parm first, encore later
dinner at dan tana’s, music at the troubadour, one of LA’s great nights out.
this is one of my favorite ways to spend a friday or saturday night in los angeles. a one-two punch. a night that feels like a memory as it’s happening.
📍 dan tana’s
9071 santa monica blvd, west hollywood, ca 90069
📍 the troubadour
9081 santa monica blvd, west hollywood, ca 90069
start by finding a concert you want to see at the troubadour. it’s one of the most iconic venues in the city. elton john played his first US show there in 70s. tom petty, carole king, prince, joni mitchell, metallica—just about every legend has come through. it’s small, intimate, and built to hold everything together.
once you’ve got your tickets, call dan tana’s and make a reservation for 6:30pm. yes, actually call. a real person picks up the phone. no weird hold music or automated bullshit. i called at 10am and someone answered immediately. in this era of restaurants hiding their phone numbers or ghosting calls altogether, you gotta love it.
dan tana’s is a classic west hollywood restaurant, but somehow a lot of angelenos i know have never been. credit goes to my friend harris and her family who are from LA for putting me on to dan tanas.
the place reminds me of hokey italian american restaurants i went to growing up in new york. the kind with career waiters in red jackets and bow ties, red leather booths, giant pepper grinders, string lights on the ceiling, and walls packed with framed celebrity memorabilia like lakers jerseys, paintings, photos of celebrities.
keep in mind, they won’t seat you until your full party has arrived, so tell your friends to show up on time. the host stand is crammed against the front door, so there’s usually a line spilling onto the sidewalk. the wait feels confusing at first, but somehow it always works out.
i recommend valet parking. finding a spot in that zone is a nightmare. just tell the valet you’re seeing a show at the troubadour, pay in advance, and they’ll park your car in the lot behind the venue. it’s $20 and covers you for both dinner and the show. worth it.
i’ve never sat at the bar. it always feels like you need to be a regular or in with the crew. the back patio is nice, but i prefer a booth inside.
on the food:
you’re not coming here for culinary revelations. you’re coming for the feeling.
the shrimp cocktail is a must, plump, cold, served with tangy cocktail sauce and lemon wrapped in mesh
the caesar salad is chopped, which i usually dont like, but it works here
fried ravioli is a table favorite
for mains, go classic. chicken or veal parm with spaghetti and red sauce, lasagna, clams and linguine in white sauce, or fettuccini alfredo if you’re feeling naughty
bring a bottle of your favorite italian wine, corkage is $45
i usually skip dessert here
don’t forget to bang your head on the “bang your head here” sign on the way to the bathroom. it’s that kind of place.
ACT II: the troubadour
you leave dan tana’s full and maybe a little buzzed. the neon green glow of the dan tana’s wishes you farewell. you walk twenty steps and you’re in line for a show.
this is a rare thing for los angeles. really enjoy the convenience of these two gems being next to one another— i sure as hell do.
don’t forget to grab your keys from the valet. (they stop at 1030pm) they’ll show you where the car is parked so you’re good for later.
the venue is intimate. you can see the stage from pretty much anywhere. there are two bars downstairs: one at the entrance, one in the main room and a third bar upstairs. if it’s too packed below, go up upstairs. upstairs also has lounge seating and a little more breathing room. sometimes it’s vip, but i’ve wandered up before without a problem.
the lighting and sound is always great, its very intimate. this kind of night is simple and fun, shared with people you love, one of my favorite things to do in this city.
i’ll write more posts like this in the future. pairings, full day itineraries, meals and things to do. the stuff that sticks.