When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Running Goose
Why Running Goose is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Running Goose offers a unique and inviting setting perfect for meeting up with friends or acquaintances in Los Angeles. This Central American-inspired restaurant features a quiet, partially shielded patio and a peaceful herb garden, creating an atmosphere that's both relaxing and intimate amid the city's bustle. The restaurant blends beautiful aesthetics — from its spotless and welcoming interior to its thoughtfully designed exterior — making it a pleasant spot that impresses guests right from arrival. With valet parking available for a fee, it’s convenient for visitors driving in. Running Goose serves imaginative, flavorsome dishes that surpass typical Latin cuisine expectations, featuring standout items like tender duck confit with cherry port wine reduction, braised short ribs with chipotle adobado, and satisfying kale salads dressed with garlic bacon and white anchovies. Dessert choices such as Horchata Crème Brûlée with crushed almonds and blueberries provide a delightful finish. The venue's brunch scene is also appealing, offering a $30 bottomless mimosa deal on weekends with entrée purchase, perfect for leisurely mornings or afternoons with company. Overall, Running Goose combines delicious, thoughtfully prepared food with a serene environment making it an exceptional locale to enjoy meals and meaningful conversations with friends.
Here's what people think of Running Goose
As of recent, Running Goose holds a 4.5-star rating based on 707 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight Running Goose’s excellent cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Positive feedback often praises the exceptional quality and flavor of dishes such as the duck confit, short ribs, kale salad, and creative Latin-inspired offerings. Many reviewers note the restaurant's cleanliness, the beauty of its interior and exterior setting, and the attentive service that promptly checks on diners and provides a welcoming experience. The mix of vegan options alongside meat dishes also expands appeal. The quiet patio and peaceful herb garden create a calm oasis in busy Hollywood, notably enhancing the social dining experience. On the downside, some guests mention the valet parking fee, which can be inconvenient for those seeking free parking options. Additionally, the $30 bottomless mimosa offer carries a two-hour limit, which might feel restrictive for those wanting a longer brunch experience. Despite these minor critiques, the restaurant’s high rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 700 reviews affirms broad customer satisfaction. In summary, Running Goose is treasured for its flavorful, high-quality menu and charming ambiance, making it a favored destination for both casual and special occasions in Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Elisabetta Angela Lovato
First of all, the service was nice. The waiter was always kind but not insistent. The Summer Tomato salad was delicious, with perfectly balanced tastes. And the Chicken sandwich was yummy and really huge. Definitely a place to be considered.
Alon Grinshpoon
This place is a fantastic restaurant! 🍴 Running 🏃♂️ Goose 🪿 offers a wonderful selection of delicious 🤤 dishes 🍽️ - definitely get the Baked ♨️ Brie Cheese 🧀 with Bread, Fettuccine Pasta 🍝 with Chicken 🐔 and Gnocchi with Mushrooms! 🍄 Staff 👨🍳 is friendly and professional, service is quick ⏲️, and they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. 🪑 I wish I could come here more often!
Joy Hazucha
Such a delightful place! Pleasant shaded patio, creative and perfect food! The salted cod churros were the most novel. Also tasty and filling.
Mary Suzette Rubio
Hidden gem with chill patio vibes. The special al pastor sandwich was flavorful. Ideal spot for a laid-back outdoor bite.
G DJ (Geri)
This place is amazing! It sits in the middle of a restaurant row near the Hollywood Pantages. It is easy to drive or walk past it because of its unassuming facade. But please don't! This is a wonderful little gem! From the service to the ambiance, the affordability, and the delectable food they serve, I am surprised it isn't more popular than it is. There were quite a few menu offerings that were intriguing, and had we been hungrier, we would have ordered more. What we did order and enjoyed did not disappoint. Come with people you dont mind sharing food with. The food will definitely get everyone in your party talking and bonding over the flavors and presentation. The service staff frequently check on their guests and offer recommendations to help give you a one of a kind experience. I recommend dining al fresco in their quaint and cozy patio. We will definitely return with friends and family. An experience like the Running Goose is worth sharing!
How to reach Running Goose
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Why Running Goose may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Running Goose with your friends?
Choosing the perfect spot to gather with friends or family can turn a simple meetup into a memorable experience, and Running Goose stands out as an exceptional destination for exactly that. Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, Running Goose offers a unique blend of intimate ambiance and culinary excellence that makes every visit special. The restaurant’s inviting and cozy setting, combined with its reputation for attentive and friendly service, creates a welcoming environment that naturally encourages lively conversation and bonding. Whether you and your friends are food enthusiasts or simply looking for a tranquil escape from city hustle, Running Goose provides an atmosphere that balances relaxation with sophistication. Moreover, it offers a diverse menu inspired by Latin and Central American flavors, making it easy to find dishes that cater to varying tastes and dietary preferences. With a high overall rating of 4.5 from over 700 reviews, it’s clear that many guests have found Running Goose to be the ideal meet-up spot where great food and great company go hand in hand.
What activities and experiences make Running Goose ideal for group meetups?
Running Goose is much more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where the experience is heightened by its beautiful environment, lively yet peaceful vibe, and thoughtful offerings for groups. One of the standout features is the restaurant’s presence of an organic herb garden, which not only adds greenery and calm to the surroundings but also serves as the source of fresh, hand-picked ingredients used in the dishes. This connection to fresh produce enriches the flavor profile, elevating the experience beyond typical dining. The venue also offers both indoor seating with chic and trendy interiors and an outdoor patio area. The quiet patio, partly shielded from the busy Hollywood streets, is an excellent spot for friends to enjoy a meal paired with the open air, making it ideal for weekend brunches or evening dinners. For groups, the patio’s layout promotes a communal atmosphere that encourages easy interaction. Running Goose is also pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, supporting inclusivity, which is important when gathering diverse friends or family members.
How does the menu support a diverse group’s tastes and dietary needs?
The culinary menu at Running Goose caters impressively to a wide range of tastes, which is crucial when dining in a group with different preferences. The restaurant specializes in Latin and Central American cuisine but goes beyond that to offer options that will satisfy both meat lovers and those with vegetarian or vegan diets. Popular dishes include expertly prepared duck leg confit, braised short ribs with chipotle adobado, and innovative salads like the kale salad with garlic bacon dressing, smoked bacon, parmesan, panko, and a surprising touch of white anchovies. For groups with vegan or vegetarian members, the kitchen offers flavorful options that don’t compromise on taste or presentation. The diverse menu means everyone has something to look forward to, reducing meal indecision and ensuring that the group dining experience is enjoyable for all. Additionally, the dessert menu provides standout items like the Horchata Crème Brûlée with crushed almonds and blueberries, offering a sweet finish that’s perfect for sharing amongst friends.
What makes the ambiance and service at Running Goose stand out for group dining?
Atmosphere and service are vital to a successful group outing, and Running Goose excels on both fronts. Guests frequently praise the restaurant for its spotless and beautifully maintained interior and exterior spaces. Whether it is the intimate lighting, the stylish yet comfortable decor, or the naturally calming presence of the herb garden, Running Goose creates an environment that is sophisticated but never intimidating. This balance is perfect for groups because it encourages relaxed, authentic conversations without the noise or distractions typical of larger venues. Moreover, the service is noted for being both attentive and timely, with staff proactively checking in and ensuring that the needs of all guests in a group are met. The ease of communication and the friendly demeanor of the servers contribute to a stress-free dining experience, letting the group focus on enjoyment rather than logistics. Additionally, valet parking, though available for a fee, adds a convenience factor that is appreciated by guests arriving together, simplifying arrival and departure for busy groups.
What special touches at Running Goose enhance group celebrations and meetups?
Running Goose offers features and touches that naturally support celebrations and casual group meetups alike. The availability of $30 bottomless mimosas with purchase of an entrée during weekend brunch hours creates an inviting option for celebratory gatherings like birthdays, casual reunions, or simply weekend catch-ups. The two-hour limit for this special ensures that groups have a generous time window to enjoy their meal and drinks at a relaxed pace. Furthermore, the setting—distant enough from hectic Hollywood street noise thanks to shielding and landscaping—allows groups to enjoy privacy and comfort while still feeling connected to the city’s vibrant energy. The mix of indoor cozy booths and the peaceful patio seating provides group seating flexibility to match the occasion’s vibe. The use of organic herbs from the on-site garden not only denotes freshness but also appeals to guests more conscious about food sourcing and quality. All these components together highlight Running Goose as a place where celebrations feel intimate and dining feels elevated, making it a top choice for meaningful social gatherings.
How accessible and inclusive is Running Goose for diverse groups?
Running Goose takes steps to accommodate a diverse range of guests, making it particularly suitable for inclusive group meetups. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility needs can enjoy the space comfortably without barriers. Being pet-friendly also encourages bringing along furry friends, which can enhance the group experience for many who appreciate including their pets on outings. The restaurant’s location in central Hollywood is easily reachable by different modes of transport and is well connected to the surrounding city. These accessibility features, paired with a menu that offers vegan and vegetarian choices, demonstrate Running Goose’s commitment to welcoming all guests. For groups with varying needs or preferences, such inclusivity helps foster a warm and accommodating atmosphere where everyone can feel considered and at ease.
What practical considerations support group visits to Running Goose?
Running Goose’s operational details also align well with group visits, making organization and planning simpler. The restaurant operates from 10:00 am to late evening, accommodating both brunch and dinner meetups, which adds flexibility in scheduling according to your group's availability and preferences. Though the restaurant is closed on Mondays, its extended hours the rest of the week, including weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas, provide many opportunities to plan special gatherings. Parking can sometimes be a challenge in Hollywood, but the availability of valet parking for a fee eases this concern, especially for larger groups arriving together. The ability to reserve seating is another advantage, ensuring that groups can secure spots ahead of time for popular dining times. These practical details underscore Running Goose’s thoughtful approach to group hospitality, allowing meetups to proceed smoothly and without avoidable stress.
By offering a welcoming environment, a diverse and flavorful menu, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities, Running Goose positions itself as an exceptional venue for rallying with friends or family, transforming any gathering into a rich shared experience.