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Running Goose
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: A garden patio hideaway serving creative share plates just off the main strip.
Who should go: Locals wanting a relaxed, designy Hollywood patio.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or mellow early evening dinners.
What to order: Arugula tostada, Goose salad, a braised meat special.
Insider tip: Sit along the back edge of the patio for a quieter experience and better views of the herb garden.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga and side streets is possible but competitive after 6pm; no valet. Give yourself extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Patio-friendly outfits work well; most guests lean relaxed but design-conscious.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation is comfortable at most tables, especially on the patio’s edges.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for walk-ins depending on patio demand; small groups fare better.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—several vegetable-forward plates are menu staples.
Vegan options: Moderate—some dishes are naturally vegan or can be lightly modified.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility—many dishes can be made gluten-free and staff is used to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The herb-lined patio, warm lighting, and relaxed pace make it ideal for a low-pressure but thoughtful first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights, but patio seats fill first—arrive early for prime spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally for older kids and teens. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, and the patio is more suited to groups wanting a calm, adult-friendly environment.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more intimate patio experience than many nearby Hollywood spots, with creative vegetable-forward plates that appeal to diners wanting something lighter and more design-focused.
Skip if: You want fast service, heavy entrées, or loud, high-energy nightlife vibes—several other Hollywood restaurants are better suited for that.
Running Goose
8.4
Running Goose is a casual Cahuenga Corridor spot built around a patio, organic herb garden, and a Central American–leaning menu that leans hard into farm-to-table cooking. Small plates, tostadas, and comfort-driven mains make it a go-to for pre-theater dinners and relaxed nights with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arugula Tostada, Short Rib, Salt Cod Churros
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A true farm-to-table patio restaurant with its own herb garden and an eclectic Central American–inspired menu.
Who should go: Diners who want serious food in a relaxed patio setting.
When to visit: Evenings before or after nearby shows for peak energy.
What to order: Arugula Tostada, Salt Cod Churros, braised Short Rib.
Insider tip: Sit on the back patio near the herb planters for the best atmosphere and breeze.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Cahuenga is hit-or-miss after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Selma and Sunset usually have open spaces.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; comfortable patio-friendly attire is perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; the patio stays lively but you can still hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for the patio during peak hours; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially if you’re fine with patio seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, tostadas, and veg-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few bowls and salads can be modified; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the string-lit patio and garden setting create a relaxed, intimate feel without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights; expect a short wait on weekends for outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the casual patio works for older kids, but the small-plates format and tighter seating may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, garden-forward atmosphere with farm-to-table flavors at an accessible price point — ideal for casual dinners and groups.
Skip if: You want fine dining polish, a fully vegan menu, or a quieter indoor dining room.
Running Goose
8.4
Running Goose is a California comfort restaurant with Central American leanings, built around a herb-lined patio off Cahuenga. Tostadas, shared plates, and brunch dishes make it a go-to for groups who want something more personal than a sports bar but less formal than a steakhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tostada trio with seasonal toppings, Pork cheeks with smoked potatoes, Churros with dipping sauces
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Leafy, tucked-away patio with shareable, Latin-influenced California plates and brunch.
Who should go: Friends or couples wanting a relaxed patio meal off Hollywood Blvd.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or twilight dinner for patio string-light glow.
What to order: Tostadas, pork cheeks, churros for dessert.
Insider tip: Ask about herb garden specials—some dishes pull directly from the on-site planters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Cahuenga and side streets is the main option; it’s metered and tight during peak evenings. Nearby paid lots run $8–$15 depending on event nights.
Dress code: Relaxed California casual. Jeans, light layers, and patio-friendly outfits fit right in; no need to dress up unless it’s a date night.
Noise level: Moderate. The patio has a lively hum but still allows easy conversation, especially at smaller two-top tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 25–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward tostadas, sides, and brunch items are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—1–2 mains and a few sides can be adapted; staff is used to requests.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are gluten-free by default (tostadas, stews); staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate herb-lined patio, shareable plates, and moderate noise level make it a comfortable, low-pressure spot for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, but the patio fills fast at brunch and around dinner. Arrive early or be open to indoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+). The patio is accommodating, but the menu leans adult and there’s no dedicated kids’ section.
Best For
Better for: A more relaxed, personal patio experience than nearby bars and gastropubs, with shareable plates that work well for groups and casual date nights.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick meal, a sports-bar atmosphere, or a fully vegan menu—other Cahuenga spots cater better to those needs.