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Checkers Downtown

3.4 (134 reviews)
ModerateBars, American, Salad
Closed • 6:00 am - 9:30 AM
Updated 1 month ago

Checkers Downtown Bars Photos

CHECKERS DOWNTOWN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Quiet
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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James M.

Another spot where I wonder about the low rating. This is located in a central part of DTLA, walking distance to many options, yet the bar/restaurant inside the Hilton Checkers makes a strong case for a work dinner. While it's nice going out and trying a new sport for one night when staying in DTLA, it's also nice relaxing at the bar and ordering food and drinks if you have some work to do. I saw a couple other folks like myself doing the same. The food is on the pricier side sure, but it's a hotel! That's hardly ever not the case. The food was solid and the drink choices plentiful enough. There are multiple TVs with sports and highlights on, cozy lower tables, a fireplace and service is friendly. Pros: Cozy, not overly crowded, friendly service, TVs and solid food and drinks Cons: Pricey I guess but nothing more than I usually see at hotels of this level

View from the window.
Michelle P.

How can you be a elegant, upscale hotel and not have one microwave for guest use on the ENTIRE property. The carpet in my room was old and frayed, the view was looking at an entire concrete building. Super disappointed in the quality of this hotel and lack of general expected accommodations.

Anita L.

A lot has changed since I last wrote a review for CHECKERS DOWNTOWN. I stopped coming here during lunch time because it always take them forever to prepare the food. Like come on... not everyone can have two hour lunches! Received close to no service during our most recent visit. The host/hostess was missing and we were just standing at the doorway wondering if the restaurant is open or close. I wanted to have a light lunch and ordered the Tiger Shrimp Cocktail. My friend (the birthday girl) also ordered the same as appetizer and a steak for her entree. Now... If you are planning to bring my grilled shrimp with her entree, you should not have grilled my shrimp with her order. I am beyond upset that I paid $15 for 5 shrimps, and it is apparent that it has been sitting out for more than 15-20 minutes while they prepare her steak! To be honest, I should have sent it back and get some fresh ones, but after waiting for 45 minutes, I didn't really have time for them to make me another order and I didn't want to spoil my friend's birthday luncheon by making a scene about this. Conclusion: No more Checkers Downtown for this point forward. I will take my money elsewhere.

Grilled Veggie Salad
Candice C.

The service here is impeccable. I ate here for dinner and for brunch the next morning, and both experiences were wonderful. I didn't really want anything on the breakfast menu, so I asked if I could just have sides of different things and they were more than willing to accommodate my request. ***Whatever you do, don't have the French toast. It was soggy, it was bland - it wasn't any good. The shortcake dessert I had for dinner is delicious. I highly recommend saving room for it when considering dinner menu options. I had soup and a salad for dinner and both were to par, as I expected. I'm not sure what it was, but the dinner rolls were amazing, haha I think we had two baskets because of how good it was. With a Hilton dining experience, one shouldn't expect anything less than satisfactory, and my dining experiences here certainly proved that.

Tuna Melt w/ Crispy Fries
Steve S.

Excellent service/staff that remains attentive and professional even when they get a sudden crowd. Fairly robust cocktail menu for a hotel bar. The dinner/late night menu has something for everyone. I had the ahi tuna melt with crispy fries. The tuna melt was good but the star attraction of the meal was the crispy fries. The overall atmosphere and cleanliness of the bar was also good.

Erica G.

I came to this restaurant for the first time this weekend. I ordered one of their steaks , I forgot what it's called, obviously not the filet Mignon it was the other one 20oz (they only have 2 steak options). Anyway, I thought this steak was huge! I ordered it medium cooked and it was a little too dry, which is why I gave it 4 stars. 3/4 into the steak, my jaw was tired from chewing. I thought the price was decent for the amount of food you get. It was $45 for the steak, and it came with delicious stacked potatoes, and veggies. What I absolutely fell in love with was the cheesecake! Make sure you get it! All of their desserts are $10. I don't usually order dessert, but I am so glad I did! I don't love cheesecake, but I did love THIS cheesecake! I was told that parking is free for the first 3 hours if you eat here. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Jin N.

I've come on many occasions to Checkers for a drink with friends. Its only when I discovered Checkers' 4 for Thursday that I fell in love with it. Its one of the underrated happy hours in Downtown. I'm surprised its not busier on Thursdays -- and I like it that way. Where else do you find a happy hour for 4 hours for good prices with quality drinks and food? Tyler, the manager explained to me the concept came from the Chef wanting to create special dishes with the quality ingredients from his kitchen that wouldn't produce full dinner courses. Instead he uses those ingredients to make tapas style dishes that lean towards the more creative whims. I had one of the best sashimi plates I have ever had -- ANYWHERE. I couldn't believe it was only $4. I wound having 5 plates, barely refraining from a 6th plate of Yellowtail and Mango Sahimi with ponzu. Routinely the Thursday features a distillery or winery with specialty drinks that are offered for $4. I will skip the laundry list of offerings, instead singling out the one drink I've enjoyed many times. Isabella, one of the bartenders, presents the Secret Garden. A very sexy and delicious drink of Makers Mark, muddled strawberries and basil. Eventhough its called a Secret Garden, I always call out and ask specifically for 'an Isabella' -- that always gets a smile and wink. :) Please dismiss all I have written. I want to keep this place on the down low. Ignore all I said.

Dark and Stormy. Rum, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Donna S.

BAR ONLY: I LOVE the cocktails here. The specialty cocktail list has a WONDERFUL selection of unique flavors and old forgotten classic cocktails lime The Aviation which uses violet liqueur. You just can't find that at bars anymore! I ask constantly. I think about The Aviation cocktail often until I can get back to Checkers to satisfy my desire. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VI8FM3Jhtwn0XsmVJAD-Tg?select=kxBiMLPEYtKHoAZ4Esx7FQ They make all their drinks fresh and from scratch. You won't find any silly mixers here with the gross, sweet aftertaste that makes my tastebuds run and hide and my face pucker up with displeasure. The Black Checker is so unusual. If your tastebuds are bored, try this to occupy them. It has cachaca and jalepeno. The jalepeno doesn't burn, but you get the flavor. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VI8FM3Jhtwn0XsmVJAD-Tg?select=55h3GgyOSoLywGNX_CkCng I prefer my blackberry mint mojito with salt on the rim. Fresh berries and mint and agave for sweetener. No mixers here. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VI8FM3Jhtwn0XsmVJAD-Tg?select=W1hxA1QHmsDZyS-nd6asog The Red Checker is the most requested of their specialties, but I find it boring and basic. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VI8FM3Jhtwn0XsmVJAD-Tg?select=MvFu1jg7JK97v_dch11vWQ. Luis the bartender knows his stuff. He overheard me telling my friend I thought this was pretty boring except for the St. Germaine in it after all the other cool stuff they have. He snatched that boring drink away and said he would make me something with St. Germaine more to my liking. I trusted him. And he gave me The Pear Tree. Not on othe menu. Best Pear Martini I have had. It was nice and dry with the pear flavor. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VI8FM3Jhtwn0XsmVJAD-Tg?select=ar7Of5ZLLGjwXmH27pM15A Something I always suggest to friends that I take in for the first time (and sometimes to strangers sitting near me) is the Dark and Stormy. Simple but everyone LOVES it. Just Rum, ginger beer, adn lime. So refreshing. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VI8FM3Jhtwn0XsmVJAD-Tg?select=QLB4u9g8C9bB5Yy_m1NuTg This is in the lobby of the Checkers Hilton hotel. It's never "happening" when I go in. Sometimes we are the only ones there, but the drinks are so good, I always have to stop in for a couple before or after hitting other spots when I am in the area. So don't just get a boring screwdriver here, take advantage of the wonderful artisan drinks here

Filet mignon - cut it with a butter knife so tender!
Sue K.

I cut my filet mignon with a fucking butter knife. It straight up melted in my mouth. Shrimp and saffron risotto was absolutely divine and creamy. Creme brulee was off the chain and the rock hard carmelized sugary top tickled my fancy. I had a pretty awesome time especially with the travelzoo voucher. It turned out to be around $60 total, $39 for the voucher and around $20 for the tip. Well worth it in my eyes since each plate was supposed to be $30, two appetizers at $14 each, and desserts at $9 each. To park in the parking lot next door, its $10 and when we left the restaurant, nothing but russians and asians were parking to go drink a shit ton of vodka at the standard.

Knock-off Foie Gras
Tsz C.

Had an unexpected New York-esque experience tonight, mere blocks from work no less! It all started this morning, when my boss forwarded me an email from Checkers promoting FOUR: a special happy hour event which occurs every Thursday where the kitchen creates 4 small dishes for $4 each and 4 mixed cocktails, also for $4 from 4-8p. This week featured champagne, foie gras and caviar--an irresistible combination--so right after work, we make a trek to Grand and 6th street. Housed in the subdued gray Hilton Hotel in downtown, Checkers is a elegant dining room with a long and narrow layout, reminiscent of spaces in Manhattan. Shortly after finding seats, our server presented us with the FOUR menu. Since we were there for the whole experience--no dish were to be left behind. We first started out with a champagne each, mine being the Axle Kiss--a Spanish Cava blended with Disaronno and creme de cassis. My boss went the classic route and ordered the Fellini: a sparkling wine paired with a trio of citrus from Limoncello, orange liqueur and Mandarin orange juice. Both were delicious. 1. Kurobuta Pork Belly with white bean cassoulet The first dish, although a solid preparation of the classical French dish, was a bit disjointed. It was a bit like witnessing a couple on their first date. Upon the first taste, it appeared the pork was grilled and roasted on its own while the beans were stewed separately. The two parties seemed hesitant on mingling as they are just starting to get to know each other. It would be highly beneficial to the overall dish if the two components were cooked together for a little while--let them get comfortable so to say... maybe with a glass of bubbly? 2. Monkfish with roasted brussel sprouts and caviar buerre blanc The monkfish on the other hand was like a power couple--truly a thing to behold. Crab-like in taste, the monkfish fillet was expertly cooked to perfection and drizzled with a luscious buerre blanc that suspended small briny beads of caviar. The slightly bitter roasted brussels sprouts were key in keeping the dish from getting too heavy and made it interesting. I went through two orders of this as it was just so good. 3. Foie gras "snow" with lychee and champagne gelee and pine nut brittle I cringed immediately upon reading this on the menu as it was copied word-by-word from David Chang's signature dish at Momofuku Ko with the exception of the use of champagne instead of riesling in the gelee. (Yes, being the food nerd that I am, I have his cookbook and had read it from cover to cover.) Still, I was curious so I placed an order and inquired if Chef Todd Allison had worked with Chang. Within minutes, the chef came out and introduced himself. Turns out the culprit was his sous chef as Allison had no idea of who Chang was. We had a pleasant conversation about comfort food (his was roasted chicken--brined of course) and I realized the dish was nothing to get worked up about. After all, this was an opportunity to try Chang's dish without flying cross country. And for only $4 no less. The dish was a wonder to taste. The foie melted immediately upon making contact with my tongue, very much like actual snow flakes, albeit much more opulent. The brittle provided an unique counterbalance in sweetness and crunch--although the pieces could be much smaller. The gelee, with a strong presence of champagne vinegar was instrumental in keeping the dish from being too rich. This aptly-made copy fueled my curiosity of Ko... looks like a trip to New York is in order! 4. Pudding Chomeur: maple caramel bread pudding Described as the "unemployed man's pudding," it was anything but poor. A generous layer of teeth-sticking maple caramel was soaked in a bread pudding that tasted as if it was made of muffins. Tasty, but oh so rich--a dish that is best shared. Even with the designer knock-off foie, all the dishes tonight were solid and the drinks quite enjoyable. Added to the New York atmosphere and unbelievable prices, you can be sure I'll be back for more.

Angus ribeye with super delicious onion rings!!
Shirley L.

Onion rings. BOMB. It's served with the ribeye. Super crunchy yet soft on the inside. The ribeye was good too. Don't come here if you want to people watch. We were the only customers here on a Saturday night at 8:30.

Seared duck breast on duck confit risotto

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My favorite place to stay in LA. The staff are wonderful and rooms have been recently upgraded.

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Page 1 of 4

Ask the Community - Checkers Downtown

What is it like around the hotel now that downtown is inundated withhomeless?

Hello there- Although we… Read more

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Absolutely LOVE this place. The Mulberry is a very warm and intimate place where you can enjoy…read moremodern Korean comfort food. All dishes are carefully crafted with its colorful details, and its simple but bold flavors prepared for you through an open kitchen. This place gets busy the minute they open their doors so make reservations prior. 1. Korean Aguachile: fresh tilefish sashimi with finely sliced cucumber and white floral decor simmered in ice cold kimchee broth they pour at the table. Soooo good. Must order. 2. Soy Marinade Blue Prawn: My favorite dish of the night. Huge raw blue prawns (head attached) marinaded with soy sauce. Served with barley rice topped with Ssam jang (type of bean paste sauce), and seaweed paper. You wrap all ingredients in the seaweed paper to make a hand roll. Soooooo delicious. Can't walk out without trying this. 3. Beef short ribs: good but nothing unique in its flavoring . Beef steak(medium rare and super tender) that's lightly marinaded/glazed (so not overly sweet) with kbbq/short rib sauce. This is one of their fan favorites so I suggest you try it.. 4. Chilled Acorn Noodles: chewy cOLD noodles made with acorn (just like the acorn jelly side dish we eat). The noodles are seasoned with Korean Cho-go-chu-jang (Gochujang paste), crispy cucumber slices, loads of dried seaweed flakes, and perilla oil. And you just mix them all together. Sooo good and paired well with the short ribs. Incredible. 5. Bluefin tuna and trout Bibimbop: like a poke bowl but so much better. Rice at the bottom with loads of lettuce strips, bluefin tuna sashimi, radish slices, and cavier. Seasoned with Korean Cho-go-chu jang (Gochujang paste with a twist of vinegar). Very good as well. For drinks we tried the shikhye slush (shikhye is a Korean sweet rice drink dessert). They used a slushy shikhye base with warm cinnamon and ginger spices and pisco for a kick. Also tried the Sujinggwa manhattan which is sujunggwa (traditional Korean cinnamon ginger dessert tea served cold) and a single malt. This was fabulous. Overall fantastic experience. Fantastic food, cool ambiance's. And great service. Highly highly recommend this place!

Parking: street parking can be rough to find during peak dinner time on weekends but not bad early…read moreevening on weekdays Reservations: Limited availability on Resy makes it seem harder to get though we were able to make one. Tables looked available around 5pm though so walk-ins could be possible. Ambiance: Outside was nice and inside looked dimly lit and romantic. We were seated promptly and service was good. Food: Rice slushy had a strangely strong cinnamon-like taste to it that traditional rice punch doesn't have which was so overpowering, it made it difficult to go back for more sips. Oysters - good though small, enjoyed the kelp mignonette Korean Aguachile - Delicate tilefish completely overwhelmed by cold kimchi broth with actual icy slush in it and small amounts of fish Steak Tartare - The hot stone bowl seemed to defeat the purpose of a tartare, as it cooked the steak once mixed. The perilla leaves were also cut in large strips relative to the beef. Chilled Acorn Noodle - The perilla oil was nonexistent in flavor though the dish didn't need it and was good without. Overall, portions were small for the price and dishes weren't well-executed so despite being excited for more Korean options in West LA, I'd much rather make the drive to Koreatown for better portions, prices, and flavors.

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My first day back from Chicago to the Larchmont neighborhood and you bet I'm going straight to…read moreGreat White for dinner! Had to have their delicious black cod entrée once again. I mean, look at that beautiful seared fish basking in delightfully flavorful sweetened soy sauce with delicate spinach and shimeji mushrooms swimming around it. Every bite was roll your head back awesomeness. Accompanied by a fresh crisp glass of quality Sauvignon Blanc and it's my complete meal. Waitress Kimmy (sp?) was very charming, professional, efficient and attentive. Dining outdoors always a treat, and though a bit on the chilly side, ample heaters made it comfortable.

Been here several times and it keeps growing on me. The host can be a bit much sometimes, always…read moreacting busy, but once you're seated it's a great experience. Indoor seating has that Tulum vibe--chandeliers, music, really nice energy. Now that it's warming up, the patio is also a solid move. Food is consistently good. We always get the burger--it's one of the best. This time we tried the crispy chicken and wow... sweet, spicy, super underrated. Got ranch with it and it was a perfect combo. Also tried their pizzas--really solid, and they have gluten-free options. Ivan was our waiter, super nice, and the food came out fast. We were in and out in like 30 minutes (we do eat fast though). Definitely coming back for the burger and to try more of the menu.

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4.4(84 reviews)
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You know when places aren't worth the hype and you're totally let down?? You won't be let down…read morehere!! Beginning to end it was exquisite. The attention to detail was insane even from the floral elevator that takes you up to the silver etched with Dior. The ambiance was gorgeous and the service was impeccable. Service was so attentive to our friend's dietary restrictions and let us know of the accommodations they could make. FYI they cook with a lot of alcohol not a lot as in it tastes boozy but a lot in that it's in a lot of the sauces. But the food itself was excellent the mushroom consommé was a masterpiece both aesthetically and gastronomically. I also had the abalone which was cooked perfectly so that it wasn't rubbery. It was way out of my comfort zone but delicious. I almost forgot they set the tone with the amuse buche which was like a floral pickle chip? I don't know how to describe it other than it was BEAUTIFUL and tasted like a dill chip. The whole experience was fascinating and a great place to people watch. Can't wait to go again. Be sure to dress to impress as there was no shortage of Hermes and Dior around.

This place has some upper west side vibes! Totally worth the hype…read more The coffee was amazing the service was top notch and the tapas bites were incredibly delicious! We got one sweet and one savory bite to try and both did not disappoint!

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Checkers Downtown - bars - Updated May 2026

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