Brack Shop Tavern
Patty melt with roasted jalapeño pimento cheese at Brack Shop Tavern in downtown Los Angeles.

Each week we spotlight top Los Angeles restaurants, dining and drinking experiences you need to try.

Edited by Christina Xenos

Brack Shop Tavern
The new downtown sports bar hits all the marks with game-viewing, an inventive menu and stellar cocktails. So much so, that even those who couldn’t tell you the difference between the Rams and the Raiders would still be happy to grab a seat and sink their teeth into an expertly crafted patty melt with roasted jalapeño pimento cheese—one of the best renditions of the dish in the city. The concept, from Last Word Hospitality (Same Same), takes over the former Barrel Down space on 7th St. downtown and fills with an array of interesting and tasty fare like vegetarian mole tacos made with cauliflower; (addictive) twice-baked pee wee potatoes and fried chicken livers a la “Shake’N Bake”. Cocktail highlights include the ever-bubbly bubbly Spritz & Giggles with Aperol, tart cherry cider and mint; and Strawberry Letter 23 with Campari, dry vermouth, strawberry, lime and pink peppercorn. They also serve brunch all day long on Sunday from 10 a.m.-midnight. 525 W. 7th St., downtown. brackshoptavern.com

Michael’s Santa Monica
Re-opens Sept. 15. The legendary Santa Monica restaurant enters a new era with the arrival of chef Miles Thompson. You may remember him from his sought-after food at critically acclaimed Allumette in Echo Park. Thompson brings his nuanced, ingredient-focused approach to the new menu with beginnings like housemade buckwheat sourdough bread with sunflower butter; raw plates like beef tartare with Riesling vinegar, fermented pepper and okra seed caviar; small offerings like ricotta gnudi with lamb sausage, spigarello and preserved orange; Asian-influenced plates like sichuan pork dumplings with cured salmon roe, black vinegar, tarragon; and large dishes such as black cod with lemongrass rice, soured little gems and dried chili dipping sauce. Also find a refreshed interior and market-to-glass cocktail program by beverage director Meredith Hayman (Bestia, Faith and Flower) that features signature drinks like Road to Kyushu with Kikori Japanese whiskey, Galliano, Averna, barrel-aged bitters, kumquat and clove. Mon.-Sat., 5:30-10:30 p.m. 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica, 310.451.0843. michaelssantamonica.com

mar’sel
Sept. 15. September is California Wine Month and mar’sel at the Terranea Resort has a unique dining experience for any wine connoisseur. Led by Resort Sommelier Szymon Piechaczek, mar’sel at Terranea will continue their bi-monthly library wine dinner series with Opus One. Taste rare and celebrated wines no longer available to the public during a five-course meal that features selections like veal heart tartare; swordfish involtini; braised oxtail and more. Wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at 6 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Reservations required. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.265.2766. $275/pp. terranea.com

Hollywood Dine Around
Progressively dine around some of Hollywood’s most stylish restaurants with SBE’s new package. Your night will start with dropping off your car at Katsuya, where you’ll enjoy appetizers; then you’ll walk across Hollywood Blvd. to Cleo where you will continue your feast with dinner and dessert. End your night with a signature cocktail at The Library. When you’re ready to head home, The Redbury will have your car waiting for you. $79/pp, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Sun.-Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m. sbe.com

Hanjip Korean BBQ
All your Korean barbecue dream have finally come true now that Culver City favorite, Hanjip has gone all-you-can-eat on all its menus. Expect a continued emphasis on featuring premium meats and seafood—now with an even wider selection to choose from including beef tongue, calamari, spicy shrimp, new marinade options, garlic chicken, cheese fondue and more. All your other favorites like bone marrow corn cheese (complete with a bone “luge” for soju shots), the famed Watermelon Soju topped with Fruity Pebbles, and an array of complimentary seasonal banchan are still on the menu. 3829 Main St, Culver City, 323.720.8804. hanjip.com

Tuesday Sherry Night at Marvin
Stop by the West Hollywood restaurant for a inaugural installment of the weekly event dedicated to the classic pairing of ham and sherry. Choose from an array of cured hams—Iberico, jamon serrano, prosciutto and more—served with “pan con tomate” as well light bites.  Don’t know much about pairing ham and sherry?  Let the knowledgeable Marvin staff guide you. 8114 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.655.5553. chezmarvin.com

Gran Cosecha Tequila Tasting at Gracias Madre
Sept. 15. Jason Eisner and Gran Cosecha owner Eli Cardon will be hosting a tasting of the small batch tequila.  Guests can select from a flight ($25), a special cocktail using Gran Cosecha ($20), or opt for a pairing menu from Chef Chandra ($65)! The tasting will take place at 7pm but diners are welcome to enjoy the specials all evening. 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.978.2170. graciasmadreweho.com

The Guild’s Sunday Supper Series
Sept. 18. The Sunset Strip restaurant in the former iconic Screen Actors Guild headquarters offers a new Sunday night prix-fixe meal—perfect for two—that includes a seasonal salad, entree and dessert. The main course leans toward com for food with offerings that include buttermilk fried chicken with with kohlrabi fennel slaw, cornbread and honey cup mustard (Sept. 18); rack of lamb with with pomme puree, seasonal veggies, and pomegranate jus (Sept. 25); and prime rib eye with yucca fries and chimichurri sauce. You’ll also get a bottle of wine to go with your feast. $60/for two people. 8741 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 424.279.9601. TheGuildLA.com

Imagine Tea
Sept. 18. This special children’s event at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena pairs all the delicacies of high tea with a touch of magic. The experience features junior magicians from the Academy of Magical Arts performing close-up magic, while children dine on a specialty menu of magically decorated cookies, ham, turkey and PB&J sandwiches and whimsical desserts, all accompanied by pink lemonade, milk and a selection of fruit-infused, caffeine-free teas. Young tea guests will also have the opportunity to make their own magic during the tea, as they are invited to attend dressed as whichever character, person or animal most appeals to their imagination. $48/adults, $36/children 12 and under. Seatings at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations required. Guests are encouraged to bring a new or used book to donate to Milk + Bookies. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6218. pasadena.langhamhotels.com

Tender Greens Summer Beer Garden & Whole Pig Roast
Sept. 18. Tender Greens is celebrating the end of the season with a family-style feast. Dine on a whole pig slow roasted in a La Caja China with generous pours by Strand Brewing Co. The menu also includes small bites and sides such as: hand-rolled pretzels with sorrel butter; crispy sweet breads with apples, currants and brown-butter cider vinaigrette; ash roasted beet salad with pumpernickel gremolata; duck fat fried marble mashed potatoes; baked sweet potato and red kuri squash auflauf. $45/pp. 5:30 p.m. Tender Greens Hollywood, 6290 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323.382.0380. tghollywood.splashthat.com

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