I will be coming back to this place. Great location if you're wanting to show people around from out of town, or dine out in style with inspiring flavors! Everything we had was incredibly delicious and the service was wonderful! 1) Whipped feta was so creamy and the pita hot and soft. Delightful appetizer to the point where we asked them to leave the dish so we could sop up all the remnants of feta 2) Halloumi fattoush salad - refreshing, savory, beautiful 3) Beef Kafta - so tender and flavorful 4) Chicken Schnitzel - A TABLE FAVORITE comes with salads and slaw to top off and 3 sauces that tasted excellent when combined altogether. 5) Mussels with Thai coconut flavors - THIS WAS MY FAVORITE I wanted 10x more bread to eat up all the sauce. Please do yourself the favor of ordering this. Usually I am picky about mussels because I love tomato wine or beer broths. This did not disappoint. 6) Japanese Sweet potatoes - carmelized crisp parts were incredible. Slight kick and zest to it - ALSO A FAVORITE 7) Pork Belly with picked radish Parking was easy in the metered lot across the street $0.80/hr (what a steal in LA) and free 2hr street parking available as well on the side street. Definitely coming back and thought it would make an excellent gift for someone too! Oh and Sundays and Mondays they had a jazz pianist with an upright bassist. It was perfect ambiance for dinner conversation with friends! read more

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Love love coming here for some Mediterranean food and espresso martinis with my girls. I wish they were open a bit later but can't complain. Their food is fresh and delicious. The martinis sometimes vary but for the most part they are consistent, their service is friendly and I love when they have a DJ. Overall the place has a good vibe and the decor is mid century modern/art deco. There was one time when my friend slipped and fell hard due to a spill as she was arriving. I felt like they could have attended to her better, not even offering an ice pack....All she got was a quick sorry and no check in as to how she was feeling afterwards. Didn't seem genuine, it felt as if they just wanted to avoid submitting an incident report( which we didn't and I thought she should have considering they didn't really seem to care and the fact the she was in pain) not good for hospitality. My friend was in pain and woke up sore the next day. We spent quite a bit of money for them not to really care. This has been the only time they left a bad taste in my mouth read more

Checker Hall - The vibes - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Walking into Checker Hall Restaurant here in Highland Park was like walking into a "Head Shop" on Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco back in 1968. This was a real "Flash Back" for me; and I kind of liked it. That entrance was very nostalgic and a great way to start this evening. Checker Hall is this robust and thriving Mediterranean restaurant filled with young people having a grandiose and flamboyant time; and I must say this vibe was contagious. The bar here was just "crushing it" with these wild and bombastic cocktails they were ambitiously turning out. My normally quiet and distinguished wife usually sips one drink before dinner; not here at Checker Hall she was keeping up with the youngin's here and having a ball. The food being served here was excellent. Everything we ordered was not only delicious, but unique and interesting at the same time. We had: * Baba Ganoush * Hummus * Chicken Fesenj?n (that's how its spelled???) * Beef Kofta * Persian Cucumber * Med. Cauliflower My entire experience here was maudlin and feel-good. This happens to me seldomly, and I must admit, I was bright and cheery when I walked out! read more

Ambiance: 5/5 Food: 3/5 Overall rating: 3.5 Cute little spot for a date night! Came for dinner and the restaurant and bar area is so beautiful. I would definitely come back for drinks, but unfortunately the food was a bit disappointing. We tried the pork belly skewer, mushroom skewer, whipped feta, cauliflower, and sticky sweet potatoes. Since the pork belly was described as "braised," I was surprised it was deep fried (like chicharron) and very dry. The sweet sauce it came with was pretty basic. As with the other dishes, the flavors were just ok and sauces were kind of overpowering for some of them. However I did love their whipped feta served with fresh pita bread, which came out hot, fluffy, and soft. I also thought a lot of dishes were too sweet, but that's just personal preference. Overall, food was lackluster but super cute vibes. Definitely want to come back to try their drinks though! read more

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I hate leaving bad reviews, especially for somewhere I was really looking forward to, but this was such a disappointing birthday dinner. My girlfriend made the reservation weeks in advance and requested an outdoor table. When we arrived, the restaurant was nearly empty, but they seated us inside next to a very loud couple. Almost every outdoor table was open. When we asked the hostess to move, she was rude and moved us to another indoor table. We finally asked our server, and suddenly the outdoor table we reserved was available. Most of the patio stayed empty all night, so I still don't understand why it was such an issue. My $64 steak came out gray, fatty, and so chewy I literally had to spit it out. I sent it back, and the replacement was somehow even worse. The drinks were great, but unfortunately that was the highlight of the dinner. They did say happy birthday, and another server told us dessert would be on them, but our assigned server never offered anything. Instead, he just said he hoped I enjoyed the cake my girlfriend bought and brought herself. For the price, I expected much better food and at least a little effort to make the birthday feel special. Honestly, Chili's could have done a better job. read more

finally had the opportunity to try the food at checker hall and it did not disappoint! i love a good dim lit bar with a touch of class. it's so aesthetically pleasing to sit at checker hall, regardless if you're in a booth, the bar or balcony - it feels like a movie. i stopped by for some sustenance and a drink prior to a show at the lodge room. i got an old fashion, their french fries and baba ghanoush to share with my friend, all of it was so tasteful i kept thinking about it a few days after i went. the service was also great, we were sat immediately and our food and drinks were brought out relatively fast for what seemed to be a busy evening. i can't wait to go back and try more from their menu. 10/10 location. read more

Checker Hall - view from the bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Cute spot. Reservations are a must if you're looking to dine in on a weekend. The bar tends to fill up fast, but if you're single I'm sure you may find a spot. Food is delicious, staff is friendly. No private parking, but there is a public lot and you can always look for street parking if you don't mind walking. They are located on the second floor. Head straight up the stairs and there will be a host to greet and seat. read more

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found this place on Resy, and will be definitely be coming back. We ordered the roasted carrots , whipped feta, the schnitzel & two chicken skewers. The carrots & whipped feta were my two personal favorite starters. The schnitzel was number three leaving than the skewers in last place In my opinion. I did appreciate how the portions were decent and shareable . I also enjoyed the service our server was attentive without being overbearing. If you're looking for a fun date night, or just a great place to eat with some friends and catch up definitely check this place out. read more

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Came for lunch with my mom for her birthday and it was great. Service was good since it wasn't too busy, you order and pay at the bar and they bring you the food to your table. Place is super cute, I like that the lighting is pretty much just natural light and the space feels cozy yet open. We didn't sit in the patio tables because it was a fresh out but Im pretty sure eating with the city view is great. We ordered the skewer plate and the feta whip dip. Both were delicious and perfect serving size for the 2 of us. Overall look forward to coming for dinner next. read more

My goodness how much Highland Park has changed over the last 25 years for me. To think that if there was no yelp or TikTok, i would probably never find places like this. Checker Hall serves up delicious Mediterranean food that is slightly elevated. If you want the limited balcony seat, I believe the max it can hold is 4 and I HIGHLY recommend that you are one of the first ones because it filled up fast. Don't get me wrong, the inside is just as beautiful especially with the winter time approaching. All of the staff is really nice giving their best recommendations. Got a handful of items to share amongst three people. Hummus and Whipped Feta were amazing. The Pita bread that was given was just as amazing, I wish they would make it unlimited! You can't go wrong with a skewer and a veggie dish. The Brussels Sprouts and Harissa Carrots were great touches leaving me trying to finish them even though I was full.... We also all shared the steak frites, and if you're going to choose a sauce, pick the Levantine Au Poivre - thank me later. Parking can be a little tough depending on the time, there is a parking across the street and street parking. read more

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Came here for a late dinner. I love a nice, warm, dim lit restaurant. I already had a reservation so I didn't wait long to be seated. Sat in a cute corner near the bar. Love the art work on the walls, architecture was beautiful. Got a few things to start, had 2 orders of oysters which were DELICIOUS. I hadn't expected to enjoy the first as much as I did. Had the Hamachi Crudo, very fresh and tangy and hummus, really loved the pomegranate on top. Got the Turkish Chicken juicy and could taste the lemon. Had a couple cocktails, overall really delicious, definitely coming again for those oysters and another cocktail. read more

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Awesome vibes. Love the interior of this spot. Great cocktails. The hummus was amazing. Will definitely be back to try more drinks and other food items. read more

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Pro tip: arrive EARLY and prepare for a parking hunt. Highland Park is buzzing, and while there are lots & street parking nearby, they fill up fast. The vibe is loud and lively (in a fun way). We sat on the patio, which helped dial the noise down just a bit and made the experience way more enjoyable. Food was solid and satisfying (not mind-blowing, but definitely good). Everything is served family-style, which we loved. For three people, we ordered two entrees and two appetizers and had more than enough to share and leave feeling full. Service wise: not rude, just... a little snooty? Maybe classic LA transplant energy. Not the warmest welcome, but nothing that ruined the night. read more

This was a fantastic dining experience for me! Checker Hall serves new-age Mediterranean food that really packs a punch in every bite. I am not kidding every single thing we ordered from the kebabs to the hummus was loaded with flavor and zingy-ness. Started with the whipped feta dip which comes with fresh pita - outstanding! Would highly recommend. It was the creamiest feta topped with honey butter and chili. And the pita is so warm and fluffy, topped with zaatar: it makes a perfect accompaniment to the dip. Also got the hummus which is topped with crispy chickpeas - so good! Especially if you have a big table, it's a great idea to pick a few dips and that way everyone can share in the deliciousness. For the mains we got 3 kebabs: one chicken, one salmon, and one beef kofta (ground beef). I think the salmon was my favorite but they were all perfectly cooked and seasoned. Be sure to save some of the pita and some of the dips to enjoy with your proteins. The atmosphere and vibe are fantastic. It almost transports you back to an old speakesy. And the wait staff were very friendly and helpful; the food also came out quick which was great because I was hungry. I can't wait to come back. They had a big menu with a lot of other things I am looking forward to trying. read more

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Cute, intimate spot for a date night or a friend catch up. Martinis are solid. We got a nice table on the outside patio. Food was delicious. Service was good. read more

Checker Hall - Chicken schnitzel - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This place was amazing. The vibes, the drinks, the service, food. Everything was excellent. I'm not a vegetarian but there's vegetable dishes could convert me. We tried 10 dishes and everything was great. The chicken skewers were the only ones I wouldn't get again. But the sweet potatoes, crudo, pork belly, roasted carrots, whipped feta, baba ganoush, mushroom skewers were all absolutely amazing. Service was super super quick. Would love to go back again and grab a table on the balcony. read more

The food, drinks, ambiance, and service were all delicious. Everything we ordered was flavorful and the drinks were perfectly crafted, and the vibe made the whole experience even better. On top of that, the service was attentive, and welcoming. The DJ was playing all the hits, Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to! read more

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We had the skewer plate for lunch here and cocktails and the food was pretty good. Very quick service as well. We love the style and vibe of the place. On the pricier side but the food was good enough for us to come back! read more

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I absolutely loved this place!! It was my first time here and I was thoroughly impressed with the ambiance and quality of food. The restaurant is beautiful, with thoughtful lighting choices and little outdoor alcoves where small tables are located. The service was pretty fast as well. This would be a great date night spot. There's also live music downstairs which I didn't get a chance to check out but would definitely come back to do so. The food was delicious! My favorite thing I got would definitely be the whipped feta with the Za'atar Pita. The pita was so fluffy and the whipped feta was super flavorful. We also got the hummus, Maitake mushroom skewer, Flaming cheese, Sticky Japanese sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and roasted cauliflower. The other standout dishes for me were the Brussels sprouts and sweet potato. They were both coated in tangy sauces that I really enjoyed. I also got the Carmen #6 to drink. It had a very unique flavor that I enjoyed, as well as a bit of spice! I'll definitely be coming back here the next time I'm in LA. read more

Checker Hall - Carmen #6 - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Cool ambiance and overall a really solid spot. The food was good - nothing mind-blowing, but definitely enjoyable. It has that "hidden gem" feel, tucked away in a way that makes you feel like you stumbled onto something special. I enjoyed the whipped dip, and pork belly skewers. One thing that threw me off a bit -- 1 didn't realize "zero proof" meant mocktails! lol. Would've been good to know going in, but hey, now I know for next time. read more

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We asked the hostess if we could be seated on the balcony and she made it happen. Our server, Luke, is good at his job. Excellent food, service and ambience. The sweet potato dish is absolutely phenomenal ! I had the pork skewer-excellent. My brother got the salmon skewer - he said it was good. We were still a little hungry so we got the fries- delicious! read more

Checker Hall - Me & brother on the balcony. - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Everything you want in an LA restaurant. Fantastic food, craft cocktails, stylish ambiance and great service. There is a fantastic level of creativity and fun in the food. They have a strong middle eastern flourish with harissa, pomegranate, pistachio, curries and other delightful flavors. The smears, while tasty and addictive, they are filling. There was nothing we ate that didn't stimulate the senses. My only complaint is a stupid one and irrelevant--there is almost too much going on. Every plate has a half dozen flavors each and the synergy can be a bit overwhelming. What I suggest is pair well and eat somewhat separately. The cocktails harmonize in their own way. Don't go in with your preconceived ideas and usual drinks. Allow them to guide you down their menus and you won't be disappointed. read more

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walked in to pregame a show at the lodgeroom right next door. Didnt have a reservation but there was an open seat at the bar. Great cocktail, had the oysters, pork belly, fries, and salmon skewer. All were really good. Fries were fantastic. Service was chill and quick. Atmosphere was definitely buzzy and feels like a cool spot for hlp. Will come back for sure read more

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Had an incredible experience at Checker Hall. We ordered the pork belly, hanger steak, roasted carrots, chicken skewers, naan with ricotta, and everything was phenomenal. Each dish felt thoughtful and well-executed, with great flavor across the board. Service was excellent, attentive without being intrusive, and the ambiance is truly special. The music, the space, the overall energy all come together perfectly. This is easily my new favorite spot! read more

Checker Hall - Hanger Steak - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Oh checker hall, you have my heart. This place puts excellences to a whole new level with every detailed being impeccable! Right from arrival, every corner, wall, candle holder, plate, wall, lamp is beautiful and awe inspiring. They have a great drink menu including non alcoholic beverages. I ordered the carrots & chicken schnitzel. Both amazing!! Service was professional and everything perfectly timed. If you're looking for a one of a kind date night or birthday celebration spot, definitely consider checker hall! read more

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My first time here. Party of 9. The service was impeccable! The food was nothing short of amazing!!! That whipped Feta dip was out of this world! The pork belly was like meat candy. The spicy chicken was so tender and almost tasted like fish, but in a good way. The beef skewers really surprised me! When I bit into it, it was smoky on the inside, something was happening to me. It was an amazing experience. Lock me in a room with that pita bread alone!!! Sheesh!!! I can't wait to go back. Never got a chance to get to an entree. We had shared so much of the skewers, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, hummus, salmon skewers, carrots, cauliflower and drinks, we all were so full and happy! Gabe was our amazing server as well as others dropping off plates here and there...and oh, can't forget the lime tart with peaches. Just a really cool and amazing food experience. read more

This is my favorite restaurant currently. I been coming to checker hall with my bf for a few years now and I always order the whipped feta. The whipped feta is such a dream that when I eat it just makes my heart so happy . The menu has changed a bit but another item I recently enjoy is the lamb burger which is so juicy and flavorful. I went twice this week because why not ! I went with my bf and later in the week I took a friend. I made reservations in the balcony of course because I wanted her to get the full experience of the ambiance. She absolutely loved it. We got share some plates and she was very happy with the food and the service. Whomever the chef is they absolutely know how to balance all the flavors in their dishes. read more

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Wow this whipped feta was a 10/10. One of the best bites i've ever had. The place is beautiful and dark. We got our food very quick. read more

Checker Hall - whipped feta and pita - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great ambience, food and service. A special secret gem in HP. The hummus starter was especially delicious - bread was soft and hummus was perfectly seasoned. Love the outside seating! read more

This is the perfect place if you want to go on a special date or want a nice dining experience. The interior has original old world charm with a narrow balcony overlooking the street. The food items can be a bit pricey but you will appreciate the quality and flavors. Our waitress was first rate and there was no long wait to receive our food order. read more

Checker Hall - Labor Day dinner 2025 - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here to celebrate a friend's birthday. Everything was great. Peter was super nice and fluffy and warm. Food was really flavorful. It definitely had a speakeasy vibe. They had even live music. It was very beautiful. I would definitely be back. read more

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Checker hall was such a vibe. Went here on a date, we had delicious food (sea bream, sticky Japanese potatoes, and Turkish chicken) servers were friendly and there was a live piano! read more

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I recently found myself at Checker Hall when I was there to see a show nextdoor at the Lodge Room. I hadn't been to Highland Park in over a decade so I had no idea this place had opened. We wandered into Checker Hall and grabbed a couple seats at the bar to have drinks before the show. I could have seriously spent the entire night at Checker Hall. As a history major born and raised in LA I have a deep appreciation for historic buildings. Seeing how this former masonic temple was repurposed while honoring some of the older features of the building was awesome. The Masons left in 1983 because they couldn't afford the cost of retrofitting the building. It's remarkable that the private developers who bought the building didn't knock it down and opted to preserve it. As we were sitting at the bar, I kept looking all around the room and admiring the cohesiveness of the design. The 360 degree bar structure in the center of the room is a breathtaking piece with all its polished brass. The choice of wallpaper will have you wondering if it's original and the cherry wood wall trim and the ornate light fixtures will draw your eye. The decor felt so familiar so I had to google who was responsible and was not surprised at all to learn that the man behind the magic was Martyn Lawerence Bullard! I always love his work! I also loved that they had all the arched balcony windows wide open so there was fresh air flowing and each charming balcony had tables with diners nestled in enjoying their evening. We were seated right in front of the DJ and not once did I think the music was too loud and the fact that it wasn't disrupted by the opening band playing nextdoor was also mind blowing. The cocktail and food menus were quite enticing. The gentleman sitting next to me at the bar had ordered a plethora of items and I kept stealing little glances at his food and then lookign at the menu to try and figure out what he had ordered. Everyting looked and smelled great. I will definietly be looking for any excuse to return to Checker Hall! read more

So good. Neighborhood classic spot with beautiful seating, beautiful bar, live music sometimes, best hummus. Vibes: Off York, this spot is on the second floor. Get your ID checked at ground level if needed and head upstairs on the black and white steps. Try to reserve the balcony / outdoor tables for a nice view of the neon Highland Theater sign and the street below, or a booth for your group, both with be beautiful. Drinks A generous cocktail and drink menu and the cocktails are well designed. There is a good variety for different tastes and alcohols. Food The spreads are exceptional. I insist on you trying the hummus here, it has roasted chickpeas on top and are excellent. The pitas are wonderful and warm and we often order seconds. The baba ganoush is great too and the whipped goat cheese with dash of honey - all different textures and flavors and all excellent. There are occasional specials so keep an ear out for interesting dishes like lamb tangine! The roasted mushrooms are also a favorite, a long with the skewers. Wonderful neighborhood hang. I take friends here for the chill local vibe wow factor! read more

Checker Hall - Entrance - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Immediately no. We didn't even make into eat because the hostess (wish I got her name) was disgustingly rude. I guess it's my job to greet the hostess and introduce myself. Didn't realize I was in the presence of royalty outside of a curtain bathroom. What a terrible way to ruin a brand. I'll be happy to discourage any and all from this place. The first 2 minutes of service really ruined that. Gross. read more

I want to give it a 5/5 but their service/food timing is sadly lacking. However, their food??!?! Stellar 10/5, come again for the food. read more

Checker Hall - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place is a VIBE! The building itself is vintage and all of the decor is so intricate and gives you a warm, nostalgic feeling. We came on a Friday night and there was a DJ playing some great ambient tunes. But make no mistake, the food is the highlight of this magnificent establishment! The Baba Ganoush was so different from anything I've had before and it was DELICIOUS. We also had the King Salmon Skewer and the Spiced Chicken Skewer. Both were AMAZING and the chicken literally melted in my mouth. We also had the Chicken Schnitzel, which was great also. The cocktails and desserts are also great, and the service was friendly and attentive. We'll definitely be back to try more dishes and have a good night! read more

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Chill, sexy this a place to bring a friend or someone special to enjoy a beautiful evening and meal read more

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My husband took me here for my birthday dinner a couple nights ago. Love the vibe and feel of the space with retro notes and a lovely balcony overlooking Figueroa. Staff was attentive and prompt, able to make suggestions about drinks and menu. We have a glass of the champagne and hummus plate to start. We also tried the hamachi crudo out of the appetizers section. Hummus was creamy and spicy with a really nice bread. The crudo was good too, very small and delicate dish. None of the entrees appealed to us, so we ordered two skewers (king salmon and pork belly) and some of the vegetable small plates (cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, saffron rice). The skewers were very good, although the pork belly was a bit overcooked. The saffron rice was excellent. However, the Brussel sprouts, cauliflower and Japanese sweet potato were all doused with some version of sweet sauce and overdressed with stuff. Almost felt like we were tasting the same thing but with different textures, more of the same- all heavy handed with toppings and sauce. Drinks were very good. One thing we noticed is the entry and stair spaces look a little drab and may need a new coat of paint- lots of what looks like non intentional chips on the paint, makes the space worn and takes away from getting to the restaurant. It's a nice spot, cool vibe and good food. read more

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A perfect date night spot if you want a cushy bar seat (with backs!) or a romantic table on the terrace. I love the indoor / outdoor feel and the live DJs they have Tuesday - Thursday! For food - checker hall kills it with dietary needs. They offer clearly labeled vegan / vegetarian / gluten free, and also have plenty of meat options. I cannot overemphasize how decadent our food was - no bad bites. Will absolutely be returning to keep working through the menu! Also great happy hour menu with very fairly priced food & drink. Very friendly & attentive staff - I appreciated the recommendations & ability to speak to all dish ingredients. read more

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