Non-Asian Restaurant Suggestion in Downtown Area?

[boogiebaby]

I posted a few days ago about doing a girls' weekend for myself and my 3 cousins, one of whom is moving cross-country in a couple weeks.

The plan so far is to go have Saturday morning early brunch at Elite, then to our hotel room at the LA Live JW Marriott, and relax by the pool until dinner. We'll have dinner, and then do a late night Pink's run as my cousin who is moving loves Pinks and wants to have it one last time before she leaves. Sunday brunch is planned for Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. :)

Herein lies my issue -- where should we go for dinner Saturday night? While I don't mind paying for a fine dining experience, 2 of my cousins will probably feel differently. Since we'll be at LA Live, we'd like to eat within a few miles of the hotel, or even at LA Live so we can enjoy some alcohol. I was thinking about Boca or LA Market but I've read mixed reviews online. I'd prefer not to do an asian restaurant since we are having dim sum earlier in the day. I was thinking mexican or californian cuisine so it fits into our "what you'll be missing while you're living in NY" theme. Any fun places in the area for 4 women having s fun night out, with good food, good drinks, and good ambiance? Ideally, I'd like to keep it to $30-40/pp for food only.

TIA

-----
LA Market
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[ipsedixit]

Chichen Itza?

-----
Chichen Itza
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

[shellshock24]

I like the food at Corkbar, however on non-game nights it's usually pretty dead. I would suggest Rivera. Good food and a fun atmosphere.

[boogiebaby]

Rivera sounds interesting. I checked out their menu, and I'm confused about the multiple menus. There are different rooms serving different regional cuisines? Are you able to mix and match from the various menus, or are you limited to the room you are in?

[Phurstluv]

I don't think so. But I hear the best table is over looking the kitchen anyway.

Mo-Chica is a Peruvian place. Or I'd take a cab to Lazy Ox Canteen.

-----
Mo-Chica
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Lazy Ox Canteen
241 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[omieurhomie]

Phurstluv's recs are spot on. I'd consider Colori Kitchen as well. Great food and BYOB. Their service is a bit slow though. But no worries, you guys will be tipsy :)

-----
Colori Kitchen
429 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

[shellshock24]

I love mo-chica but you're not going to get the "fun" atmosphere which was requested. It's basically in a food court so you lose the atmosphere. Food is excellent though.

[bulavinaka]

Also would suggest Rivera - your sister would probably find it hard to replicate elsewhere. Poster running pig recently went and mentioned that menus and rooms/areas cross over:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/781854

The tasting menu is a little beyond your target but it's well worth it. They have a broad list of wines to choose from and the bar is very capable.

I know you mentioned no Asian, but give Spice Table a once-over. I'm going off of my wife's experience - she's from Malaysia - and she thoroughly enjoyed her meal.

-----
The Spice Table
114 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA