Downtown or Hollywood Best Restaurant for Singles

[TammyT]

I am looking for a place that has great atmosphere, great or at least good food in Downtown, Hollywood or Santa Monica. This is for 2 single 30-something gals that want a night of dinner and fun, fun meaning a chance to mingle with other singles. We love sushi and pretty much any ethnic but could do a mainstream restaurant as well. If the restaurant has a good lounge or bar, even better or if you can suggest another place to go to after dinner for drinks/dancing, that would be great too!

[carriedushey]

Downtown: Tranquility Base at 8th and Grand on the ground floor of the Skylofts. The drinks are great. The food (small plates, including sushi, some entrees) is yummy. The room is beautiful and they also have a great patio with a fire pit.

[goop]

Takami downtown: beautiful view, okay sushi. You can head to the bar afterwards.
Simon LA has ok food and nice bar area (apparently thurs are good)

[ExtraCheesePlease]

I wholehearted concur with Bar Marmont. Very good "grazing" food (meaning you can order various dishes for the table and share) and very happening bar scene. Quite fun as the night gets later.

[TammyT]

Do they take reservations? I see you mention dishes for the "table" and my impression of Bar Marmont would be standing only, not sitting and enjoying a leisurely cocktail and small plates.

[apple7blue]

Well if you are a lovely attractive person (post your pic to help your case out and tell us how you went to Guatemala and helped orphans) and tell us where you are taking some girlfriends, I think some single men from Chowhounds might bravely venture there, heh . . .

[SauceSupreme]

Bar Marmont has plenty of tables and seating, including a small area that resembles a cabana. It's a large space, so there's a lot of standing also.

[wutzizname]

Correct, the "upper deck" at Bar Marmont is a full, sit-down, table-service scene. You can eat there and then move to the bar area after. Or you can eat at the bar if you prefer. Win win.

[TammyT]

Bar Marmont is sounding great, I will have to try it some time as now it appears my friend has decided dining in Santa Monica will fit better with plans for after dinner entertainment. Thanks for the recommendation!

[wutzizname]

Bar Marmont

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Bar Marmont
8171 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

[TailbackU]

Table 8 or Foundry might fit your bill

[rancherostyl]

Just off the top of my head, Pete's is a cool bar/rest. downtown, 5th and spring I think, solid food and outside seating. Also, there's an upscale-ish Vietnamese place a few doors to the south that's got great food. 7th & Grand is cool during the week. Then there's the HMS Bounty, 3355 Wilshire in K-town, like you're grandfather's red-vinyl boothed spot but less stuffy. Haru Ulala on 2nd in Little Tokyo is awesome, little plates, lively, and open late.