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Brentwood Restaurant & Lounge
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants American (Traditional) American (New), American (Traditional) [Edit]
148 S Barrington AveLos Angeles, CA 90049
Neighborhood: Brentwood
(310) 476-3511
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
Tue-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Brentwood Restaurant & Lounge
Review Highlights
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"Love their chopped salad and their flat iron steak is FAB." In 3 reviews -
"The short ribs are perfection." In 4 reviews -
"We had chocolate bread pudding for dessert and it was great." In 3 reviews
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54 reviews in English
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Review from SiBelle I.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/25/2012
I wrote this review a while back and had forgotten to post this.
Great place to eat on the west side in LA!
This is the second time I have been here. The first time was incredible! The atmosphere is fun and very hip/LA. The service was great. The quality of the food was unexpected and amazing. The only warning is that they are always busy and it is pricey.
The second time we went, it was great. The host fit us in after my fiancé made a mistake and made a reservation at the wrong restaurant (The Brentwood Goucho Grill). The service was again friendly and the food was amazing.
Here is what we had ordered between the 2 times wehave been there: 1. caprese salad with a fresh mozerella which is creamy and arugala, tomato salad with amazing dressing. 2. Chicken wings in an inexplicable, medium, spicy, homemade sauce with shaved carrots and a blue cheese crumble. 3. Baked artichoke heart topped with grated Parmesan. 4. Mushroom ravioli with a butter sauce......OMG......melts in your mouth and indescribable! 5. Chicken Pot Pie but not really.....medley of vegitables cooked in a light thickened brothy sauce topped with a cute, little, pastry like, pie of crust. 5. Ruby red martini with grapefruit juice and vodka served perfectly chilled.
Here is what we had but that was just OK:
6 We also had the rib eye steak which was good but not the best we've ever had. There was nothing unique about it.
7. Pork tacos....same thing....nothing really special about them.
Overall a great restaraunt for the atmosphere (a little loud but fun and like having a party at home), amazing food (stick to the simple dishes as I wouldn't recommend the steak), and the friendly service (if they are very busy they can be a little slow, but just let them know you need better service and it will be there for you)!
All in all this is one of my new favorite places to eat. -
Review from Aaron F.
2/28/2012
My first thought walking into this restaurant was "damn, this place is dark". The restaurant does not have a lounge feel so I am not sure where they get this in the name.
My cousin picked the "lounge" for a meeting of the families, all 6 of us. We were seated in the back and the restaurant was quite crowded. Again, it was quite dark but was not so dark where I had trouble seeing anything.
We started with a complimentary bread basket that had about 4 different types of bread. They had some olive bread, sourdough and this cracker type bread. All were quite good.
As everyone received their food, I realized everything was placed so delicately and fancy. For example, I looked at my neighboring tables food and they had some food that was literally stacked like a jenga game.
I ordered baby back ribs that came with creamed corn and vegetables. My ribs were plated really nicely as well. The meat was fall off the bone good. It came with about 6 small pieces. The cream of corn was a different take, at least for me. My corn has always been softer, but this time it was harder. It did not bother me and was something I am not used to eating.
My girlfriend who came along ordered duck tacos topped with a pomegrantie sauce. The presentation again, was very good. They were drizzled not too light nor too heavy. The duck had a nice chewy texture to it.
Dessert was amazing! We all split mini donut holes that came with brandy sauce, banana split and strawberry cobbler. The cobbler was my favorite hands down. I did like the brandy dipping sauce for the donuts, yuuuuuummmmmy.
All my cousins and Dad enjoyed their meals very much. Our server was quite patient with our at times difficult family.
The owner even came over to see how everything was and he was a very nice man.
If you are looking for a romantic night out and able to talk lowly, this is not the place to go. It is too loud. -
Review from Aviana G.
Santa Monica, CA
2/15/2012
Great food and wonderful service!
We were 30 minutes late for our reservation and were the last reservation and the kitchen had closed but they stayed open for us! The manager and waiter couldn't have been more gracious or accommodating.
Also the meatballs are huge and delicious and the zinfandel is so smooth! -
Review from Nikki F.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2012
I liked the atmosphere here- very cool and laid back in the middle of LA. The darkness makes the ugly blind date more tolerable. My vodka capirhinia was one of the better ones I've had. The food was definitely overpriced and tasteless. My Ahi tuna tartar left something to be desired, and his salmon was equally tasteless. My next visit here will be after dinner, for drinks only.
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Review from Susan S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/16/2012
Highly recommend! Excellent for people watching, a great meal and a Martini. It does have its neighborhood locals that hang here, yet the crowd is friendly, lively, hip, great service, good ambiance. Can get crowded, the bar seating area is on the small side. Great for Happy Hour. Lot and valet parking available.
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Review from Bobby H.
Westwood, Los Angeles, CA
4/1/2012
Enjoyed a perfect evening, attentive, friendly, and great food!
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Review from Brandy L.
Brentwood, CA
3/14/2012 3 Check-ins Here
My 1st time here in 5yrs... I like the atmosphere ALOT better friendlier bartenders delicious apps I will be back to try more entrees
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Review from Zee Z.
Newport Beach, CA
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've never, ever, been thrilled by the food here ... dining experience is not worth the $.
Very good wine selection, though! Post yourself up at the bar and enjoy a few glasses before heading out somewhere fun. The lounge scene is casual, comfortable, and local. -
Review from Cherryl M.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/29/2012
The table service was good, drinks were strong, food was soooo average for what they charge. Cute spot but they are a cross between a bar and a fine dining priced menu, but its not fine dining food, its good bar food. Over all I would go back for drinks, sit at bar not a table, utilize the late night happy hour and get what the food is worth. Valet is $6 if you eat here $7 if you do not, so parking is not a problem. Brentwood does need a fun bar but let me try it a second time and see if its a bit better... Chef Cherryl
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Review from Linus L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2012
A great restaurant... a tad overpriced but great service and great, strong drinks. The steak I had here once wasn't A+ but every other time I've been here it's been awesome. Dessert is awesome. I always get seated in the corner booth, unless I request the bar. The waiters remember your name here and it's a fun, date-y vibe. Lighting is dim, so prob not the best place for a meeting. Very classy joint and a great experience.
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Review from Christopher Z.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2011
Was looking forward to trying a nice place, but it's not that great. The negative and condescending attitude from the guy working at the front of the restaurant is unnecessary. When I arrived at the restaurant, he talked to someone on the telephone for about 8 minutes before he even acknowledged that I existed. Horrible first impression. I check in for my reservation and he says in a snarky tone, "your table is not ready yet, go stand over there in the bar and order a drink." Even though I had made a reservation, I then had to wait over 15 minutes to be seated. No apology for overbooking tables, no offer of a free glass of wine, nothing. People who then arrived at the restaurant after I did were seated before me, clearly a sign that the restaurant caters to their favorite Brentwood neighbors. Once I did get seated, the service was incredibly slow. The food is nice, but definitely not worth the attitude from the guy at the front or the slow service.
Not a great experience. I won't go back here again. -
Review from Mark S.
Santa Monica, CA
3/5/2011
Maître'd did not know how to do the job that he was employed for.
Your job as a Maitre d' is to welcome guests and make them happy. If there are no tables available your job is to tell the guests that it may be a short wait and would they like a drink at the bar.
Your job is not to be rude and forget that your GUESTS DON"T EXSIST AND GIVE THE TABLE TO PEOPLE THAT WALKED IN AFTER THEM.
If this place was 5 star you would expect a bit of attitude from the guy out front but the food is for babies and old people.
Don't get me wrong I actually like the food ! Easy to eat and tasty.
I will go back but only if they have a new front guy. -
Review from Jan N.
Thousand Oaks, CA
4/4/2011
Brentwood was a surprising and delightful find for my friends and I. When put in charge of finding a suitable dinner place in Brentowood for my group of 4, I turned to the pages of Yelp to see what was available. The food here looked great and was well-reviewed, so I figured that it was a slam dunk. I will not deny that when I rolled up to the front and walked in the door, I wondered if I hadn't made a mistake. After taking about 5 minutes for my eyes to adjust to the DARK atmosphere and lighting, it looked like an old steakhouse that my grandparents might drag me to. I had some misgivings, but it was too late, so all I could do was hope for a great menu.
No disappointment there! Our server was fantastic and took her time in explaining the specials to us, along with several other questions that we had about the menu. We brought our own wine, which was quickly opened and poured (for a corkage fee, of course, but that is the way that it goes in most places these days).
A great selection of items were ordered at the table and ALL were met with tremendous satisfaction - Prime Flat Iron Steak, Kansas City Prime N.Y. Steak, Chilean Sea Bass (from the specials page) and also from the specials, the Vegetable Tamale. I would not have ordered the tamale were it not for the servers ringing endorsement of this item, and once I took my first bite, I understand why...never before have I had a tamale where the masa was so light and fluffy...my only complaint is that there weren't 2 or 3 more with the order, it was that good!
The sides were equally delicious (the fries are outstanding and our order of macaroni & cheese was indulgent and fantastic), plus the salads are top-notch. If we weren't starting to feel a little full after all of that wonderful food, we made sure we were by the time we left by finishing with an order of warm, fresh donuts.
I'll go there to the Brentwood any time and if my grandparents want to take me there, even better! -
Review from Clark W.
Pasadena, CA
2/17/2012
The small dining room and bar get loud, but the service is first-rate, menu's eclectic and beverage selection is wide.
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Review from Dino D.
Marietta, GA
7/15/2011
My family happened on this restaurant completely by accident on our vacation last week and really I can't stop raving about the food served in this place.
We were early as they had just opened for dinner so seating our large family was not an issue and they were very accommodating even though we have two small children and this was obviously not a kid friendly type place. We were just happy to be out of the traffic.
The atmosphere was neat and had a formal feel to it with the black & white motif. Our server was friendly and more than helpful from start to finish.
Ultimately though, for me, it's all about the food. This place totally gets it! I don't know what magical wizard is in the kitchen but you sir (mam) are a true food genius. Everything we were served was incredibly good from the best fish tacos I've ever had, the fall off the bone smoky ribs, down to the sweet fresh berries in the most amazing homemade flan. My wife and kids are still talking about the creamed corn. Seriously, the creamed corn!
We eat out a lot but this was the best restaurant experience I've had in a long time, maybe ever! It was so good that I'm taking the time to write a review, ( a first), and plan to revisit this food oasis on all my future trips to the west coast.
To the person who runs the kitchen: Your food is nothing short of inspirational and I thank you.
P.S. I noticed the person who gave a 2 star review still mentioned she would go back for the food. -
Review from Matt L.
8/3/2011
Just went here for the first time last night. What a great find. I like the dark hole in the wall feel of the place. Its small, dimly lit, and quit cozy. The food was really good too. We ordered almost every app on the menu & a few entrees. The ribs, mac n cheese, salmon, and duck tacos were very tasty. They also had a solid cocktail menu. Oh...one more thing,the chocolate bread pudding....yummy! I'll be back.
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Review from Tino L.
Studio City, CA
2/21/2012
Just flat out bad food and wayyy overpriced. Not that I am cheap because I will gladly spend the money if the quality is there, but the food was either way over-sauced or bone dry. The attitude is very smug and unwelcoming and the only thing that was on par was the free bread. Should have known just to walk down to San Vincente blvd. where the food that really represents Brentwood (Latini, Pizzicotto, The Tavern and so on) lives.
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Review from Aaron R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2007
I dunno what it is about this place, but its friendly.
Its dark, with well lit photos on the wall. Dark woods, dark lights, just mellow.
A bar along one wall has a flatscreen that has teh games on. The bar has the best soft, cushioned leaning surface ever. I could have sat there all night.
French Fries tasted like Burger King Fries, and the mac and cheese was passable.
The Irish Coffee was not so good, and they serve it in a huge wine glass, which I nixed in favor of a pint glass instead.
The bartender was more of a talker than a listener which was annoying, and took it upon herself to make an "alternate" version of my friends drink which was annoying but worked out well since she liked the contents. But strictly speaking it was not what she had asked for.
Anyway. I liked this place, the clientele was friendly on the night we were there. -
Review from Jenny W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/22/2007
What a TREAT! I visited friends in Brentwood last night and was treated to dinner at this cool little restaurant. The vibe was sophisticated, laid back and mature. Very dark, simplistic with a GREAT bar, cozy leather chairs. We hadn't made reservations so opted to get a start at the bar while we waited. Attentive and sweet young servers behind the bar. Delicious wine selections and the apps were divine. My favorite was cooked artichokes sprinkled with parmesan and smears of balsamic for dipping.
No such luck getting a table so dined at the bar. The entrees were enticing with many options. Sole, salmon, steak, short ribs, meatloaf, mac & cheese, lasagna... GOOD STUFF! Since I'm currently on a health kick I opted for the Chicken Vegetable Chili, DELICIOUS! So fresh, hearty and FLAVORFUL.
To our surprise upon completing dinner, the GM came over with their signature sugar donut bites w/dipping sauces. Oh goodness, I can't pass a up dessert especially when so generously offered. I splurged and immensely enjoyed my warm donut bite and chocolate sauce. MMMMMM MMMMMM GOOD! Highly recommend this desert!
This is a great spot for a drink, dinner or dessert night out! Best to make reservations but the BAR was a fun and pleasurable experience to boot!
I have to say, I was impressed by the GM's treating us. Its few and far between an LA restaurant goes above and beyond in regards to customer care, especially at these trendy little hot spots! KUDOS to him! That kind of treatment makes a huge impact in MY book. -
Review from Kevin P.
6/22/2009
Cool, dim, dark, hip, clean, smooth......
(man I wish I could just leave that as my post, but there's more to it than that)
Went here for an after party drink and fell in love with the ambiance, not the outside. the pictures here do it justice for the interior. Super cool, kinda small, but still sexy sizes. We fit 10 peeps at some tables and enjoyed sharing appetizers amongst us. . . the bill was upward to $300 but that includes drinks (the majority) and tip (the standard 20%) so without it we would have paid like $40 in food ;)
It was super late (1AM) when I went and I had a few pints and mixers in me, but I do know that this place makes some great martinis and have some good on tap beers.
I plan on stopping by again to sample some of their actual menu and maybe try a glass from their wine list that spanned over 6 pages- FRONT AND BACK. . . . . pinot anyone?
Enjoy! -
Review from Kat U.
Hancock Park, CA
4/8/2009
"A jazzy little joint that serves THE BEST FRIES EVER!!!"
I would drive across town JUST for the fries.. fo sho! They're like big shoestring fries that are the perfect crispy on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside. No need to salt, no need to dip...just put it in your mouth...
What else was good? The Burrate Caprese, Chicken Burger and Rigatoni w/ Porcini and Meat Sauce. That Rigatoni has white truffle oil with makes it stupendous.
As far as the ambiance goes.... not too douchy, not too hip, not too loud, not too fancy. I enjoyed it. And the entire menu is comfort food but using top notch ingredients.
Go now... get the fries! -
Review from chris c.
Santa Monica, CA
11/21/2009
Bone-in rib eye -- crusty grilled perfection.
Onion rings -- very good.
French fries -- good
Burrata caprese salad -- good
Donut hole dessert -- ok, but not my thing.
I hadn't been to this place in almost a decade, and my memories were that it was a pleasant enough place but nothing special. On Friday night, the joint was jumping though, which gave us time to start at the bar. As other reviewers have said, it's a decent space to hang out and drink.
The table was dark and cozy but it was hard to read the menu. We started off the table with onion rings, and I have to say, they were really great. I don't usually get excited about onion rings but the batter was very light and crispy, just the way they should be (corn flour maybe?)
I started with the Burrata Caprese salad. Watercress and heirloom cherry tomatoes paired very well with a mound of burrata -- boy I love that cheese. Very decent salad.
I remembered they used to have pan fried sanddabs with caper lemon sauce (old fashioned or classic?) that a friend enjoyed. Those are gone, which made me have to actually think about what I was going to order. Until I saw the ribeye, which, as you know has been my steak obsession for the last 5 years.
The steak was FANTASTIC. I mean, I haven't been blown away by a steak like that in a long time. It came a little more toward medium rare than the rare that I ordered, but, it had a thick delicious charred crust on it that was seriously to die for. I cannot even say enough about the grill job the chef put on that steak. Order it and see. Seriously, the steak is the whole reason I am writing this review. In fact, I decided I had to mention the steak at the top as well, since I was afraid you might not read all the way down!!
For dessert we shared a couple orders of the donut holes with dipping sauces... this was the only "meh" dish I had the whole night. It was decent, but nothing too much, although other people at the table seemed to enjoy them quite a lot. -
Review from Cyrus G.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/27/2009
This has been the only place we go to on a weekly basis since we moved to the hood last year and love it. I am very picky, see all my one star reviews but I must say we have been impressed with this place many times and find it a very nice casual neighborhood restaurant. We even know most of the waiters by first name: Heather, Adam, Jammie, Josh. The short ribs are perfection. The burrata and the heart of lettuce salads are fantastic. Their food and wine menus try to cover a wide range of tastes and price points from a $15 burger to a $68 steak and everything in between (kinda like Chaya). To me, it seems like they are really trying to please.
Most negative reviews seem to be about the bar and the Max character, neither of which we have had to deal with. Max was supposedly the son of one of the four owners who used to work there. Justin and Michael usually manage the place and we have never had a problem getting seated.
Btw, why would you ever waste your money on mixed drinks as they never reach the delicacy of a nice bottle of wine for the same price (4 glasses= $50). I have found that one can more readily learn how to mix better drinks at home. Making better food is another story.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/26/2009
Went there despite bad reviews saying it has gone down. We figured since we're new to the B village… Read more »
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Review from Cary W.
Santa Monica, CA
7/26/2011
Michael and I had been shopping at IKEA and we were hungry. That store can get a fellow agitated and ravenous. It was about 10pm on a Thursday, so our dining choices as we neared the Westside were becoming limited. Michael had good things to say about this place.
First impression, I loved the ambiance. A soft puddle of illumination on your table fends off the comforting darkness. Big mirrors all along two walls so you can check yourself out if you've got the right angle. Some kind of revolving art display on another wall. Little dark bar where I could envision myself drinking for hours, decently full when we arrived.
Our server, Jaime, was superb. When I have been in the bowels of a Swedish furniture factory, I need a little nurturing and direction. Jaime provided this, lending a delicate, sensitive touch to our manly dining experience. When I was wracked with indecision about my entree selection, she told me her personal feelings and observations about my dining ideas. When an overwhelming need for a cocktail washed over me and I began to look around in a panic, Jaime was immediately by my side, patient and true. 5 stars.
We had jumbo shrimp cocktail to start with... a little briny and limp for the price point. Next, I enjoyed a caesar salad that was pretty standard, although the pumpkin seeds on it were a great touch... the mechanized peppermill had a LIGHT on the end! My date and I both got the Prime Flat Iron Steak, which was just delicious. Great seared-on flavor. Pre sliced so I can shove it right in my face. He got the potatoes lyonnaise (tasty) and I got some scrumptious mashed potatoes.
Our martinis were bountiful and glacially frigid, followed by a delicious bottle of cab (my cursory examination of the wine list revealed only two cabs under $100, I think, unless I was getting all crazy and didn't read carefully enough. We got Charles Krug for $60. hm. My associates and I like to drink wine, generally a lot of it, during a meal, so this could conceivably become a problem). We ended with some baby donuts (wtf?) that rocked my world. Mix & match the dipping sauces for triumphant variations. -
Review from tiffany s.
Los Angeles, CA
7/12/2008
I will say that its in a cute neighborhood but the bar is a bit too yuppity for me. I think it was the dark wooden, cheeser mid-life crisis lounge that got to me. Other than that if you go late around 10ish you are good to go with a killer happy hour menu.
thee yummiest fries, eggplant sandwich, the bomb mac & cheese and well....a ton of "bleached blond botox bunnies" -
Review from Ted S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2010
Love the cosy feel of this place. Great art work on the walls and just a cool mood. The bar is usually available anytime, you might have to stand in the back for a drink before getting a seat. Just a lot of cool people coming in and out.
Friendly staff and a great wine selection. -
Review from sleepypoppy l.
Los Angeles, CA
6/3/2009
We moved to Brentwood a few months ago and this cozy place has become the local hangout for us! :) We go at least once a week.
I really do enjoy the place.
The ambiance is dark and modern, but oh so accessible. The first time we went there we came straight from a hike and were too hungry to settle for Le Pain Quotidian's tiny bites so we wandered over there, a bit doubtful of our attire and somewhat tired visages... Nonetheless, we were warmly welcomed and received excellent service.
The food is delicious! All of the salads we have ordered are perfect. The entrees and specials have always hit the mark and often have some innovative twist. (Pomegranate salsa, anyone?) My faves are the burrata salad, beet salad, artichoke reggiano, penne rustica, any specials (such fantastic ravioli-- sweet corn, goat cheese, spinach-- they are all to die for. And when they have truffles-- oh, dear!) and amazingly yummy sides like polenta, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms... I could eat a meal of the sides and be a happy camper. I do wish they would have at least one more vegetarian entree option, because to me, a market veggie platter is not an entree... I know it is a standard vegetarian option, but I never find that interesting anywhere... Maybe I am asking too much!
So all in all, lots of really delicious food in a comfy environment. -
Review from scott k.
Santa Monica, CA
11/28/2009
The average rating is accurate; technically 3 3/4; and I agree!
The ambience is dark, you would never know this place existed in Brentwood; as many drive by all the time without noticing...
The Fish and Chips (Halibut) is superb; although for fish and chips a bit pricey...
Was not a fan of the Reds by the glass, specifically the Cabs; found them lacking and pricey ...
but the food was quite good
definitely worth a try -
Review from Sean B.
6/2/2008
I cannot recommend this place. The ambiance and energy was very good, but the overall experience was mediocre thanks to poor service and prices that are way out of line with the food.
FOOD: Some of the food was very good (like the burratta, the $38 filet and the creamed corn that came with baby back ribs), but other parts of the meal left a lot to be desired (the ribs had an odd taste to them and the doughnut dessert was nothing special).
SERVICE: The service was pathetic. They were nearly an hour late seating us for our 8:30 reservation, slow refilling our drinks (had to ask for water multiple times), and didn't include the veggitables or sides when they packed up our leftovers.
PRICE/VALUE: Drinks cost $12-$15 each. Mains range from low $20's to $40+. Apps cost about $14-$16 and dessert was $12. 2 rounds of drinks, a shared appatizer, 2 mains, and 1 dessert cost about $175 for the 2 of us. This is very high end prices for not quite a high end experience. -
Review from Helen C.
7/3/2007
Don't know how the food is here, but I moseyed over from my apartment one evening when I felt like going out for a drink but was too lazy to drive anywhere. Had a few drinks at the bar and took in the scenery which consisted of 30-somethings enjoying themselves in this darkly lit restaurant.
I doubt I'd dine here, though, since the menu looked pretty expensive and the food looked less than extraordinary. As an aside: As I was leaving an older guy in front of me was very sloooowly walking out and blocking the exit. I was thisclose to saying something like, Hey buddy, pick up the pace, when he turned around and there in the flesh was none other than Micheal Bolten. Score! I love running into C level pseudo celebs and this was just a notch below Yani. -
Review from Denis S.
5/30/2008
I only came here for dessert, so I can't talk about the food, though I hear it's good. The place looks like nothing from the outside, since it has no windows. However, since there are no windows, once you walk in you are hit fully with their atmosphere. It's dark and very relaxed. The bar is made of dark red wood and the tables each have a single rose and a candle (I think). So a pretty cool place to bring a date.
Unfortunately, when we came in, no one came up to seat us. So we waited, and waited, and eventually the bartender told us to have a seat somewhere. OK, that's already starting pretty rough, but I've been wanting to go to this place for a while, so we decided to keep trekking. Once seated, the waiter came very quickly and was actually very nice. Like I said, we only got the dessert, the banana split, which was not a banana split at all, it was actually a banana Sunday, but whatever. The dessert was OK, but for the price ($8) it was nothing too impressive. This place is walkable from me and I really want it to do well, so I'm giving it 3 stars for now and will go back for either dinner or late-night appetizers/drinks and hopefully have a better experience.
Also, what's up with the prices. I realize this is Brentwood, but come on, fancy named cheese sticks should not be $12... -
Review from Ryan J.
Los Angeles, CA
6/19/2009
If you're looking for a casual dinner in the Brentwood area, this is a good spot to hit. It's a little pricey, but you get what you pay for.
The ambiance is nice, although it's very dark, so good luck trying to read the menu. Service is responsive and friendly... as it should be, because The Brentwood isn't the biggest restaurant in the world.
The burger is good, although they no longer carry the Kobe beef burger, which was one of the best I've ever had. The empire fried chicken is phenomenal, although the empire roasted chicken certainly won't disappoint. The duck tacos are pretty good too.
My favorite? The chicken pot pie. It's unlike any other chicken pot pie you'll ever find. It's art in a bowl. And it's pretty healthy too. No cream base. Just a piece of chicken, a carrot, a potato, and some other veggies, with just a dab of chicken stock. And the crust isn't exactly crust... it's a piece of bread. It's fantastic.
The bar is a nice place to hang out and watch a game, although it is small so it can get crowded.
All in all, 4 stars for being what it should be. -
Review from Jason K.
Santa Monica, CA
12/4/2007
This review is of the bar only:
Popped in here last weekend with a friend to have a nightcap and catch up. The bar is pretty small, but we managed to find a place to stand and put our drinks. We were definitely the youngest people in the place. Most everyone was in the 30s or higher range and a few were pretty drunk. The drinks are on the pricier side (around $10 for a glass of wine). We had chocolate bread pudding for dessert and it was great. The bar area is loud, but not too loud for a bar. You can still hear and talk to the people you are with. However, I think it would be annoying if I were eating dinner here. Otherwise, the ambiance is cool: very dim lights and black booths.
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Take Big Blue Bus #14 or Metro #2, 302. -
Review from Martha S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/10/2011
I genuinely enjoy this place and keep wanting to go back for more. I haven't had a drink here that I didn't like. I'm also a fan of the food--short rib tacos, yes please! Did I mention the drinks? I especially love the "Joie de Veev." The portions are actually pretty generous on the food as well--I often get some of the smaller plates and that fills me up just fine. I'm also a big fan of the atmosphere. Light dimmed low, no windows, lots of candelight. Its a cute little spot and great for dates! I'm a big fan, a favorite of mine in the neighborhood. Find me at the bar over by the tv.
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Review from winnie r.
Brentwood, CA
10/9/2011
The Brentwood finally regained its footing after they lost their good front of the house guy. Food is dependable, consistently good and service is friendly. Don't order fancy here. The simpler the fare, the better. Good fried chicken, chicken chili, skirt steak and great fries. Good drinks. It's not a place for quiet conversation as it can get noisy. Still, a good neighborhood restaurant. Prices are high. One plus is that they do offer a late night menu which is really good.
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Review from Jeff P.
Los Angeles, CA
6/24/2011
I went here a few times last year when I was feeling flush and I enjoyed the experience. Good food, good atmosphere, appropriately pricey to keep out the riffraff. I felt like a baller dining and drinking here and I will definitely be back. I'm pretty sure I had steak both times and the sides were great. No complaints at all. Not a cheap date but worth checking out at least once imo.
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Review from Y R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/20/2010
Stopped over at the old neighborhood to grab a bite at Brentwood Restaurant. What I love about this place is the ambiance. It's dark and mood-lit inside, the tables are fancy but you don't feel like you're at a hotel, there are booths lining the wall or squares in the center, the bar is separated from the tables by a partition, there are little red roses inside a vase at every table. This is definitely the place to spend an evening sipping Argentinian wines and chowing down lamb chops.
Unfortunately, the burger doesn't get those same high marks.
I would off-the-bat have to rate it around a 2.5. It wasn't terrible, but you know there's something wrong when you don't even finish the burger. The meat tastes juicy but was a little too loosely held together - to the point where when you took a bite, some of the other pieces fell out of the bun. The Bun was pretty large, which was ok because it held in place the giant lettuce and onion slice that came with it.
Ketchup was in a little cup on the side, meant for the fries but instead spread all over my burger for some extra flavor, otherwise it would have been pretty bland.
One upside of the meal WAS the fries. They were crispy, hot, and delicious, and we devoured them until there was no tomorrow.
In the end, I would have to recommend coming to this spot to grab a bite, but avoiding the burger in lieu of fancier options on the menu. -
Review from Double O.
Los Angeles, CA
12/20/2011
Seriously, skip this place. Just don't even bother. I was underwhelmed the first time I came here, and now, I'm just plain insulted. 6 of us had an early (I mean, EARLY -- 6:00 p.m.) dinner in the middle of the week. The place was empty when we sat down, yet it took 15 minutes to get our drinks (which were never refilled, by the way). Then our food took well over 30 minutes to arrive...during which time neither our server nor any manager stopped by to offer an apology, an appetizer, or anything. When we received the bill, my jaw almost hit the floor when I saw that they had the audacity to tack on a 20% tip. If I want to pay to be ignored, I'll go hang out at a strip club. Don't get me wrong, I always tip 20% or more for good service -- and by good I mean anything on par with say hello, offer to refill my drink, if the food is taking a while, come by and shoot the breeze for a minute....what can I say, I brake for the most minimal effort at service. This place fails.
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Review from Melissa Q.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/6/2011
Went for drinks and appetizers on a Tuesday night. We sat at the bar and ordered the smoked salmon and eggplant panini appetizers, which were both delicious. We also tried the ginger creme brulee and it was just ok. (I would definitely try something else next time.) The dining room was packed, which surprised us for a Tuesday evening. Great place to meet someone for drinks or enjoy a full dinner. Wait staff was very friendly. I would go back.
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Review from Andrew W.
Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2007
Update: They have GOT to get rid of Max. Tried to make a reservation and the guy basically hung up on me. No, wait. Not basically. He did hang up on me. Total jerk. WHY IS HE STILL THERE? It's been months. My guess is he has to be related to the owners. Please either make him into a nice person or get rid of him. I haven't been back for awhile, and only because of him. I'm reducing this place to two stars, from three, and it would be four without MAX! Seriously. There's no excuse for this guy. Okay. I've said it.
Before the classless maitre d', MAX, I had come here many times, and always loved it. But recently I had a horrible dinner due to the blaring music. Impossible to have a pleasant conversation or dinner. When I asked Max about the music, Max blew me off, and said it was "hard to control," though I saw him cranking it up later with no problem. Where is Billy (and the other terrific maitre d's?).
I used to love this place. It had a great retro vibe. Very dark, very 60's. One plain, dark room with art on all the walls. But somehow it worked. Not anymore.
