Editor Pick
Liberty Grill
It may seem a little out of place; a Spanish-style building, surrounded by a parking lot that is just across the street from the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. I guess that I've lived here long enough that I have learned to roll with the punches. Anyway this restaurant is easy to miss, but should be placed high on the list of places to eat when in LA. The atmosphere is very low key and relaxing. It truly took me out of Los Angeles. The inside is brick, there is fire place, and even a giant Liberty Bell. Although the inside was fun my group opted to sit on the patio. Although we were outside the view of the high rise buildings were blocked from view keeping us in the atmosphere of the Liberty Grill. From where I was sitting I could look inside and see the exhibition kitchen. These are always my favorite. I love watching everyone run around, the food being prepared, and the waiters running to pick it up. Maybe it's the hustle that I never see in LA and it comes through here that makes me love open kitchens, but I think it is more of watching someone else work and I don't have to that makes me enjoy them the most.
The restaurant specialized in comfort food, but with a twist. Where else serves Mac n Cheese bites ($9.00)? They offer a variety of foods including calamari ($11), BBQ chicken salad ($16), Sloppy Joe ($11.50), Denver chili ($10), meatloaf (17.50), and baby back ribs ($25). Although it may sound like a menu at any fast food joint, but with higher prices the Liberty Grill is anything but. The food is amazing and high quality, and is served with a high end flare. I ordered the bacon-blue cheese burger ($14). This was hands down one of the best burgers I have eaten. It was juicy with just the right amount of blue cheese. It was one of those things where you are stuffed beyond belief, but want more. My friends ordered the shrimp scampi ($20), pasta pamodoro ($11.50), and the four cheese ravioli ($12.50). All said the same thing; they were said to see the bottom of the bowl.
I can't say enough about the staff here. I was with a party of six and we were their for two hours. During that time we had two different waiters, and the group that I was with wasn't easy. There were two pre-Madonna's in the group, one of which was creating here own drama, two who weren't familiar with the food and barley spoke English, my friend who was dealing with the drama queen, and me, who was pissed off at the drama queen and embrassed beyond belief. The waiters took us in stride, never showed a glimpse of wanting to stab us with a steak knife, and even joked with us when I knew that they wanted to swear at us. Although the wait staff was young they showed a level of professionalism that left me in awe. Kudos to whoever trained them.
From journal Eating my Way though LA