We were walking by going somewhere and happened to pass by here and this place is cool!!! The ambiance is fun and the owners are sooo nice and accommodating! The drinks were really yummy too and they were strong! They were so passionate about their bar and really leaned into it for the bit. If you want a fun night out or get a casual drink, definitely recommend checking them out !! read more

The Aviator - Bar space - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

"Please fasten your seat belts and place your trays in the upright position as we prepare to land." Yep, The Aviator is the closest thing you will get to being on an airplane! The place is so cool and oh, so fun! The Aviator is a magnificently decorated and themed airplane bar which has a first class and coach section seats that are exactly like being on a real airplane along with seat belts, trays and movable arm chairs and a Flight Attendant bell to request service! Food: we were treated to fries which were delicious! The Aviator offers a nice appetizer menu along with specialty drinks themed to the bar. We ordered Aperol Spritzes and they were delicious and refreshing! All reasonably priced too, yay! They have "cart" service too which added to the airplane themed experience! Service: Splendid! The Bartender and Flight Attendant were attentive and friendly! My friend and I had a blast of fun and plan to visit again soon! If you haven't been to The Aviator yet, plan to do so! You'll be glad you did! read more

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Super cute bar on Melrose Ave! It's all airplane themed inside and it does feel like you are riding on a plane- airline-style seats, vibrant suitcases, and a mock airplane wall are just a few of the standout design details that make this restaurant unique. They a small menu for bites and drinks. I had the mid-flight pain killer and it was very good, nice presentation as well. We also had the Top Gun and a flight of the Blue Run. Everything was great. Really enjoyed the drinks and look forward to exploring more of the food! Overall just amazing vibes. Check out their happy hour deals! Totally worth it! read more

No food I just stopped by for a drink. The sign outside caught my attention the unique design and layout on the inside is what drew me in. It's spacious and clean. One of the dopest bars I've seen thus far. Gives you that airport feel. From being in one of the airline's lounges to having a seat while sipping on your flight. The bartender was real cool. A group of 4 others inside and he was attentive to us all. He actually looked bored like he was hoping to get some action lol. I enjoyed my Old Fashioned. It was just right. And so was the flight lol. I came during happy hour but I would love to come back during the evening or late hours to see what the experience is also like. read more

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We made our reservations a few days in advance for this cute little bar at 5:30pm when they opened. When you walk in it's amazingly giving airport/airplane. So many nods to my favorite thing to do which is take a flight. You don't expect a place like this to have good food and they really did. The sliders were so flavorful and the meat was so good. My steak bites were good as well. The dirty martini was amazing! The wait staff was the best, so kind and helpful like the best flight attendants on a fancy airlines. read more

The Aviator - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Stopped by The Aviator after making bag charms with my friend at Charmed LA just down the street. I'd seen this spot on Instagram and had been wanting to check it out--and it did not disappoint. The interior is adorable with a retro airplane theme that's perfect for photos. Tip: snap your pics earlier in the day, because the lighting gets pretty dim after sunset. They really lean into the theme in the best way--menus look like passports and plane tickets, and there are lots of small details throughout that make the space feel thoughtful and playful. We came during happy hour and grabbed drinks while waiting for our dinner reservation in Beverly Hills. I ordered an Old Fashioned plus a whiskey shot. The Old Fashioned wasn't overly sweet (which I appreciate, since they often are), and it was well balanced. This was a super fun pre-dinner stop, but it also feels like a great spot for a group hang. I noticed they have food as well, so I'll definitely be back to get the full experience next time. read more

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Spoiled class. It's the only way to fly IMO. Thankfully, my economy friends bit the bullet and we all headed out for to experience flying the friendly skies of The Aviator. I shouldn't have to mention parking but for those who don't know the area, I must. Read the signs if you try to catch a spot on side streets. Permits. Time restrictions. Easier to just feed the meter until it the enforcement period is over. It's the cheapest way but you might have to walk a bit. We had reservations so I can't speak on how it is if you just drop in. Our group went on a weeknight and other than two parties, one who left as we got settled in, and a second who came in, had a round then left - we had the entire run of the place. Not that it's huge but it made it easy for pics. See pics, just not of the food. The lighting wasn't great so didn't or not sharing them. The food was small bar bites. I'd say shareable, if it was two people. Even then, it may not be enough but you're there for the experience and not really to eat. In fact, if you look at the pics, the way seating is arranged, it's not great positioning to be eating a meal. At least it's not for me. So, I've been there and done that. Cool theme and place to pre-game and or maybe just lounge about but definitely wouldn't consider it a restaurant. I would definitely go back for the drinks - then probably end up elsewhere to have a full meal. read more

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i'm so disappointed by this place. my friends and i wanted to stop by for a happy hour drink before our dinner and had such a terrible experience. The ambiance was a good idea but not well executed as it felt really cheesy with AI wallpaper and not comfy seats. We were greeted by the hostess and they were very short with us. There were table reservations at two tables that were empty we wanted to quickly take pictures at the table till the next reservation got to the bar and they wouldn't let us. We were understanding but still disappointed by the situation. We sat at the bar and ordered our drinks. They took 25 MINUTES to make. When the drinks finally came out they were atrocious, my friends got two separate drinks and they looked/tasted the same other than the garnish. We left and did not finish our drinks. DO NOT go to this bar. read more

The Aviator - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a cute new spot with a travel theme on Melrose! It's like a mini version of the TWA at JFK. It has reupholstered real airplane seating and sliding window shades, with 1 Business class section at the end and 3 Economy class cabin seating sections. There are small cafe tables and a well-decorated bar. Food menu is limited and beverage menu is average. I had a $13 mocktail that I forgot to take a photo of. The presentation was nice but content was meh, nothing special. Service was fine. It's a great spot to take photos and perhaps to wet your palette. read more

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I love this place! The staff and management are amazing. They have tasty drinks and great mock tails for people like me who don't drink alcohol. They have very good food and it's always a super fun time. I highly recommend the Aviator. read more

I genuinely wanted to give this place 5 stars because the overall experience was really enjoyable. The vibe was great, the drinks and food were amazing, and up until the very end, everything was going well. Unfortunately, I later realized I was overcharged by almost $100 more than what my total should have been. I was not shown an itemized receipt before paying and was handed the payment machine to close out my tab, as there appears to be a 1 hour and 30 minute seating limit (I may have missed that detail when making the reservation). After paying, I received my receipt via text and I'm glad I took the time to review it, because I was charged for multiple drinks that my partner and I did not order. I immediately brought this to the flight attendant's attention, and to their credit, the mistake was corrected. That said, being overcharged by that amount is concerning. I strongly recommend that guests ask for an itemized receipt and review it carefully before paying to ensure they are not being charged for items they didn't order. Overall, the experience itself was really cool, and I did enjoy my time there. I would consider coming back, but probably not anytime soon, as I'd be worried about the same issue happening again. read more

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Absolutely love this place. Our bartenders Sully and Keller made our experience unforgettable. The drinks were superb, and definitely trusted in Sully making us the "captains choice". Which makes the bartender in charge of what they make you. Absolutely amazing what they created! If you have a large party sit in the cabin, but if you're just two. I recommend the bar top. Definitely will come back. I'm a local, and I can't wait to go back. Five stars. read more

The Aviator - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The ambiance and service are the stars of The Aviator. You are immersed into a luxury flight experience with plane chairs that recline and dim lighting. It would be really cool if the fake windows moved as if you're flying but as is, it's a really cool set up. The workers actively made sure I had what I needed. I ordered the steak bites, which were juicy and full of flavor, and the aperol spritz to drink, which was okay. Again, a really cool interior and an escape from the city. read more

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This is a must-try, fun, new cocktail bar on Melrose! The attention to detail is phenomenal and their commitment to the bit of the airplane theme is awesome. The drinks are strong in the best way, and the light bites are tasty! Love to support a queer owned & operated business and hope to see this become a new staple in Weho! read more

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This is such a cool spot! The service was great, everyone was very kind and attentive. We didn't have a reservation but they let us sit at one of the sections before the party arrived for their reservation. The decor is amazing and the ambiance is very intimate. We had the garlic fries which were very tasty! The manager came up to us in his captain uniform to check on us and gave us aviator cookies on our way out. We will be returning with a larger group! read more

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10s, 10s, 10s across the board. I went here two nights ago to celebrate my birthday and it was the perfect night out. The food, service, décor, and cocktails were all on point--every detail felt thoughtful and intentional. The design team nailed it, creating a space that's both sleek and cozy at the same time. Truly a unique, elevated addition to the neighborhood. P.S. To the folks leaving absurdly negative reviews--this place clearly isn't for you. Maybe just stay home. The food menu is limited because the Aviator is a cocktail lounge, not a full scale restaurant, but the options were plenty. For being real airplane seats, they were actually very comfortable. read more

The Aviator - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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One of my friends attended opening weekend and I had to see it for myself. I am aware of the Palm Springs location but have never been. Being Melrose area and a busy street, you have to make due with circling the area 4-5 times before you secure parking. I found residential about 3 blocks away. Location: Busy street. Cute sign in the front signaling to the restaurant. I walked in and it mimics a 60-70s airplane/airport vibes. You turn to the right and the airplane seats are lined up with windows. Orange retro looking seats. To the left is set up to feel like an airport with various seats. Cute music. I checked in with the host and was seated quickly. Cute menu to mimic a passport and airline ticketholder. I ordered a cocktail and the sliders. Didn't care for the cocktail but the sliders were amazing. Definitely recommend. Very cute spot. Would return. read more

Came to The Aviator last Friday night on Melrose and loved it! Great concept, authentic decor to make you "feel" like you're on a plane and great service by the "flight attendants". I had a reservation for 6pm and was able to sit in "first class" which was a section for 4. Top Gun - he loved it Fries - ok Brussels sprouts - crispy and tasty Popcorn chicken - great Sliders - juicy and yummy Cute date spot or to hang with your friends. Would definitely come back. @travel_lifestyle_chow read more

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Girls night out was a hit here at The Aviator. The ambience 10/10 it's cute inside, we loved all the vintage decor from the Tv with antenna, rotary telephone and vintage luggage. We give the food 7/10 extra points for the shoestring fries , very delish! We also had sliders, & Popcorn Chicken. We give the drinks a 7/10 as well. The staff were great and very accommodating and engaging, shout to Alex and Seite? (please excuse the spelling) We look forward to visiting again. I plan to host an after work mixer here with some very important people. read more

My friends and I came here for my birthday dinner, and we had the best time. I'd reserved the four pod and was greeted right away and asked if "first class" was okay when seated (a perfect touch). The aviation theme is fully committed to, but somehow never feels cheesy or overdone. It's clever, stylish, and genuinely fun. I'll admit I was worried it might be all style and no substance, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. We ordered almost everything on the menu, and every dish was a hit: Mini Sliders - Juicy, flavorful, and an instant favorite. Chimichurri Steak Bites - Tender, perfectly cooked, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Crispy Popcorn Chicken - Lightly breaded with tons of flavor. Crispy Brussels Sprouts - A risky order (so easy for these to go wrong) that totally paid off; these were standout good. Truffle Shoestring Fries - My friend called them "addictive," and I couldn't agree more. Mini Bread Pudding - Gooey, delicious, and honestly, I could've eaten five. I don't drink alcohol, but my mocktail was delightful. My friends had cocktails and raved about them. Our server was friendly, attentive, and just genuinely kind. We loved his energy. The owner also came by to check on us and shared his passion for aviation, which added a really personal touch. I'm thrilled to have a spot like this in the neighborhood and have already told several friends about it. We'll definitely be back! read more

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This place is so unique and beautiful! I honestly fell the excitement of going on a vacation! Everyone was So attentive our drinks and food super delicious! I can't wait to come back soon! read more

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Really Nice, chill place. The staff is amazing and very attentive, not your typical airline lol. And they have plenty of food options for snacking! Really like this place! They are also running nice promotions for "the devil wears Prada" which is adorable read more

The Aviator - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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La la land needed this type of the Resturant! It was absolutely fantastic and cool place! Enjoyed it from the moment I walked the place. The friendliest atmosphere and not to mention I Love the Food and the service was absolutely incredible! Totally worth going and on top of that the cocktails are just fantastic and delicious indeed. All I can say can't wait to go back with friends again and enjoy the flight with style! Love it read more

The Aviator - Celebrating Birthday! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you've ever tried PS Air in Palm Springs, you're going to love Aviator on Melrose. It's so great to have a place like this in Mid-City--craft cocktails, great bar bites, and a whole flying-high vibe that makes it such a fun experience. The great thing is that even though 99% of the patrons are 21 and over, because they serve food, it's all ages--so you can bring the whole family and give them a taste of what it's like to be on an airplane without ever leaving L.A. Pro tip: Make a reservation if you want a seat--this place is awesome, people already know it, and we were there on just the second weekend after opening and it was packed by 7 p.m.! read more

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The Aviator is a fun concept, albeit hokey. Service was really engaging and fun and our large group was beyond accommodated by the staff. We all ordered cocktails and were satisfied with them. Their beer is super reasonably priced. The decor is cool and goes well with the theme, but I think this place is a one time visit for me. read more

What a cool experience! We went for the ambiance but stayed for the delicious drinks and fabulous food. Try the mini-margarita, the top gun, and the mocktails too. The food was really good: I recommend the steak bites and Brussels sprouts for sure, plus bread pudding for dessert. We also tried the sliders, fries, and chicken--all good. Fresh, gourmet. The place is so fun with many wonderful details. Pick up the phones!! Enjoy first class. Service is excellent even with a full flight --they took great care of us. read more

The Aviator - Seating - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Fantastic way to spend NYE. We got "upgraded" to the first class table and had a great time. We'd had a fantastic night and were ready to leave when serendipity hit. This nice woman walked by pointing at the chairs saying "that's real." Turns out, she was a former flight attendant a few decades ago and even pulled out her Western Airlines badge. She told us a story about a time they couldn't tell if the landing gear was down at night, dumping fuel, preparing for a crash but hoping for the best, etc. (perfect landing, FYI). I'm kicking myself for not begging her to order us to prepare for a pretend emergency l before we left. Author's Note: I asked about the oxygen masks. They never dropped and weren't designed to in that situation. ‍ read more

It's a little kitschy but fun! I like all the little details in the decor and the staff was very nice and friendly. The food was simple but I will say a couple of us felt weird after and not sure but we think it might have been from here. The drinks were pretty good and had some nice flair. Definitely a fun time was had for the ambience but don't know if I need to go back! read more

Came by for drinks after work. Great drinks and a nice feel to the place. Enjoyed the airport seating far more than I would hard bar seating. read more

The owner or manager, Alex, is so kind. We came here because we were waiting for our table at melrose next door, but were pleasantly surprised! We had drinks, grilled cheese, and fries and everything was really good. Love the theme, they went all out. The fog machine was a super cool detail as well. Will be back for sure! read more

The Aviator - Inside - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The owner was so nice, amazing ambiance,great music,yummy tapas and great service. The drinks we had were very nice. read more

The Aviator - The dinning area - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Such a cool concept for a cocktail lounge! A stylish venue that combines the retro glamour of air travel with a fun vibe, a great cocktail and food menu and excellent service. They do an amazing job of executing the theme, with close attention to details -- and some really comfy airplane seats and vintage tulip chairs, too. Highly recommend! read more

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Flight not cleared for take off...just yet. This needs to remain on the tarmac for some upgrades just a little longer. This spot should have friends and family come for a week to train people and then they shoul be up to speed. Cute idea, just not fully formed yet. It feels like the dress rehearsal that has invited an audience too soon. So many more fun ideas could be incorporated here...keep pushing it! The staff is super kind, albeit rather green. Drinks are good enough, nothing outstanding or truly different. Food was very basic + a little overpriced; much like an airport! We saw about 9 employees...but could never get one dirty cocktail glass or dish removed from our table. "First Class" ideas could be explored more...Bathrooms smelled so heavily of cleaner, yay, a clean bathroom in weho, but it bordered on...what are they covering up?? All in all, for the hype you want more...this is LA afterall, why not have themed music and pics in the "windows" that show different places you are "flying" over? Why not push a cart through and make some drinks table side? Where was the greeter/flight attendent at door? Why is there a sign TAPED up in the window that says "arrivals" very tacky. Why make a reservation in "First Class" if it is the exact same as other seats? Why not simulate air flight...see Carry-On in Scottsdale, AZ for pointers. A Novelty experience that has not yet taken flight. I have ideas, call me! Everyone was super lovely though, very kind and fun! Cannot wait to see how this spot improves with time! read more

Had dinner and drinks w a friend last night at Aviator and had an amazing time! The ambiance is perfect for a girls night or date night- dark and moody lighting so it's perfect for having conversation. The "main cabins" are communal seating but there are also small tables and bar seating if you want to have a more private experience. The service was 10/10- everyone was friendly and helpful. We met one of the co-owners, Alex, and had a nice conversation about the concept of the restaurant. The concept and decor are camp, but still very elevated. However, the standout of the night was the food and drinks. For food we had the sliders, brussels sprouts, and steak bites. The sprouts were the perfect amount of crunchy, sweet and charred. The steak was cooked just right and the chimichurri sauce was bold enough to complement the dish. For drinks we had the lemon drop and dirty martini... omg they were SO GOOD. The martini was smooth and balanced and the lemon drop was strong but not too sweet. Overall, for a fun campy night out you can't go wrong. We'll be back! read more

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Amazing place--I highly recommend that everyone visit!! Beautiful interior, the best atmosphere. The staff are wonderful--very polite and attentive. And yes, the cocktails are excellent!:) And the presentation is top-notch read more

@aviatormelrose - Words cannot describe how much we loved your restaurant last night, on November 23, 2025. The aviation atmosphere led to a true memorable experience! The food was divine and the service we received was exceptional! We highly recommend this restaurant to EVERYONE! But for those of you in the airline business, this place is a must see when you come to Los Angeles! Here's to The Aviator Restaurant forever! You guys are 20 stars!!! We'll see you soon! #aviatormelrose, #flightattendants, #bestlosangelesrestaurant, #goodeats, #aviation. read more

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The Aviator Melrose was great! We celebrated a friend's birthday there and it was the perfect gathering place. The decor is inspired and the staff is in flight mode attentive. We went for brunch and the food and beverages were delicious. The seating is off the charts clever. And the photo ops are non stop. Every inch of the restaurant deserves to be captured. So happy to know about this place! We'll be going back often! read more

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Staff was super friendly and dressed to impress (wearing the wings and flight attendant uniforms). I only had a beer, so cannot speak to the food or mixed drinks, but my friend had a non-alcoholic drink that the bartender made without any direction that was delicious. The best part is the theme and sitting with room of a restaurant or a private jet. Loved the decor and even the bathroom was super cool. I'm big on well-kept bathrooms as a sign of how much an establishment cares about its patrons. read more

My friends and I were really excited about this aviation themed concept bar, but were left incredibly disappointed. We arrived around 6:45 pm hoping to enjoy the 6-7 pm happy hour they advertise on their social media but the host said they had changed their happy hour to 5-6 pm. We still sat down to enjoy some drinks. The overall decor and ambiance of the bar was lackluster and very tacky and cheap looking. From the AI designed wallpaper, to the costume-like bartender and host outfits, to the thin printer paper menus it did nothing to create an immersive themed experience. There is a way to do this concept right and evoke an upscale vibe, but unfortunately this is not it. Our drinks took over 25 minutes to arrive from when we ordered them, even though the bar was half empty at that time and our drinks were straightforward and easy to make. The drinks themselves were nothing special, and the gimlet and aviation drink tasted the exact same aside from the garnish. Our total was $64 for 3 of the most average drinks we have ever had in our life, which we didn't even finish. I hope this place will actually take the time to improve on guest feedback and not simply provide an AI-written paragraph in response to valid criticism (see Rachel S's review). read more

I'm a huge fan of themed dining experiences. It's something that many people in my circle are painfully aware of about me. It's one of my biggest character traits. I cannot pass on the opportunity to have a novel experience, especially at an establishment where the staff are just as committed to the bit as much as the atmosphere. That's why it's unfortunate that such an incredible concept falls short of flawless execution because of its big, glaring AI mural at the center of it all. What a nice experience to have otherwise, but it's impossible to ignore the sheer scale of this stain on the establishment. Atmosphere is key in a concept like this, and I just can't help but feel like my interests are being mocked by this corner-cutting slop that serves as a main focal point. It's difficult to sit there and imagine the potential for a beautiful mural, painted by a local artist, as a tribute to travel in what is already such a loving homage otherwise. The use of AI art in a bar, a place of community and connection, the antithesis of the function of AI art, is inhospitable and can't be overlooked. If that's something you can abide, then you will no doubt enjoy a night of whimsy from attentive staff and an enriching environment that transports you in many ways than one. Unfortunately, I can't help but look at this mural and think that the owners don't think we deserve better, and it's nearly impossible for me to feel welcomed because of it. read more