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The Grill on the Alley
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
The Grill on the Alley
8.3
Since 1984, this tucked-away power lunch headquarters maintains its status through consistent execution of American steakhouse classics. Black-and-white tiles and mahogany partitions create the perfect backdrop for Hollywood dealmaking over perfectly grilled aged beef.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime New York Strip, Grill Cobb Salad, Key Lime Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: The same power brokers have occupied the same tables for decades
Who should go: Industry veterans and traditionalists
When to visit: Weekday lunch for deals, dinner for locals
What to order: Steak tartare, filet mignon, chicken pot pie
Insider tip: Happy hour 4-7pm features $10 build-your-own martinis
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, nearby parking structures $8-20, street parking scarce during business hours
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts preferred, avoid shorts and flip-flops
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly with booth privacy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), immediate seating otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - grilled vegetable plates, salads, sides can make a meal
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly modified salads and sides
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled meats and fish naturally GF, can modify most dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples - the business atmosphere and bright lighting lack romance. Try dinner over lunch for a softer vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, dining room walk-ins work best before noon or after 2pm weekdays. Weekend reservations essential.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - business clientele expects quiet dining. Teens who appreciate classic American fare would be fine.
Best For
Better for: Closing deals over lunch, classic cocktails done right, consistent quality without surprises
Skip if: You want innovative cuisine, Instagram-worthy plating, or a trendy scene - this is deliberately old-school
The Grill on the Alley
8.3
Tucked away off Rodeo Drive since 1984, this classic American steakhouse serves perfectly crispy fries with their burgers and sandwiches. The old-school charm and veteran staff create an authentic power lunch atmosphere favored by entertainment industry executives.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries, French Onion Soup, Chicken Pot Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic steakhouse with mini fries appetizer option
Who should go: Power lunchers and traditionalists
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business scene
What to order: Mini fries, NY strip, chicken pot pie
Insider tip: Happy hour 4-7pm for $10 blue cheese fries
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 with validation, public parking garage on Dayton Way ($3/hour first 2 hours)
Dress code: Business casual to business formal - collared shirts preferred, avoid athleisure
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), walk-ins usually ok after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several salads, pasta options, and sides can be modified
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly modified salads, call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - steaks, grilled fish, and modified sides available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established relationships or business dates - the power lunch vibe and older crowd make it less romantic, more professional
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, dining room tough during lunch rush (12-2pm) but doable for early dinner (5:30pm) or late lunch (after 2pm)
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - business atmosphere and no kids menu, but well-behaved teens who appreciate classic American food would fit in
Best For
Better for: Old-school steakhouse experience without pretense, actual deal-making atmosphere vs touristy spots, consistent quality over 40 years
Skip if: You want trendy Instagram moments, modern cuisine twists, or a romantic date night - try Mastro's or Cut instead
The Grill on the Alley
8.1
This 40-year institution tucked behind Rodeo Drive serves prime seafood alongside legendary steaks in clubby wood-paneled rooms. Hollywood power brokers seal deals over Dover sole and Maine lobster while bartenders pour perfect martinis.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail, Grilled Salmon Oscar, Lobster Tail
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Hollywood steakhouse with exceptional seafood program
Who should go: Deal-makers and traditionalists seeking consistency
When to visit: Weekday lunch for industry crowd energy
What to order: Sand dabs, crab cocktail, any daily fish
Insider tip: Ask for booth 12 - the preferred power lunch spot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in adjacent structure $8 with validation, street parking scarce
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts preferred, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - designed for conversation over cocktails
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), walk-in friendly otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including pasta and sides, not the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify sides and salads on request
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled fish and seafood naturally GF, alert server for prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date or beyond - the business lunch atmosphere and high prices set formal expectations. Try their Sunday brunch for a more relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes, dinner unlikely. Bar seats often available within 30 minutes, full menu served there.
Is it kid-friendly? Tolerated but not ideal - no kids menu, business crowd dominates. Better for special occasions with well-behaved teens.
Best For
Better for: Superior seafood sourcing vs other steakhouses, actual Hollywood dealmaking atmosphere, and bartenders who know your grandfather's martini recipe
Skip if: You want creative California cuisine, Instagram-worthy presentations, or dining under $75 per person
The Grill on the Alley
8.2
Classic American grill since 1984 serving prime beef and comfort classics in a clubby atmosphere favored by entertainment industry veterans. Wood-grilled steaks share menu space with legendary chicken pot pie and authentic Cobb salad.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime New York Strip, Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie, Original Cobb Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Hidden alley entrance creates insider's club atmosphere
Who should go: Industry power brokers and comfort food seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best people-watching
What to order: NY strip, chicken pot pie, Cobb salad
Insider tip: Request booth in back for maximum privacy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-parking in adjacent structures $8-12, street parking nearly impossible during lunch hours
Dress code: Business casual to business formal, no shorts or flip-flops, jeans acceptable if dark and paired with nice shirt
Noise level: Moderate buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic during peak lunch
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, call-ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min without reservation during 12-1:30pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - grilled portobello, pasta options, extensive salad menu
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads with modifications, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - all steaks, grilled fish, modified salads available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples - the business lunch atmosphere and bright lighting lack romance. Try dinner for quieter, more intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, dining room tough at peak times. Best walk-in chances: 2:30-5pm weekdays, after 8:30pm any night.
Is it kid-friendly? Tolerated but not ideal - no kids menu, adult atmosphere. Better for well-behaved teens who appreciate quality food.
Best For
Better for: Authentic clubhouse atmosphere and networking over trendy spots, superior chicken pot pie to any competitor, real-deal industry scene-making
Skip if: You want innovative cuisine, Instagram-worthy plating, or budget-friendly options - head to Republique or Gwen instead
The Grill on the Alley
8.6
Since 1984, this classic American steakhouse channels 1930s New York grills where entertainment executives and agents maintain standing reservations. Known for perfectly executed comfort classics like chicken piccata and prime steaks served in leather booths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime New York Strip, Crab Melt Sandwich, Chicken Piccata
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Hollywood dealmaking headquarters since 1984
Who should go: Industry insiders and classic steakhouse fans
When to visit: Lunch for deals, dinner for celebrations
What to order: NY strip, chopped salad, key lime pie
Insider tip: Ask for booth 5 - the unofficial power table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at dinner, $10 at lunch. Limited street parking on Beverly Drive - arrives early or use valet
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts preferred, dark jeans acceptable but lean dressy for dinner
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12:30-1:30pm), walk-ins before noon usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including pasta primavera and market vegetable plate
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify salads and sides, chef will accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - all steaks and seafood naturally GF, dedicated fryer for sides
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want to impress - classic romantic booths and consistent quality, though the business crowd at lunch might feel less intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available within 30 minutes. For dining room, try off-peak hours (2:30-5pm) or expect 60+ minute waits at prime times
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate the experience. No kids menu but will do simple modifications. Lunch more family-friendly than dinner
Best For
Better for: Consistent execution and old-school service that newer steakhouses can't match. The chopped salad and chicken piccata outclass most competitors
Skip if: You want innovative cuisine or Instagram-worthy presentations. Choose Mastro's for flashier ambiance or Craig's for celebrity spotting