Just in time for hitting that pandemic dinner wall, dineL.A. Restaurant Week is here to the rescue, serving up culinary eats and treats from Mar. 1 through Mar. 12. Not familiar with dineL.A.? It’s a twice-a-year event where participating restaurants offer a special lunch or dinner menu at a special price. So if you’ve always wanted to try a new spot with the kids but were afraid the cost was too prohibitive, now is your chance.
In normal, non-pandemic years, reservations are highly recommended but because this year is anything but normal, they’ve added both takeaway menus and partnered with Grubhub for free delivery. Now the question isn’t “What’s for dinner?” but “Where are we getting dinner from?” Check out our kid-friendly picks below!
DTLA
Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.
This Boyle Heights newcomer is "serving up some serious lunch and dinner dineL.A. menus, featuring a three-course menu with a mix of specialty pizzas, wings, and papas" all for under $35. Once in-person dining resumes, we're positive this fast-casual pizza place will become your must-stop when you're traveling between east LA and the westside.
2706 E Ceasar E Chavez Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: brooklynavepizzaco.com
Pikunico Fried Chicken
This Japanese sandwich shop is worth the hype and includes must-try like the Golden Chicken Sandwich and includes their flourless brownie cookie. For dinner, order the family basket that will feed 2 adults and 2 kids and includes 4 choconut chip cookies. As one reviewer puts it, "It's worth the trip here just for the exceptional food, but RowDTLA is a great place to social distance and be outside, great place to bring kids as well."
767 S Alameda St.
Los Angeles
Online: pikunico.com
Maccheroni Republic
For carb-loving kids, grab some handmade, organic pasta dishes and send yourselves on a gastronomical trip that will have you (almost) believing you have traveled to the Italian countryside.
332 S Broadway
Los Angeles
Online: maccheronirepublic.com
Pez Cantina
Another dreamy spot whose food will transport you to your favorite coastal- Mexican town, this local favorite is known for its authentic chips and salsa. Don't forget to save room for the churros ice cream sundae.
401 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: pezcantina.com
Silverlake & Echo Park
Same Same Thai
For kids that are already fans of Pad Thai, hit up Same Same Thai's dinner menu that includes a choice of Pad Se Ew or Shrimp Katieam. And of course the tapioca pudding with coconut hits the dessert spot.
2835 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: samesamethai.com
All Day Baby
Rated as a top LA newcomer, this bakery-bar-diner opened three months before COVID broke out, forcing it to reinvent itself in order to survive—and we are so glad they did. While their menu hasn't been released for dineL.A. yet, we are praying that their ADB Biscuit Sandwich will make the cut. And if not, get yourselves over there and order it from their pick-up window—the LA TImes calls it, "a biscuit sandwich that crushes all others." Enough said.
3200 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: alldaybabyla.com
Carousel Restaurant Hollywood
This restaurant has been serving authentic middle-eastern food since 1983 and is (thankfully) showing no signs of slowing down, pandemic or not. We love ordering small dishes and plates to share, increasing the chance your kids may try (and like!) something new.
5112 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: carouselrestaurant.com
West Hollywood
LN2 Pizza Shoppe
Need we say more than yummy wood-fired pizza? We didn't think so either.
7212 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles
323-917-5178
Online: ln2restaurant.com
Gracias Madre
This West Hollywood staple changed the Mexican food game forever with their plant-based meals that are guaranteed to convert even the most ardent meat-lovers. There's a reason why this spot has a cult following—and we're sure you'll become a stan if you aren't already.
8905 Melrose
West Hollywood
Online: graciasmadre.co
Hugo Restaurant
If the pandemic pounds are feeling a little much, then order from Hugo's—a restuarant that emphasizes "health-focused Californian fare." With 7 different bowls available for lunch, there is sure to be something for everyone in the family.
8401 Melrose
West Hollywood
Online: hugosrestaurant.com
Granville
Parents probably already know about this go-to spot for families but during dineL.A. you can get a three-course lunch for $30. In the past, various locations have participated in dineL.A. but this year, you can only get the special menu at their West Hollywood location.
8701 Beverly Blvd.
West Hollywood
Online: granvillecafe.com
Westside
Adrift Burger Bar
Burger lovers rejoice! Michelin-starred Chef David Myers' signature burger along with his truffle chips made the lunch-menu cut for this year's dineL.A. Grab a couple of these and head to the beach for a seaside picnic that will feel downright vacation-worthy.
1025 Abbott Kinney Blvd.
Venice
Online: adriftburgerla.com
Maple Block Meat Company
Dig into juicy ribs and sample fresh-squeezed lemonade at this authentic Culver City BBQ spot. Looking for a bigger BBQ experience? Ask about their family meals and their family dinners to-go boxes too!
3973 Sepulveda Blvd.
Culver City
Online: www.mapleblockmeat.com
Charcoal Venice
Dinner at this neighborhood hangout is where kids can sample chicken wings, salmon, and a slew of veggie sides.
425 Washington Blvd.
Marina Del Rey
Online: www.charcoalvenice.com
–Andie Huber
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