L'Avenue — Restaurant in Glendale

My recent visit to L'Avenue, an underground gem, provided a delightful foray into the local dining scene. This new establishment exudes a hip and cool vibe that beckoned for an evening of culinary exploration.

Upon descending into this subterranean locale, I was promptly greeted by an exceptional hostess who emanated helpfulness and charm. After a swift check-in, we were comfortably settled at our table. The service continued to impress, with our waitress providing a seamless introduction to the menu, highlighting staff favorites and offering personalized recommendations suited for newcomers.

The menu at L'Avenue offered a tantalizing array of choices, thoughtfully divided between the main and happy hour selections. The main menu seemed geared toward the sophisticated foodie, while the happy hour options were playful and casual, ideal for shared enjoyment.

Intrigued by both menus, we dove into a well-crafted Caesar salad, notable for its light touch on the dressing, preserving the freshness of the greens. We continued with a standout pepperoni pizza, featuring a crust that struck the perfect balance between thinness and flavor without being overly oily or dry.

Our culinary journey progressed with a finger food platter, a convivial assortment of fried delights including mozzarella sticks, tater tots, French fries, and onion rings. Then, we ventured into the more substantial offerings: a 16 oz prime ribeye was next, expertly cooked to a medium doneness with a tantalizing hint of pink at the center, coupled with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and peppers, all complemented by a rich steak gravy. The dish's market price of $85 underscored its value.

We also savored the chicken wraps, generously filled and wrapped in pita bread, brimming with crisp greens and a flavorful house sauce. Priced at $25 for two sizable wraps, it provided both quality and quantity.

An unexpected highlight of the evening was a fantastic comedy show that resonated through the venue with infectious laughter, contributing to an already lively atmosphere.

The one drawback to note is the absence of an elevator, which could pose accessibility challenges for those unable to navigate stairs—a consideration for future guests with mobility needs.

The fully stocked bar, staffed by versatile bartenders, rounded out the experience, meeting any and all drink requests. The corkage fee for bringing my own bottle of wine was a standard $30, which I was more than happy to pay.

In sum, L'Avenue is a highly recommendable spot for those seeking a hip friend's place that serves French-European cuisine with flair. Just be mindful of the stair situation when...

I have been a loyal guest at Lavenue since the day they opened, and I can confidently say that when it comes to dining in Glendale, it is by far one of the best—if not the best—restaurants in the area. Everything on their menu is exceptional, and the drink selection is both unique and flavorful, catering to every preference across the beverage spectrum.

One aspect I want to especially highlight is their steak and burgers—particularly the ribeye steak. I have dined at nearly every renowned steakhouse in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and beyond, including those serving $1,000 cuts, yet the ribeye at Lavenue stands out as one of the finest steaks I have ever experienced in Los Angeles. It is consistently juicy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Unless there is a hidden gem I have yet to discover, Lavenue currently holds the number one spot in my book.

What sets Lavenue apart is the versatility of its menu—there truly is something for everyone, regardless of age or palate. The staff are not only accommodating but also willing to customize or adjust dishes to suit your preferences, which is rare in upscale dining. Many high-end establishments refuse substitutions or modifications, but Lavenue embraces them with ease.

Speaking of the staff, their hospitality is second to none. They treat you like family, creating a personal, welcoming atmosphere that is often missing in luxury dining, where guests are sometimes treated as little more than a transaction. Lavenue manages to combine a high-end, upscale environment with genuine, one-on-one hospitality.

Their dessert menu is also excellent, offering a variety of options including fresh fruit plates, as well as refreshing non-alcoholic beverages like their house-made lemonades. It’s worth noting that many places in Los Angeles offer either a great atmosphere or great food, but rarely both—and almost never paired with outstanding service. Lavenue has mastered all three.

The hours are flexible, making it a perfect choice whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, enjoying a late-night dinner, or hosting an event. The seating is comfortable, reservations are easy to secure, and the entire experience is consistently enjoyable. Whether you are planning a birthday celebration, corporate event, date night, or a casual get-together with friends, Lavenue is a versatile and reliable choice.

Having been a patron since day one, I can say with certainty that I will continue to return. Lavenue truly stands in a category of its own in the Los Angeles dining scene. Keep up the...

This place is racist. I would not spend my hard earned money in this establishment.

This place just opened next to where I work so I wanted to check it out. I came in at midnight (posted hours are until 2AM) it looked dead so I asked a a server if they were closing soon. She replied “no sir we do not close until 2AM” so that’s great. I ask if I can have a seat at the bar and have a quick drink while I wait for my Uber. She guided me to the bar to have a seat and says “one moment” and disappears around the corner. she returns with a man who I believe to be the manager. He takes a look at me (25 year old black guy) and walks over to tell me the place just closed. Mind you there are people sitting in the dining room eating and drinking behind me while they are telling me this.

As if it just closed because I sat down at the bar. I was nothing but nice with the employees but this is unacceptable. It’s 2023 and blatant racism should not be tolerated at any place...