Looking for higher end dining near USC

[lovesunshine]

I am in town for an event and am staying near the USC campus. I am looking for a higher end place to eat tonight---i'm not really picky on what type of cuisine. I'm looking for some place with a nice atmosphere so and somewhere that is within a $20 cab fare. I would also be interested in any places which might have a nice bar as I may be dining solo. Are there any areas close by that would fit what I'm looking for? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[monku]

Downtown--Engine Company 28.
Dining at the bar or a table solo is no problem.
http://www.engineco.com/

[balzachertz]

The first poster is right, USC is close enough to be considered downtown, go there where there are a wealth of choices, including some great new ones. any of the places mentioned would be good.

Also:

Pete's Cafe (4th and Main) American comfort food in a cool space filled with nearby loft dwellers, good bar.

Cafe Pinot - (5th and Flower) beautiful space in the gardens in front of the Central Library. A straight shot north of the USC campus (one block East of Figueroa)

Patina at the Walt Disney Hall is about as high end as you can get downtown, beautiful space, I don't know if you can eat at the bar there, though.

[Eastsider]

There's also the Water Grill. http://www.watergrill.com/

[goldbergd]

Get away from USC and head to downtown, its not that far away. In downtown you could try:

1. The Palms - across from staples great bar.
2. Nick and Stef's - Steakhouse
3. Ciudad - Spanish
4. Noe in the Omni hotel - great food
5. Roy's - Asian Fusion