Traktir Restaurant — Restaurant in West Hollywood

It's pretty pricey, so I can't go super regularly, but, every time I go, I leave completely satisfied with life. I can make a trip out just for the beef or lamb shashlik and kvass (or kompot/mors if I feel like drinking something fruity). Their borsch is also really good if you like a sweeter, thicker style as opposed to a more neutral, savory style. The cuisine is what I grew up eating, so I may be biased, but this place is very high on my list of Russian places.

It can be busy and cramped when there's a rush or a large party, but if you go with only a friend or two this shouldn't be a problem. It is smaller but also less formal than some of the typical banquet-style dining rooms most Russian places have, and the semi-outdoor seating is really nice for a late lunch. Also, Dima is a great waiter and a pleasure to talk to during quieter times, especially if you speak Russian.

In short, if I want to take my friends to a Russian lunch or dinner, and don't mind splurging a bit, this place is my...

My fiancé and I celebrated our anniversary at Traktir and I can’t stop thinking about the experience. From the moment we walked in, it felt like we had stepped into a cozy bar or restaurant you might stumble upon in Russia, not that I’ve been there, but the atmosphere transports you. It’s casual, warm, and authentic, like you’re traveling without leaving town.

The food is the definition of home-cooked perfection. Every dish feels like it was made with love and tradition. The meats were absolutely decadent and fall-apart tender, every bite melting in your mouth. We also tried a few of their infused vodkas — cranberry, pickled pepper, and horseradish — each with its own unique flavor that added to the whole experience.

Our server was so kind and friendly, making the evening feel even more special. We left completely full and so happy, the kind of happy where you’re already planning your next visit before you’ve even left. I’m still craving it. Traktir is officially one of our...

Rating: 2 out of 5. Mostly because of the shady practices to get tips.

The place itself is lovely — cozy atmosphere, friendly and attentive service, tasty food. We were greeted by a warm and caring server, and everything went smoothly… until the bill came.

We were just two people, but an 18% tip was automatically included — without any notice. Maybe that’s normal in LA, but it felt off. What really bothered us was how the check was presented: it was folded in a way that hid the breakdown, showing only a line suggesting another 18%, 20%, or 25% tip.

This setup can easily trick guests into tipping twice — first the automatic gratuity, then another one on top, thinking it hasn’t been included yet. That’s not okay. If they’d asked for a small extra tip — like 2% or 4% — sure, no problem. But charging 18% upfront and then asking for the same again feels dishonest.

Good food and service, but the tipping practice ruined the experience for us. That’s why...