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    Checker Hall

    4.5 (565 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Checker Hall Photos

    Business Info

    CHECKER HALL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - Checker Hall

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    Reviews With Photos

    Seating on the balcony
    Brian V.

    I don't feel like this restaurant is talked about enough. This restaurant has great food and great vibes. It also low-key made me feel like I was dying back in New Orleans when I was sitting on the second floor balcony area overlooking the street. The service here is friendly and attentive as well. There's definitely a great sense of hospitality here. A small group of us came here in a week night so we were able to get seated pretty much right away. Well, at least after a little time that we were able to spend at the bar. I started off with a martini. It was delicious as well. And the bar is really nice. When we got seated, we were seated out on the balcony, which I really enjoyed. It felt like I was really dining on one of those balconies in New Orleans. We ordered couple of skewers - beef kofta and maitake. We also got and a couple starters/sides - the whipped feta, vadouvan cauliflower, and sticky Japanese sweet potato. And for a main, we got the chicken schnitzel. Everything was well presented and full of flavor. I don't think I disliked any of the dishes. Maybe I'm easy to please but seriously everything was really good and well prepared. I wanna go back and try some more mains like the branzino. Just a wonderful dining experience overall. And if you're looking for a nice dinner that won't break the bank and has a great vibe, this is the spot.

    IG: @nom.noms.only | hummus
    Jill C.

    hummus ($15) - basic dip but so delicious! I wasnt that hungry until i started eating it - almost wanted to lick the whole entire plate - i love how it's not just a plain hummus dip but it's got tahini, crispy chickpeas, and green zhoug; the combo is heavenly; well blended, smooth, not diluted, no impurities - the complementary pita bread was surprisingly amazing too; fluffy, fresh, and warm rating: 4.5/5 - only tried one thing but the one thing i tried was so bussin i have nothing to nitpick about - it's got live music and jazz on a weekday, which is so rare for la! Love the vibe and it doesn't feel like a weekday at all - i recalled they got some balcony seats too; perfect for dates - im a fan and would recommend to those who happen to be in the area - standard service nothing to note IG: @nom.noms.only

    Check $$$
    Aileen Z.

    This spot is so cute for dinner with the girls or a cute little date! I went with 2 other friends and we left so satisfied with all the food we had. Our server Kieran was very helpful with explaining the different items on the menu. We ordered the whipped feta, halloumi fattoush, chicken skewers and sticky sweet potato! I would drive over an hour for the whipped feta alone, sooo good!

    Chocolate Pot De Creme
    Christina P.

    This is definitely one of those trendy, hipster-style spots in Highland Park. Walking upstairs and into the restaurant gave me a slightly dark, eerie feeling at first, but once inside, the atmosphere felt very Roaring Twenties-inspired with a jazzy, vintage vibe. The lighting is extremely dim, which isn't really my preference, but it definitely adds to the ambiance. The restaurant was packed, yet we were seated right away in a cozy corner booth. We started with an appetizer that our server recommended over the hummus, and I'm glad we took the suggestion. It had a unique flavor, and the pita bread was absolutely delicious. Be prepared to spend some money here. Dinner for two can easily run over $100 if you're ordering more than just an appetizer and salad. The food itself was interesting, with bold and unique seasonings. Some dishes leaned a little salty for my taste, and I found myself going back and forth on whether I loved them or not, but they were definitely memorable. If you're looking for a fun date-night spot or a lively place to meet up with friends, this restaurant is worth checking out. It has a great vibe and a lot of character. While it's probably not somewhere I'd visit regularly, I'm glad I gave it a try.

    Menu
    William B.

    This past Saturday, 06-06-26, was my 2nd visit at Checker Hall and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I actually talked to the couples that were on both sides of me the first visit. This 2nd visit was different but it was cool no complaints. I had my cross word puzzle with me and some work to do on my phone so I was being entertained lol. Brandy is a great bartender. She practically lives there from what she shared with me lol. She makes some really good drinks, no lie. The Carmen #6 is cool but Carmen's Cousin is much better. And I like their Old Fashioned. That chicken sandwich is also good. I had it both visits. The first time was a lot better than the 2nd time. I don't know what it was. Could've been the extra honey sauce I didn't request like before lol. All in all, it was still a good sandwich. I ate it all just like the last time lol. The prices are decent and fair during happy hour. In my opinion of course. Cocktails for $10 and so is the sandwich. Not bad to me. I love the space and ambiance. The customer service is good. Saturday, I ordered both the Carmen #6 and Carmen's Cousin. Met with the manager Sean I believe his name was. So I shared with him how I had been mistakenly overcharged for a drink I didn't have during my last visit. He did his due diligence as a general manager and got back to me soon as he could. He then came back and informed me that everything was taking care of and they'll take off one of the drinks from this visit. And they also gave me a lil discount. Haven't been to any other bars in highland park but this one and I like it. It's a nice restaurant. It has plenty of seating inside with also balcony seating and views. Happy Hour is from 4p - 6p. Not sure what days tho. Saturday fasho fasho.

    Brussels Sprouts
    Sarah Y.

    I had a genuinely pleasant experience here--both for the palate and visually. I came in for a company lunch, and they went the extra mile by printing a special menu just for our team, which really felt like the cherry on top. The space itself strikes a really nice balance: open window areas that let in natural light, paired with a dark wooden interior that gives it a classy yet modern vibe. I could easily see this being a great spot for a date night thanks to the ambiance and the solid variety of food and drinks. I tried the "Anonymous Email" mocktail, and honestly, we couldn't even tell if it was a cocktail or not--it was that well crafted. Definitely a highlight drink if you don't want alcohol early in the day. Food-wise, the whipped feta was a standout and paired perfectly with the fresh, warm za'atar pita. The Brussels sprouts had a great crunch on the outside, though they were a bit too saucy for my taste--but still enjoyable overall. The glazed pork belly was delicious and leaned more Asian than Mediterranean, which added to the restaurant's fusion feel. The chicken schnitzel sandwich was another win: soft, warm bun (likely brioche), crispy chicken, and a flavor profile that starts sweet and savory, then finishes with a subtle spicy kick from the spiced honey. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and would absolutely come back. If you're not into fusion cuisine, this might not be your spot--but if you're open to a Mediterranean-inspired menu with creative twists, great vibes, and well-made drinks, I'd definitely recommend it.

    Chocolate Pot de Creme
    L J.

    This was our first time to this gem of a place, and it did not at all disappoint. Located on the second floor, we had no idea what to expect and upon entering, we were introduced to a whole new world. The decor and ambience is absolutely remarkable, so much so that we just had to stare at every detail when walking over to the terrace. Even in the searing summer heat, the terrace offered us a soft, peaceful breeze, so everything felt just right. At the same time, we took advantage of the lovely views of the neighborhood on one side and the beautiful interior of the bar as a centerpiece on the other. Whether having drinks or a meal, this was the perfect setting. Each person on staff was very welcoming and enthusiastic, and they hit the right notes in terms of helping to set the atmosphere. We were recommended the sticky Japanese sweet potato and informed that the skewers would also be delicious and filling. The king salmon skewer and glazed pork belly skewers were indeed amazing. It was obvious that each culinary item was treated with great attention to detail. For me personally, the shoyu, pickled daikon, and rhubarb on the pork belly truly created that perfect bite. Needless to say, I cannot wait for my next trek to the magnificent Checker Hall.

    Lunch Menu (April 20206)
    David M.

    Came here for lunch with a colleague. Very cool venue and I hear it's much busier at dinner but very low key at lunch. And, they have a bar and stage for live music next door (but live performances are at night). For lunch, it's seat yourself, order food at the bar and self serve bottles of water and glasses at the bar. Both the Gyro Melt Pita Au Jus and the Skewer Plate are good. Parking will most likely be one of the adjacent public meters parking lots.

    Vanessa A.

    I can't say enough amazing things about this restaurant. From the decor to the drinks to the food, everything exceeded my expectations. It's rare to find a spot these days that truly delivers on charm, aesthetic, and exceptional service all at once. We ordered the gem salad, pork belly, and steak frites and each dish was absolutely delicious and thoughtfully prepared. I'll definitely be returning. If you're looking for a restaurant with cozy, hip vibes and a great overall experience, this is the place.

    Cocktails
    Christopher B.

    I have lived in NELA for nearly a decade, and I am astounded that I have not previously visited this absolute gem. We had a marvelous experience and will certainly be back. We were initially planning to eat at Greyhound but someone in our party was like "Checker Hall is always great!" so we decided to see if a table was available. We lucked out and the host told us we'd have a 10-minute wait. After about five minutes he came back and led us to the most charming table on the patio. We had a perfect view of the activity below us on Fig, a nice vantage on the scene within the restaurant, and a nice view of the sunset. The space inside Checker Hall is warm and rich in texture. The unique position of the bar adds many points of visual interest. We started off with drinks, all of which were excellent. I had a classic martini and another guest had a really complex cocktail with a big chunk of dried pineapple. They made us a special request iced tea, and the coffee service was great as well. All the food was delicious. We started off with the feta, which was amazing. This dish could use one more piece of the delicious pita. Two of us chose the salmon skewer and another went with the basmati rice. Each of us was very satisfied with the flavors and portions. Throughout the evening we had excellent service from Gage. Thanks for adding to our pleasant experience. We did not check out desserts as we'd already committed to Foster's on the way home. We will try them next time. Overall, this was a 10/10 experience. Beautiful spaces, great atmosphere, thoughtful menus, attentive and upbeat staff, fun music at an appropriate volume... yes! See you again soon.

    Carrots
    Adriana L.

    Omg my first time coming here last night and what a hidden gem! The vibe is so nice- chill and historical at the same time. The food was so delicious and flavorful. We ordered the chicken, rice, and feta which came with pita. The staff were helpful in helping us decide and will be going back soon!

    Peg P.

    Everything we ordered was absolutely amazing. I haven't stopped thinking about this place since. If you're going while it's still light out, definitely request the patio, it has a great atmosphere and feels like a hidden gem in Highland Park. The service was fantastic. I didn't catch her name, but the woman with the long black hair who brought out our food was incredibly sweet and helpful and made the experience even better. The only dish I'd skip next time is the steak frites. The quality of the steak didn't match how great everything else was. My one big complaint is the bathroom situation. They only have one small unisex restroom for the entire restaurant, so I ended up waiting about 15 minutes in line. For a restaurant this busy, it's pretty frustrating and definitely something I hope they improve. Other than that, I can't wait to come back.

    Whipped Feta
    Edith R.

    We had the whipped feta and the lamb burger both amazing. We wanted to lick the whipped feta clean off the plate. The place itself is gorgeous. We didn't sit at the balcony so will definitely have to do that next time. Our server was very attentive and great as well.

    Bar

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ask the Community - Checker Hall

    Is HAPPY HOUR every day? Anyone have the HAPPY HOUR menu? THX

    Are dogs allowed?

    It's upstairs and in the same building as a music venue so probably not

    Is happy hour available in the dining room or only at the bar?

    It is available in the dining room too.

    What days do you have live music?

    Hi Nicole, We have live Jazz in the restaurant Thursdays and Sundays, as well as live DJs Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays.… 

    What is the noise level like?

    The noise level in the restaurant is average. It's louder in the concert hall but that is a separate area.

    Would it be able to accommodate 7 people for dinner?

    I'm not sure the booths can accommodate 7, but the bar could. Definitely call the restaurant and ask them.

    Is Apple Pay accepted there?

    Yes

    Is this place kid friendly for dinner?

    I would say yes-there's lots of space, it's not rowdy by any means, and the staff is super accommodating.

    Is this an over 21 place (dining room)? is the ID checked by the bar or the door?

    No, it is not 21 and over for dining. They do not check ID's at the door for dinner. It may be different if you are going to see a band, but that is a separate area from the dining room.

    Is there happy hour here?

    Yes, from 5-7 every day.

    Is there an online menu for food and drinks?

    Hi Chrys, We will list the menu very soon. We appreciate your patience. Thank you!

    View All 15 Questions

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    Bavel

    4.4
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    5.2 mi
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    Ribeye super fire 10/10 Cucumber salad bomb 9/10 biased…read morelove cucumbers Salmon a citrus sour but it's refreshing 9/10 Liver Patel was good 8/10 acquired taste Bread and dip so good had to stop myself before the main course came out 9/10 Last dish really good 9/10 Drinks were very smooth and refreshing go I'd say better than bestia although different types of cuisine and is the sister restaurant

    We went to Bavel for a special dinner and, overall, had a good experience, although it was…read moredefinitely on the pricey side. I made an OpenTable reservation about 10-15 minutes before arriving, and I'm glad I did because there was already a short line when we got there. There's valet parking for $13 for smaller cars/SUVs and $20 for larger trucks, plus tip, so definitely factor that into the meal cost. Street parking looked pretty difficult, so we were happy to just hand over the keys and not worry about it. Even with a reservation, we waited about 10 minutes. The restaurant is beautiful, and as you walk toward the dining room, you can see the fire blazing in the background. Unfortunately, our table was close enough to the fire that one side of us was basically being slow-roasted. We asked to move, and the staff was incredibly nice and switched us to another table immediately. Food-wise, this was definitely a mixed bag. The 26 oz prime ribeye ($185) was the biggest disappointment. I know it's an expensive special-occasion dish, and I saw a Yelp review calling it 10/10, so we thought, why not? Sadly, it was probably the worst ribeye I've ever had. There was a lot of silver skin/tough connective tissue throughout the meat, and for $185, I just don't think it was worth it. 1/5 for me. The grilled prawns were my favorite dish of the night and were excellent. My husband loved the lamb neck shawarma ($61). It was a little too rich for me, but I can see why he liked it, and at $61, it actually felt like one of the better values of the meal. We also enjoyed the duck hummus. The hummus with two pieces of pita was $19, but that definitely wasn't enough for three people, so we ordered two more pieces for another $10. That brought us to $29 for hummus and four pieces of pita. Delicious? Yes. A bargain? Absolutely not. Even in California, that's a lot of pita math. We also tried the Samira cocktail ($18), which they said was their most popular drink. It was good, but not particularly memorable for that price. There's also a 4% "Healthy LA" charge, so that's something to keep in mind when looking at the menu prices. For three people, our total was about $375 before tip, or a little over $120 per person. That's actually more than we spent at Nobu, so yes, I think Bavel is overpriced. But was the food good overall? Also yes. I'm glad we tried it, and I'd probably come back for the grilled prawns and maybe the shawarma. But the $185 ribeye? That one can stay at Bavel.

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    Oyster mushroom kabob
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    4.2
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    We just got home from dinner here and my wife and I loved it. The food was absolutely top notch. We…read morestarted with the potatoes in garlic sauce and an order of the haroumi and watermelon. What a great kick off! As for our mains, we both ordered a variation of the combo plates. I had the chicken tawook and beef. The Mrs. had the chicken and lamb. All good. Based on the food alone, we would recommend this place to anyone with a beating heart and more importantly, a mouth. This is quality food at a quality price. The atmosphere? Really great. It's a little dark and twinkly inside which sets a nice tone. There is cool artwork adorning every piece of wall, the place is very easy on the eyes...including the restrooms. Very clean. Our sever, didn't catch his name, but what a nice dude. Was super helpful without being "too much" he should teach a server class. He's pretty much who you want taking care of your table. He knew the menu well and made great suggestions. It was actually refreshing. We will come back, most likely with the family. Our waiter told us that they can accommodate larger groups which is great. I recently ate food at Saffy's and I didn't enjoy it one bit. The servings there are too small, too pretentious and too overpriced. Open Sesame is the exact opposite and that's why it rules. A wonderful experience in Beverly Boulevard.

    How Do I Start This Rationally ? Atmosphere Is A 5/5. Service Is 5/5. Food was 2.5/5. I Will…read moreExplain. If You A Charging $145 For A Group Platter, Then Everything Must Me PERFECT ! The Chicken Shawarma Was Inedible Because Is Was Obviously Dry And Lying Around For The Next Customer. The Beef Was Good. The Beef Shawarma Was AMAZING ! Probably The Best Thing. On The Menu. Tabouli Was Great. $260 With Tip Divided By Three Is Too Expensive For My First Experience Here. I Told The Manager That They Shouldn't Have Served The Chicken Shawarma If It Was Dry. Anyways.

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    Panini Kabob Grill

    4.1
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    5.8 mi
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    Okay hi guys , the food was really good as well as the service i got seated right as i walked in …read more every nice interior as well , our waiter was also a nice person don't remember his name but he was very helpful with translating . the food was bussin like 10/10 . your gonna get your moneys worth

    Man, Panini Kabob Grill just never disappoints. Every time I come here, I'm reminded why it's one…read moreof my favorite Mediterranean spots. There are so many different kebabs to choose from, and I've yet to have one that wasn't delicious. My personal favorites are the steak and the chicken--both are incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. One thing you absolutely cannot skip is the edamame hummus. I had never even heard of edamame hummus before coming here, and now I can't believe I went so long without trying it. It was smooth, fresh, and full of flavor while putting such a unique twist on traditional hummus. It's one of those dishes that completely changes your expectations and has you thinking about it long after you've left the restaurant. On top of the amazing food, the service was outstanding. Everyone made us feel genuinely welcome, and the atmosphere was warm, relaxing, and perfect whether you're grabbing a casual lunch or having dinner with friends or family. The menu is packed with so many dishes that I still want to try, which just gives me another reason to keep coming back. Panini Kabob Grill continues to deliver an incredible experience, and I can't recommend it enough.

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    Panini Kabob Grill
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    Mizlala West Adams

    Mizlala West Adams

    4.4
    (917 reviews)
    10.9 mi
    $$

    Love love love this spot. I've dined in numerous times and also ordered delivery from here…read more The food is always shockingly delicious! Each individual item is great on its own but the combination of flavors is what really takes it over the top for me. I usually get the kefta plate, but decided to try the shewarma this time and it was great. Boyfriend loved his salmon plate and insisted we come back :) We also tried the cinnamon halva shakes (not pictured) which were interesting, but not what either of us expected. Very creamy and not too sweet, with the tahini flavor overpowering the cinnamon. The ambiance of this spot is great - love the intimate patio area with string lights. There was a fire going in the stove too which was super cozy. One of my go to classy-casual spots!

    3-STARS FOR THE CRISPY BROCCOLI ALONE!!! I will for sure order that again. It's perfectly & lightly…read morecrusted and sits on top of a garlic sauce. AMAZING! Dinner was delicious during my first visit to Mizlala. The Chicken Pargiyot was well seasoned and enough for two portions easily (in case you wanna share.) The rice...meh. Hummus and their fluffy pita...delightful. We also really enjoyed the Sumac fries and garlic sauce. Once you arrive, go inside to order and then back outside to seat yourself in the patio area. It's very cute with a garden'y feel. Wonderful for summer nights, but the flies and random gnats are OVERLY annoying while eating. They do not have inside seating. Service was lovely and they even made wine suggestions with my meal. Parking is potentially an issue, as the restaurant is in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Be aware of street signs.

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    The kitchen kats
    The kitchen kats
    Chicken plate
    Chicken plate
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    Checker Hall - mediterranean - Updated August 2026

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