Urban Plates — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

Today was not the first time I have ordered here, but it was the first time I sat down and ate food here. I had gone and ordered a steak dinner the first time to-go and it was perfectly medium rare, and the food was good. So, I went back and ordered 2 sides of steak to-go, and they were perfect. I went back the next day, and got the same thing, but the steaks were well done. I wasn't as happy, as well done steak does not taste the same. I went back the next day, but I asked the cashier to please have them made medium rare, and explained how the last ones were well done, and I did not like it. Sal was standing there, and said that wasn't acceptable and gave me the meal free. (Which I was not asking for, but the gesture was greatly appreciated.) That day he checked the steak for me, and it was delicious.

So, on to today, I had a really rough day, and could have died because of a negligent driver, so I went and sat down in the restaurant to try and feel better. I ordered my 2 sides of steak and sat down. Later, the waitress brings out 3 sides of steak, one was medium rare, one was all light brown, and the last was a little darker. I was like umm what is this? She was like, "Well since this is well done, they gave you an extra." I think she could tell I wasn't happy, so she asked if I wanted her to take it back. I had to think about it, but Sal told me if it was over cooked again to send it back, so I did.

I watched the waitress take it back to the To-go guy at the counter, who then took it to the cook. The to-go guy went back over to where he had been standing, but I hear him tell the cook, "Dude, what are you doing?" I was already watching the cook, who had proceeded to take the steak I sent back and slice the over done meat from it. I hear the cook tell the To-go counter guy, "The meat is fine, see it is medium rare." After he had chopped off over a third of each piece. (tbh, if you have to chop that much off it, it was never medium rare.) The waitress brings it back to me, yes the same plate and asks me if that is better. Of course it was not better, as I had watched the cook chop it down. But I said yes, and proceeded to eat the very thin steak. Now, while I was eating it, I am watching as the 2 cooks and the To-go guy are literally staring at me while they are talking. I was incensed. I mean really, how insulting, and after they had spoken loud enough for me to hear them by the front door? The meat under the cutting off of the well done top meat was medium at best, and I am being generous. I really wish I had taken a picture before the waitress took it back.

I have to say that I did leave them a note on my receipt explaining that I had indeed seen what they had done.

I am just curious if they would have been okay with having that meat brought out to them? I do not think I will be going back. I would have given them 1 star, but Sal...

I took my sons here after I told them that I dined at the location in Playa Vista. Of course, they wanted to try the food now. Lol. Let's jump right into this review. My sons are young men and ordered the same thing - go figure.

Disclaimer - these crumbsnatchers of mine have special palettes - they are picky eaters. Anything outside the norm = problem food. Ok, here we go...

What we did we get - Chicken 3 Tender Plate 700 calories $16.75pp Classic crispy or nashville hot. Three crispy jumbo, hand tossed buttermilk-battered, antibiotic & hormone free, never frozen chicken tenders, choice of house made dipping sauce. Sides: Fries and Mac N' Cheese

Chicken tenders - OK, meaty and juicy, but, the breading was soggy per the crumbsnatchers. No crispy outside. That was a bummer for all of us. This could be due to the type of oil the chicken I fried in.

check out Urban Plates website. What I love is how they have videos on how the food is made. Step by step. Call me a geek, but, I enjoy watching the videos and knowing exactly how my food is prepared and cooked

Fries were just fries, nothing spectacular but tasted just fine.

Mac N' Cheese - definitely is not what they are accustomed too. It was missing a lot of somethings, they said. It's not your Thanksgiving Mac N' Cheese, but the ingredients are quality in my opinion and taste wasn't bad. It's decent.

We all agree that Urban Plates is a healthier option and we would dine again and try different menu items. The menu has variety.

Pros Urban Plates is located in the Manhattan Beach area - down the parking lot - literally from the Manhattan Beach Mall. Nice area.

Plenty of parking including pickup parking for your dining out needs.

Professional and friendly service.

Great ambiance. Clean established. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Price point isn't bad taking into consideration the area and quality of food plus portion sizes.

Cons Taste of food is lacking in some entrees. This could be a preference in pallette. But, the expectation of certain foods like chicken tenders should have consistency in taste.

Urban Plates has a other locations and is worth a try. Given today's health driven society, you get food and options with quality ingredients and spins on some traditional entrees...

Ok! So I’ve loved Urban Plates for years! But they recently changed the menu, and they nailedd it! I was sad to see my favorite curry go away but they have so many yummy dishes now! Some remind me of that other restaurant “lemonade’s” sides except better! I’m a vegetarian and most places don’t have food for me, much less good food! I have to say the beets and carrots are to die for! The beet and goat cheese salad… amazing! Brussels sprouts are my favorite, they are mouth watering here at Urban! My absolute fave on their menu, perfected mashed potatoes! But check it, they have a chili glazed tofu! What???!! It’s slammin! Tofu typically is hit or miss! Urban plates hit it out of the park! Oh! Did someone say dessert?!! They have huge delish cookies, strawberry shortcake minis, gf options even! Omgoodness… chocolate flourless cake!!, banana cream pie?! Mango tart! I can’t decide so I’m getting two desserts because the cookie was so good! So that’s the food, but the service and staff are super cool! What’s crazy, is, the whole time I was waiting for my food which was super quick btw, I had great conversations with all of the staff! Don’t worry I let them do their thang . But great friendly interesting people work here for sure! Now that’s what sealed the deal for me! I think I will buy the membership for only $5!

Because I want to come back and dine in this beautiful atmosphere by the fire and chat up the totally cool people that work here! Kaydence is so sweet and bubbly! She sets the tone the first ten seconds you’re here! To wrap it up, I’m glad I stopped in! I was having a rough day and this turned it around! Do much so I left this review! Blessings to...