LA Restaurants

Built in the early 1900's, Arbuckle's, once the home of Fatty Arbuckle, is the last original row house on La Cienega. Although Fatty doesn't live here anymore, there are still plenty of reminders of days gone by in photos of silent film stars. Relax on a patio covered in geraniums, ivy and fresh jasmine and enjoy delish morsels like a martini of chilled shrimp ($7.95), luscious crab cakes ($15.50) or tender lamb chops ($18.95). Dinner seven nights. Full bar; takeout; catering; valet parking; AE, MC, V.

Featuring a handsome, comfy atmosphere indoors and al fresco patio seating, the Book Soup Bistro provides a common ground for hardcore power lunchers as well as the funky cappuccino crowd. Known for the homey, healthy-helpings menu of items such as turkey meat loaf with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce ($11.50) and a seared ahi tuna sandwich ($11.50), Book Soup continuing Saturday and Sunday brunch and the "Short Stories" menu of new items and abbreviated regular dishes, perfect for light afternoon snacks. Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; catering; parking; reservations accepted. AE, DC, DIS, MC, V.

From as early as 9 a.m. there's no question about what's going on here. In a condolike two-story building adjacent to Handy J's Hand Wash, pieces of chicken, racks of baby back pork ribs and thick triangles of Nebraska beef sirloin are already sizzling on the 10-foot-long outdoor grill. The meat has absorbed enough flavor from the marinade and the grill smoke to stand alone. Though of course there's also the smoky, sweet (but not too) barbecue sauce, which doesn't overshadow the meat if used sparingly. Excellent spicy turkey chili, tasty soups, salads topped with good homemade dressings, and sides like macaroni and cheese here can turn simple barbecue into a real meal for about $6 to $15. Eat inside looking out at the grill, or on the top deck with its unobstructed view of the car wash. Doesn't matter--the grub's the thing.

Hearty portions and excellent service give the Daily Grill ä an ever-increasing following of lovers of freshly made American favorites. Blue Plate specials change daily ($10.95-$16.95). A popular Blue Plate, the wholesome meat loaf is topped with homemade gravy and comes with mashed potatoes and Daily's trademark steamed broccoli ($10.95). A selection of done-just-right steaks ($13.95-$17.95) will satisfy the discerning carnivore, while the broiled half chicken with garlic ($9.95), with shoestring potatoes and broccoli, satiates lighter appetites. Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; delivery; catering, parking; reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V.

Hearty portions and excellent service give the Daily Grill ä an ever-increasing following of lovers of freshly made American favorites. Blue Plate specials change daily ($10.95-$16.95). A popular Blue Plate, the wholesome meat loaf is topped with homemade gravy and comes with mashed potatoes and Daily's trademark steamed broccoli ($10.95). A selection of done-just-right steaks ($13.95-$17.95) will satisfy the discerning carnivore, while the broiled half chicken with garlic ($9.95), with shoestring potatoes and broccoli, satiates lighter appetites. Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; delivery; catering, parking; reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V.

Hearty portions and excellent service give the Daily Grill ä an ever-increasing following of lovers of freshly made American favorites. Blue Plate specials change daily ($10.95-$16.95). A popular Blue Plate, the wholesome meat loaf is topped with homemade gravy and comes with mashed potatoes and Daily's trademark steamed broccoli ($10.95). A selection of done-just-right steaks ($13.95-$17.95) will satisfy the discerning carnivore, while the broiled half chicken with garlic ($9.95), with shoestring potatoes and broccoli, satiates lighter appetites. Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; delivery; catering, parking; reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V.

Hearty portions and excellent service give the Daily Grill ä an ever-increasing following of lovers of freshly made American favorites. Blue Plate specials change daily ($10.95-$16.95). A popular Blue Plate, the wholesome meat loaf is topped with homemade gravy and comes with mashed potatoes and Daily's trademark steamed broccoli ($10.95). A selection of done-just-right steaks ($13.95-$17.95) will satisfy the discerning carnivore, while the broiled half chicken with garlic ($9.95), with shoestring potatoes and broccoli, satiates lighter appetites. Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; delivery; catering, parking; reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V.

This outdoor café is the perfect place to catch some rays, sip an iced mocha and munch on mostly American chow before you head down to the boardwalk (only six short blocks away) to watch the local color. This beachy hangout is famous for its pancakes, waffles and skillets--a mixture of potato, meat and veggies, topped with cheese and scrambled eggs ($6.75). Or, if you're really hungry, grab a biggie--open-faced sandwiches piled with avocado, turkey, chicken or tuna ($6.75-$7.50). Breakfast and lunch seven days. Beer and wine; catering; parking. AE, DIS, MC, V.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, here comes DIVE!, the Steven Spielberg-owned restaurant serving sublime food that goes leagues beyond any other theme restaurant. The subaquatic decor, complete with portholes and torpedo barstools, gives way to superb food. Don't miss the DIVE! fries, with your choice of dipping sauces ($3.50), or one of 10 submarine sandwiches ($6.95-$10.95). Go lighter with a fabulous Chinese chicken salad ($8.95), and you'll have a good excuse to submerge into a Lemon Bar Explosion dessert ($4.95). Lunch and dinner seven days. Full bar; takeout; delivery; catering; parking. AE, DC, DIS, MC, V.