Business Lunch
Gesso
West Hollywood
VIBE
High ceilings and a colorful bar help breath life into the former Pitfire space. Chef Doug Miriello, a Gjusta veteran, has a warm and inviting dining room that sets the stage for another one of the city’s standout all day dining options.
BITE
Miriello – raised on the East Coast – built a menu that makes the most of his Jewish and Italian heritage while also honoring the geography of his past and present. Feeling gluttonous? The Ashbrook Cheeseburger is your best bet.
SIP
With more than 50 wines (reds, whites, bubbles) and a dozen beers offered you likely won’t go wrong no matter your order. On the cocktail front, the Sherry Pie (bourbon, sherry, peach, egg white, crumbled streusel) sounds too good not to try.
gessoresto.com
Lunetta All Day
Santa Monica
VIBE
Chef Raphael Lunetta and the Divide + Conquer team opened this much needed breakfast-lunch-and-dinner spot in Santa Monica earlier this year, offering a back patio, roomy bar, and copper top tables to give it a local diner feel.
BITE
Although breakfast is served until 4pm you can’t go wrong with the fried chicken sandwich or the grilled chopped salad.
SIP
Despite the hours of operation, Lunetta All Day offers a full bar morning, noon, and night.
lunettasm.com
Happy Hour
Tsubaki
Echo Park
HAPPY HOURS
Tu–F 5:30–7:30p
VIBE
The vision of Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan, Tsubaki pays tribute to the pairs long-standing love for izakaya, an informal tavern rooted at the heart of Japan’s dining traditions.
BITE
The Japanese “Dodger Dog” is one of the best dishes on the menu at any restaurant in the city right now. Order it with a side of Boquerones Tempura crispy fried Spanish white anchovies.
SIP
While the sake list is ever-changing, the focus will always be on small, craft breweries. Along with sake, Tsubaki offers canned, bottled, and tap beers in addition to shochu and wine.
tsubakila.com
Neighbor
Venice
HAPPY HOURS
Tu–Su 4:30–6:00p
VIBE
Nestled into the far end of Abbot Kinney, Neighbor breathes new life into the former Willie Jane Space. The restaurant is lush – and for once that is not unappealing – casual, and inviting, with a roomy comfortably patio out back.
BITE
Chef Joshua Lace’s menu avoids culinary corners, ranging from vegetable-forward small plates to a balanced set off main courses offerings including scallops, miso-mustard salmon, chicken, lamb, and steak.
SIP
Some of the best cocktails being poured on the westside, Neighbor’s happy hour offerings include staples from Margaritas to an Old Fashioned and the “Hey Neighbor” – a shot of whiskey and a beer. neighborla.com
