Dinner Rec = Cocktails/Food/Atmosphere?

[jchaire]

Can anyone help me out with a "fun" dinner recommendation for 2 couples - is there any place that has good cocktails AND food AND atmosphere that isn't too expensive (meaning like no entrees over $20)? I don't need the gourmand place of the year, but just don't want to be disappointed by the food either. I guess Mexican restaurants usually fit this bill, but they usually lack in one of the categories. (But I am not wedded to Mexican either!)

As for location, I'd prefer W. Hollywood/Hollywood/Los Feliz/Silverlake or even downtown.... (though if you have the ideal spot in another part of town, pls chime in).

Thanks!

[maiweezy]

I really love Tasting Kitchen in Venice. Go on a day that John Coltharp and/or Justin Pike are bartending; they are both fantastic - John's currently obsessed with negronis. Be sure to ask for the secret drink menu. The entrees cost over $20 but I haven't tried any - I stick with the pastas which are $18 each. My friend describes it best when he calls it "Portland pasta" - not quite Italian, it's just it's own thing - which is, to me, is salty and bold flavors.

[sushigirlie]

Tasting Kitchen is what came to mind until I read the part about price. If the prices are in the ballpark, I second Tasting Kitchen.

In Los Feliz, I would try Little Dom's, though I've never been there for dinner.

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Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[maiweezy]

Little Dom's is a good rec for Silverlake. The drinks are solid - all the ingredients are fresh. They make a really good whiskey sour. When I go for dinner I usually stick with the specials, unless it's a pizza because I really dislike their pizzas (the crust gets soggy within minutes of arriving to the table). The oyster po boy is great, the capellini is pretty good, as is the spaghetti and meatballs.

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Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027