Wilshire vs. Spanish Kitchen for BD dinner

[tesh11]

Have been looking at both for birthday dinner, for two, in May. The menus in both look appealing. I love a good Anejo Tequila (Spanish Kitchen) & I am also interested in having a good Cuban cigar (Wilshire's smoking lounge) afterwards.

Would love current review of both & if anyone knows of other places that might have smoking lounges.

Or if you have other suggests for a nice birthday dinner for two. My requirements are good food (not big on Italian or Middle Eastern), nice ambiance (don't need to be out partying with the younger crowd) & full bar (good Scotch for the wife) & good wine list. Westside or SF Valley.

Thomas Hamlett

[Frommtron]

Wilshire would be my choice, especially if you want to stay in one place.

Here's an idea though -- Look into Tlapazola for dinner and a comprehensive list of high quality tequilas. Then, head up the road and over to Wilshire for the scotch, wine, and cigar lounge.

[carter]

No brainer - Wilshire of those two suggestions. Wine is a no-show at Spanish Kitchen, while Matt Straus at Wilshire has assembled a superb wine list, and knows food from both the food and wine perspective. Much nicer ambiance as well. The patio is always an option as well, depending on the night and weather.
Spanish kitchen is basically a slightly upscale El Cholo.
www.wilshirerestaurant.com for details
Now if you can come to Sherman Oaks, Max is definitely the place to eat, and you can find out more about it here:
www.maxrestaurant.com

[wutzizname]

Doesn't sound like Spanish Kitchen is your place. Food is underwhelming. And the scene is "out partying with the younger crowd."

[tesh11]

Thought the partying was later the evening.....looking to eat 7-8ish...

[wutzizname]

Probably so. Don't think I've been there that early. It is a great room. But I've been pretty disappointed by just about everything I've tasted there. Perhaps others have had a better experience?

[mollyomormon]

No, agree that the food I had at Spanish Kitchen was bad and overpriced. I would definitely go with Wilshire.