Best near L.A. Music Center

[josephnl]

I'm taking some out-of-towners to the theater at the Music Center next weekend, and I want to take them somewhere outstanding for dinner within a 10-15 minute drive. Cost is not a major factor, but the food is. Looking for somewhere comfortable with good drinks and wine, and terrific American, California, French or Italian cuisine. Where should we go?

[2thwoman]

Patina is great and right next to Disney Hall. But pricey.

[wutzizname]

The problem with Patina is they don't do post-theatre, which is crazy given their location. They close at 9:30, even on the weekends, I believe.

[Jack Flash]

I would vote for either Drago Centro or Chaya Downtown. Park once, and they offer a free shuttle service to the Music Center (about a 5-7 minute ride).

http://www.dragocentro.com/
http://www.thechaya.com/downtownLosAn...

[wutzizname]

Many threads with this same question. But my vote would be Church & State.

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Church & State
1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

[andytseng]

I like the food at Church & State, but if I had other plans that were time-sensitive, I wouldn't really trust them to make sure to get you out of the restaurant in time. If you could get to the restaurant really early (like, before the dinner crowd arrives), I think C&S would be a great place to take out of towners.

[josephnl]

We'll be going to the theater before dinner...so perhaps C & S is a good idea!

[wutzizname]

I've gone post-play and it's a perfect time as the place is still very active when you arrive, but quickly starts to thin out a little for better service and noise level.

[Jack Flash]

I would have suggested it, but I assumed this was for a pre-theater thing, and I've never gotten out of C&S quickly enough to have made a show at the Music Center.

[toitoi]

I've eaten at C&S with a 6pm res. Parked on the street (lucky me), dined, then drove to the Music Center for an 8pm curtain. A bit rushed, no dessert, did have coffee though, and the check at the same time.

[Jack Flash]

Good to know.

[toitoi]

Since the turn down in customers, some restaurants that offered transport to the Music Center, have discontinued this service. Check with the restaurant first.

Don't, and I repeat, don't eat at Kendall's, convenient, but lousy food.

Nick and Stef's (a steakhouse) is within walking distance.

[Jack Flash]

As of last month, Drago, Chaya and Ciudad were all still offering the shuttle. I used it.

[omotosando]

Agreed, Kendall's is the worst.