New and Notable Restaurants

I dined here last night and I have to say my expectations were very high. The cocktails were superb, as promised by many a review, as was the Mac & Cheese and that killer chocolate croissant bread pudding. Our server was good, but it was the manager/owner (?) who was very attentive and kept checking on us. We even added a side dish after we started our main course and he managed to get it out for us right away. OK, so here's what we had: Heirloom Tomato Salad which had a perfectly balanced dressing and a generous portion of sliced, crisp red onion and tangy olives. Seared Foie Gras over walnut waffles with strawberry compote & vanilla creme friache. Ok, 2 out of three of us liked this one. The Foie was yummy but the the portion was far too small compared the the waffles and strawberries and it's flavor was a bit overwhelmed by the waffles. I think this dish could work if the portions are adjusted. For entrees we had the Filet Mignon, the Pork Lion Cutlets and the Seared Maple Duck Breast. The Filet was cooked and seasoned perfectly, this was the night's winning dish. The Pork Loin was juicy and the chipotle mash was a wonderful surprise. The only issue with this dish was the salsa which was far too salty (this turned out to be a recurring theme). Finally the Duck Breast; I really wanted this one to be perfect, I had been waiting to try it. The meat was tender (just past medium rare) and the skin was crispy. The braised fennel and pear were to die for and balanced out the entire dish, but the SALT ATTACKED AGAIN! I'm not sure what happened here, but the duck was so salty it was distracting. I hope they take care of this problem because otherwise this place is amazing and I want to have this dish again minus the salt soon. I still want to go back and try the lobster roll which if good would in and of itself make me a regular there. Finally, you just can't beat their prices, specially since they're serving quality ingredients.

Pros: great dishes, great price, attentive manager/owner
Cons: slacker wait staff, occasionally too salty

So, this place is FANTASTIC. I was bummed that we did not have a reservation and had to sit at the bar but all of that was gone as soon as we were greeted by the friendly staff and had the full menu to order from.

They are known for their special, which is $19.00 and is a condensed menu. I ordered this and was TOTALLY! blown away. My partner also had the special but we had different choices so I got to taste hers and she mine.

Starter: Tomato Soup / Mac n Cheese - BRAVA!
Main: Kobe Burger / Pork w/ chipotle mashed - OMG
Dessert: Chocolate bread pudding - WOW!!!!!!!!

15 is a restaurant that I will be returning to, often. It was an oasis in the once stigmatized and problem area of Echo Park. EP is now a bit trendy in some respects and unchanged in others. I hope that this restaurant once hugely successful (as it will be, if not already) will give back to the community that is in desperate need of good leadership and opportunity.

15 is 6 stars in my book.

Pros: Food, Service, Drinks
Cons: Parking (Park on Sunset)

I'm telling you this is the best for the money in the area! Service was outstanding (granted we came early for the $15 deal) and were treated graciously by all the friendly wait staff and owner. My fish entree was perfect, my friend's burger divine. Salad small but well dressed and healthy fresh. Dessert was lovely and decadent. The atmosphere is contemporary with interesting art on the walls and great lighting. Don't miss 15.

Pros: Excellent value, delicious food, very friendly staff. You feel pampered the entire time
Cons: Parking can be painful, the drive from Studio City is long sometimes

Cant say enough good things about 15. Service is great, always attentive and willing help. Been here a few times and cant complain about the food. The burger and mac n cheese is delicious!!! Cant forget the drinks... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Great place to bring the family or go on a date...

Pros: food, drink, service, decor
Cons: parking, drinks

Unequivocally the worst dining experience I've had in several years. We were neglected by our waiter to the point where we had to enter our own drink order at the bar. Food was mediocre but drinks were good. It's probably the only reason to stop by. I've been looking forward to an enjoyable upscale dining experience in Echo Park...this isn't it. I've had better service at the DMV than I had at 15.

Pros: drinks
Cons: service, food, parking