When asking yourself about something to do near me in East Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Cities Restaurant
Why Cities Restaurant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cities Restaurant in Los Angeles offers a distinctive dining experience that combines eclectic cuisine with a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an appealing spot for friends to gather. The menu features a fusion of steakhouse classics with a Mexican twist, providing a variety of options such as calamari, bone marrow, crab cakes, and a selection of cheeses that cater to diverse tastes. The ambiance is complemented by pleasant decor and a friendly crowd, creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment for casual dinners or celebratory meetups. Additionally, the restaurant features live entertainment on Sunday nights with a band called Steel Rod, enhancing the social vibe especially after 10 pm when the bar area becomes the focal point. The establishment also offers a full bar with an impressive wine list and craft beer selections, making it a versatile venue for both dining and nightlife. This blend of quality food, welcoming atmosphere, and entertainment options makes Cities Restaurant a great destination for friends looking to share a memorable evening together.
Here's what people think of Cities Restaurant
As of recent, Cities Restaurant holds a 4.3-star rating based on 558 reviews.
Customer reviews of Cities Restaurant present a generally positive view with some reservations. Many reviewers praise the quality of the food, noting enjoyable items like the calamari, cheese platter, and overall eclectic menu that stands out for offering a mix of steakhouse and Mexican-inspired dishes. The decor and pleasant crowd contribute to a comfortable dining atmosphere, and the live music on Sunday nights adds an entertaining dimension that diners appreciate, especially those visiting the bar area after 10 pm. However, some criticisms focus on inconsistencies such as the crab cakes tasting off, temperature issues with certain dishes like the rib eyes and Kobe burgers, and occasional service lapses including confusion with menu versions and lack of detailed knowledge from the staff. These issues suggest occasional operational challenges rather than systemic problems. Positive reviews tend to highlight the enjoyable food and vibrant ambiance as well as the unique entertainment experience, whereas negative feedback centers around service and food preparation irregularities. Overall, the reviews indicate that Cities Restaurant is a valued local spot with character and live entertainment appeal, though it may benefit from improving consistency in kitchen and service operations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Anish Thakkar (Doc Thakkar)
Came here after looking at the happy hour menu online, found out that they weren’t running it any more (only HH for drinks). Happy hour includes: $6 drafts, $4 bottles, $5 well drinks, $6 margaritas / palomas. Unfortunately, their hazy IPA was tapped out, so we stuck to blue moons / pacificos. They were out of shrimp, so I went for the beef barbacoa tacos, which were excellent (handmade fried tortillas, fresh ingredients). Will come back to try other items, all in all a decent experience.
Alfredo Renteria
Came to celebrate my girlfriends birthday. The food was incredible, beautifully plated, and temperatures on the proteins were on point. The drinks ( Mezcal is our preference) are also delicious(spirits were balanced in cocktails). Service was a 10. I didn't know what to expect walking in, but I was extremely impressed. Will come again.
Black Beard
I did not eat here, but I did go to the nightclub. DJ Swank, Robert V, and Manny Q were rocking the scene with music. Clean atmosphere, Matt the bartender was cool as well. He was polite and professional. The clientele was good, and there were no snappers.They have 2 levels and 2 dance floors. I liked it a lot, I will return. 🧡🍺🍺🍹
Monica P
Do not valet, they broke into my car, stole my stuff and then didn't wanna take responsibility. If you come just don't bring anything valuable with you.
Andrew Zimmer
Great digs all around. Came after a round of golf and was greeted with great food, good drinks, and wonderful service
How to reach Cities Restaurant
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Website: None
Why Cities Restaurant may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
When planning a meetup with friends, the ambiance, food, and overall experience are crucial. Cities Restaurant stands out as a superb venue for gathering your group because it combines a warm atmosphere with diverse and well-prepared food options, making everyone feel at home. Located in Los Angeles, this spot has cultivated a loyal following with a solid 4.3 rating from over 550 reviews, proving its popularity and consistent quality. Whether you're looking for a relaxed dinner with close friends or an exciting night out, Cities Restaurant offers a balance of comfort and vibrancy. The décor has been described as appealing and pleasant, offering an inviting environment that can accommodate intimate conversations or lively group discussions. Its eclectic menu, which merges steakhouse classics with subtle Mexican influences, ensures that there is something for everyone. These qualities make Cities Restaurant a reliable and fun place for socializing, creating memories, and enjoying great food and drinks together.
Moreover, the staff’s efforts to accommodate special requests and its bustling yet friendly vibe add to the welcoming feel. On certain nights, live entertainment, like the popular Steel Rod band, enhances the experience, especially if your group wants to enjoy music and mingle after dinner. This combination of tasty food, relaxing ambiance, and social perks makes Cities Restaurant an ideal rallying point for groups looking to connect and celebrate in style.
What activities can you enjoy at Cities Restaurant with your group?
Cities Restaurant provides more than just a place to eat; it offers a variety of activities that cater perfectly to groups. For starters, food sharing is a highlight here. The menu’s appetizers like calamari, cheese platters, and crab cakes—though opinions vary on some dishes—serve as excellent starters for a shared dining experience. This encourages interaction and conversation as everyone samples different flavors and dishes. Then, for those who appreciate finer dining, the inclusion of steak and burgers with unique twists offers satisfying entrees that can suit diverse palates.
Furthermore, the restaurant’s ambiance makes it ideal for more than just dining. On Sunday nights, Cities hosts live music with the Steel Rod band performing, a feature that thrills music lovers and provides a vibrant atmosphere for guests to unwind. This musical backdrop transforms the eatery from a place focused on quiet dinners to a lively meetup spot where friends can enjoy entertainment together. Additionally, the full bar with a selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails adds to the range of options, ideal for toasts or simply relaxing with drinks after indulging in food.
Cities also has a policy of no children after 10 pm, which signals an adult-friendly vibe during later hours, perfect for groups that want a more grown-up night socializing over drinks and music without distractions. So, whether your group is in the mood for a casual dinner, an interactive night with music, or a late-evening hangout at the bar, Cities Restaurant covers all these bases, making activities here varied and engaging for everyone involved.
Why is Cities Restaurant perfect for a group meetup?
The success of any group meetup hinges on the environment’s ability to facilitate comfort, enjoyment, and social interaction—qualities Cities Restaurant delivers with ease. One major factor is its spacious yet cozy layout that can comfortably accommodate groups large and small. Reviews highlight that even when busy, the restaurant maintains a pleasant crowd, meaning your group won’t feel overwhelmed or out of place. Such a setting eases socializing and keeps the atmosphere relaxed, so a group can focus on enjoying each other's company.
Its eclectic menu also supports diverse tastes within a group, from meat lovers craving ribeye steaks to those preferring lighter options like salads or cheese platters. This diversity minimizes dining conflicts and maximizes satisfaction, a critical element when ordering for several people. Furthermore, the staff, while criticized occasionally for some menu inconsistencies, generally provide attentive service, helping groups by suggesting suitable dishes or catering to special dietary needs when possible.
Another advantage lies in the unique finishes Cities adds to typical dishes. The slight Mexican influences and creative twists on classic steakhouse fare provide a fresh dining experience, giving a meetup a distinctive feel beyond the usual restaurant outing. The additional perks, such as live music nights and a comprehensive drink menu, create a dynamic environment that transforms a simple meal into a memorable social event.
These factors combined—welcoming ambiance, diverse menu, suitable space, and engaging extras—make Cities Restaurant especially fitting for friends or families looking to gather, celebrate, or simply spend quality time together.
What should groups expect from the food and drink experience at Cities Restaurant?
The food at Cities Restaurant is often described as very good, with a menu that attracts those who enjoy a mix of classic and eclectic flavors. The offerings include appetizers like calamari and cheese platters which are generally reliable crowd-pleasers, though some dishes such as crab cakes have received mixed reviews. Main courses range from ribeye steaks cooked to order to Kobe burgers that provide hearty satisfaction. The menu attempts to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, which is an important feature when dining in groups with diverse culinary likes.
Drinks are equally well thought out, with a full bar that includes wine, craft beer, and cocktails crafted to complement the food offerings. This helps meet the needs of varied drinkers in a group, whether they prefer a light wine, a local brew, or a creative cocktail. The thoughtful drink selection encourages toasts and social drinking, amplifying the sense of occasion within meetups.
Service-wise, while some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies such as varying menus at the table or servers needing to double-check kitchen details, these seem to be rare and overshadowed by the overall positive experience. Groups can expect friendly, accommodating service that tries to enhance the meal experience and address any needs quickly.
Overall, Cities Restaurant balances quality food and drink with thoughtful presentation and service, providing a reliable and enjoyable culinary experience for groups looking to share great meals and drinks in a comfortable setting.
How does the entertainment at Cities Restaurant enhance group meetups?
Entertainment at Cities Restaurant plays a significant role in shaping an enjoyable group experience. On Sunday nights, the restaurant features live performances by the Steel Rod band, which sets a lively tone perfect for friends or family who want to add a musical element to their meetup. This entertainment option turns what might be just a dinner into an event, offering an immersive auditory backdrop that encourages mingling and engagement beyond just eating.
The live music, combined with the restaurant’s bar atmosphere after 10 pm, creates an ideal setting for groups that want to continue their meetups later into the evening. The no-children policy post-10 pm means the space is geared towards adults looking for a refined yet fun night out with friends. This ensures the group's vibe remains relaxed and focused on socializing, music, and drinks without distractions.
Such entertainment offerings are especially valuable because they allow Cities to serve multiple purposes: as a daytime or early evening casual dining spot and as a vibrant nightlife hangout. This adaptability fits the needs of varied groups, whether they aim for a calm meal or a more energetic evening gathering.
By providing entertainment that complements dining and drinking, Cities Restaurant enriches the group meetup, making it an opportunity to bond over both great food and great music in an inviting and lively atmosphere.