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Met Him At A Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Met Him At A Bar
8.3
Across from its breakfast sibling, Met Him At A Bar is a compact pasta bar where rigatoni vodka, slow-simmered Bolognese, and shareable starters meet a tight list of wines and spritzes. The room is small, lively, and geared toward casual dates or friend meetups who want proper pasta without a white-tablecloth feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Lively pasta bar built around rigatoni vodka, shareable plates, and a fun, wine-forward atmosphere at a buzzy La Brea corner.
Who should go: Pasta fans wanting a casual but energetic date-night setting.
When to visit: Later evenings when the bar fills and the room hums.
What to order: Rigatoni vodka, Bolognese, crispy Brussels sprouts.
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal for solo diners or couples who want a front-row view of the pasta line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on La Brea and side streets is the norm; it’s workable before 7pm but tight during peak dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top fit the vibe; most guests lean slightly dressy for evening outings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but the room hums once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early evenings may see a short queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including salads, starters, and at least one pasta that can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited; a few sides and salads work, but pastas generally require modification.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available on request, but expect shared-prep conditions rather than a fully separate workspace.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The small room, warm lighting, and energetic bar make it feel intimate without being formal, ideal for a relaxed first-date vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Walk-ins are common, but expect waits during peak dinner hours. Bar seating is the fastest option for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space is compact and geared toward adults; older kids or teens may be fine, but it’s not optimized for young children.
Best For
Better for: Casual pasta cravings, lively date nights, and quick spritz-and-pasta evenings without the formality of full-service Italian restaurants.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious dining room, extensive menu variety, or strictly vegan/gluten-free options.
Met Him At A Bar
8.4
Met Him At A Bar is a narrow, brick-lined neighborhood pasta bar where twinkling lights, cozy two-tops, and a strong wine list make it ideal for casual dates. Handmade pastas and shareable antipasti lean hearty rather than fussy, giving couples a comfortable spot to linger over spritzes and bowls of carbonara.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paccheri in spicy vodka sauce, Carbonara with crispy pancetta, Arancini with house marinara
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A cozy La Brea pasta bar built for wine, carbs, and conversation.
Who should go: Pastalovers seeking intimate but unfussy date-night energy.
When to visit: Early evening seatings before the room gets loud and packed.
What to order: Arancini, paccheri vodka, carbonara with crispy pancetta.
Insider tip: Snag bar seats for faster service and an easy first-date vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on La Brea and side streets; metered spots open up after 7pm but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual-to-date-night casual; jeans and a nice top are common, though many lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; conversation is doable at early seatings but gets louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, depending on how many two-tops are ahead of you.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple vegetarian pastas and antipasti available.
Vegan options: Limited; a couple of salads and customizable pasta options, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available upon request, though the kitchen is not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The cozy layout, warm lighting, and casual wine-bar vibe make it ideal for a relaxed first date where conversation is the focus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you arrive before 6:30pm or sit at the bar, which tends to turn over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, though the space is tight and geared more toward adults; older kids or teens are fine, but it’s not ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Casual date nights where handmade pasta, wine, and intimacy matter more than formality.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, a quiet dining room, or extensive vegan options.