Specializing in Pasadena, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Burbank, Downtown L.A., Hollywood, and the Valley - - Restaurants Rated and Reviewed

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El Coyote Mexican Cafe - Los Angeles	Pig 'n Whistle
Miceli's Italian	25 Degrees - Burgers
Musso and Frank Grill

RATINGS KEY
• = A YummyEats.com Favorite
• 4 stars = Tops in Yummy!
• 3 stars = Good Stuff
• 2 stars = Fair
• 1 star = Yuk

Reviews

HE SAYS: On Friday, we went to Hollywood and tried 25 Degrees, which is an upscale burger joint located in the venerable Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. There is a rather eclectic feel to the place - the layout of the room is pretty much mid-20th-century lunch counter; the plain, rectangular, white plates remind one of a Japanese restaurant; fries and onion rings are served in a large Chinese takeout box; and elaborate chandeliers, along with lots of purple and red decor betray a strong New Orleans whorehouse influence. We dined a bit early, and noted that the scene became much more lively and interesting by the time we left.

They have beer and wine, the latter being a bit on the pricey side. We went with the "half-jug" of red. The wine was good - but that little jar they gave us ain't exactly half of what we call a jug back home. We ordered half and half onions and french fries. Both these items were good - the latter having a nice herb dusting - but not great. The burgers took a long time to arrive, but the wait was well worth it. I had the Turkey Burger (#3 on the menu). It comes with Straus Family Jack cheese, avocado, green chile and chipotle sauce. I must say the combination of flavors was excellent. As befits a high-end burger, the bun was of a very high quality. I can not fault a place that specializes in hamburgers too much if they deliver the goods on their signature item, and 25 Degrees does that. ( He's rating: 3.75 stars )

SHE SAYS: Arriving around 7:00 P.M. at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to try out the new Hollywood hotspot burger joint 25 Degrees. The restaurant is right off of Hollywood Blvd., in the hotel. It is a very small space - narrow with booths along one wall and a long counter along the other. No booths left when we arrived, so we took two barstool seats at the counter, right in the center with the glass front door looking out to Hollywood Blvd behind us and a view into the grill kitchen in front of us. The restaurant is very trendy/mod in decoration - a montage of black and red - red booths, bordello red wallpaper, shiny black-tiled walls behind the counter, and very space-age look TV sets above us - 3 small flat screens all showing "American Graffiti", giving it the look of "TV sets as art". Rock music plays in the background (not so loud you can't talk though). The bar stools and counter set-up in this restaurant must have been designed by someone 6 and a half feet tall - the stool was so high, the foot bar to rest your feet so low that not only were my feet dangling in the air, but my husband's were too - and he's 5 foot 11! I actually had to bend one of my legs up under myself to keep from being completely uncomfortable - the stool has no cross bars on it to put your feet either. Oh brother - what could they be thinking there?!
Anyway, they have a simple but unusual menu here - only 3 burgers already available with set toppings, otherwise you create your own. I wasn't too sure I liked the toppings for the numbers 1, 2, and 3 they have, so decided to create my own - I had a ground sirloin burger topped with a fried egg, avocado, and garlic parmesan sauce. We also ordered a half and half order of onion rings and fries (note: these only come à la carte and are not included with the burgers), and we got the medium "jug" of house Shiraz. Our "jug", as they call it, arrived first - a very, very tiny little half a milk bottle jug, I must say. The wine was good but pretty pricey for such a small amount (I noticed a few people with the "small" jug - wow, that's really SMALL). Our fries/onion rings arrived next - a large sized Chinese take-out box full, the perfect size for two to share. I thought the fries were nice - hot and crisp, real good. The onion rings were good too, not the best I've had, but quite tasty. I held back eating these down quickly because it actually was another 20 to 25 minutes before they finally brought our burgers - I don't really think of fries as an appetizer (does anyone?), but that's the way they served them here! Anyway, my burger was large, wrapped in white paper and served on a rectangular white plate, the meat was very juicy and fresh, the bun terrific. The burger was quite good (though I believe they forgot my garlic parmesan sauce, I sure couldn't taste it anyway).
I was full and pleased by my meal and would probably try this joint again, though I can see room for LOTS of improvement here. First off, they should have more pre-set burgers to choose from instead of just 3 because the chefs seemed to have loads and loads of trouble getting the orders straight - they were right across from us and there was a "Gordon Ramsay" type head chef looking at each burger as it came out, complaining, and sending them back. I just think it must get confusing having all these different toppings and each patron coming up with his own idea of what's going to taste good - shouldn't that be for the chef to decide? As we left there were quite a few people waiting at the entrances to get seated, this seems to be a pretty happening place. I actually did like this place - I hope next time I go it is even better. ( She's rating: 3.5 stars food; 3.5 stars decor; 2.5 stars service )

HE SAYS: On Friday we met a friend for drinks and dinner at the venerable El Coyote Café on Beverly Blvd. It had been many years since I had been there, but not much seems to have changed. The bar area is invitingly dark with plenty of tables and booths. We started with Margaritas - our friend suggested we go with the scratch variety, on the rocks, to get the most bang for our buck. We were not disappointed. Most restaurant margaritas are mixed for the masses - more of a smoothie than a cocktail. This, however, was a real drink which packed a punch. Chips and two types of salsa were supplied. The warm salsa was rather bland, but the blended salsa was quite good and spicy.

We made our way from the bar area to our table, and ordered another round of drinks - along with some guacamole to go along with the chips (which, by the way, were quite crispy and good). The guacamole was somewhat pasty; a bit disappointing.

For dinner I ordered the Chicken and Rice. The plentiful pieces of stewed chicken were tender, but a bit on the nondescript side; nor was the rice too memorable. This also came with a salad, accompanied by a Thousand Island dressing. After dinner we shared a large bowl of delicious pistacchio nut ice cream.

At some point, the decision was made to order a third round of drinks, which we finished while lingering at the table and watching the rather beautiful urban crowd. We then retreated to the bar for a nightcap - I switched to a whiskey - and soaked up some more of the ambience before making our way back to the metro station for our train home. ( He's rating: 3.5 stars food; 4 stars atmosphere)

SHE SAYS: Parking down the street and walking a couple of blocks, three of us arrived at the El Coyote Cafe around 7:00 P.M. The friend we were with tonight is a regular at this restaurant, so while waiting for a table to open up where her favorite waiter serves, we got a booth along the wall in the rectangular bar area. The bar here is really nice - comfortable booths along both walls, small wood tables in the middle, and at the end of the room is the bar itself, which was showing a sports game on the TV above it. One wall in this bar area is completely windowed with what I would call stained glass done in a pattern of round, multi-colored circles - nice! El Coyote attracts what seemed to be a mainly thirty-something/forty-something, urban-trendy crowd in quite casual dress - sort of a less well-heeled grouping of L.A.'s so-called "beautiful people". We all ordered Margaritas - scratch, on the rocks, with salt. Um - I have heard the Margaritas at this restaurant are strong and that is no lie - by FAR the strongest Margarita I have ever had in a restaurant.

Before finishing our first drinks we were called to our table. Seated in a long hall of tables and next to a window overlooking a large patio eating area, we soon were served up a second round of drinks. Relaxing for awhile over our drinks, we then ordered dinners - I ordered the cheese enchilada, and taco with shredded beef combo. The dinner came with Mexican rice and refried beans, which were both slightly bland but still good. The taco was fairly small (which I like, actually - easier to eat), the crispy shell slightly greasy, the meat filling was tasty but could have used more spice - the only other topping on the taco was Mexican cheese, which tasted good with the other flavors. The cheese enchilada was my favorite item - small, flat, very flavorful.
I have had better Mexican meals at restaurants around L.A., but El Coyote has a great atmosphere - crowded, cool, fun - that I like! The Margaritas are the thing here - as I said before, these are the strongest Margaritas I have had in a restaurant by a long mile! ( She's rating: 3.5 stars food; 4 stars decor; 4 stars service )

HE SAYS: We were out in Hollywood for a play, after seeing which we decided on the Pig N Whistle for dinner. To warm up on this cold evening, I had a Martini, which accomplished that task admirably. I had the Penne a la Vodka which, with its ample amout of salmon, was very nice. ( He's rating: 3.75 stars )

SHE SAYS: Tonight after seeing a play at a small Hollywood Blvd. theater we went over to have dinner at the Pig N Whistle. It was around 9:00 P.M. and the restaurant was about three-quarters empty. We were seated at a very nice big booth along the left-side wall. The Pig N Whistle is a dark trendy type of place - with lots of wood, a long bar along the whole right side, and TV screens around the room showing news and sports. The wall behind the bar is stylized with Egyptian reliefs, like those you might see at the next-door Egyptian theatre. There is also a display case of vintage memorabilia for this historic restaurant (for a long time closed down, but then restored and reopened a few years ago).
I ordered a Martini to drink, and fish and chips for my dinner. The Martini was very large and very good - still drinking it when my fish dinner arrived, I didn't order another drink. The fish was decent, nothing spectacular or out-of-the-ordinary - it came with a tasty tarter sauce. They give you a brown sack (to simulate the way fish and chips might be served in an old English fish n chips shop, I'm sure) full of a variety of regular fries, potato chips, and waffle fries which I thought was a neat touch. A tasty selection - I liked the crispy potato chips the best. There was so much food, I took half home for another meal. It reheated fine (especially the fish - which actually went for TWO more lunches), although obviously reheating french fries never comes out as good as when they are first made.
This restaurant has pretty good food though nothing to rave about, but what I really like about it is the trendy / cool atmosphere, the comfortable booths, and the location right in the heart of Hollywood. The Pig and Whistle is open for late-night dining. ( She's rating: 3 stars )

HE SAYS: Miceli's looks like the kind of place that hasn't changed much over the years. The room is dark, woody; the ceiling lined with empty chianti flasks. The wait staff entertains with selections of opera and standards. The menu is simple, old fashioned Italian. Pasta, pizza, veal and chicken. I've tried a couple of the veal dishes: the Veal Marsala has a nice mushroom-laden sauce. The Veal Milanese is a parmesan-breaded cutlet which is very simple and very good. The veal dishes come with a side of spaghetti - a nice traditional touch. For starters, I highly recommend the antipasto salad. The "half" is $6.95 and was enough for 3 people. The house wine is also a good value. ( He's rating: 3.5 stars )

SHE SAYS: Tonight we rode the gold line to Union Station, then switched to the red line and rode all the way to the Hollywood / Highland stop in Hollywood. Walking to Miceli's, we were a bit early to meet a friend of ours at 8:00 P.M. at the restaurant, so we stopped off at the Pig and Whistle on Hollywood Blvd. for Martini's. The Martini's here were very good - really hit the spot - and the bar at this restaurant is a comfortable long bar along the whole right side of the restaurant. After our drinks we walked a short block and around the corner to Miceli's. Miceli's is Hollywood's "first pizza house" - opened in 1949. We ate at this restaurant once before and loved it. The atmosphere at Miceli's is absolutely fantastic - like stepping into an old-world restaurant of long ago. Several levels, tons and tons of Chianti bottles hanging from the ceilings, a kind of deli counter along one side, and waiters (and sometimes patrons) who sing opera live as they serve - what a great place. On this occasion, we were seated at a wood table at the far right end of the restaurant, against the wall - you couldn't hear the music as well from here, but at least you could talk. The other time we ate here we got a really good table right next to the piano and opera singing on the second level, a nice place to sit if you want to hear the music well.
Tonight I ordered the small Antipasto Salad from our rather aged, but efficient, waiter. He came back with a very large salad (and this was a small!) and three plates. We three all shared the salad and it was really good too - salami, cheese, olives, celery sticks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bed of lettuce, and a tasty Italian dressing. Quite good. We ordered a bottle of Miceli's own house red wine, cheap and tasty (recommended by the waiter, it's not on the menu). For my dinner I had the Manicotti - a dish I really like but don't often see being made in most Italian restaurants. Miceli's prepares their Manicotti in a way I haven't seen before - instead of the usual two or three small stuffed shells - their's was one big Manicotti crepe in a dish, filled with cheese and covered in tomato sauce. Tasty. I took a bit home as I couldn't finish and it reheated nicely.
After dinner, we went out for drinks and hit Wolfgang Puck's Vert in the Hollywood and Highland complex - almost empty of diners, I had a nice Gin and Tonic. Then we barhopped over to a very odd place - the Snow White Cafe - where the Russian waitresses served us the biggest glasses of wine in the entire world. We were blitzed and almost missed the last train home. You may ask what is so odd about the Snow White - well, the way they play music and have a large screen video going of something that is not related to the music, is hypnotizing. Go and see for yourself - it's weird.
Anyway, back to the review - - Miceli's is a great old-style Italian restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere right in the heart of Old Hollywood - I recommend it if you want a traditional Italian pasta or meat dish in an old-fashioned setting. ( She's rating: 4 stars )

	Musso and Frank Grill - Hollywood
6667 Hollywood Blvd - - phone: (323) 467-7788

HE SAYS: Musso and Frank's is a trip back in time. The rows of booths were neat. They called the name of waiting parties on a loudspeaker. Plenty of hooks to hang your coat and umbrella on a rainy evening. The menu featured many old fashioned favorites.

The classic martini was a refreshing start. We split a caesar salad - and this was plenty - which is always excellent here.

The corned beef hash was piled on the plate, and topped with a poached egg. It was hearty, and very flavorsome. The pounded steak was served with country potatoes and gravy, but still had a certain citified sophistication. ( He's rating: 4 stars )

SHE SAYS: Tonight my husband and I rode the Metro gold line and then transferred to the red line and rode all the way to Hollywood to go to Musso and Frank's. It was my birthday actually, and I chose to go to Musso's as it is one of my favorites. We arrived at the restaurant around 7:00 P.M. - they don't take reservations for parties less than 3 people, but luckily the restaurant wasn't especially crowded tonight and we were seated immediately in one of their cozy two person wood booths. Musso and Frank's is the oldest restaurant in Hollywood - first opened in 1919. It is still decorated in a neat old-fashioned style with wood booths and walls, dim lighting, and even has coat racks by each booth. This restaurant is really a step back in time, even the menu seems to be the same as it may have been in the days of Old Hollywood. The restaurant tonight was seasonly decorated with greens and pointsettas. The waiters here are all dressed in a style you might have seen in the 1930's with red jackets for the waiters, and green jackets for the busboys - all who work here, both the red and the green jacketed, are men who appear to have worked here possibly since 1919! Our waiter was no exception - a nice old man, quick and efficient. We started with their famous martinis and split the large Caesar Salad (one is big enough for two people - the waiter even tells you so). I love the Caesar salad here - tasty dressing, yum. The martinis here are great and come in small martini glasses with the extra in a separate little tumbler. After the salad I had the pounded steak and lyonaise potatoes. Extremely tasty, but a lot of meat and very filling - I also tasted my husbands order, hash with a poached egg on top, and enjoyed it too. We had a bottle of wine with dinner - it was good and very reasonably priced too. ( She's rating: 4 stars )