An instant classic since it opened in 1984, The Grill on the Alley invokes the timeless comfort of the grillrooms of yesteryear with a modern sensibility and unshakable hipness. A prime location for the L.A. power lunch, the Beverly Hills original reigns among traditional American dining superstars with natural consistency and a simplicity rare to this town. Steaks, pastas and chicken potpie-like comfort dishes offer something for nearly everyone, while impeccable martinis and a much-touted rice pudding satisfy even Hollywood's most elite. Though the concept has now spread to several outposts in SoCal (including The Grill on Hollywood) and throughout the U.S., one would be hard-pressed to replicate the magic of the original. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Sat, dinner nightly.
Where The Locals Eat Rating
Best American Traditional
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"For anybody who has a thing for classic American chophouses, the Grill on the Alley is a habit. I've introduced countless friends to the Grill over the years and never found one who didn't immediately adopt the place into his or her canon of favorite L.A. restaurants."
—Los Angeles Times
"The setting is decidedly masculine, the service perfect, the menu heavy with steaks, chops, and massive vegetable dishes. Martinis and moguls are in their element amid the wood, brass, and leather."
—Los Angeles magazine
"Yes, the steaks are good; yes, the martinis are perfect; yes, the corned-beef hash (well-done, thank you very much) is sublime. ... You will also find this town's essential rice pudding."
—Los Angeles Weekly
How others rate Grill on the Alley
Zagat 2009
24 food rating (very good to excellent)
American Traditional Tops
Los Angeles Times
**1/2 (very good to excellent)
Los Angeles Weekly
Best Shrimp Louie, 2008 critics' poll
Los Angeles magazine
No. 29 on 75 Best Restaurants list, 2008
** (distinctive and assured)
Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA)
Award of Excellence
Mobil Travel Guide
*** (excellent food, attentive and skillful service, enjoyable décor)