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    The Magic Castle

    4.1 (3.1k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndPerforming Arts, New American
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    The Magic Castle Photos

    Business Info

    THE MAGIC CASTLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Magic Castle

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    Reviews With Photos

    Basilia C.

    There are very few places in Los Angeles that truly feel magical anymore, but The Magic Castle absolutely lives up to the hype. This iconic Hollywood establishment is famously known for its secrecy and exclusivity, and after finally experiencing it for myself, I completely understand why. Hidden behind the mysterious entrance are some of the most talented magicians and performers you'll ever encounter. Many of them audition for the honor of performing there, and the level of talent throughout the evening was honestly incredible. We're fortunate enough to have a friend who is a member, and although we've been invited before, life always seemed to get in the way. This time, we cleared our schedules and made a full evening out of it and I'm so glad we did. We arrived around 5 PM, valet parked, and checked in with the maître d'. Since guests must be connected to a member, everyone had to be on the guest list and show ID before entering. One thing I absolutely loved was how seriously they take the dress code. Think black tie, cocktail dresses, suits, polished shoes; elegant and classy without feeling stuffy. No flashy outfits or over-the-top looks, just timeless sophistication. Once inside, you're immediately transported into another world. The entrance area has a charming little gift shop with T-shirts, magnets, playing cards, and magic-themed souvenirs. One of the coolest things I learned during the night was that Walt Disney was close friends with the founder of The Magic Castle, which inspired the magic shop on Main Street at Disneyland. As a Disney fan, I thought that was such a fun piece of history. And then comes the famous entrance. You stand before a bookcase, say "Open Says me " to the little owl, and suddenly the hidden door opens into the castle itself. It honestly felt like stepping into a movie. The castle is filled with multiple levels, intimate showrooms, hidden corners, bars, lounges, and surprises everywhere you turn. We ended up seeing five different magic shows throughout the evening, and every performer brought something unique. Some acts were funny, others mind-blowing, and a few genuinely left me speechless wondering how on earth they pulled things off. There's a bar on nearly every level, each with its own vibe. One of my favorite spots had close-up card magic happening right at the bar while people enjoyed drinks and appetizers. Speaking of food, surprisingly phenomenal. We had the chicken club sandwich, calamari, and garlic bread, and everything exceeded expectations. The customer service throughout the entire evening was stellar. Every single employee we interacted with was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It also felt very community-oriented, everywhere we went, people greeted our member friend like family. The entire environment felt intimate, nostalgic, and special in a way that's hard to explain unless you experience it yourself. One thing I also learned is that there are a few other ways to gain access besides knowing a member. If you stay at the Magic Castle Hotel bungalows, admission is often included, and occasionally they offer admission opportunities through blood donation events. If you ever come across an opportunity to visit , take it immediately. The Magic Castle isn't just dinner and a show. It's an experience. There's truly surprise and wonder around every corner, and for a few hours, you genuinely feel transported away from reality. An unforgettable Los Angeles experience and absolutely something everyone should experience at least once in their life.

    8th Anniversary
    Ross R.

    From the moment we arrived I could feel the magic! We did miss the early shows due to traffic but my wife showed me around. Fabulous memorabilia and photos on the walls. We got seated at a Window Table . For dinner we shared the garlic bread, Filet & Prime Rib with garlic mashed and veggies. For dessert Banana Creme Pie with coffee. We will be back

    History
    Ferdinand E.

    The Magic Castle is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences in Los Angeles. From the moment you walk through the hidden entrance, you feel like you've stepped into another world. The atmosphere is incredible--historic, mysterious, and full of charm. Every room has something happening, whether it's an intimate close-up magic performance just inches away from you or a full stage show that leaves the entire audience stunned. What really makes the Magic Castle special is the talent. The magicians are world-class and perform tricks that honestly seem impossible. It's not just magic--it's storytelling, humor, and pure entertainment all combined. The close-up performances were especially mind-blowing because you're so close you feel like you should be able to catch the trick... but you never can. The staff and performers make the whole night feel welcoming and personal, and the castle itself is beautiful to explore. Between the different bars, hidden rooms, and constant shows happening throughout the night, there's never a dull moment. If you're looking for something truly different in LA, the Magic Castle is an absolute must-visit. It's an evening of mystery, fun, and amazement that you won't forget.

    Magic castle
    Jenny Z.

    Was fortunate and grateful to be invited here by a colleague and thought it was a really neat restaurant with magic shows, but a bit on the pricier side if you aren't a member and the service could be improved. You need to be a member of the magic castle or know someone who is in order to be invited and make reservations. From what I've heard, Magician Members (Local) cost around $2,500 initiation fee + $150 monthly dues and Associate Members (Non-Magicians, Local) cost $6,000 initiation fee + $225 monthly dues. However, not sure how accurate this is. If you are invited by a member, lucky you! You don't need to pay those initiation fees, but you do need to pay an entrance fee which is about $40-$45 depending on weekday/weekend. Valet would be another $25 and a mandatory dinner entree is about $45-50 plus drinks and desserts about $15 each will run you over $150 per person not including tax and gratuity. Upon arriving, I was not greeted nor payed any attention to. There were 2 closed lines, one for members and one for guests. When a member arrived, the host would greet and welcome them inside while guests were not treated as kindly. I had to ask if I was in the correct line and talk to the host to be checked in. Nonetheless, upon entrance, it was a simple email confirmation for your reservation before you say the magic words to an owl that unlocks the door inside. There was a pamphlet of magic shows upon entrance that I grabbed, but other than that, no one really gave us any instructions or advice on how to see each show. TIP: arrive 10-15 min earlier to each show time before it fills up. Arrive to your dinner reservation earlier to watch shows before your meal time. There are both roaming magician shows and private room showings. Clean, spacious, and magical library vibes around. There was a bar available and a magic piano. As we got seated for dinner, we were given tickets to an assigned magic show at 8:00 pm. I ordered the Australian Wagyu and the princess mocktail and both were decent. The princess had way too much syrup I couldn't really drink it and the Wagyu was tender for the most part with a very slight chewiness. It came with a side of potato's that were delicious. I also shared some appetizers: four cheese garlic bread, asparagus, garlic mashed potato, salad and spinach artichoke dip. The crispy cheese garlic bread, fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, and creamy spinach dip was delicious. Their asparagus did look a bit artificial being bright green and a bit stringy. Pricing is high for these entrees so just don't have too much of an expectation for food. The magic show featured 3 talented magicians with costumes, props, music, and laughter. Very engaging and interesting! I do think $150 for dinner and multiple magic shows is a pretty good value. The magic shows run through all night so from our 6 pm dinner slot, there were different magicians and shows running until 1 am. No photos inside allowed at all! And if you run late over 20 minutes, you will owe a $85 late fee per guest. Besides service and food improvements, it was a great experience. Although I couldn't make it to any other shows since they were all full when I went in line, I would still recommend coming once just to check it out if you are invited!

    Bianca S.

    With a little luck and a touch of magic we secured an invitation to this historic establishment. We enjoyed a memorable evening of dining in a dimly lit room full of nostalgic flair, followed by entertainment in every room of this castle. The menu features classic items found in menus of the past. Photography is not allowed inside so our only snap was a step and repeat on the red carpet. Would love to go back as there is not enough time to enjoy the mysteries we encountered in every room. The magicians and staff are truly a talent and testament to their craft. What a night! The castle is a beautiful. classic rendition decorated with vintage furniture and decor that fits the mystique of wonder. I wish we had more time, alas all good things must end. If you ever have an opportunity to experience this venue, do not allow it to slip through your fingers.

    Sunset at the castle
    Ed W.

    The whole experience is incredible. You will not find this anywhere else. The history and aura of this place is out of this world. Not only it's fun and entertaining, did I mention the food is amazing? Well, it is. The steaks and cheese breads are a must. For weekend brunch, the food is a very fresh high end buffet. Bring the kids and it's a wholesome family fun. The staff an magicians are so gracious and inclusive. They cater to your children and your grown adults that act like children... parking is efficient and quick. Enjoy this unique experience!

    Steak. One was suppose to be medium rare and it was PINK!
    Reta B.

    I went to magic castle on 12/14 and I have to say I had hoped for better expectations from my visit but I was disappointed. The food was not great by ANY MEANS and was too expensive for the quality and for what you get! Our server was outstanding but I feel that the way it was described vs what i experienced was not good First the entrance fee which is understandable plus valet parking plus very expensive mediocre food! Then after all that you can't even get a tour of the castle! My expectation was that you can get a tour any time since it's open till 1. By the time we got there it was already dinner time then show. When we asked when we got there, they didn't say you can't get a tour of the castle. Nothing of that was mentioned! I am very disappointed bc we paid sooo much to be there and barely got to see any shows. The ones that we were able to see, It fits 20 people at most and you can't stand in certain area bc it's the bar and when you don't take things in consideration for a pregnant woman, that's even more disappointing This wasn't the experience I wanted nor expected. Not returning again

    Alex H.

    If you are lucky enough to come here you will have an awesome time!! Come early because there's so much to see as you explore all the rooms and bars and hang out and see all the diff shows around the different floors of this awesome place You need to know a member to be invited to go but their food both the brunch and the dinner is just delicious! You cannot take pics really inside as that is the rule and I get it... secret club! Brunch is only time they allow kids and they do allow you to not be formal dress with a suit you can come business casual and for Halloween week they allow costumes!! But service is great and it's a fun time!

    Front of restaurant
    Hannah K.

    Their food is amazing!!! Inside is very cozy and antique style! They have magic shows section to section~ also has bar for drinkers. Their services are awesome! Bathroom is very clean. They have dress code. Con: no photos or video allow inside.

    Victoria M.

    The martinis were strong, the vegan options were ample (I went with the Rigatoni), and I left believing in magic. I am officially a Magic Castle stan and can confirm that the hype is well-deserved. I highly recommend doing thorough research on the dress code before coming. Almost everyone was dressed to the 9's and looked stunning! There's a no-photo rule once you pass through the magic bookcase, and I did see it strictly enforced while we were visiting. In fact, it was very clear that the Magic Castle is a tightly-run ship with well-organized staff. With that said, I'd like to give gratitude to the staff and magicians who created such a unique, curated space, and work tirelessly to protect the magic! Because of you all, I left a believer.

    Gift bag for my merch!  Birthday pin!
    Jane R.

    If you can get on the list to the Magic Castle please do! It is a bit pricey but definitely worth it to say you did! Dress to impress!!! Bathrooms are clean, multiple levels. So much to see. BTW - Photos inside passed the doors inside are prohibited. So only a handful of photos. Valet was $30 and they do have a photo op outside the front doors when you wait to enter. Security will ask for your name to check the list. Once you enter the fee for entry is $45/person. The person checking us in was sweet. You pay for valet and the fee when you get in before you can enter through the secret door. The wait wasn't too long to get in. You can gain access as soon as they open even if your reservations for dinner isn't until later. We had a later time slot so that we could get there early and check things out. Make sure you do this!! They do have a free tour that you can ask for if you have time. Theron was our guide and was amazing! He asked what time our reservations were at and timed us perfectly!! He had some pretty cool stories and very knowledgeable of the history! They have multiple bars and magic everywhere! There's a room with a self playing piano and we saw someone whisper to it to play a song and it immediately played it! So fascinating!!! There are time slots for certain magicians and lines so make sure you check the schedule before getting there and have a game plan!! Dinner was amazing. I couldn't take any photos but the service and food was great, even had them since happy birthday to me if you get the right server!!! And you might be able to get a birthday button too! They have a small gift shop with reasonable prices for fun gifts. And...I asked if it was haunted and they all said yes!! We had a great time and would definitely go back if we are lucky!

    Jamie S.

    Going to the Magic Castle was on my bucket list for 10 years! Thankfully, one of my friends came through this year and I finally got to attend. What a spectacular spectacle! In truth, I don't want to reveal TOO much, because that takes away from the fun, surprises, and delights around every corner (and I literally mean every corner!). But I will say this -- you will truly be amazed at the magic you'll encounter throughout the evening. There were so many oohs and ahhs coming out of my group every time we witnessed another piece of magic! I will also say that the meal was my least favorite part of the evening. The food is all right, but really nothing to write home about. It is sort of aggravating to me that not only is a meal required, but an entree per person is required. But I suppose that's the price you pay for magic! If you ever have the opportunity to go, I say go for it. It's a very only-in-LA thing that's a must here!

    Katrina V.

    I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend who's a member. A fun experience for brunch as a huge selection of food. Pics once you enter are not allowed inside. The only area was a corner with Santa. Our group was large where we had a private room. It was fun to see various magic performers and I was quite entertained. I'd love to come back again. Valet parking only. You can find private parking spots around the area for $20 for the day which is a good deal. I hope to be invited again

    Outside

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    6 months ago

    Great place, magic and food. Atmosphere is just amazing. Service is good. Will be back

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    4 months ago

    Been quite a few years but I would recommend the experience if you are able to attend. Good laughs with good magic.

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    10 months ago

    Our entire party had a wonderful time. The shows, food, drinks and service were all on par. Thank you

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    Page 5 of 79

    The Magic Castle Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Magic Castle

    Where is the dining room in the castle & do they have a show while eating? How long is dinner typically on a Saturday night & if my reservation is 6:15, are there particular rooms to prioritize?

    Valet your car and be in line around 4:30pm. Enter at 5:00 when they open. Make a beeline left as you enter to go to the first show in the Close-Up Gallery 5:15. Exit that show and hit the bar / Invisible Irma's piano room behind the bar prior to… Read more

    Do you need an invitation to dine or is the restaurant open to the public?

    Yes, you must be invited by a member or be a member yourself.

    Can somebody help me get an invitation?

    Short term needs: if you don't know a castle member, you can reach out to a magician. Many are members and if you nicely reach out, may extend an invite.… Read more

    I would love to come here for a show and dinner for an anniversary. How would I go about getting an invite for me and my wife?

    The Magic Castle Hotel, next door, may be able to get you a reservation if you book a room there. Occasionally they offer a package--we just did so and were able to make a reservation at the castle through them. The staff at the hotel is extremely… Read more

    Are all shows kids appropriate?

    Only during the brunch shows on the weekends. Otherwise children are not allowed to attend

    I have an invitation that I acquired over 15 years ago, at the Magic Castle. I recently found the card. There is no expiration date on the invitation.Are we still able to use for dinner and shows?

    Just call and ask them 😁

    What is the corkage fee, if any?

    Hi Lucie. Our corkage rate is $50 for guests / $25 for members.

    Can someone assist me in getting an invite for a large party? My friends and I want to go and it will be about 12-13 people if possible! Thanks

    Hello. You must be invited by a member of The Magic Castle in order to make your reservation. They don't publish the list of members so it is all a matter of who you know. I'm sorry this isn't better news. Best of luck.

    Can anyone get me an invite please?

    I too would love tix!

    Is this place cashless?

    No you can use your credit / debit card at the restaurant / bars :)

    I have a pass that expired in January 2023 - is it still usable?

    Probably not good anymore. Never hurts to call and ask. If you contact the magician you got it from 97% of the time they will give you a new one

    What is the Magic word to open the secret door?

    Lol! "Open Sesame!"

    Wanting to surprise my boyfriend for his birthday with a Magic Castle experience on Saturday, 05/06, would any magicians have 2 guest passes available? I would be extremely grateful!

    Hi, what is the corkage fee if we want to bring in a special bottle of wine? Thank you!

    They don't allow you to bring your own alcohol. So the fee would be 0. Can't bring anything.

    Is dinner served during the show or before/after?

    You check in. You wait in the lounge area. You can have a drink while you wait. Then there is a… Read more

    Are you allowed to bring guests under 18? Is the business still requiring proof of vaccination?

    I was there last month & there's no need for proof of vaccination. I didn't see anyone under 18 inside and it was packed.

    Can I wear dress shoes without socks?

    In my visits, they haven't made me pull up my pants to inspect whether I have socks on. I suspect you'll be fine. They are absolutely strict about requiring jacket and tie, though-no exceptions

    How far in advance do I have to book dinner Reservations?

    If you want the date and time that is best for you, at least two months in advance is needed.

    If you book a night in the hotel and pay for dinner at the venue, is there another cost to go into the magic castle?

    I believe you still have to pay the castle fees which are $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends.

    Can you leave a car over night and pick up next day?

    Yes valet is available 24/7. Make sure you have the ticket if given

    View All 192 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Magic Castle

    My family and I are nobody special, just some out-of-towners who lucked into an invite by a mutual acquaintance.

    Mentioned in 210 reviews

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    4.3(264 reviews)
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    Yall gotta try this delectable restaurant!!…read more Shout out to the Red Dining Book bc I never would have known about Linden, and I am so so glad it brought my friend and me here! The food is divine, the playlist on 100, the interior beautiful, chic, and homey at the same time. All the wait staff are so so friendly. We were able to find street parking but they do have $13 valet if you can't! We started with the Caesar brûlée which was solid, great presentation. 8/10 We next had the yucca fries in duck fat omg SO good. And I used to eat yucca literally every day when I lived in Paraguay. These fries were perfect GBD and the butter they come with? Absolutely heavenly. Perfect bite, perfect mouth feel, perfectly pillowy inside 10/10 Next we had the oxtail grilled cheese special. Yall, this was ooey gooey melty and the butter/oil/bbq sauce on the side was PERFECT for the sandwich. 9.5/10 for this We finished with the snapper and the agnolotti. The agnolotti was a great summertime dish;the corn and peas make it feel light. The agnolotti fell apart a little bit, but still delicious. 8.5/10 The snapper was perfectly breaded and cooked, and it came with the perfect accompaniments - the sauce, greens and fennel, and pink grapefruit rounded each other out perfectly. Great dish 9/10 I will definitely be bringing friends back here! It is a smaller restaurant, which adds to the homey feel. And my friend could not get over hearing Brandy and Janet in the same sitting. Truly great music!

    My friends, wife, and I had been looking forward to trying Linden for quite some time, so we made a…read moreFriday night reservation with high expectations. Unfortunately, we left feeling more disappointed than impressed. To start on a positive note, we were seated on time, and all four of our cocktails were well-made and enjoyable. Unfortunately, that's where the positives mostly ended. Our overall dining experience lasted over 2.5 hours, which was simply excessive. We were seated outside, and for most of the evening we appeared to be the only table outside being served. Despite that, everything moved at an incredibly slow pace. Several items we ordered were either never entered or never brought out, which only added to the frustration. For appetizers, the Caesar Brûlée was the biggest disappointment. It honestly tasted spoiled and had an unpleasant aftertaste that made it difficult to enjoy. The Curry Corn "Ribs" had a nice flavor, and the Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts were easily the favorite dish of the night. The $23 bread basket, consisting of two fish-shaped pieces of cornbread and four small pieces of focaccia, felt very overpriced for what was served. For our entrees, we ordered the For Goodness Steak and the Bama Smoke smoked chicken. The steak itself was cooked to the requested temperature and had good flavor, but it arrived only lukewarm, which took away from the experience. The smoked chicken breast was tender but lacked seasoning, and the Alabama white sauce wasn't what we'd expect from authentic Southern-style Bama sauce. We were also excited to try the restaurant's famous oxtail pot pie, but unfortunately it had already sold out by the time we arrived. What made the evening even more disappointing was the lack of hospitality. When we expressed our frustration about the long waits, we were told they were busy inside--as if sitting outside somehow explained or justified the delays. Had we been informed that outside service would be significantly slower, we could have made an informed decision or at least adjusted our expectations. Even more surprising, during a meal that lasted over two and a half hours, not one manager or member of leadership stopped by to apologize, check on our experience, or acknowledge the obvious service issues. Overall, the food was average at best, with a couple of standout appetizers, but nothing that justified the lengthy wait or made us eager to return. Service and hospitality are just as important as the food, and unfortunately both fell well short of expectations. Based on this experience, it's highly unlikely that we'll be back.

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    $$

    Wow wow wow. It's been a while since a bakery/brunch spot has impressed me so and for reasons I…read morevalue: the interior is homey but also like a massive cafeteria, the food is legit and special, and you can just tell the care they put into each pastry and dish. Short rib hash, tender and scrumptious -- who doesn't love a bread mop. But the buckwheat pancake floored me. As someone who always craves earthy and umami flavors, it hit the dang spot. Not too sweet, almost like a cross between a cornbread and a hot cake, fluffy, oh so crispy (presumably from the time spent in a scalding hot cast iron in the oven). And I haven't even gotten to the pastries yet. This is a place you come to to share everything and to wipe the plate clean.

    I was super bummed to see that most of their stuff was already sold, but hey, it was noon, and it's…read morejust proof that they make great stuff! The Morning Bun is the best! A crispy shell housing so many layers of chewy croissant-like dough. The Raspberry Fairy is light and lovely, and I enjoyed the muffins and a cookie as well. All delicious, but I think they truly excel at pastry, with all those beautiful layers. I can hardly ever drive to Hollywood, and I'm so happy to have had a chance to stop here. This bakery is clearly among the better ones in a city with a deep pool of talent, and I'd add that morning bun to my best-breakfast list.

    Photos
    Friends & Family - Morning vibe.

    Morning vibe.

    Friends & Family - Pork shoulder in red chili with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheddar, pico de gallo and hominy in a whole wheat tortilla.

    Pork shoulder in red chili with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheddar, pico de gallo and hominy in a whole wheat tortilla.

    Friends & Family - Short rib and eggs

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    Short rib and eggs

    The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Ahi Tuna Nachos

    The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

    4.4(159 reviews)
    0.2 miHollywood

    I had a lovely, quick meal last night at the Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. I actually wish I…read morediscovered it sooner because it's great to pop into for drinks or eats before a screening at TCL or Egyptian Theatre down the street. It's really pretty on the rooftop plus has a fun vibe with a few wax figures around! Will Smith, James Dean, The Rock, Zendaya, Marilyn Monroe...a bunch of A Listers to dine around! lol! The staff was all so nice and kind here! I was actually really surprised to find such amazing staff at such a tourist type of spot. They were all just so great!!! The other clientele seemed to be coworkers there for happy hour, tourists popping by, then my friend and I! It was a good mix of people hanging out up there. I really liked the vibes. We went during happy hour which had a bunch of drink specials. I had a Mocktail which wasn't on the HH menu but it was so gorgeous and tasty! The Zombie ($12) had Grapefruit, lime juice, black iced tea, tiger's blood and was wonderful. I really appreciate when places put effort into their NA drinks. Also on the HH menu were a few food options and my friend had a $4 Steak Taco which he was happy with. I had the Box Office burger which was incredibly indulgent with A Cajun-spiced patty, balsamic onions, bacon jam, arugula and garlic aioli on a pretzel bun. Plus, they bring a little pan of melted blue cheese which they will pour tableside onto the burger for you. Cute! And I loved the burger. Who knew there was a great restaurant and bar on top of Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum on Hollywood Boulevard!? I didn't but now we ALL know~!

    Food is okay, nothing special. Food took too long though…read more Service is great they are all friendly and helpful. Place is nice and simple. I kinda like the ambiance. Would recommend trying but its for a one time thing not gonna keep on coming back.

    Photos
    The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
    The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Box Office Burger

    Box Office Burger

    The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Garlic Cheese Puffs with Tomato Bisque

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    Garlic Cheese Puffs with Tomato Bisque

    Darling - Celery Salad

    Darling

    4.0(62 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    Came here for a quick dinner after doing some work at the Pacific Design Center. The…read moreambiance/aesthetic is super cute, feels upscale without feeling too "fancy". We sat in the lounge area and it was perfect. Got the ham appetizer, the burger, fries, and the raspberry sorbet dessert. Everything was incredible, one of the best burgers I've had in Los Angeles. Service was also great. I even called about an hour after I got home because I started getting a scratchy throat and realized I didn't specifically ask if there were strawberries in the raspberry sorbet (I'm allergic and that was completely my mistake for not double checking before I chowed down) but the host that answered was super nice, I could hear in the background her double checking with a server, who then even double checked with the kitchen to make sure they were giving me the correct answer which I really really appreciate. Side note, no strawberries in the sorbet I'll most definitely be returning here in the future.

    Came in for dinner on a Saturday night and the vibe was great. Loved the plush booth seating, super…read morecomfortable and made it easy to settle in for a long dinner. We ordered a bunch of cocktails along with a few glasses of red wine and champagne. The cocktails were definitely the highlight. We tried the Blackberry, Cucumber, Snow Pea, Tomato, and Daikon. The Tomato cocktail was my favorite by far -- savory, balanced, and not overly sweet. Blackberry was a close second, really refreshing and easy to drink. My first glass of champagne was unfortunately flat and pretty gross but to their credit they replaced it immediately once I mentioned it. Still, for an upscale restaurant, that was a little annoying to begin with. For food, we got the asparagus, burger, fries, abalone, and the bluefin tuna belly deviled eggs. The abalone was easily the standout dish of the night. Everything else ranged from just okay to forgettable. The burger sucked. Overall, I'd come back for drinks and would give the food another shot since the menu changes pretty frequently but this particular meal didn't totally hit for me.

    Photos
    Darling
    Darling - Grilled Bread

    Grilled Bread

    Darling

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    Lemon Grove - Spicy Tuna Tartare

    Lemon Grove

    4.3(373 reviews)
    0.8 miHollywood

    Steak frites- 5 stars (A) Cacío Pepe- 5 stars…read more Service- 3 stars- the people are attentive but don't smile or engage much. It's feels passive aggressive.

    I made a reservation for Lemon Grove on a Saturday at 1:15 PM and was seated around 1:30. Despite…read morebeing short-staffed, the host was absolutely fantastic. He went above and beyond, helping clear tables, bringing us water, and making sure guests were taken care of while the restaurant was clearly stretched thin. After being seated, we waited quite a while for our server. I eventually noticed what I believe was a manager stop by our table to check on us and ask if we had any questions. Since we had been ready to order for some time, I asked if we could simply place our order with her. She was delightful, helpful, and very accommodating. We ordered the Brussels sprouts, breakfast potatoes, dinosaur kale salad, chicken sandwich, and burger. Everything was flavorful and delicious, but the burger was definitely my favorite. Combined with the beautiful weather and atmosphere, it made for a very enjoyable brunch. The biggest downside was the service speed. Our waiter was incredibly kind, but because the restaurant appeared to be understaffed, he was rarely able to stop by. There were long waits between ordering, receiving food, and getting assistance throughout the meal. It never felt like poor service from the staff themselves--it felt more like a staffing issue. towards the end, I had to remind the waiter that we were celebrating a birthday (it was in my notes, and two people in person were also told, but the waiter maybe forgot). When the tab came, I had to remind the waiter that I had already provided payment at the time of arrival. The delays continued when we were leaving. We needed parking validation and waited about 5-10 minutes because the host had stepped away and there was no one else available to assist. By the time we left, parking had cost us $33 for roughly 2.5 hours. Overall, the food, atmosphere, host, and manager were excellent, and the staff who were there worked hard under difficult circumstances. Had staffing been planned a little better, I suspect this would have been an easy 5-star experience and our visit would have taken closer to an hour or hour and a half instead of stretching much longer. Hopefully management addresses the staffing challenges, because the restaurant itself is definitely worth visiting.

    Photos
    Lemon Grove - Outdoor dining at the Lemon Grove

    Outdoor dining at the Lemon Grove

    Lemon Grove - SCALLOP CRUDO passion fruit agua chili, kumquat, asian pear, thai basil

    SCALLOP CRUDO passion fruit agua chili, kumquat, asian pear, thai basil

    Lemon Grove - Rooftop terrace

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    Rooftop terrace

    The Magic Castle - theater - Updated July 2026

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