This is a storied celebrity haunt which doesn't really get mentioned as much as some of the other 'Hollywood Animal' spots such as Craigs, Dan Tanas or Polo Lounge. The upside to this place is that it's a throwback ... meaning, it would be 1973 when you walk through the door ... in a good way. Wood paneling, red pleather booths, lots of brass, framed photos and Tiffany-style stained glass lamps. Those who appreciate vintage charm and 'forgotten' decor will appreciate this place ... and I am one of those! The downside is you are paying Polo Lounge prices in a small strip mall next to a gas station in Brentwood.
This spot is one of those 'if you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can't afford it' places. Prepare for $60+ per steak, $22 per salad or appetizer, $30+ for a plate of pasta and $40 chicken parm, which includes no pasta side. Dinner for two here is easily $200 - $300. The food is good ... but it's old school style with steamed vegetables served with the entrees and what kind of a place doesn't bread their chicken parm??! I was pretty shocked to get a grilled chicken cutlet covered in sauce and cheese. It was a bit rubbery ... when you bread and fry the cutlet, it's SO much better! I'd never order chicken parm here again ... but all the pastas and steaks are fantastic and done well!
The wine list is amazing. They have wines that go back as far as the 1970's. I was able to order one from my birthyear! The prices on the wine aren't terrible, either. Normally, restaurants mark up the wine a lot ... this place seems to mark up the food and sell the wine at cost! Some of the bottles like Opus One, you'll pay a premium on ... but there were a lot of wines that I could buy cheaper here with dinner than at a liquor store. And what a selection! The wine list looks like a book. The only thing that shocked me was that the wine was stored in racks around the restaurant ... which was kept at around 70 degrees. It's not like Bern's in Tampa which has an actual wine cellar.
This is a perfect date spot ... the waitstaff is friendly and accommodating and professional. The food is pretty good ... and very hearty portions, so you'll have some to wrap up and take home unless you are a big eater. It's warm and cozy in a way that not a lot of restaurants are. (Ask to sit away from the door as the two tables next to the door are a bit breezy on a chilly night!) It's the type of place you want to come back to ... which would explain why 90% of the diners seem to be regulars. (If you are not a regular, you'll likely be placed in one of the tables in the side corridor which is the path from the front door to the kitchen. These are nice tables, but dining on the other side of the barrier wall would be preferred.)
I am glad I listened to a friend's recommendation and tried this out. A lot of really famous people eat here often. It was OJ Simpson and many other Brentwood/Beverly Hills/Santa Monica social scene's favorite restaurant. The parking situation is a bit weird ... it's in a small strip mall next to a gas station. There are meters in the lot and no valet parking. The meters are one hour time limit, so you have to get up in the middle of the meal and put more money in. Maybe the regulars know a way around this, but it seemed strange.
Give this place a try if you have the budget. You'll really get your money's worth and it will become a favorite. read more