your favorite downtown restaurant right now?

[mmmclapclap]

we are looking for great retaurants downtown anything except asian or greek...

[Muhlyssa]

I like Blue Velvet a lot, have only been for lunch, it's a ghost town there for lunch mid-week, which is not a bad thing. Traxx has been disapointing the last several times I've been. Roys is my favorite downtown spot, in fact I think it's the best of the Roys I've been to. Engine Co has extremely indifferent wait staff (that's been my experience anyway). Langers you've got to experience for the, uh, experience. The new Pit Fire Pizza is great, much nicer digs than the North Hollywood location. Mortons has a killer cheeseburger if you are trying to get out of there without breaking the bank.

[carter]

And that Roy's is also the busiest one in the chain!

[mc michael]

I'd have thought one of the Hawaii locations would be busier, but I suppose there're the issues of tourist season and expense.

[Muhlyssa]

I can see how that would be. Every time i've been it has been totally full, but their ratio of server to customer is very good and I've never felt like I wasn't being served well. The Woodland Hills location was very disappointing. I think because it gets very little natural light it just feels like it could be in a hotel basement banquet room. The one in Downtown is surrounded by big windows.

[anothernotch]

For something a bit more low key I'd throw Langer's into the mix.

[jonahlee]

Water Grill, Cuidad, Cafe Pinot, The Curry House.

[Vikzen]

Non-Asian?
-Ciudad - tapas on Sunday nights; convivial atomsphere. Their mojitos are killer and if you like mashed yuca as a side, yum!

[jonahlee]

The special margaritas, which you get in a shaker, and served in 2 martini glasses is pretty fantastic as well. And it is always fun if you manage to get a seat outside and can see the band.

[chewingvampire]

i second curry house and Roy's
Sai Sai is not bad too...fresh sashimi but a little pricey....i think it's on olive and 4th...
non-Asian: Zucca is good...

[jonahlee]

I have been going to Curry House since 1992 or 1993, I swear there is something actually physically addictive in that curry.

[crpcc2]

Mastro and Water Grill.

[wilafur]

pete's cafe. i just adore their hellman burger and bleu cheese fries.

[pstark]

Itzayoi

[LisaStitch]

Arnie Morton's - perfect steaks, impeccable service, amazing souffle desserts.

I also like Ciudad for a less fancy dining experience. Everything is so flavorful, and the drinks are killer.

[woofer]

i second morton's. was just there friday night before seeing jersey boys.

[barcelona]

WaterGrill, Morton's, R-23, would be my top pic... However, I have been known to go to the Pantry from time to time...

[crpcc2]

Going to Jersey Boys in August. Any good?

[ipsedixit]

Wood Spoon.

[aching]

Me too. Although on a totally different note, we had a great appetizer dinner at the bar at Roy's on Saturday - really surprisingly good, and fun!

[ipsedixit]

Have you tried Colori? It's actually not bad.

[Krispy Kringle]

Really good, in fact. The pumpkin ravioli in walnut sauce is amazing! Only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, though. BYOB.

[ipsedixit]

Yeah, and apparently Colori will give you a free meal if you blog about them.

Hmm ... wonder if this counts?

[mc michael]

Roy's, the Palm, Cafe Pinot, Engine Co, La Serenata de Garibaldi and of course the sina qua non of downtown eateries, Water Grill. You do limit yourself by eliminating Asian from consideration.

[mmmclapclap]

thanks! so which asian eateries do you recommend i love asian but one of our party is burned out on it...

[mc michael]

R-23, Sushi Gen, Mako (in Weller Court), East, Roy's (to the extent it has Asian influences), Yang Chow. I'm sure others can chime in with faves for ramen, yakitori, dim sum, pho, etc.

[LisaStitch]

I second Roy's and Yang Chow...

[mollyomormon]

I'd also add Izayoi to your list.

[mmmclapclap]

ok thanks

[mmmclapclap]

ps ive loved sushi gen for a long time r-23 was just ok but cool decor ill check out the others

[mc michael]

Did you get the crab salad or the seared salmon sushi at R-23? Did you sit at the bar?

[hrhboo]

Blue Velvet.

[chefthisguy]

Traxx at Union Station...still good was great

[Emme]

Second this and R-23

[revets2]

ditto.

[mmmclapclap]

hmmm had a really mediocre time at blue velvet loooks like water grill keeps coming up...also went to R-23 nice atmosphere so so sushi

[revets2]

did you eat at the bar or in the restaurant at BLUE VELVET?

[Mr. Cookie]

I ate lunch at the restaurant part of Blue Velvet a few weeks ago and had only a so-so meal.

[revets2]

i've had only good meals in the restaurant at BV. so-so fare in the bar. i do think it's expensive for the portion size and that the wait staff is earnest, but clueless.