The State — Restaurant in Monrovia

If you're serious about dining here and don't want to wait for a phantom open table, make sure you make reservations online first, even a few minutes before you walk into The State, as they honor those over people waiting in person. We waited 20 minutes for a table of four without a reservation, while they had three 4-top tables available inside reserved for those with online reservations (those people never materialized during our entire dining visit). They also seated us at the table closest to the door, so we got the cold air every time someone came in and every time a server went outside to serve the patio.

We haven't dined at The State since the change from their predecessor, so we ordered a spread of appetizers and entrees and desserts to try it all! Unfortunately, everything was pretty salty: the poutine ($16), the deep fried oysters ($20 for 4 pieces), bruschetta ($10 for 4 pieces), double smash burger ($17 plus extra $1 for fries side), and mamma's meatballs ($16). The two chicken items we had weren't as seasoned (pesto chicken sandwich $16 and veloute chicken $24), so given the choice, might be better to order the chicken dishes instead of the others. We also felt very jipped with the meatballs dish as it only came with four meatballs, two piece of bread, and a whole lot of sauce for $16. Given how salty the dish was, some more bread would've been nice to soak up the sauce and balance out the meatballs.

The star of the night were the desserts. The crème brulee ($10) and bread pudding ($10) were the best things we had all night, though we noticed that the caramelized top of the crème brulee was really thick, so half the group skipped that to save their teeth. We've also never had bread pudding served cubed before, but it paired well with the scoop of vanilla ice cream included with the dessert.

Service was okay. They were friendly when engaged, but pretty hard to get their attention if you needed something. They weren't super busy either, yet we had to always flag someone down to refill our empty drinks (we downed a lot because everything was salty).

Because this is Old Town Monrovia, plenty of parking lots and street parking to go with, even if it's Friday night with the street...

This place just opened 6 days ago and this place is not serving brunch until Oct 21, 2023 according to their sign on the door.

My family was the first customer for today. We are sat in a booth by Edgar, he was so nice, and our server is Kate. She is very attentive going to our table to ask us if we are ready to order. Kate is nice and never rushed us. She explained that it is their first week and apologized for not serving the brunch menu yet. Rob, the manager came by our table to check on us on how our food is after he saw us devoured the appetizers. 🥰

For appetizers, we ordered... Poutine and Bacon wrapped dates. My daughters ordered cocktails, penicillin and sangria.

Our main meals are... Short Rib Plate, Short Rib Tacos, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Bourbon BBQ burger with onion rings and Drunken Pig burger with onion rings.

I would say the Poutine is the top of my list as the most delicious of all. It has chunks of short ribs and the sauce is oh so good topped with melted Gruyere cheese served on a hot small pot.

Bacon wrapped dates are sprinkled with a lot blue cheese and a balsamic sauce.

Both the Drunken pig and BBQ burgers are juicy. We ordered medium and medium well.

The short rib tacos are spicy and tortillas are around 4 inches in diameter and served 3 per order.

The short rib plate is served with mashed potatoes and boiled veggies with brussel sprouts. The short ribs I got is fatty since a quarter of the meat I got is fat. You can't see the fat from the picture since the fat is on the bottom, in between the mashed potatoes and short rib. The meat is tasty and melt in your mouth.

All the main dishes are delicious and their BBQ sauce has a little kick. Ranch is little bit watered down but still ok. The only main complaint I have is the short rib, where it is more on the fatty side. I would say a quarter of the meat I got is fat. I want to talk to Rob, the manager but he was busy with the table next to us that I didn't have time to tell him about the experience specially the short rib.

Rob is very courteous and been coming by our table offering desserts but again, I forgot to mentioned to him about the...

Nestled on Myrtle Street in downtown Monrovia, the State Restaurant beckons travelers with its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere. Our culinary journey began with the bacon-wrapped dates and Brussels sprouts, both delightful starters that set the tone for an exceptional dining experience.

The star of the evening was the braised short rib, a succulent masterpiece accompanied by velvety mashed potatoes and perfectly seasoned vegetables. Each bite revealed layers of flavor, showcasing the chef's expertise in slow-cooking techniques. Equally impressive were the entrees – the double smash burger, a carnivore's dream with its juicy patties and flavorful toppings, and the bourbon barbecue burger, a fusion of smokiness and sweetness that left an indelible mark on our taste buds. The pesto chicken sandwich provided a refreshing contrast, boasting a harmonious blend of herbs and tender chicken.

The culinary symphony continued with expertly crafted cocktails. The 'Bee's Knees,' a zesty concoction of gin, honey, and lemon, proved to be a refreshing palate cleanser. Meanwhile, the 'Conejo de Oro,' a well-balanced tequila-based drink, added a touch of sophistication to our dining experience.

Beyond the culinary delights, the State Restaurant's ambiance played a crucial role in our overall satisfaction. The warm, inviting decor and attentive staff created an atmosphere that felt both upscale and approachable. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations solidified its place as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts exploring Monrovia.

In conclusion, the State Restaurant on Myrtle Street stands as a culinary gem in downtown Monrovia. From appetizers that tantalize the taste buds to entrees that showcase culinary finesse, coupled with refreshing cocktails, it's a gastronomic haven for travelers seeking a memorable...