Relaxed, but good food/drink in downtown LA

[menuinprogress]

My wife and I are going to be in downtown LA for a couple of nights next week. We're staying at the Biltmore and will not have a car.

I'm looking for casual places for dinner, but with good food and atmosphere. I'm not looking for fine dining (i.e. no Water Grill). Small plates and a good wine-by-the-glass or beer selection a plus.

I've searched this board without too much luck. A couple of places that I'm considering, though, are Pete's Cafe and Banquette Cafe.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[chowmominLA]

Pete's was the firth thing that came to mind.

If the DASH runs at night, you might do a search for Little Tokyo for some casual, good Asian food (I like Izayoi or Sohoju, and there are some ramen places highly recommended on these boards), or take the DASH to Chinatown (I like Empress Pavilion, Hop Li, Full House...)

[JAB]

I 2nd the Izayoi rec. It fits your requirements perfectly.

[ozhead]

I had dinner last week at the Tiara Cafe, 127 E. 9th St. -- first block east of Main, on the north side of the street. It has long been open for breakfast and lunch, but JUST started serving dinner; indeed, we were its very first dinner customers (and as a result got comped for dessert). It was precisely as you described what you are looking for: casual, good food and atmosphere, small plates, good wine by the glass, good beer. Here's a link to the Chowhound page with my mini-review: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/478349,

It's pretty much walking distance from the Biltmore: go east on 5th to Broadway, turn right (south) to 9th, turn left (east) a block and a half. I think you'd like it.

[Obessed]

Redwood Bar and Grill has great burgers and a fun "pirates" theme decor. It's really casual and chill...but gets crowded late.

[menuinprogress]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[mlgb]

Does Ciudad qualify?

[J.L.]

Blue Velvet is low-key. But cool.

Blue Velvet
750 S. Garland

[ipsedixit]

Wood Spoon.

See prior post: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/398534