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    The Magic Castle

    4.1 (3.2k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndPerforming Arts, New American
    Closed 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    The Magic Castle Photos

    THE MAGIC CASTLE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Reviews With Photos

    Toby P.

    Wow! What does one write about the iconic Magic castle? This had been on my bucket list as long as I can remember. I've been invited quite a few times but I lived in Northern California or San Diego so it was never convenient. Fast forward to now and a friend invited me because it was her birthday dinner. How could I say no? We arrived early and valeted the car. We met another friend who has been many times and was going to show us the way. We walked in, payed our entrance fee and stood in line for our first performance of the night. From there, we went to back to back shows until our dinner reservation. We were seated and given menus. Unfortunately, the menu didn't exactly match what was listed online. A few of us had to change plans as what we wanted wasn't on the menu for the night. I got the pork chop with corn and mashed potatoes. I haven't had a pork chop in a long time so I was looking forward to it. It was quite dry and didn't have a lot of flavor. The sides were good though, but not worth the price. Someone else at our table also ordered it and said hers was tender so I guess I just got unlucky. After dinner we saw several more performances. If these walls could talk I'm sure there would be crazy stories. It was a fun and entertaining night and now I can say I've been.

    Ann V.

    Such an amazing place to visit. Although it's invitation only type of place. We made dinner reservations and stayed for the rest of the night enjoy magic presentations.the food was delicious. I love it that's so exclusive and no pictures/videos are allowed inside the place. The dinner service was great. Carisa was lovely. The shows were amazing always. On our last 30 mins we meet one the magicians: Javi Benitez. Such a lovely person! They really enforce the dress code. They have ties and coats for rentals if you're not wearing one. One thing I didn't really like: I got most of my food to go and when we went to claim it (with the ticket they give you) they said it had been thrown away?? Like why??? I was not okay with that.

    Wonderful way to celebrate my birthday with friends!
    Denise S.

    I love love love The Magic Castle! It is truly magical We started the night out listening to Irma play the piano. She even played happy birthday for me with extra flair! Christopher made us delicious cocktails. I had the NPH Old-fashioned. Bill had the Smoke and Mirrors and really loved it. Then Celina was our server for dinner and she was perfect! The food was delicious as usual and no one at our table was disappointed. I had the waygu ribeye Milton style. Perfect birthday dinner! It's so much an interesting venue! I wish I could show you, but photography is not allowed inside... just in the lobby or outside. Darn you Cary Grant for making that rule! Someone has to change it! You're killing me with not letting me take pictures of such a beautiful night! The magic was magical as always. My favorite of the night was Mark Gibson! How he read our minds is inconceivable! Just wish I could have seen Johnny Ace Palmer's show, but the first show was full and we couldn't stay another hour to wait for the next show. Long drive home from the OC. So except for missing that show, everything else was perfect!

    Lexy M.

    Incredible experience all around! If you have the opportunity to visit, you should definitely make time to check it out! This was my first visit as an adult and I was absolutely blown away. The attention to detail in regard to everything is amazing. We made a dinner reservation at 5:30pm and then spent the rest of the night enjoying some incredible magic! Our dining experience was great, the service was quick and they make sure to get you out in time for your show. We tried the cheesy garlic bread, mac and cheese, prime rib, and the wagyu flatiron. Everything was great besides the cheesy garlic bread, we found it more on par with what you'd find at a theme park. The stand out was definitely my Wagyu flatiron though! The steak just melts in your mouth like butter, phenomenal! Plenty of drink options, you can get drinks while dining or at one of the several bars located throughout the mansion. They also offer snacks and desserts (same items offered in dining area plus more) at the bar below the dining room. The ambiance is truly magical, everything is decorated perfectly to fit the magical and mysterious vibe! The shows were so captivating, I was a big fan of the close up room. Take some time to research and fully read all the rules and dress code policy etc. There was a lot of important information that you should know before your visit which can all be found on their website. Such a fun and unique experience, would absolutely recommend coming especially if you've never been before!

    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

    Outside of the castle
    Stephanie L.

    Had an absolutely incredible and amazing experience here, but sadly did not partake in the food (next time!). The Magic Castle is a members only club, and you can attend if you're actually invited by a member, or given a special pass. For this reason, this was probably the only time in my adult life I was able to go. Not knowing what to expect, we arrived a little bit after 4:30 and was able to go into a special small show which was one of the first shows. Intrigued by all the small and special rooms available around the magic castle we snaked our way around and saw a couple of shows and enjoyed a few beverages throughout the night. No, photos or video are allowed except for the entrance of the castle and a little bit on the outside. I was completely enamored and amazed to the power of illusion and magic at the magic castle. I definitely will be back.

    Ashley N.

    My wonderful friends were able to get us an invitation and it was a night I'll never forget! The most memorable part of the night for me, was Greg Van Holsbeck's act. There was never a dull moment through out. He engaged the whole audience, making everyone feel included, and truly set the vibe for the room. In the middle, I scanned the room and really, all eyes were locked in on him. He was also absolutely hilarious and there really was never a silent moment - the room was brought to life with the roaring of laughter. However, don't be fooled as he is a master of his craft. His act was mind blowing and we left wondering how he did it all! 10/10, he is so amazing. Venue wise, it is absolutely beautiful inside and you truly feel like you've been transported to another world, or perhaps time. Everybody was dressed to the to the nines and the vibes were immaculate. I had the prime rib with truffle butter, ordered a side of their macaroni and cheese with bacon, then ended the meal with their banana crème pie. The prime rib was cooked to perfection and melted in your mouth.. paired with the truffle butter? Perfection. The Mac and cheese was creamy with a great depth of flavor. THE BANANA CRÈME PIE?! Must be what heaven feels like. It was legitimately the BEST pie I've had in my life. Everything was balanced perfectly and gosh, that graham cracker crust. Perhaps the food is also part of an act, as one moment it was there.. then it was completely gone! The drinks from the bar were also excellent. You can tell they take hospitality here seriously. Such a great night and so grateful to have been able to experience it all

    Jessica A.

    The good: magicians where so great, definitely had a blast watching the shows! Specifically a magician who was at the bottom level in a secret little room, he was so funny, amazing show!! The dinner part of our night was fantastic as well (the service/ waiter). The bad: the bartender in the bottom level ( a lady with a side buzzcut) was the rudest person. I pay tips in cash and so when I paid the drink with my card and pressed no tip she snatched the pay machine and yelled "gratuity is not included". I understand she didn't know I was going to pay in cash but omg her attitude was so vile and ugly. My friend also had asked her for recommendations on scotch which she said they didn't have any scotch but the way she said it and her attitude killed the entire vibe down there. Another thing too is the rules.. I understand the no hoot rule but if they're going to be strict with that rule they should be strict with the attire rule as well, I saw a man dressed in a t shirt and tennis shoes and then another dressed in a Hawaiian shirt? Overall it was a cute night but a one time kind of thing to do. If you have the chance def go!

    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!

    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.

    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.

    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

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    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… 

    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.… 

    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… 

    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… 

    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 211 reviews

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    4.0(660 reviews)
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    It was as nice sitting by the 'pool'/water feature, however, it's summer and even though we were in…read morethe shade (under an umbrella) by the end of the meal we were both uncomfortably hot! There are some fans outside but not enough.. We had the ceviche which was really nice and fresh! The Shakshuka was a bit under seasoned, not enough spice and the eggs were over cooked for Shakshuka (not runny. The Olive oil cake was really nice even though it looks plain. I think it would be nice to go back in the evening, I imagine it's very pretty at night. Our waitress was friendly and attentive We will definitely be back to try some other items (not when it's 100oc!)

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    Daytime view of interior space

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    4.1(347 reviews)
    2.3 miEast Hollywood
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    I stopped by Friends & Family around 12:30 p.m. on a Saturday to pick up a halva croissant ($6.50)…read moreand an Americano. The cafe was not particularly busy, so I was able to get in and out in about five minutes. My friend had recommended the halva croissant as a must-try, as not many bakeries seem to carry this specific flavor. I wasn't familiar with halva, but it's a ground sesame paste that's rich, nutty, and not too sweet. I loved how crunchy the bottom of the croissant was. There was definitely some caramelization that occurred in the oven. The croissant as a whole was very flakey as well -- not something you want to eat in a car where you'll get crumbs everywhere. I didn't feel like the croissant necessarily needed the powdered sugar on top. My guess is that the powdered sugar was included to mimic the appearance of an almond croissant that folks are more familiar with. If you're stopping by Friends & Family, I would highly recommend trying out their halva croissant.

    Those that truly know me know that I'm a croissant critic. I seek and destroy any flaky pastry in…read moremy vicinity. No prisoners and generally, no survivors. Well guess what? I kept getting recommended this spot. So it was time for me to strike. I got the following : - ham & cheese croissant (my go-to) - citrus cake/muffin - some scone The ham & cheese (pictured) - this was tasty. The croissant itself was buttery more than anything else. Not much to complain about there. The ham was sparse but the cheese was spilling out the sides like a salty, chewy candle wax. It didn't blow my mind, but I would get again. 7/10 The scone - I don't remember what kind of scone. I remember it was somewhat dry (common with scones) and the flavor was subtle (some sort of citrus essence). I like a decent scone, so I'd probably get again, but it's not the reason I'm driving to Hollywood. 6.8/10 Citrus cake/muffin - this was largely fine. Enjoyable, but again, nothing too delectable. The icing on the outside was pleasing - if a little sweet. Visually, it was very appealing. Glowing orange/gold with a sweet glaze sheen on it. I had hoped the taste would match the presentation, but it's ok! I'll survive this one. 6.5/10 I still recommend this place. The space itself is large and comfortable. The menu includes real food besides bakery treats, it looked good. Give it a shot during your LA bakery tour.

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    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.

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    2.2 miWindsor Square
    $$

    I came here with a friend due to him moving out of state soon. Attention was top-notch from the…read moreget go. Shoutout to McAllister, the hostess. She was pleasant, friendly and professional. Our server, Kimi V. was also great. We tried the Shrimp Pasta (10/10, highly recommended), the Crispy Chicken Wings (10/10. They make these in a particular way, please ask them to explain it to you: the end result is fantastic), fish tacos (7/10, they're good, but I am neither a fish nor a taco person (however, I do like some good shrimp tacos). These ones in particular were plated and served so well ( they use blue corn tortilla: top-notch ingredient) and the ingredients were fresh, but maybe it was the type of fish? I don't really know, they were good, but I definitely would not order them again). Also, my friend had a coconut cold brew which he really enjoyed. Service was all around great. Ambiance was fantastic, the whole restaurant has a very upscale, chic vibe while also being unique in its own way. Even the restroom, that was super clean and well-maintained, has a very unique and interesting setup for what is the sink. All around great place, highly recommended. 10/10. UPDATE: Added names and more clarification on the fish tacos. Thank you to the GM in leaving a response. Your whole team is fantastic. I'll definitely be back.

    Food: the ceviche is a must try! We had the pizza and chicken kabobs which were very good…read more Service: it was okay, attentive. Ambiance: you have to sit outside, specially on a summer night

    Photos
    Great White - Ambience

    Ambience

    Great White - Poke bowl was delicious!

    Poke bowl was delicious!

    Great White - Can't miss with the burger. So juicy and perfectly cooked. Fries are on point as well!

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    Can't miss with the burger. So juicy and perfectly cooked. Fries are on point as well!

    Darling by Sean Brock - Texas Deer Skewers with smoked bacon & chow chow

    Darling by Sean Brock

    4.1(70 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    Live music
    Private events

    Darling was on my list to try ever since I read about it on Eater. It eventually became one of 2…read morerestaurants that were the focus of my recent staycation in the West Hollywood/Beverly Grove area, the other was perennial favourite A.O.C. I was familiar with chef/owner (and James Beard Award winner) Sean Brock, having dined at two of his Husk restaurants (Charleston and Nashville), where he first gained fame and accolades. He is no longer affiliated with Husk or some other Nashville restaurants, but still has a pizza place there, so he is still bi-coastal. I can't say what drew him to SoCal, but is clearly enamored of our bountiful produce and purveyors, which he integrates into his "Heritage Southern", often live-fire, cooking. He's apparently quite a music lover also, hence the live DJ all-vinyl booth in the bar/lounge. Darling is on the northern end of Robertson between Melrose and Sunset. Many restaurants of note are nearby, including The Abbey, Craig's, SushiSamba. Many, including Darling, do not have valet parking, so that can be an endeavor you should allow time for. Darling is a pretty large, gorgeous and airy space, divided into an open-air-ish lounge/bar and a dining room towards the rear, which in turn is divided into 2 sections. The space used be the restaurant Soulmate, and looking at old pics still up on Yelp, it is clear many of the design features were repurposed for Darling, including the beautiful wood-beamed ceiling and booths in the dining room, the olive tree and retractable roof in the lounge, and the exterior. The impressive mural in the dining room appears new, as is the DJ booth. The weather was in the 90's during my visits, so the more A/C-controlled dining room was my choice for seating. Darling serves dinner Wed-Sat and brunch Sundays, so of course I had to try both. There's also a small Happy Hour menu Wed-Sat in the lounge/bar. Here's the lowdown: Dinner 1) Deviled eggs. A classic Southern snack, bougied up with bluefin tuna belly. Delish, with a slight kick, but just 2 per order. 2) Abalone and rice stew. Another winner (and smallish portion). Earthy, yet light, topped with a confit egg yolk. 3) The Darling dry-aged steak burger. Just 24 served per day. The stellar meat is a blend of 3 types of beef, mostly dry-aged prime, cooked over the live-fire grill. It was served simply with ketchup, cheese, raw onion and Dijonnaise , allowing the beef to shine. Served without accompaniments. 4) Sliced tomatoes with buttermilk dressing and tomato vine vinegar. A simple and refreshing taste of summer. 5) Blackberry sorbet Eton mess. Delish sorbet that was the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Eton mess is whipped cream and meringue shards. The Texas deer skewers and Anson Mills cornbread were also of interest to me; another time. Brunch 1) Sonora wheat pancakes. Pretty classic, with crispy edges, fancy Maison Bordier butter and maple syrup. 2) 5-fat fried chicken. Also available on the Happy Hour menu. I was told the chicken was heavily spiced, but not heat-spicy. Its red-orange hue made me pause with fear, but it was exactly as described. The seasoning is quite chili powder-forward (Ancho chili?). The chicken is boneless thigh meat (my fave chicken part), just like the Spanish fried chicken at A.O.C. Served with a vinegary hot sauce (didn't use), honey (used it all) and an assortment of pickles. The 5 fats used are chicken fat, lard, country ham, bacon fat and smoked butter. Quite different from A.O.C.'s version; apples and oranges. Try them both. 3) Watermelon sorbet with Bonny melon and lemon verbena. Another sorbet winner, even more refreshing with the melon. Their cocktail and wine offerings seem pretty extensive. My zero-proof pineapple concoction was fine and delish; I had it at both meals. Service and staff was excellent and oh so friendly--hostess, servers, busboys, manager. I wish I remembered the names of my servers for shout-outs; their names didn't appear on my checks. Speaking of checks, you have the option of paying via QR code or with a traditional paper check and table-side hand-held gizmo. I did both and recommend the traditional method to avoid the $3.99 "Platform Fee" for using the QR code. Lastly, I found the music pleasant and mostly retro (the DJ usually puts the album currently spinning on display), but very loud. Guests were yelling in order to converse. Hope to return, and maybe see Chef Sean DJ-ing.

    I was hoping to like Darling because I love the hifi bar concept and the ambience was indeed nice,…read morebut the food did not pull its weight. We got deviled eggs topped with tuna belly, which made a convincing case for deviled eggs without tuna belly. The steak burger was hearty, but the way it was seasoned and dressed was so vinegar forward that it made it hard to enjoy. The fries were great--chunky and crispy. However, the $24 cucumber salad was so awful I'm shocked they would serve it. First, there were genuinely 6 cucumber slices, so more like a leafy green salad with cucumbers and hardly a "cucumber salad." But even those 6 were wet and mushy, as though they'd been sitting in the fridge for too long. The fact that this dish made it through the garde manger, sous chef, head chef, and even the servers without anyone stopping it does not bode well for the longevity of this restaurant.

    Photos
    Darling by Sean Brock - Bar + Listening Lounge with Retractable Roof

    Bar + Listening Lounge with Retractable Roof

    Darling by Sean Brock - Wood Fired Grassy Bar Oysters with crab butter & Meyer lemon

    Wood Fired Grassy Bar Oysters with crab butter & Meyer lemon

    Darling by Sean Brock

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    Lemon Grove - Spicy Tuna Tartare

    Lemon Grove

    4.3(392 reviews)
    0.8 miHollywood

    Went here with my parents and partner on Saturday around 11AM, and I have both good and bad things…read moreto say. Sadly, our experience started off very poorly. The bad: The host was extremely unprofessional and un-accommodating of my family's request. She has black hair with a streak of grey/silver hair I believe. While we had 2 different 2 person reservations, we asked if we could sit together since I don't get to see my parents often now that I live out of state and it was my birthday. We understand this isn't a request that can be always accommodated, but we were willing to wait to sit together. The host said this was not possible and we accepted sitting at 2 different tables. When my parents were sat, we noticed an empty table next to them. My father then asked the host if we could move and she refused, saying she isn't sure if rid totally sanitized and it would take a very long time for it to be cleaned by staff. She then walked away from us while rolling her eyes and cussing under her breath while walking right past my table. Even my father noticed this!! We understood, but a minute later a staff came and fully cleaned the table. Our waitress came to introduce herself and we requested to be moved once more, and she said of course and had us move immediately to be next to my parents :) Big shoutout to her! Again, I'd understand if the restaurant was busy and packed, but after us I saw no one sat at the 2 person table we were initially sitting at and the entire restaurant was slowly emptying out with not many new parties coming in... The host seemed to have extreme anger issues and lack of professionalism that I would expect from someone who knows the availability of tables. Now, for the good: The restaurant itself is amazing with great ambiance. I want to thank our awesome waitress and other people working at the restaurant, truly everyone else was great! They were funny, welcoming, and very patient. The food was tasty and we loved the lemonades we ordered. I recommend the pastrami dish from their brunch menu :) I would definitely recommend coming here, but the host at the front who is supposed to "welcome" guests is clearly not doing her job well. It truly left a sour taste in my mouth and I'd likely turn back from the restaurant if I saw her as the host again.

    This is my new go to spot before catching a play at the Pantages. This place is incredibly…read moregorgeous, located rooftop at the Aster Hotel on Vine in Hollywood. The appetizers and drinks are amazing. The service is great..... kina slow if you aren't at the bar.. but it's ok if you aren't in a rush. Parking is available but can be tricky if you are familiar with Hollywood parking, especially if there is a play at the Pantages. I am a fan... one of my favorite rooftops!!!!!

    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 September 2026

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