After reading all the reviews, you've probably already gotten the point, the food here is amazing. And it really was. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos because we're trying to get better about actually enjoying our meals instead of always taking pictures of everything, but man, everything was so delicious and the portions were nicely sized. For a party of two, we started with the baba ghanoush, which was so good. The bread was warm, fluffy, and perfect with it. We also ordered the Brussels sprouts. They weren't my favorite dish of the night, mostly because they were pretty tart and saucy, and I'm personally not a huge sour or tart person. But we still finished them, so that should tell you something. If you like saucier dishes with a more tangy flavor, you'll probably love them. The rice was amazing. It had different types of raisins, nuts, and so much flavor. It was honestly beautiful. We also ordered the branzino, which was really, really good. For our first time here, I think we did a pretty good job ordering, especially because we had no idea how generous the portions would be. We are two full-grown adults and we were stuffed. We even had to take some of the rice and branzino home, and we definitely did not have room for dessert. The service was great too. It was surprisingly busy for a weekday, but everything still felt organized and well handled. The staff was friendly and attentive, and we never felt forgotten even with how packed it was. This place is perfect for sharing and would be amazing for a bigger group. The space itself is also so beautiful. It has a historic and eclectic vibe and it would be perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. There's also so much to do around the area before or after dinner. I'll definitely be back. Easily one of my favorite spots on the Eastside. read more

My soon-to-be sister-in-law Rhian M. just turned 30, and her parents invited our family to a Labor Day birthday dinner at Checker Hall. We were a party of fifteen, between the ages of two and 69, and we occupied the entire back wall of the main dining room. It was a fun, festive, memorable gathering. Checker Hall is a happening place, in the heart of downtown Highland Park. It had been a minute since I'd been in the neighborhood, and boy has it fully gentrified. This restaurant is across from both a Jeni's Ice Cream and a Mendocino Farms. Checker Hall has plenty of character, though, and it seems popular with young people, maybe because it's attached to a music venue. It's probably the nicest restaurant I've been to of late where I'm above the median age. The space is beautiful, on the second floor of a lushly restored masonic hall. Rich wood floors, green patterned wallpaper, an attractive bar in the middle of the room. Several ceiling fans, much admired by my four-year-old. My boys also dug the live music, provided by a three-piece band playing near the entrance. Service was great, the staff well equipped to handle a large dinner party. The menu was pre-set, though we were allowed to order a la carte for the kids (this was unnecessary, as there was plenty the non-picky ones could eat, and we brought food for the picky one). We paid corkage for a couple bottles of wine, and ordered some cocktails, too. I liked my Carmen #6, a spicy tequila drink with pamplemousse, lime, yuzu, agave, jalapeño, sumac, and Angostura bitters. Ditto my husband's The Screaming Parrot, a tropical highball with Singani 63, Bacardi Reserva Ocho, orgeat, eucalyptus, makrut, citrus, pineapple, walnut bitters, and nutmeg. The food was delicious and plentiful, starting with a trio of house spreads and a mountain of hot, fluffy za'atar-dusted pita. There was hummus with crispy chickpeas, green zhoug, and tahini; baba ghanoush with grilled eggplant, seasonal peppers, tahini, and pomegranate molasses; and whipped feta with caramelized honey butter and urfa chili. There were three kinds of skewers, all superb. My favorite was actually the maitake mushroom, perfectly cooked with chili garlic glaze, salsa verde, and tahini. The spiced chicken was tender and juicy, with brown butter, lemon, chickpea, and herbs. And the glazed pork belly was a sticky, crispy throwback to the 2010s, with aromatic shoyu and pickled daikon and rhubarb. For veggies, we had halloumi fattoush salad with arugula, radicchio, strawberry, cherry tomato, red onion, cucumber, crispy pita, and sumac. Then brussels sprouts with pomegranate, lemon, and petitas romesco and sticky Japanese sweet potato with garlic glaze, hazelnut, harissa oil, and aji verde. The sweet potato was especially good. The two entrée dishes caught me by surprise, mostly because I was full of food and they were truly enormous. There was chicken schnitzel with spiced honey, herb lettuce salad, citrus slaw, and a trio of sauces: tahini, harissa aioli, and chili jam. Then the steak frites, New York strip with levantine au poivre and frites. I didn't eat that much of either of these, but they were solid, if not as impressive as the smaller dishes. We brought our own cake and, at one point, took the children across the street for ice cream, mostly to give them a field trip. I have no doubt, though, that the house desserts would have been top notch, and appreciated the flexibility. We live pretty far from Checker Hall but I'd love to go back. It's a wonderful restaurant, great for a special occasion or just a lively night out, with music and atmosphere and excellent food and drink. read more

Set upstairs inside a historic masonic hall. This building is half concert venue so tell the door guy you're here for the restaurant. Follow the beautiful checkered stairs up to the restaurant. Inside is beautifully maximalist decor. Theres a gorgeous bar in the center. We'd ask for balcony seating but theres only 4 tables and all were taken so we sat inside. Service 10/10 Hamachi app 10/10 Japanese sweet potatoes 10/10 crispy, gooey and sweet Orange chicken schnitzel 10/10 so delicious, a must order Steak + friets 10/10 steak was cooked perfectly and the fries were delicious Gin dirty martini 10/10 Espresso martini 10/10 Honestly cant wait to come back and try more things. Would also be a wonderful spot just for drinks and vibes. read more

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Had a great birthday at this 100-year-old Masonic Hall, now a restaurant and concert venue. The za'atar hummus appetizer was so delicious, I would have it as my opening appetizer if I ever had a final meal on death row! The Japanese sweet potato really hit the spot, and the beef kofta dipped in the savory yogurt sauce worked so well together and was another highlight for me. I didn't really dig the lamb burger, but the rest of my party did. The chicken schnitzel tasted like a crispy sesame chicken dish I would get at a Chinese restaurant, which I really enjoyed. The alcoholic drink named after Heated Rivalry, called Tropical Rivalry, was perfect on a hot summer day I would actually choose this place over the delicious Bavel in the Arts District because they have more traditional dishes, which is more my style, and it's more affordable. My foodie wife loved the food so much, she joked that she gained three pounds from it! Overall, a fantastic birthday meal in a really unique setting. read more

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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. read more

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Outstanding place for appetizers and drinks! Get the Japanese yams and also the Brussels sprouts! Sit on the terrace and enjoy cooling breezes. Service is excellent too! Located in an old Masonic hall you will also enjoy its unusual idiosyncratic architecture. This is also a music venue so check out this great night spot after a show. Highly recommend. read more

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 read more

Checker Hall - IG: @nom.noms.only | hummus - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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! read more

Checker Hall - Check $$$ - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I can't get over how tasty this sandwich was and it was only $10 on happy hour! Old fashion was also on HH and was delicious. Just found out they have live music - such a great place with great aesthetic and good customer service - can't wait to be back I'll be bringing more people. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Service was amazing!! Food was so good. Ambience is so enjoyable!! Sat inside but would love to return for the terrace seating. Solid 10/10 place for smaller groups and friend dates. Ordered the whipped feta, steak n frites, and the Persian cucumber salad as well as a few drinks. All good ideas read more

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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. read more

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Came here for happy hour and its one of the best meals I had in LA. We ordered oysters, harissa wings, beef and salmon skewers, sticky sweet potato, and garlic feta fries, everything was a hit! The oysters taste fresh! The harissa wings were flavorful and crispy! I highly recommend the garlic feta fries, the texture is perfect and crispy! The interior was stunning, the decor and ambiance made give you such a warm and cozy feeling! Can't wait to come back! read more

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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. read more

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Located upstairs, you can take elevator or take the stairs. I really like the idea and looks of this place. For lunch, you seat yourself and ordered at the bar area. I got the skewer plate, comes with one beef and one chicken skewer. Hummus, green zhoug and a honey lime yogurt for dipping. Greek salad and pita. So good and really filling. Everything was so fresh and the different sauces bring out the meal! Really happy we came here, love the food and the whole vibe of the place. Really good place to go as a couple or with friends. The anonymous email drink is non alcoholic and it's really good and refreshing! We sat close to the window and it's a nice breeze and really nice view to enjoy your food and company. Service was nice and fast. Food was great, can't wait to come here for dinner. read more

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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. read more

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We've apparently been living under a rock. This place is stunning in a way that feels like you traveled outside of Los Angeles. The food and service were fabulous and we will be back with all our meal dates! read more

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. read more

Checker Hall - Cocktails - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Was waiting for a reservation at a nearby spot and refused to pop in for a drink. There weren't any tables available, and the bar was first come, first served, but was able to find an open seat, so we went and hovered around the one seat. The bar/restaurant is an upstairs location, there from a side street (forgetting which one). Ambiance is nice, warm, and staff were very friendly. We were seated and water was delivered almost immediately. After a quick look at the menu, we ordered the There is no winter, there is only Summer and The Screaming Parrot cocktails. The Winter is more of an Italian vibe cocktail with aperitif, prosecco, blood orange, yuzu, with some other ingredients. Tasted like a leveled up Aperol Spritz, but better. The Screaming Parrot with a rum base, orgeat, pineapple, cities, along with a few other things. Really nice drink, the orgeat popped in this one. Cool spot, might be good for dinner as well, but the drinks were tasty and would definitely go back if I was in the area and looking for a cocktail read more

Checker Hall - There is no winter, there is only Summer and The Screaming Parrot cocktails - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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! read more

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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. read more

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We came here for dinner and honestly... every dish hit. My palate has never experienced such flavors. We started w/ the Whipped Feta - creamy, slightly tangy, topped w/caramelized honey butter and a little kick from the Urfa chili. The warm, fluffy za'atar pita made it dangerously addictive. I could've ordered another round just for myself. The Maitake Mushroom was beautifully cooked w/a sticky chili glaze, balanced by salsa verde and tahini. So flavorful and satisfying (and vegan + gluten free!). The King Salmon was perfectly seared - tender inside w/ so much flavor from the ezme and red chermoula. We also ordered the Saffron Rice, which was fragrant and fluffy w/ almonds, barberries, currants, and crispy shallots - the perfect complement to everything on the table. And the Sticky Japanese Sweet Potato? SO good. Sweet, garlicky, a little spicy from the harissa oil, w/ hazelnut crunch and ají verde. One of my favorites of the night. For drinks, the Carmen #6 was refreshing with a subtle kick, citrusy, slightly spicy, and well balanced. The Idle Riot was bold and smoky with a silky finish thanks to the aquafaba and black sea salt. The flavors were vibrant, layered, and thoughtful. Everything felt elevated but still comforting. Casey our waiter was great and the vibe made it perfect for a girls' night or date night. Would absolutely come back to try more of the menu. Meter parking only - $1.50/hr max 2 hour(s) read more

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I think I may have just found my new favorite restaurant in LA. Everything from the service, atmosphere, food, and stunning interior were incredible! This place hits on every level. What we ordered: (10's across the board) Whipped feta: perfectly creamy served with hot, soft pita. A must order. Sticky Japanese sweet potato: Garlicky, sweet, and completely lived up to the hype. Steak frites: Cooked beautifully. I went with the tomato butter and wow, just wow. Chicken fesenjan: Their house special and my first time trying this Persian stew. Sweet, tart, savory, and slightly spicy. Sticky toffee cake: The perfect ending. That toffee/caramel sauce was everything. Hands down one of the most memorable dinner experiences I've had in LA. If you're trying to impress friends, family, or a date, this is the move. Already planning for my next return. read more

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A long awaited review finally here for Checker Hall. Food was 10/10. Service was 10/10. Rooftop ambiance was 10/10. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. They nailed it in every category. Highly recommend the hummus, the hanger steak, the fried chicken, and the burger. read more

Checker Hall - Hummus - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Decided to check this place out since I had Amex resy credit. Came on a Friday at 5pm (with reservations) and was seated right away. The inside is beautiful and unique. There are also a few tables on the patio that overlook highland park. Got the hummus, brussels sprout, chicken skewer, beef skewer, and a signature drink. Everything was delicious (including the drink) - so flavorful without being salty. We couldn't even pick what our favorite dish was. Can't wait to come back to try the other dishes! read more

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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. read more

Checker Hall - Whipped Feta - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Okay it's actually sic. Here great food and vibes. Worth the time and $, give it a shot!

WOW! What a meal... It's been a while since I last dined here several years ago, but my husband and I decided to grab dinner here last weekend (on a whim) when we couldn't decide where to eat. Boy, I am so glad we decided on Checker Hall. If you haven't been here before, it's tucked away on the second story of the Lodge Room concert venue. The decor inside is romantic and cozy, and the service is very attentive. Since we were walk-ins on a Friday night, we did have to wait a few minutes for a table. We started off with drinks, which were both delightfully complex and interesting. We were also starving by the time we were seated, so we immediately ordered the tomato toast, which was INCREDIBLE. The bread was lightly crisped and was topped with the most delicious garlicky aioli and fresh grated tomatoes. We also got the whipped feta served with a caramelized honey butter (which I think was the star ingredient of the dish) that came with a couple of fluffy pitas. After apps, we got the Persian cucumber salad, which was very refreshing and lightly spicy (from the chili crisp), and the steak frites. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and had a great flavor, and the fries were salty and addictive. However, the steak was a little gristly for my liking, as it had some really tough bites I couldn't chew through. I did mention that to our server and was told that since it was near the end of the night, they were using one of the last cuts of steak they had left, which I completely understand. We finished off the meal with one more drink and the sticky toffee cake. I do wish the cake were a touch more moist but the toffee/caramel sauce was absolutely spectacular and made up for that completely. Overall, it was a phenomenal and memorable meal. While not cheap, I think everything was pretty reasonably priced. It came out to $183 before tip between the two of us, but we were pretty hungry and got 3 alcoholic drinks. I don't know if I'd get the steak again ($64), but I would absolutely reorder the tomato toast and whipped feta. The vibes and ambiance were immaculate as well. Can't wait until my next visit!! read more

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We went on a Saturday around lunchtime and didn't need a reservation. Luckily, one of the balcony spots was open, which made the experience even better. Such a unique and beautiful restaurant, and the food was delicious. One thing to note: if you prefer your beef skewers well done, make sure to ask. The warm, fresh bread served with the dishes and dips was incredible, definitely the kind of food you keep mindlessly reaching for. There's also paid parking available across the street, and it was very reasonably priced. read more

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Fabulous food in a stunning interior!! What I really cannot wrap my head around is why over all these years I have not come here sooner even though Checker Hall is absolutely within my immediate neighborhood. Located on the second floor, next to the Lodge Room (used for concerts and other venues), the restaurant has an adorable interior and atmosphere. Service knowledgeable. But really, the food was exceptionally good and fabulously blended various flavors with a touch of spiciness. The whipped feta is a must, the halloumi fatoush was priceless, I loved the cauliflower, and the branzino could not have been more tender and juicy, it was perfect. Couldn't resist the delicious dessert (pot de crème), and ... in contrast to Bestia or the Wife and the Somm, Checker Hall has a tasty expresso to round up the experience. read more

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TL;DR Great Highland Park restaurant; worthy of bringing out of towners visiting LA. Went as a first timer on a Sunday night, and the place was packed at 7 pm. The dining room has vibes for days, there was live music, and the patio 2-seaters looked like they offer a great view (will have to come back to try it). We were greeted with a friendly smile at the hostess stand and then helped by our awesome server, Isabelle, who gave great suggestions for food and checked in on us through the night. Here's my take: Whipped Feta 9.8/10 Baba Ganoush 9/10 Beef Kofta 8/10 Saffron Rice 9.5/10 Sticky Sweet Potato 10/10 Turkish Chicken 9.3/10 As you can see, I really enjoyed the food. I was surprised, as I honestly didn't know what to expect when I made my reservation. Everything tasted expertly prepared, and plated with care. The darkened dining room was cool, everyone was laid back, and the place felt cool without trying too hard. It was just a great spot to hang out, have conversations with friends, and enjoy good food and drinks. Plenty of parking across the street in a metered lot. Definitely coming back. read more

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I will be coming back to this place. Great location if you're wanting to show people around from out of town, or dine out in style with inspiring flavors! Everything we had was incredibly delicious and the service was wonderful! 1) Whipped feta was so creamy and the pita hot and soft. Delightful appetizer to the point where we asked them to leave the dish so we could sop up all the remnants of feta 2) Halloumi fattoush salad - refreshing, savory, beautiful 3) Beef Kafta - so tender and flavorful 4) Chicken Schnitzel - A TABLE FAVORITE comes with salads and slaw to top off and 3 sauces that tasted excellent when combined altogether. 5) Mussels with Thai coconut flavors - THIS WAS MY FAVORITE I wanted 10x more bread to eat up all the sauce. Please do yourself the favor of ordering this. Usually I am picky about mussels because I love tomato wine or beer broths. This did not disappoint. 6) Japanese Sweet potatoes - carmelized crisp parts were incredible. Slight kick and zest to it - ALSO A FAVORITE 7) Pork Belly with picked radish Parking was easy in the metered lot across the street $0.80/hr (what a steal in LA) and free 2hr street parking available as well on the side street. Definitely coming back and thought it would make an excellent gift for someone too! Oh and Sundays and Mondays they had a jazz pianist with an upright bassist. It was perfect ambiance for dinner conversation with friends! read more

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Ambiance is a 20/10 - this place is so so cool inside. It reminds me of a place in the French Quarter in NOLA. Super stylish, big bar in the center with seating all around. I have only come to sit and eat at the bar, and it seems like most people with tables had reservations so definitely book ahead if that's your jam! The food is tasty, sort of a Mediterranean vibe. The salmon skewers and whipped feta dip are my favorites, I also love their French fries. Is a great spot for a date night - maybe HLP bowl after?? read more

Love love coming here for some Mediterranean food and espresso martinis with my girls. I wish they were open a bit later but can't complain. Their food is fresh and delicious. The martinis sometimes vary but for the most part they are consistent, their service is friendly and I love when they have a DJ. Overall the place has a good vibe and the decor is mid century modern/art deco. There was one time when my friend slipped and fell hard due to a spill as she was arriving. I felt like they could have attended to her better, not even offering an ice pack....All she got was a quick sorry and no check in as to how she was feeling afterwards. Didn't seem genuine, it felt as if they just wanted to avoid submitting an incident report( which we didn't and I thought she should have considering they didn't really seem to care and the fact the she was in pain) not good for hospitality. My friend was in pain and woke up sore the next day. We spent quite a bit of money for them not to really care. This has been the only time they left a bad taste in my mouth read more

Checker Hall - The vibes - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Found on the second floor, sign outside the door. There are several paid parking areas around it. It's very popular so if you are looking for a place with lots of people, random decorations and slightly expensive food this is your place. Highly recommend making a reservation (resy) Servers were pretty good overall, not a lot of seating, so they do try to get you out as quickly as possible. Looking at easily over $50/person. Brussel sprouts were ok, some were under cooked, and overall it was a bit too sour for my taste but my date liked them. She also liked the mussels but for $28 it's not a full meal. The Sticky Sweet Potatos were by far the best tasting thing and cooked to perfection. read more

Nice space. Beautiful bar that was already full by 6pm. Server was friendly. Food was mid. Hamachi crudo - my favorite of the evening for its balance of acidity and heat, but the portions of fish were very small and poorly cut as they were of varying thickness and different shapes which was odd. Fries - can skip. They are just fries. Weird that they are listed as an appetizer. Should just be a side. Brussels sprouts - generous portion. Good flavor. Cooked well. Cauliflower- was just ok. Some drizzles of tahini over each floret and there were 2 small aliquots of sauces on one side of the plate. The green one was herbal and tasty. The other side of the plate had no sauce. The cauliflower was a bit overcooked. Salmon kebob - fish was very overcooked. No seasoning or flavor. We didn't finish it. We also had a beer (they have the Craftsman 1903 which was great) and a gin and tonic which was good. Overall - I was expecting more. Had heard a lot of good things about the place. I did like the space. Would have liked a table closer to the window (there were several open but the hostess sat us far away from there in a corner even though we had a reservation). There is a Jeni's ice cream shop across the street so if none of the desserts are speaking to you, that is another option. Would probably come back to sit at the bar but likely not for dinner. read more

Walking into Checker Hall Restaurant here in Highland Park was like walking into a "Head Shop" on Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco back in 1968. This was a real "Flash Back" for me; and I kind of liked it. That entrance was very nostalgic and a great way to start this evening. Checker Hall is this robust and thriving Mediterranean restaurant filled with young people having a grandiose and flamboyant time; and I must say this vibe was contagious. The bar here was just "crushing it" with these wild and bombastic cocktails they were ambitiously turning out. My normally quiet and distinguished wife usually sips one drink before dinner; not here at Checker Hall she was keeping up with the youngin's here and having a ball. The food being served here was excellent. Everything we ordered was not only delicious, but unique and interesting at the same time. We had: * Baba Ganoush * Hummus * Chicken Fesenj?n (that's how its spelled???) * Beef Kofta * Persian Cucumber * Med. Cauliflower My entire experience here was maudlin and feel-good. This happens to me seldomly, and I must admit, I was bright and cheery when I walked out! read more

The food was PHENOMENAL -- the roasted carrots, the potatoes, whipped feta -- everything was top notch. read more

Checker Hall - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ambiance: 5/5 Food: 3/5 Overall rating: 3.5 Cute little spot for a date night! Came for dinner and the restaurant and bar area is so beautiful. I would definitely come back for drinks, but unfortunately the food was a bit disappointing. We tried the pork belly skewer, mushroom skewer, whipped feta, cauliflower, and sticky sweet potatoes. Since the pork belly was described as "braised," I was surprised it was deep fried (like chicharron) and very dry. The sweet sauce it came with was pretty basic. As with the other dishes, the flavors were just ok and sauces were kind of overpowering for some of them. However I did love their whipped feta served with fresh pita bread, which came out hot, fluffy, and soft. I also thought a lot of dishes were too sweet, but that's just personal preference. Overall, food was lackluster but super cute vibes. Definitely want to come back to try their drinks though! read more

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