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Pine & Crane DTLA
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pine & Crane DTLA
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Pine & Crane’s South Park outpost updates Taiwanese home cooking with bright flavors, natural wines, and a sleek indoor–outdoor space that feels built for downtown’s creative crowd. With hundreds of strong reviews since opening in 2022, it’s become a go-to for shareable small plates, noodles, and cocktails before or after a game or show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Dan Noodles, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Minced Pork on Rice (lu rou fan)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Modern Taiwanese flavors, all-day hours, and a design-forward indoor–outdoor setting.
Who should go: Noodle lovers, natural-wine fans, design-conscious downtown diners.
When to visit: Evenings before a game or weekend brunch-to-dinner hangs.
What to order: Dan dan noodles, popcorn chicken, shrimp wontons in chili oil.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, grab a number, then settle on the patio for cocktails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Hill St. and Olive St., plus several paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk. Street parking gets tight after 6pm on event nights.
Dress code: Trendy casual. Downtown polish fits in—think elevated basics, denim with a nice top, or casual-chic for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively. Easy enough to chat at smaller tables, but the patio hums during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on event traffic at Crypto.com Arena; line moves quickly since it’s counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait; busiest around 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—mapo tofu, sautéed seasonal greens, cold appetizers, and several noodle/rice bowls can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Moderate availability—choose from vegetable sides, cold salads, and tofu-based dishes; confirm sauces as some contain chili oil or fermented pastes.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some rice dishes and a few small plates work, but many noodles and dumplings contain gluten. Staff helps identify safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a casual-but-stylish downtown date. The patio lighting, shareable plates, and natural wine list make it relaxed yet fun. Just know it’s counter-service, so it leans more laid-back than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—everything is first-come, first-served. Arrive a bit earlier on event nights or weekends to snag a patio table; turnover is quick thanks to counter ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for ages 6+. The space is casual and spacious, though the menu leans spicy and the vibe can be lively. High chairs are limited and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Bright, modern Taiwanese flavors served fast; a stylish indoor–outdoor DTLA setting; and a natural-wine program that’s more curated than most casual spots nearby.
Skip if: You want quiet, lingering meals; need extensive gluten-free choices; or prefer full-service dining rather than counter ordering.
Pine & Crane DTLA
8.3
An all-day Taiwanese cafe in South Park, Pine & Crane DTLA leans dim-sum-adjacent with panfried pork buns, shrimp wontons, and shareable small plates ordered at the counter. The space feels modern and lively, with an outdoor patio that stays busy from brunch through late-night noodles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taiwanese popcorn chicken, Panfried pork buns, Shrimp wontons in chili oil
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bright Taiwanese cafe where counter-service noodles, buns, and wontons eat like modern dim sum.
Who should go: Casual diners craving Taiwanese snacks, noodles, and shareable plates.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before South Park events nearby.
What to order: Taiwanese popcorn chicken, panfried pork buns, shrimp wontons in chili oil.
Insider tip: Lines move faster at the bar; grab counter seats if you’re two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in South Park, but there are several paid garages within a 1–2 block walk. Expect $6–$12 for nearby structures, especially during event nights.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Athleisure, jeans, and daytime fits are all common; no need to dress up unless you want to blend with the brunch crowd’s trendier vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. The dining room stays lively but not overwhelming — you can hold a normal conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on nearby event traffic, since it’s counter-service and tables are first come.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal; often you can order and sit right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — options like scallion pancakes, mapo tofu (non-traditional but veg-friendly), sesame noodles without protein, and several veggie sides.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 dishes can work if you remove sauces containing egg or fish products, but you’ll need to ask staff for confirmations.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based and veggie dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates. The upbeat atmosphere and shareable small plates make it easy to chat without the formality of table service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s fully walk-in and counter-service. Arrive early during brunch or pre-event rushes to avoid hovering for seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes. The casual setup works well for families, though the space can be crowded. Best for kids 6+ who can handle a lively room; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: A modern, fast-casual Taiwanese experience with dim-sum-adjacent snacks, quick service, and a bright, social vibe — ideal for groups or solo diners who want quality without a long sit-down meal.
Skip if: If you want traditional dim sum carts, extensive dumpling menus, or quiet, linger-friendly dining, you may prefer a classic Cantonese dim sum house instead.