good lunch spot near arclight

[jnette]

Hi there!

my husband and I have taken a couple of days off to explore our new area. we are nes to LA. We plan on seeing a movie tomorrow at the arclight and would like to hav elunch beforehand. Any recs?????

[Woolsey]

I have to second Katsuya and Bowery:

Katsuya at Hollywood and Vine is fun for sushi and Japanese entrees. They have good lunch specials that mean it won't break the bank, and the servers are great. It's a sexy room, too.

Bowery has decent sandwiches and entrées - the burger's the real star there. It's great. So is their bread pudding.

I'm not wild about The Hungry Cat. I think it's overpriced for the molecular-sized portions - entrées at The Hungry Cat are the same size as starters elsewhere. Service can be slow as molasses in January and a bit... quirky: Our waitress kept moving my friend's silverware and napkin as if she was a naughty toddler. The room is also currently a construction site as they expand. Yeah, others adore it. It's not bad, but I don't think it's the as glorious as it's often made out to be. I definitely wouldn't go here if I had a showtime looming.

The Kabuki at Sunset and Vine isn't bad; it's one of the best ones in the chain, in fact.

[strawberryfield]

Aww...I really like Hungry Cat. And speaking of bread pudding, I think their chocolate bread pudding is fantastic. I've always thought the food there was top notch - although it does have a bit of the "small plates" thing going on even though the plates are meant to be a meal in and of themselves! Although it's a touch too late, for a good meal in the vicinity I'd say Ammo is worth considering. And they do serve lunch.

[smartcooki]

how about EAT on Sunset? They changed their menu a few months ago. It was pretty good when I was there. If you don't mind a little drive, Santa Fe on LaBrea is good. Also, the Griddle on Sunset/Fairfax.

[hpcat]

Recently went to Csardas on Melrose, just west of Vine. It's hearty, hungarian food, but the lunch deals are great. Regular dinner menu for about half the cost. It's a lot of food and very good.

[brownonthebeach]

Citizen Smith on Cahuenga is less frantic for lunch than dinner. Hungry Cat would have been your best bet. Magnolia or Bowery pretty ok too. I had the worst experience at Off Vine so would rate that a big MISS.

[tastycakes]

definitely ditto on the hungry cat rec. fabiolus cafe was gross last time we went - it was mid-summer and i had a salald - my tomato was hard, bland, and pale and the corn was from a can. off vine is nice and has a relaxing garden setting. you could always do kabuki for sushi -specials at lunch and the fish is always very fresh. it's not a temple of japanese cuisine though - you could try sushi ike but i think it isn't open at lunch.

also numero uno just south of fountain on vine is good for pupusas/mexican.

[tatertotsrock]

HUNGRY CAT
HUNGRY CAT
HUNGRY CAT

Have a cocktail for me!

[Emme]

only tuesday to friday are they open for lunch!

[tatertotsrock]

Thanks for the heads-up Emme.
I've never tried to go on a Monday.
Hmmm, where to go, where to go...

[thegingerbreadgirl]

I really like Off Vine - it's tucked away in a converted house right around the corner from the Arclight parking garage. It's very cute, garden setting with great salads and sandwiches.

[daniel7720]

Agree with the above posters but Fab's can be a bit of a pain sometimes. Magnolia is also good if you want to try a real "LA" vibe place. Recommend the scallops and flank steak.

-----
Magnolia
6266 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

[rednyellow]

My one lunch at Magnolia was truly awful. Very cute waiter and a good martini, but terrible food, also the two tables on either side of me sent their food back.

[tag heuer]

we always make a trip to The Hungry Cat when we go to the arclight, however I think they are not open for lunch on Mondays. I would recommend Square One for a late breakfast or lunch.... http://www.squareonedining.com/

[Emme]

Fabiolus Cafe is close and not too expensive

Los Balcones de Peru for Peruvian

Katsuya just went in

Bowery (sweet potato fries :-)

[perk]

Please DON'T settle on the cafe inside the ArcLight. It's really terrible. There are a couple of decent appetizers that you can order at the bar.....but that's about it.