The corner of Hollywood and Vine is world famous and it is synonymous with bright lights and stardom. The latest young starlet to turn heads at the iconic intersection is RDEN Bar & Restaurant—a dining and drinking destination that seamlessly merges the timeless glamour of Hollywood with contemporary culinary cuisine.
Consider this the new most go-to spot for pre-dinner and drinks before a show at The Pantages Theatre or the nearby Montalbán. If you’re out and about in Hollywood, this is where you want to start your night, or make it the center of your evening or end your festivities here.
Walk into RDEN Bar & Restaurant (a play on the name of the street that the principles were raised on—Arden—as well as a play on “our den” which is how everyone should feel here) and you’ll notice the welcoming long bar apt for ordering classic cocktails. The lovely upstairs dining room with gentle gold touches is where you’ll feast on fabulous comfort food dishes. Downstairs, next to the bar, there’s also a six-seat Omakase sushi bar next to the outdoor patio seating area. There’s something here for everybody.
The menu pays homage to classic steakhouse fare while mixing in modern global twists. Appetizers include Spicy Hummus and Lavash Chips, Peruvian Ceviche, Mussels, and lush Charcuterie, while entrees include Uni Pasta, Surf & Turf, and the 32 oz Wagyu Tomahawk (talk about star indeed). Sides include Lobster Tail with Butter, Mac & Cheese, and signature Brussels Sprouts that will complete your unforgettable dining experience.
During our recent visit for dinner, we started with the hearty Spicy Meatballs served with burrata cheese and spicy marinara. This is a lovely dish where you will want to soak up every last drop of sauce. Another sensational starter item is the Beet Salad with red and yellow beets, honey, arugula, frisée, burrata cheese, olive oil, and balsamic reduction. It’s healthy and delicious. And shout out for the inclusion of gold beets—an absolute favorite of mine.
If you’re a ravenous carnivore, choose between the 16 oz Ribeye, 8 oz Filet Mignon or the 32 oz Wagyu Tomahawk. Non-meat eaters can indulge with the Cauliflower Steak Vegan with purple cauliflower, pipian sauce, pepitas and chimichurri. For pasta people there’s the Seafood Pasta with linguini, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and calamari, as well as Uni Pasta. Other dinner options include short rib, chicken, branzino, and salmon.
We opted for the Surf & Turf with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. This was a no-brainer as you can’t go wrong with steak and lobster tail. In a word—delicious! The Chicharron—pork belly, pipian sauce, avocado puree, pinto beans and frisée—was wholly unique and wonderfully satisfying. It’s a pork belly dish but similar to the chicharron (pork rinds) that I was raised on. It was comfort food on steroids!
The Specialty Cocktails menu, like the food menu, has a little something for every palette. Fans of stiff drinks will appreciate the RDEN Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve, as well as the Flor Manhattan with Flor De Caña rum. Likewise, the Japanese Martini with Roku Gin and Junmai Kimoto Sake is surprisingly stiff. This one can sneak up on you. The Beautiful GaRDEN with vodka, peach, apricot, sugar and lime is a nice and pleasing cocktail. It’s not up my alley but it I did find it to be very enjoyable. Now if you’re looking for a dessert drink, then look no further than the Hollywood Colada with SelvaRey Rum, falernum, pineapple and coconut. This is a dessert drink done right as it was absolutely pleasing.
Next time you’re out and about in Hollywood, consider RDEN Bar & Restaurant for your dinking, drinking or sushi fix. You’ll be in lovely hands.
RDEN Bar & Restaurant is located at 6280 Hollywood Boulevard. Open Sunday – Thursday 5pm to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to midnight. The bar is open daily from 5pm to 2am. Valet parking is offered for $15. Call 323-977-1680.
Story and Photos By: Jose Martinez
Top Two Photos By: Ryan Tanaka
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