I visited R+D Kitchen for a happy hour, and was impressed with the food. Their spicy chicken sandwich is to die for and their deviled eggs were pretty good too. I found that their wine menu was a little lacking, but it was a good spot for a quick bite. The restaurant got very busy at about 6 PM so I highly recommend making a reservation if you can! read more

I already want to go back as I am writing this! I went here for lunch yesterday, and oh my god everything was so amazing and hit the mark. We sat at one of the high tops by the bar and received excellent service. For our lunch, I ordered the crispy chicken sandwich and the southern sprouts. My friend got the Newport salad. The salad and the sprouts hit first, which was a little annoying because I ordered the sandwich as my entree. We had to wait with our food for about two minutes before my sandwich finally arrived. Besides that, the food was cooked to perfection and everything tasted so good. The sprouts had a remoulade glaze which made them stand out. This restaurant is part of the Hillstone chain so it is no surprise that their food is consistent and of good quality every time you dine in. read more

R+D Kitchen - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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This has always been a great experience, and last night was no exception. We had a minor issue with one of our meals, which is very unusual, but when brought to the attention of the server the meal was immediately replaced, the manager came over to apologize and then checked with us several more times. He also comped some of the check, which was appreciated but honestly not necessary. The overall quality shown in the food, the staff, and the management guarantees we will return! read more

Came here last Friday for date night. R+D Kitchen never disappoints when it comes to food or service. 5 stars all around. They don't take reservations so we patiently waited 20 min by taking a nice stroll along Montana and window shopping as we waited for our table. Experience Napa Red - 5/5 Our lovely server let us blind-sample 3 Napa reds and Experience was our favorite. Nice generous pours as well. Fries - 5/5 Nicely seasoned and crispy. Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich - 5/5 The best chicken sandwich we've ever enjoyed. Hubby and I are generally not huge fans of coleslaw but it's amazing here. Mediterranean Seared Tuna Salad - 5/5 So good! Service - 5/5 Excellent. read more

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Nice casual neighborhood swanky ambiance. Right off Montana Ave shops. Parking is limited or street metered parking if you find it. Tried their classic cheeseburger $20. Lettuce, tomatoes, onion & cheddar on a house-made egg bun. Does not come with a side. That's is extra, fries are $8. They use real sliver ware. Feels outdoors as well because they have a net so in the summer you feel like you are in a patio. I would say high end feel going by the prices even thought it's casual. They have a bar and also bar area with high tops if you do not want to sit in the restaurant booth parts. We are here in November so it's a little chilly sitting close to the street. My fries came well before my burger so I ate them all by the time my burger came out. Would have liked them To come out together at the same time. Liked that I could ask for how I want it (well done, no pink). Hailey the manager took care of us. read more

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I can't brag enough on how the staff welcomed us!! Paul the Manager was so welcoming and hospitable! Rachel was our waitress and she was an extremely friendly and professional, she made us feel so relaxed and kept an eye on our table at all times. I love this kind of services and the food was delicious!!!! ********* read more

Love their tuna salad and their drinks at the bar. Place is always packed but worth waiting for a table. read more

Good restaurant to eat across Aero Theatre in Santa Monica! Honestly, that is why we picked this restaurant for convenience/location albeit the menu is limited. Here are some tips: 1. At 5:30 pm on a Tuesday, this place is busy. We checked in with the host and waited for about 10 minutes even though we were told we will be seated "soon". I saw a table for 4 and asked the hostess if we can sit for we have a movie screening to see at 7. The manager overheard and was so nice to let us (2) take the table by the window at that. It pays to ask and ask nicely, is the tip. 2. As soon as we sat down, again I asked our server if we can have the bill after we are served for we need to eat and go. Often, in busy places, after dining, it can take another 15-20 minutes to get your bill and pay for it:(. In any case, so thankful they accommodated our request. 3. Food - we ordered The Newporter (yummy chicken salad) and Aperol Spritz for me (brought back wonderful memories when we saw The Barber of Seville at Teatro La Fenice in 2019 and most Venetians were sipping this drink). My friend ordered Shrimp Louie and Prosecco. Definitely 5 for service and 4 for the food and drinks (delicious but small servings for the price- spent about $100 for 2 salads and 2 drinks). Note: My friend who had the shrimp salad ended up ordering popcorn and a drink when we saw the movie for she said her shrimp salad ($26!) was really small and she was still hungry :(. And I understand, this is Santa Monica; nevertheless, I am still giving it 4 stars. read more

R+D Kitchen - Aperol Spritz and Prosecco Shrimp Louie and The Newporter - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Always reliable quality all American and high ingredients:) super nice hostess and servers. Great networking space. Just Never ever disappoints:) Lov read more

R+D Kitchen - Mediterranean Seared Tuna Salad - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I loved the chips appetizer. The dips were amazing. The shrimp salad was fantastic and the dressing was delicious. My first time and definitely plan to go back. read more

Food is so reliably good every fricking time! Absolutely delicious. The wait staff is all amazing and attentive and discretely helpful. Reasonably priced for high quality food. We love that they have a rotating daily special, too. Once seated we have a glorious time. Once you put your name in with the hostess stand it's best to skadattle outside and wait for a text message that your table is ready. We are usually too full for dessert, but occasionally take home the chocolate chip cookies (although we wish they were slightly bigger cookies). The only downside is the front entrance logjam. People really just don't know what to do with themselves at the front door. The guests just stand right in the front entrance and congregate. It can get a bit tense as you don't know if you're waiting in line to give your name or if people are cutting in front of you...then to ask and find out they've already put in their name and their just waiting for their text that their table is ready. I wish the hostess staff would make a point to assure people they will indeed be called when their table is ready and they must move away from the hostess desk....seems like it could be for safety as well to move this logjam away from the front door. Maybe...it's that most people are either cold or don't trust that they will be called so they all just wait in this tiny space at the front door all jammed up and confused. A wishlist item suggestion to the chef/dessert people....make a bigger chocolate chip cookie and offer as a dessert for take home to eat later. read more

Never disappoints! amazing food and such great service. Very consistent spot. Came by and put our name down and only had to wait around 20 minutes on a saturday night. read more

What else can you say about the greatest chicken sandwich ever made... One of my favorite spots. Great food. Great vibes. Nicest servers (especially Ariella) Very highly recommended. read more

I guess we got lucky on a Sunday night that there wasn't a long wait..less than 15 min. Anyway waitress was super nice. Food and drinks came out pretty quick. I got the jackrabbit and my friend got the bee's knees both were good and refreshing. I also got their cheese burger and a side of fries. The cheese burger was delicious! My friend got the Asian salad and it is a pretty big portion of salad. read more

Buffer time to wait because this place is worth the wait! My party of two waited a half hour. When visiting a must is the chicken sandwich and order a side of fries. The fries come with ketchup and spicy Mayo with a garlic salt mix up to put on top. A must!! read more

R+D Kitchen - Dings Crispy Chicken Sandwich - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Always great service at this location and the one in Newport. The servers are very nice, the food takes time. Get there when it opens because they always have a line. read more

After the loss of my nearby Houston's, I was so excited to find my way back down to R&D, after visiting a friend. They did not disappoint! Ambiance, service, and food are consistently excellent. Fun fact: I was seated at the bar next to a super star triathlete after I'd just randomly run 20 miles myself! I had a great time eating and chatting. Loooooove the dip duo (quest and guac) and the burger. The dessert and coffee were beyond perfection. Everything is so good here. It's where I go when I don't want to risk disappointment. Thank you for existing. read more

R+D Kitchen - Coffee - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I've been coming to R&D kitchen for years. For me, this place is comfort food central. Anything thing they make is gonna be good. I (usually) chose to come here on Mondays! Why you might ask? Because they call this day "Carnitas Mondays"; and man do it they do they do this sandwich right. Placed on a light bun, the heaps of shredded carnitas (Spanish for a latin flavored pulled pork shoulder) and then layered with cheese, cole slaw and a BBQ sauce. This sandwich is KILLER! R&D Kitchen is part of the Hillstone group, which also owns the Houstons brand, so you know your in good hands. R&D is their upscale restaurant and I would consider it their flagship name. The service is attentive, the noise levels are average and the ambiance is very comfortable. I've always liked Houstons, Hillstone and R&D. These nice people have the food service business down pat! read more

Nice and very modern atmosphere and experience tonight. For a Sunday night this restaurant was a bit busy. Great for the restaurant and it shows the popularity of this place. We were able to have a drink at the bar while we waited for a table which took about 15 minutes so not so bad. The hostess was nice and ensured we were not forgotten. I liked that the bar has televisions so if your into sports like I am, you won't miss your game scores while waiting for a table Food was good and came out hot. The burgers are what everyone talks about so I decided to split one with my wife and go protein style with no buns. Not a bad burger and more. No sides though so be aware your paying for just the burger Items made from what looks like scratch and the kitchen is cool looking Portions a bit small and the price a little bit for what you get but than again it's in a $$$$ neighborhood and I'm sure rent is not cheap read more

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Anyone out there in the mood for the world's best crispy chicken sandwich? That's good, because you'll find it right here! Ding's crispy chicken sandwich ($18) includes Swiss cheese, tomato, and a light, zesty cabbage slaw that perfectly offsets the well-seasoned, crispy and juicy chicken. The bun is light and a little buttery and is a perfect compliment. My mouth is watering just thinking about all that deliciousness stacked up high. Just look at this picture. Ding YOU ARE A GENIUS. Also... A really long time ago, R&D Kitchen used to have this wonderful pasta alla Norma dish on the menu. I only tried it once before they took it off but here I am begging for you to bring it back! Then I'll have two reasons to come and eat! read more

R+D Kitchen - Dings Crispy Chicken Sandwich - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I love this place! It's consistently delicious and the vibe is great. The only bad thing is the tables are small so if you're going with a group it may be difficult to get seated. The chicken sandwich and duo dip are the best ever! read more

Yummy Delicious burger that I highly recommend and price point worth it. Service is excellent and environmentally friendly. If you're waiting for a table but bar stools become available take advantage. read more

5 Star for Service, Consistency and vibe. 4 Stars simply because none of the dishes are anything special. The crispy chicken sandwich is incredible, delicious, fair value and filling. It's a chicken sandwich at the end of the day though. Staff is always incredibly friendly. The wait time is long but that's to be expected because it's a great scene and good food. You can never go wrong here. read more

LOVED LOVED LOVED the food here!!! It was a beautiful day for lunch on Montana!! Burger was to die for!! My salad was super fresh and was a new taste in every bite! And I don't think I've ever had banana cream pie this good! I wanted to pick up the plate and lick the caramel drizzle that was left after we were finished. Best of all the servers were AMAZING!!!! Best service we've seen in a very long time. Can't go wait to go back and try more of their delicious goodies read more

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I've been a fan of the Hillstone chain of restaurants since my first visit to their flagship location in San Francisco several years ago. Since then I've visited locations elsewhere in NorCal, as well as in Texas and here in SoCal; I remain a fan - especially of R+D Kitchen! R+D has gone through various changes in their rules and practices over the years, especially during and after the Pandemic. At times they've allowed "to-go" orders and reservations, and at other times both practices have been discontinued. Currently, reservations are not accepted, which makes coming to this very popular location somewhat challenging for dinner and at other peak dining times. While I'd consider boycotting any restaurant that doesn't take reservations, I enjoy this place too much for that - I'll simply plan the timing of my visits here to minimize waiting instead :-) Tip: Their corkage fee for wine is $25 per bottle. So why am I willing to be so flexible when visiting R+D? To begin with, they run a very classy operation; the menu isn't very large but what they offer is outstanding, with some truly interesting and unique options available. I love the ambiance, and the service I've experienced here has always been friendly, efficient; their staff really goes the extra mile to try and make their patrons happy when they're here. Now let's talk about the food! They serve a number of dishes that I really like here; a few of my current favorites include: - Dip Duo: This dish is so named because of the two dips it's comprised of. The queso (made with fresh cheese) has a uniquely addicting flavor; the fresh, delicious guacamole is made with a generous helping of lime and lots of chunky avocado pieces. Both dips are so good that it's impossible for me to finish them with just the initial batch of chips that comes on the plate, but they're always happy to bring 2nds (or even thirds) on the chips if you ask :-) - Fries: A simple dish that's very well executed. They're a bit thicker here than at other Hillstone restaurants I've tried; they taste like the excellent hybrid that might result if you crossed the fries from Mickey D's and In-N-Out. They're always wonderfully crispy, fried to a nice golden brown, and with just the right amount of salt. - Ding's Crispy Chicken sandwich: Almost perfectly executed, this sandwich is one of the best of its type I've ever had; I recommend it highly! Over and above their really fun dining room, R+D has a very nice bar, with lots of TV screens and a lively, fun ambiance. This is one of those exceptional places where the buzz of conversation that results from people enjoying themselves over drinks and good food makes a great background for enjoyable dining experiences. read more

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Wonderful spot on Montana, great for a Tuesday night dinner if you live nearby. If visiting Montana however, would recommend this as a first stop for drinks only as it is chain restaurant and there are other one off, unique spots on Montana for visitors to enjoy for dinner (: *** The hostess and waiters/waitresses are also amazing here!!! read more

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Very culty energy as soon as you walk in you feel like you're about to eat some food that will change your perspective on everything about life and anything beyond its comprehension . We get there the hottest Mexicans of course are in the back cooking up and then we get greeted by the cultiest Santa Monica girls , the way they look at us as we sit down gazing at us as if we were wanted by the FBI or part of Edward Geins family . Anyways the servings are very small for their price range . Even the Mexicans in the back cooking were shaking their head as the waitress brings us 3 glazed ribs for 38$ and 3 devil eggs for 8$ (knowing in Mexico we do full serving plates where you can share with up to 4 people ). I mean I get it it's a cult they will do what they want and get away with it and people will come and pay . As we were eating we noticed a federal agent walking around like she was part of the CIA greeting the customers and coming around asking if we were good . It's like an MK ultra experiment coming here watching us pay 38$ for 3 ribs that were probably glazed by an experimental new drug that makes us wild and horny or the newest LSD liquid ketamine to get us hooked . Okay the glaze was really good delicious I finger licked and wondered what's really in this sauce ? ? The best fattest serving we ever got there was the carrot cake moist to perfection Like making out with Dolly Partons glossiest lips under the blue moon . read more

Quite possibly the best burger I have ever had. This time really, I mean it. Perfect, beautiful, huge bit somehow easy to eat. A gorgeous place with a rather small menu and a couple of specials. The service was excellent (Kyle) and there was no wait for a table. On the expensive side but worth it. We were treated like royalty and left full and happy. Hubby had the sole, it was fabulous. Brussels sprouts, shared, not roasted but steamed with a delicious sauce. Lots of good high end food on this neighborhood. Street parking at meters. As always, when in the People's Republic of Santa Monica, read the sign from top to bottom, twice. St. Monica is the unofficial patron saint of parking tickets and she has one for you if you are not careful. read more

One of my favorite restaurants! The chicken sandwich is a MUST have. Love to come and grab a drink at the bar too.

Close your eyes and picture a dream of a place where as soon as you enter you are greeted with a friendly smile and sat in the perfect booth paired with a scrumptious meal and exquisite refreshing cocktails. Now, open your eyes to reveal a reality - you have entered R&D Kitchen. Come again you ask? Yes, of course I will. read more

R+D Kitchen - Rotisserie Chicken that slides off the bone. - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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To R&D Gm: I have a small "bone" to pick :) First let me say between Hillstone Downtown SM & R&D kitchen, I am real fan and eat there twice a week or so. Legendary service, fair prices, incredible food, great ambiance. Really do miss Bandera. But I digress. Since the pandemic, I get it inflation is real. Two ribs for 38 dollars is not the hillstone way. Can we do better on the portion sizes? I don't mind a higher price, but at both locations the ribs being notably reduced portions is a real sore spot for me and other regulars. I don't want to leave hungry. Can we stick to hillstone roots and go back to wowing customers ? This one really frustrates me. I really think you can do better. With appreciation and love! -Your biggest fan read more

Bottom Line: Their charging structure for take-out is absolutely ridiculous, but the crispy chicken sandwich -- for the most part -- is pretty good. If you're going to uncharge me a $2.00 'packaging fee' upon my $2 tax, the restaurant should actually get the packaging right. They forgot to give me any napkins. Indeed the packaging fee is just another uncharge to milk customers. $21 for a crispy chicken sandwich a la carte? At the very least, they should throw in a fries order. However, the Northwest houses of Santa Monica have absolutely no problem paying this whatsoever. So I doubt this review will make them rethink these practices. The crispy chicken sandwich was mostly good. The sandwich breading bookending the contents is way too small. Also, the sweet mustard vinigariate sauce -- they used way too much. That's all I have. There's another restaurant on Sawtelle I'd prefer over this, so I doubt I'll come back here for a 21$ sandwich. read more

R+D Kitchen - 2 package fee. Well they packaged my meal without napkins. Why should I pay this again? - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I'm a fan of all the Hillstone restaurants. This has the typical dishes from the other restaurants. Good location in Santa Monica.

Today was my first time trying R+D Kitchen and I absolutely loved it! I decided to go here because it's part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group and I was craving their famous chicken sandwich. The restaurant is located on a cute street lined with a bunch of little shops and places to eat. I really liked the area and I am excited to come back one day just to walk around. The food was absolutely amazing, which I already knew it would be! My husband and I each ordered the Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and a side of fries. This chicken sandwich is by far the best chicken sandwich I have EVER ate. The flavor combination of everything inside it is perfection. The chicken inside is not too thick and is always soft and juicy. They dress it with some Mayo, tomatoes, Swiss cheese and their kale slaw. The kale slaw on its own is something I would come back for. The dressing on the slaw is like a sweet, tangy, mustardy vinaigrette. It's kinda like a honey mustard but not as thick and a little more vinegary. It's amazing. It comes with 3 pieces of sandwich.. it's very filling. I usually can only eat 2 of the pieces and take 1 home. The fries are some of the best I've had! They have a very homemade feel and flavor to them. You can tell the fries are fresh. Their seasoning on the table pairs well with the fries and ketchup. Try it! I'm so glad I decided to come have this sandwich at R+D Kitchen! I can't wait to come back! read more

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I got the crispy chicken sandwich, fries, and smoked trout dip. Everything was so delicious! The crispy chicken sandwich had soft and fluffy bread. The fries are thin and come with a delicious spicy Mayo sauce. The smoked trout dip comes with like saltine cracker style and it tastes like tuna. So good and the service was impeccable. Waiters and waitresses are so friendly which equals good vibes. Came here for lunch and it was packed but got a seat within 15 minutes. Deff recommend! read more

Gorgeous spray tans!!! Immaculate ambiance and the service is top. But getting ready to freeze while you wait to dry! Worth it! Love my tan read more

Service was amazing. Kinda pricey but the food and ambiance make up for it. Would definitely come again. Be warned: it is very crowded and a smaller stone hill location. read more

We ate here on 4/20/24. I had meatloaf and my girlfriend had the Chinese noodle salad. The meatloaf portion was really small and it came with broccoli. The broccoli was sooooooo salty that I couldn't eat it. There was a slight amount of polenta as well - barely. The noodle salad had too much mint and it was overwhelming. She was unable to finish it. When our waitress noticed that I was no longer eating, she came over with the bill. She asked how the meal was and I told her why I did not eat the broccoli. She said "I'm sorry about that" and handed me the bill and said when you get a chance. It was one of the most insincere "sorry about that" that I have encountered. They just wanted us out of there to flip the table to the next set of suckers. We will NOT be coming back. I used to like this restaurant. Too bad read more

Love the Newporter salad and the carrot cake. I just wish the wait wasn't so long but I guess that's out of their control

One of my best friends loves R+D kitchen. I have enjoyed it, you know, but I'm not a big person for chains.With one caveat, as I've always found the staff incredibly friendly, professional and making it a nice experience. There's no waiting desperately for something or trying to flag somebody down. They actually look around, and show they take pride as they anticipate you needing something and they bring it to you with such grace and elegancE. it just makes it all a pleasure. BUT I have to say WOW they really pulled it off during a pandemic. I have no desire to sit on the sidewalk with people passing me by or being divided by a plastic divider so I feel like I'm in a hospital or worse and it blows over on you so they put down a sandbag. Or that I'm sitting in a parking lot where the wind is blowing , and it's freezing and has all the charm of being on the run or in an apocalyptic movie. THE BACK PATIO- I always wonder what the incredible weather whether were more outdoor restaurants in the LA area. It is in their old valet parking area but you would never know there's yellow umbrellas , trees and lights and lots of garland lights and lighting. They put in dividers that are made of wood so you actually feel it's feels a patio not like you're hunkered down in somebody's parking lot and of course the food is consistent and the service is the beat! It may not seem like much but I had ordered an appetizer- the smoke trout and I was running out of saltines. Before I ran out so we brought some more over ( no asking would I like more... another part of the group asked me if I would like to have water for my dog and brought it immediately - it's cool and it's got a feel good vibe - chanting in think they should do this permanently! Why not I loved the counter (lasted the booths) so why not have a neighborhood place to hang out ?! read more

R+D Kitchen - The Patio - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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