The beloved Venice Beach steakhouse, American Beauty, has officially landed at The Grove, and it’s already redefining the Mid-City dining scene. Nestled in the former Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill space at 189 The Grove Drive, this new location brings its signature high-low take on the American steakhouse to a bustling Los Angeles landmark. With a carefully curated menu, an award-winning design team, and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, American Beauty at The Grove is poised to be the dining highlight of the season.
Originally launched in Venice Beach in 2019 by Paul Hibler, Jeff Goodman, and Bruce Horwitz, American Beauty aimed to reimagine the classic steakhouse experience for a modern audience. Known for its prime and dry-aged cuts from Santa Carota, Creekstone Farms, and Flannery Beef, alongside seafood and vegetable-forward creations, it quickly became a cornerstone of the community.
A New Chapter in American Beauty’s Evolution
The new location expands on this legacy with fresh innovations. Chefs Elisha Ben-Haim and Evan Hickey have crafted a menu that highlights wood-grilled steaks, pristine seafood, and seasonal, vegetable-driven dishes sourced from trusted regional purveyors. The addition of weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and location-specific offerings ensures that American Beauty at The Grove will cater to all tastes and occasions.
American Beauty at The Grove isn’t just about exceptional food—it’s a visual and sensory experience. Designed by Frederick Fisher and Partners, the 6,500-square-foot restaurant and its 2,000-square-foot wrap-around patio combine contemporary elegance with timeless design elements. The horseshoe bar, a signature feature from the Venice location, is reimagined as the heart of the space, making it a perfect spot for intimate dinners or celebratory drinks. Also, if you look carefully at the photo below, you can see a black and white photo of the iconic actor Jack Nicholson.
The design reflects both the evolution and origin story of American Beauty, as it blends functionality, sustainability and a deep respect for the community and its cultural context.
My Experience: A Culinary Journey
I had the privilege of dining at the freshly minted American Beauty at The Grove, and let me tell you—this isn’t just a steakhouse; it’s a statement. From the moment I stepped inside, the vibe hit me like a well-timed baseline—warm, elevated, and unapologetically alive. Old-school hip hop poured from the speakers, setting a rhythm that matched the hum of the packed dining room. The place was electric, a full house of eager diners leaning into their meals like they’d stumbled upon something truly special. You could feel it in the air: this wasn’t just dinner; it was an experience.
Starters That Steal the Show
My culinary journey kicked off with the wood-grilled flatbread, a smoky masterpiece crowned with smoked honey, creamy labneh, and a burst of fresh herbs—a flawless duet of sweet and savory that left me wanting more. Then came the Bluefin tuna tartare, a dish so decadent it felt almost indulgent to eat. Silky, melt-in-your-mouth tuna paired with crisp, salty housemade ruffled potato chips—it was the kind of bite that makes you pause, just to savor the perfection.
Mains to Remember
For the main course, the grilled orata was impossible to pass up—a tender, flaky beauty that practically fell apart at the touch. The ajo blanco added a velvety richness, while the leek and grape relish brought just the right balance of sweet and tangy, all tied together with a smoky whisper of paprika oil. But let’s talk about the Flannery 15-Day Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye—14 ounces of pure, wood-fired perfection. Charred to an earthy crust on the outside and impossibly juicy within, it was a steak with soul, the kind you don’t forget. On the side, the crispy Brussels sprouts were an epiphany in vegetable form—earthy, sweet, and crackling with caramelized edges that made them downright addictive.
A Sweet Finale
Dessert was nothing short of a triumph. The molten chocolate cake—rich, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent—might just be the best I’ve ever tasted from this type of dessert. Its molten center oozed pure decadence, while the creamy peanut butter and cool vanilla ice cream danced together in perfect harmony. This is the kind of dessert that demands reverence. If you eat here, do yourself a favor: save room. Every sinful, glorious calorie is absolutely worth it.
The Win~Dow: A Crowd Favorite
American Beauty’s companion concept, The Win~Dow, is also part of the Grove location. Operating seven days a week during lunch and dinner, it serves up smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and its famous $4.35 cheeseburger. With the addition of this casual dining option, American Beauty ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience.
Why You Need to Visit American Beauty at The Grove
Whether you’re a steak aficionado, a seafood devotee, or someone who gets excited by a perfectly executed vegetable dish, American Beauty at The Grove has something to thrill your taste buds. Pair that with a stunningly designed space, service that hits all the right notes, and its prime perch at The Grove, and you’ve got more than a meal—you’ve got a destination you’ll be talking about long after the last bite.
The restaurant offers weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and an extensive wine and cocktail program, American Beauty at The Grove is set to become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Make your reservations now—you won’t regret it.
For more information and reservations, visit americanbeauty.la and follow the buzz on Instagram @americanbeauty.la. Don’t miss your chance to experience the evolution of the modern steakhouse at The Grove!
Address: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Photo credits: Image Courtesy of American Beauty and Jakob Layman
