, Electric Owl is a compact American bistro-bar known for cocktails, burgers, and patio seating that works for casual dates or after-work hangs. The menu leans into upgraded comfort food while the bar turns out serious drinks without feeling overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
House smash burger with fries, Spicy vodka rigatoni, Grilled chicken sandwich
What Makes it Special: Railside American bistro-bar pairing strong cocktails with elevated comfort food and a compact patio.
#15
ISM Brewing
8.3
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Award-winning modern brewpub opened in December 2023 by industry veteran Ian McCall, earning two Gold Medals at the 2024 World Beer Cup within months of opening. Head Brewer Gene Wagoner crafts world-class ales and lagers while the kitchen delivers elevated American pub fare from scratch.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Tossed Wings (Plain, Tatanka, BBQ, or Erawan), Brewery Mac & Cheese, LB Caviar (Pickled Eggs)
What Makes it Special: World Beer Cup Gold Medal winner with 1,500 sq ft promenade-facing patio
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 1983, this waterfront landmark delivers mesquite-grilled fresh seafood and award-winning wine selections beneath a working lighthouse. The menu features innovative Southern California preparations alongside creative sushi, all served with panoramic views of Long Beach Harbor and the Queen Mary.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-Grilled Fresh Fish, Oysters Rockefeller, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna
What Makes it Special: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and unmatched harbor views from every table
8.3
Beachfront beer garden with BOGO-style happy hour windows and tacos on the all-day menu. Sunset timing brings a lively crowd for shrimp or veggie tacos paired with easy-drinking drafts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp tacos, Veggie tacos, Chips and guacamole
What Makes it Special: Oceanfront HH energy with taco options and rotating drink deals.
#18
Ocado Restaurant
8.2
Plant-based American fusion combining Mediterranean and Latin influences with craft beer and sustainable wines. Since 2018, this vegan restaurant delivers bold flavors through dishes like jackfruit street tacos, crispy avocado tacos, and impossibly good burgers that draw both vegans and omnivores.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Street Tacos, Crab Cakes, Impossibly Good Burger
What Makes it Special: All plant-based menu that convincingly mimics meat classics while delivering genuine Mediterranean-Latin fusion
#19
Pono Burger
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired organic burger joint grilling grass-fed beef over white oak fire in a converted WWII Quonset hut. Chef Makani's commitment to farmers market ingredients and kid-friendly sliders makes this a thoughtful family destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Piku Fig Burger with Brie, Sweet Potato Fries with House Aioli, Kids Organic Sliders
What Makes it Special: Oak-fired organic burgers with Hawaiian soul
#20
Saint & Second
8.2
Two-story gastropub resembling a ski chalet serves locally-sourced seasonal cuisine with organic cocktails. Executive chef Shelly Bojorquez creates New American dishes from duck meatballs to bison short ribs. Rooftop patio offers prime 2nd Street people-watching while maintaining surprisingly calm ambiance inside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Meatballs, Bacon Burger, Roasted Bone Marrow
What Makes it Special: Multi-level gastropub combining Hofman family hospitality with chef-driven seasonal fare and curated whiskey selection
8.2
SALT Restaurant & Bar, opened in 2015 inside the Marina del Rey Hotel, focuses on California seasonal cooking with an American bent, from chowder to braised short ribs. Diners come for polished plates, cocktails, and one of the better waterfront dining rooms on the harbor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marina Clam Chowder, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Rib
What Makes it Special: Hotel waterfront restaurant marrying seasonal California dishes with marina views.
#22
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone street since 1991, this see-and-be-seen bistro offers California cuisine with French and Pan-Asian influences. The flagstone patio overlooking Rodeo Drive provides prime people-watching territory where celebrities regularly dine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Omelette, Moroccan Lamb, Lobster Mac N Cheese
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant directly on Rodeo Drive's cobblestones
#23
Burger Lounge
8.1
Grass-fed beef burgers and plant-based options anchor this health-conscious chain location in Sherman Oaks Galleria. Fresh-baked buns daily and customizable toppings cater to dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor, drawing a loyal midday crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lounge Burger, Turkey Lounge Burger, Impossible Lounge Burger
What Makes it Special: Grass-fed beef and extensive dietary accommodation options including gluten-free
8.1
A Pasadena salad institution since 1979, built around the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad that moves over 2,000 orders a week — and the signature zucchini bread that arrives with every plate. It runs as a patio-first, group-friendly lunch spot where the menu leans heavily on composed salads with enough variety to keep regulars rotating. Weekend brunch draws crowds and noise; weekday visits land the same food with a calmer room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad, GSR Zucchini Bread, Cornucopia Salad
What Makes it Special: Pasadena institution since 1979, famous for the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad ordered over 2,000 times per week — and their signature zucchini bread served with every salad.
#25
Rabano
8.1
This health-focused counter-service spot opened in 2023, bringing sustainable bowls and Latin-Asian fusion to Main Street with locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. The menu balances globally inspired options like Peruvian saltado and Korean-style bowls with approachable California fare, drawing a steady lunch and dinner crowd to its modern, light-filled space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Knockout Bowl, Peruvian Saltado Bowl, VIP Poke Bowl
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table fusion bowls with extensive vegan and gluten-free options
#26
Running Goose
8.1
Tucked just off Hollywood Boulevard, Running Goose is a patio-centric spot serving globally influenced, vegetable-forward plates with Central American accents. String lights, an herb garden, and shared plates give it a low-key, design-conscious feel that regulars love. It flies a bit under the tourist radar, which only adds to its appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arugula tostada, Goose salad with burrata, Pork cheek or seasonal braised special
What Makes it Special: A garden patio hideaway serving creative share plates just off the main strip.
8.1
This chef-driven New American restaurant occupies a historic building with a charming courtyard patio. Operating a 100% scratch kitchen with 90% gluten-free menu, they serve Euro-inspired dishes alongside California classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Protein Power Bowl, Neapolitan Pizza, Puff Bread with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Historic courtyard setting with scratch-made gluten-free focus
#28
The Surfing Fox
8.1
Steps from the pier, this coastal California restaurant captures Santa Monica's surf culture with an indoor-outdoor design where ocean breezes flow freely. Chef David Yamaguchi delivers inventive twists on coastal classics using just-caught seafood and farmers market produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Pan-Seared Halibut, Fox Fries with Aioli
What Makes it Special: No walls between indoor/outdoor creates constant ocean breeze
#29
Urbane Cafe
8.1
Founded in 2003, owner Tom Holt built this cafe around a hearth oven that bakes focaccia dough fresh constantly throughout the day. The scratch kitchen creates gourmet sandwiches and farm-fresh salads with refined local ingredients in a warm yet vibrant counter-service atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
UC Chicken Banh Mi, Chimichurri Steak Sandwich, Cilantro Chicken Salad
What Makes it Special: Scratch-made focaccia baked fresh all day in open-hearth ovens
#30
Baby Bistro
8
Chef Miles Thompson runs a tight six-dish progression out of an 1890s Victorian bungalow in Chinatown, where the entire 35-seat room fires the same concise seasonal menu each night. The format rewards diners who want to hand over the reins—ankimo torchon and passionfruit-dressed spaghetti squash signal a kitchen comfortable with Japanese and European technique applied to California produce. Best approached as a complete experience rather than an à la carte stop, with the intimate scale and historic setting doing most of the atmospheric work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Country Bread with Liptauer Cheese, Ankimo Torchon, Spaghetti Squash with Passionfruit
What Makes it Special: Chef Miles Thompson serves a concise six-dish seasonal menu inside an 1890s Victorian bungalow that seats just 35, designed to be fired as a complete progression.
8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Sprawling two-story harborside brewery with 60+ beers on tap overlooking Alamitos Bay. The award-winning San Diego-based operation serves American pub fare alongside their craft beers, featuring fire pits on outdoor patios for sunset viewing.
Must-Try Dishes:
BP Wings, Beer-Steamed Mussels, Baked Short Rib Mac and Cheese
What Makes it Special: Waterfront brewery with panoramic bay views and extensive beer selection
A 30,000 sq-ft moto-culture destination where the converted 1945 warehouse, vintage motorcycles on the floor, and club-like energy are the main attraction—food takes a supporting role. The modern American menu delivers solid burgers (the bone marrow truffle burger stands out) and a strong brunch spread, though portions and prices run toward destination-dining territory. Works best as a social gathering spot where the spectacle and sprawling lounge seating carry the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bike Shed Burger, Steak & Eggs, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: A full-scale restaurant embedded inside a genuine moto social club.
#33
Rubio's Cafe
8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
A family-run Salvadoran-Mexican-American counter cafe that rotates daily specials alongside a core lineup of homestyle plates and fresh-squeezed juices. The value proposition is the draw—budget-friendly portions of comfort food like the breakfast burrito and meatloaf plate that keep early-morning regulars coming back to a low-key patio spot on Robertson.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Pastries
What Makes it Special: Family-run Salvadoran-Mexican-American cafe with daily rotating specials, fresh-squeezed juices, and a patio on Robertson
#34
Simmzy's
8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Pet Friendly Paradise
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Coastal-chic gastropub from Simms brothers brings Manhattan Beach success to larger Belmont Shore space. Craft beer focus with house brews like Beach Cruiser Blonde pairs with creative comfort food from Brussels sprouts to wood-fired pizzas. Family-friendly vibe welcomes dogs on patio with communal tables creating neighborhood energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brussels Sprouts with Capers, Simmzy's Burger, Ahi Poke Tostada
What Makes it Special: Regional gastropub chain's largest location emphasizes craft beer selection with playful California-coastal menu
#35
The Attic
8
A converted 1920s craftsman home serving Southern-inflected brunch with a California sensibility—customizable Bloody Marys, short rib poutine, and powdered-sugar beignets anchor a menu that rewards sharing. The multiple dining rooms and spacious dog-friendly patio make it a natural fit for weekend groups willing to wait for a table in Belmont Shore's most entrenched brunch destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bloody Mary, Beignets, Poutine
What Makes it Special: New Orleans-inspired brunch destination with a rooftop patio in Long Beach's Belmont Shore
8
A Studio City breakfast institution since 1964, built on enormous specialty omelets and fluffy banana pancakes served in generous portions at diner-friendly prices. The lush, garden-wrapped back patio with misting fans is the draw—entertainment industry regulars and neighborhood lifers treat it as a living room with better food. Indoor seating is small and gets loud at peak brunch, so aim for the patio and arrive early on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banana Pancakes, Chili Cheese Omelette, Biscuits and Gravy
What Makes it Special: Beloved Studio City breakfast spot with a lush, garden-wrapped patio where entertainment industry regulars gather over enormous specialty omelets and famous banana pancakes.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Since 2004, this cottage-style café housed in two historic bungalows has served updated American classics in a garden patio setting. The all-day menu spans from hearty breakfast items to wood-fired dinner entrées, complemented by in-house chocolate and a full bar next door at Big Bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alcove Benedict, Short Rib Sandwich, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Historic bungalows with enchanting garden patio near Griffith Park
#38
Dudley Market
7.9
Small seafood spot just off the sand sourcing limited daily catches and pouring natural-leaning wines. The chalkboard menu changes with what’s best, making oysters, crudo, and whole grilled fish the move at sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the half shell, Daily crudo, Whole grilled fish
What Makes it Special: Ultra-fresh, market-board seafood that sells out nightly.
7.9
A 70-year family operation that runs an unusually wide lane—California comfort plates like waffle chicken sandwiches and funnel cake French toast share the menu with Mediterranean staples like soujouk calzone and foul modammas, all served from a strip-mall storefront on Reseda. It draws weekend brunch crowds for the creative egg-and-griddle combinations, but the all-day depth means weekday drop-ins rarely feel like an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
Waffle Chicken Sandwich, The Stuffed Frenchie, Short Rib Benedict
What Makes it Special: Family-run since 1955, Emle's merges California comfort cooking with Mediterranean staples like soujouk calzone and foul modammas across an unusually deep all-day menu.
7.9
A compact twelve-item menu that punches well above bar-food expectations — hamachi tostadas and a patty melt that belong on a full-service restaurant ticket, backed by a wine program that gives most Downtown LA dining rooms a run. The indoor-outdoor layout fills up fast on weekends, and the noise level runs hot enough that you're better off leaning into the group energy than planning a quiet conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fries, Biscuits, The Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: A twelve-item menu executed at full-restaurant caliber inside a bar with a wine list that outpaces most LA restaurants
#41
Far Bar
7.9
An Asian-fusion gastropub housed in Little Tokyo's historic Far East Building, built around shareable plates like pozole ramen and bacon fried rice that lean into cross-cultural mashups rather than playing it safe. The open-air alley patio with a 13-foot projection screen and a deep Japanese whiskey list make it a natural landing spot for groups who want to eat, drink, and stay loud on a weekend night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wasabi Fries, Bacon Fried Rice, Pozole Ramen
What Makes it Special: Asian-fusion gastropub in Little Tokyo's historic Far East Building with an open-air alley patio and deep Japanese whiskey selection
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
The gastropub that made LA respect the no-substitutions burger—Sang Yoon's Office Burger with its blue cheese and bacon compote became a template that still gets copied 25 years later. Best suited for craft beer sessions where you commit to the menu as written and let the extensive tap list do the steering. Expect volume indoors; the patio works better for actual conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Office Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Duck Confit
What Makes it Special: The original no-substitutions gastropub where Sang Yoon's Office Burger—topped with caramelized onions, arugula, blue cheese, and bacon compote—became an LA icon
#43
GRANVILLE
7.9
A made-from-scratch comfort kitchen that justifies its organic-greens-and-hormone-free-meats positioning with hearty, technique-forward plates like the thick-cut pork chop and wagyu stroganoff. The open-air patio and lively dining room make it a natural fit for group brunch or happy hour, where the food lands consistently enough across 1,800+ reviews to hold a 70% five-star rate. Studio City regulars treat it as the default when they want generous portions without the processed tradeoffs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thick-Cut Pork Chop, Wagyu Beef Stroganoff, Angel Hair Pasta
What Makes it Special: Made-from-scratch comfort food using organic greens and hormone-free meats, delivering indulgence without compromise on ingredients.
#44
Great White
7.9
Casual all-day café near the boardwalk with sunny sidewalk seating. Expect beach-day staples, strong coffee, and quick service from breakfast through late afternoon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Fish Tacos, Avocado Toast
What Makes it Special: Easy, beach-proximate café with fast patio turnover.
#45
Hatchet Hall
7.9
A wood-fired Southern kitchen that built its reputation on technique-driven comfort food—the shishito-cheddar cornbread and turkey meatloaf draw repeat visitors who know to order shareable plates. The sprawling patio under a pergola works well for groups, though the indoor dining room runs loud enough to strain conversation. Expect $50-60 per person for hearty, seasonal plates rooted in American culinary traditions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cornbread, Meatloaf, Bacon-Wrapped Dates
What Makes it Special: Southern-inspired wood-fired cooking in a rustic Culver City setting with a covered outdoor tent space
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
A whisky-forward New American bar and grill anchored by technique-driven comfort food—the seven-hour bolognese on pappardelle is the signature move, backed by a deep brown spirits library that elevates the standard downtown lunch-and-drinks formula. The room stays conversation-friendly even at capacity, making it a reliable staging ground for pre-show groups and business lunches near the Historic Core. Expect solid bar-and-grill pricing without standout value, but the kitchen execution holds up across a broad menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seven Hour Bolognese, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Prime Rib French Dip
What Makes it Special: Downtown LA's go-to New American bar and grill with a top-shelf whisky library and seven-hour slow-cooked bolognese on pappardelle
#47
Home Restaurant
7.9
A 28-year Los Feliz fixture built inside a converted craftsman house, where the draw is a sprawling garden patio with koi ponds, twinkling lights, and a treehouse — a setting that elevates straightforward comfort-food brunch beyond what the menu alone delivers. The kitchen lands solidly on egg-forward plates like huevos benedictos on corn sopes and challah french toast, though some sides and dinner items show less polish. Weekend brunch is walk-in only and fills by 9:30am, so this works best as an early-arrival group outing where the courtyard atmosphere does most of the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken and Waffles, Chilaquiles, Pot Pie
What Makes it Special: A sprawling garden patio with fountains and a treehouse tucked into a Los Feliz craftsman, making it one of LA's most memorable brunch settings.
#48
Messhall Kitchen
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Regional American gastropub in Cecil B. DeMille's former Brown Derby building with summer camp-themed industrial design. The kitchen emphasizes organic seasonal ingredients in comfort classics like white cheddar mac and cheese, BBQ ribs, and the signature Mess Burger. The spacious patio with fire pits and impressive bourbon collection create a casual yet professional lunch atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mess Burger, Mac and Cheese, Baby Back Ribs
What Makes it Special: Historic building housing Brown Derby since 1940 with bourbon focus
#49
Redbird
7.9
New American cooking served inside a converted Gothic cathedral rectory, where the vaulted ceilings and brick archways do most of the heavy lifting for date nights and celebrations. The kitchen delivers crowd-pleasing shareable plates—Parker House rolls, shishito peppers, Brazilian cheese bread—that lean accessible rather than fussy. Expect a lively, conversation-competing volume on weekends; request a quieter corner table if that matters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Salad, Shishito Peppers, Blueberry Pancakes
What Makes it Special: New American dining inside a restored Gothic cathedral rectory in Downtown LA
A 1977-vintage burger counter built on deep customization—over 20 builds across six proteins including salmon and falafel, with bun upgrades like pretzel that let regulars dial in a specific order. The Brentwood location runs a tight room of fewer than 10 tables with a sunny patio that keeps it feeling neighborhood-scaled rather than chain-formatted. It works best when you treat it as a patio lunch destination where the burger complexity does the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Guacamole Burger
What Makes it Special: Since 1977, over 20 gourmet burger builds with six protein options including turkey, salmon, and falafel, plus premium bun upgrades like pretzel.