Checker Hall — Restaurant in Los Angeles

My husband and I came here for the first time tonight and we were really looking forward to our date night. It started off well and since we hadn’t been before, we weren’t sure if we wanted to do multiple small plates or a large plate and one appetizer. Our first server ensured us we were fine to take our time and put our drink order in with our first appetizer. Then for whatever reason after our drinks and appetizer came, we were assigned a new server who proceeded to ask for our remaining order. Our new server explained that we would need to put the remainder of our order in due to the weekend business, which we then did after having only been seated for 20 minutes. The manner in which he insisted on our order was a bit rude and quite abrupt. Additionally after that exchange, while he asked my husband if he wanted another drink he neglected to revisit after I had finished my cider to see if I wanted another. We had a reservation for 5:45, but arrived at 5:55 having trouble finding parking and left by 7:10. The whole experience just felt rushed and quite inattentive after we had a switch in staff. For our first experience (which we did tell the wait staff that it was), it was quite disappointing. The food was great, but given the service, we won’t be coming back again. We understand weekends are busy, but if we took the time to make a reservation, I would hope that there would be better care taken in being attentive...

So good. Neighborhood classic spot with beautiful seating, beautiful bar, live music sometimes, best hummus.

Vibes: Off York, this spot is on the second floor. Get your ID checked at ground level if needed and head upstairs on the black and white steps. Try to reserve the balcony / outdoor tables for a nice view of the neon Highland Theater sign and the street below, or a booth for your group, both with be beautiful.

Drinks A generous cocktail and drink menu and the cocktails are well designed. There is a good variety for different tastes and alcohols.

Food The spreads are exceptional. I insist on you trying the hummus here, it has roasted chickpeas on top and are excellent. The pitas are wonderful and warm and we often order seconds. The baba ganoush is great too and the whipped goat cheese with dash of honey - all different textures and flavors and all excellent.

There are occasional specials so keep an ear out for interesting dishes like lamb tangine! The roasted mushrooms are also a favorite, a long with the skewers.

Wonderful neighborhood hang. I take friends here for the chill local...

Disappointing. Music was too loud, the choice of music didn't match the small crowd, the DJ wasn't paying attention to the room, didn't notice that the people there weren't listening or moving to the tunes, which were entirely unrecognizable and were oddly punctuated with occasional sirens. The cabernet sauvignon was dull and uncomplicated. The pork belly overcooked. The lamb sausage was very good but served with out mustard, which we had to ask for. The large bar centered in the middle of the room is oddly shaped and not conducive to flirting across the room. This old Mason Hall held and offered so much opportunity for an imaginative designer and we wanted so much to enjoy this venue. Sorry it disappointed. It just opened, so maybe it just getting its sea legs. Better music would go a long way to improving one's experience, something inviting, familiar and sensuality would help a great deal. Sad because it's a great location in the burgeoning Highland Park Figueroa...