Because every Angeleno loves to eat, even if he has to valet, we bring you Table Stakes: a series that answers man’s eternally recurring question (“Uh, what’s new?”), and recurs once every lunar cycle or so. Bon appétit.
Prank Bar
Downtown
You’re here for: Day drinking in downtown and/or solace from a hangover
You’re dining on: Cannabis-infused cocktails that are guaranteed to put the kibosh on your katzenjammer, and a big juicy burger that’ll soak straight through its buttery brioche bun.
Pizzana
Brentwood
You’re here for: A nice wine-fueled dinner with friends
You’re dining on: The Neapolitan pizza is built on a crispy, wood-burned dough that was raised for 48 hours. The tomatoes came from Italy, where, predictably, they taste way better.
11712 San Vicente Blvd. (map)
Website
Verlaine
West Hollywood
You’re here for: A big night out … oh look, there’s a Kardashian.
You’re dining on: We love food in whipped form, so we’re suckers for the fennel mouse, which is rich even though it’s vegetarian — no easy feat.
8715 Beverly Blvd. (map)
Website
Tower 12
Hermosa
You’re here for: The patio and lounge, which come with comfy leather furniture. It sort of feels like a well-heeled surfer’s manse.
You’re dining on: Tough call, as this gastropub serves lots of Instagrammable foodstuffs. We like the simplicity of the double cheeseburger, as well as the runny egg on avocado toast.
The Flats
Beverly Hills
You’re here for: A business lunch or casual dinner
You’re dining on: The savory mushroom flatbread and the fennel salad will please the senses without sending you for a Costanza-style respite beneath your desk.
8400 Wilshire Blvd. (map)
Website
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