Great prime rib--and a nice value considering it's in Beverly Hills. We had a great meal--and will definitely go back. It's not what we expected--the restaurant was very open and well-lit, and classically decorated. It was a nice evening out. The presentation of the food was awesome: steaks are carved tableside inside huge stainless steel drums. Very recommended.

Last Visited: January 2006

This has been one of my all-time favorite places to eat since I was little boy. The hot dog sauce has changed a little over the years, but only seasoned customers of the Shake Shoppe (yes, it's spelled that way) can recognize the difference. The chocolate milk shakes, however, haven't changed a bit.

Last Visited: April 2006

This is definitely a locals favorite, and they have great breakfast: excellent omelettes and waffles. The outdoor seating area is great, even if it is a little cramped. The dining room inside has a great, homey feel. It seems like this restaurant spends a lot of energy trying to be inflexible at times though. There are awkward signs, such as "Cash Preferred" at the register. I mean, that's fine, but do they really have to establish that with a big, bold sign. That's great, but I rarely have $50 bucks cash on me--easier to just pay with plastic (which is what I did), but now I felt kinda awkward about it. There are other things like that on their menu. I'll be back, I just don't know how soon. I'd probably go back sooner, if there weren't so much attitude.

Last Visited: January 2006

My mother in law took our family to this restaurant last night, and we had a great time. Great food, and truly exceptional service. Everyone was very nice and polite, and answered all our questions. They really made the meal very memorable. The meat carrying gaucho waiters is what you really come for. They come around table to table, carving as much of whatever they're carrying (beef, pork, chicken, ribs, sausages) right at your plate. Eat as much as you care to, you will not leave this restaurant hungry--leave room for dessert though! Great wine selection, but you'll definitely want to try the traditional Brazilian cocktail: a Caipirinha. Yummy, and it packs a punch!

Last Visited: January 2006

My date...well, my wife...and I recently ate at Trader Vics at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. They have great food and atmosphere, with exceptional service and attention. I fondly remember a trip to a Trader Vic's in Atlanta when I was a child, and that made me want to try eating here. It was just as good as I remembered it, though the decor is less Tiki themed as I recalled. We started with their signature Mai Tais, then had the Cosmo's Pupu Platter (spareribs, bbq pork, crab rangoon, coconut shrimp). I had the Hawaiian Pork Chop and my wife had the Chilean Sea Bass--both exceptional. With dinner, we had the Scorpion for two cocktail. For dessert, we had the baked alaska; plus a very strong coffee cocktail for me, and a Brandy Alexander for her. They're open late. Very recommended! Enjoy!

Last Visited: January 2006

I stopped by this Los Angeles culinary institution last night to grab a few hot dogs for take out. Yes, it was a long line. Yes, it was a long-ish drive from Santa Monica. Yes, I was hungry. And it was all worth it. You owe it to yourself to get the biggest, nastiest, most-piled on hot dog they can make. Yuuuuummmmeeee!

Bring a magazine, or someone to talk to, or something though, the line can be long and dull. Well worth it though!

Last Visited: December 2005

I've had the food here twice...once dining in and once for take-out. Both times I ordered the Pad Thai (spicy hot) and both times I haven't been disappointed. Bot times the portions were huge, and both times I had plenty for leftovers. Very recommended. I have heard that this place does get crammed in by the lunch time crowd, but I've only had it for dinner. Great stuff!

Last Visited: October 2005

Good stuff! Pretty large menu for the size of the place, and their desserts are yummy. On my first visit, I had the lime chicken, a side salad, and the bread pudding for dessert. I especially liked the mashed potatoes on the side. Plus instead of bread or bread sticks, you get several generous pieces of like a pizza-baked foccacia, that was especially good.

Pretty good value, considering that you order at the counter and don't have to tip a server or anything. The staff behind the counter were also very helpful with answering my questions and helping me make up my mind.

The outside seating area in the back of the restaurant is very nice--with a great fireplace going and several of those propane-lightpost looking heaters around--it seemed pretty comfortable out there.

Give this place a try!

Last Visited: October 2005

I went here, alone, for my birthday. I know, I know...but what can you do when you're alone in a city for business, right? Anyway, I stumbled upon this place, and was very surprised. The food was great...plus ambience is right out of 1965. Great Italian fare. Very retro feel in the dining room--I half expected to see a young Dean Martin sitting at a booth sipping a cocktail. Anyhoo, since I was alone, I sat at the counter--which was pretty cool because you could see everyone's dish being prepared.

The waiter behind the counter was only semi-friendly. He waited and waited before coming over to ask me what I would like for dinner. Basically, he waited for me to close my menu before walking over (which isn't really my M.O.). I would have preferred him to come over and ask me if I had any questions. It seems like since this restaurant has been around for so long, that they just assume that you know how things are done and what their traditions are. I hate that about some places. C'mon--educate me, and I'll be your customer forever. Don't make me figure it out on my own. I'll end up feeling unwelcome and might not come back.

So, I had the Fetticuine Alfredo with ham and peas, plus the sauteed spinach with bacon for an appetizer. Had water to drink, because the waiter didn't ask me what I wanted to drink. Again...must be their tradition that you gotta speak up. I didn't know that. Finally half-way through my appetizer I requested a beer.

So...great food...perfect atmosphere...so-so service that assumes you know the lay of the land and the menu by heart. Kinda pricey too. I recommend this place, but maybe you're better off sitting at a table.

Which reminds me...when I walked in (at 9 p.m.) I asked the host for a table for 1. He takes a look for a moment and says that he doesn't have any tables, but I'm welcome to sit at the counter (which I'm okay with, of course), but there are plenty of empty tables when I turned around from my perch at the counter and scanned the restaurant. Go figure.

They're open kinda late too, which is a nice plus.

Last Visited: October 2005