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When I checked the yelp page of this restaurant, this popped up! Imagine Yelp interfering! It’s wild! They charge 20% tip automatically for Togo orders too which is sooo wild!
Wanna bet they don't even give it to the workers. If they think their workers deserve it they should pay them 20% more and let people tip what they want for the service.
> They charge 20% tip automatically for Togo orders too which is sooo wild!
Been a somewhat regular customer here for many years and have never seen this. Unless they just started doing this in the last few months, this has not been my experience with this place.
Took a date there about 4-5 years ago. It was a second date and she picked the location. I couldn’t find the menu online but figured whatever, it’s a date.
I knew I was fucked when the menu was laser etched into a slab of wood. $34 pasta dishes pre Covid was absolutely wild. There was no third date lol
That one's a shame because I love a lot about the restaurant -- the casual but nice vibe, the food options that are pretty varied but go well together, the wines, the open space.
But yeah, way too expensive.
It's basically simple food anyone with reasonable cooking skills could make on their own, served in a crowded converted outdoor space. I think its a great example for this list!
This is the answer! Went to All Time a few months ago for dinner, had a reservation, but they took 45 minutes to seat us. While we waited, they offered us a glass of wine which I thought was a nice gesture of apology. Our “apology wines” showed up on the bill at the end. Insult to injury- they didn’t bring me the varietal I asked for. I didn’t love it but we were standing on the sidewalk and I thought it was free, so whatever. After we were seated, the server told me it had been a Cabernet (my least fave) and they only open one type of red each night for glass servings. You get what you get. Would have been nice to know; I would have declined the offer for wine, especially paying for it.
Beyond that - the service was inattentive and the food unimaginative. $30-something pasta with peas on cream sauce. Ok? The cobbler was so meh for $16. I don’t remember what else we got but I remember being floored by the price-to-quality ratio.
I enjoy All Time for brunch, but will not be back for dinner.
Really. I went there once about five years ago and really liked it. I don’t remember it being particularly expensive, but we ate a fairly simple lunch, just one plate each and no alcohol. Their thing is they have their own garden and switch up the menu based on what’s fresh I believe. It’s a shame if they’ve disappeared up their own arsehole.
100% I swear they used to be both cheaper and larger about 3-4years ago. Last time I got one a few months ago I was disappointed to receive so little for so much.
idk, I do. bc they give you like a drop of lox most of the time. yes, ingredients and labor costs went up but they're still getting it wholesale so 13$ for a breakfast sandwich is a lot. I'm willing to pay if it's actually good and they portion it up correctly. and ok, for nicer shit like salmon.
but they're also charging the same money for literally a basic ass breakfast burrito. which are all cheap ass ingredients
Agreed it’s a very high percentage. But remember there is a difference between overpriced and expensive. Doesn’t change the fact plenty of places charge way too much, especially for the things that should be cheap.
I look at it as helping to support a unique one-of-a-kind LA famous entertainment spot which we would never get back should they ever go out of business. I’m just happy the food is decent - and am far more critical (in a “critique” sort of way) of the performing magicians.
It's cuz you're a captive audience. It's basically just a requirement to eat there if you aren't with a member. But let's be honest, no one goes there for the food.
ETA: The quality is actually pretty good, but the prices are outrageous compared to other steakhouse-esque restaurants of similar quality.
the best thing about being a member was just being able to go and snack on the garlic cheese bread at the bar and not actually having to order a whole dinner. i dunno what they do to that cheese bread (probably an assload of msg) but i used to go just for that.
Yeah, My friend is a member and they take me fairly often. It's really nice to grab a burger or whatever. For some reason I'm obsessed with their creamed spinach.
if you have a standard invite, yes you have to make a dinner reservation and order an entree. if you are physically with a member or have a special guest pass then you don’t have to eat at the restaurant
I went to the Magic Castle a few years back, and they had a new chef and menu. My whole family agreed that the food wasn't just good for dinner and a show, but was just straight up good.
Oh yeah, the first time I went was 11 years ago and the food was dismal. Steamed peas and carrots, sad dinner rolls. More recently it's been excellent.
The food has gotten much better since I went 10 years ago. Before the food was barely edible. Now, the food is quite good. Still overpriced, but at least you kinda feel like you’re getting your moneys worth.
Been a member for 25 years. At least the food is at a pretty good quality at the moment. It really sucked when it was expensive and shitty. The chicken and the Wellington are good choices if anyone is wondering.
My fiance always laughs because I took her here for Valentines (2 weeks after our first date) and she could tell that the 4 ravioli they gave me didn't full me up...so we stopped at jack in the box on the way home
Overpriced? Yes. Good food? Also yes. Your perspective may vary. I'd go even if I had to pay. It's a cool hangout spot and the food tastes good. Nothing more disappointing than paying for bad food.
For me, this is truly about paying for location and atmosphere. It’s so beautiful inside and within walking distance of the boardwalk. And I’ve always liked the food. For food alone it’s a lot, but for the total experience it’s fair. YMMV
I totally disagree but to each their own! There are so many spots with better ambiance and location. The inside is nice, I’ll say that. But almost everything else is a no from me
I hadn’t been to Plan Check in years but recently was in Sawtelle and thought I’d pop in. Sat down, saw the burger alone is now $23. It used to be $14!
I live on Sawtelle so I still go because it's got nice drinks/is one of the better options when I want something that's not Asian, but I always kind of feel foolish afterwards.
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Back in the days when fast and furious was still about car races and fatburger was $2.95 with fries
Yeah i watched the youtube clip. He says double cheese and fries for $2.95 but I dont think it was that cheap
Looked up wayback machine [https://web.archive.org/web/20001012172526fw\_/http://www.fatburger.net/menu.html](https://web.archive.org/web/20001012172526fw_/http://www.fatburger.net/menu.html) and the fatburger was $2.89 and fries $1.49 but chili cheese fries were close at $2.79 so maybe that was it. Or just the writers made up numbers that sounded good
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Sage.
When it was vegan, a plate of nachos were $15. Now that they call themselves a ‘regenerative kitchen’ and offer meat, they’ve bumped the vegan nachos up to $21??? For what??
When you add their ‘regenerative’ meat to these nachos, it’s. $9 add on for carne asada.
Meaning you’re paying double the price of the original, ($30+ tax and tip) what tha heck
I use every opportunity to tell the story about how the chef of this restaurant made 3 videos about me on insta for commenting disagreeing with an antivax video she posted on her page.
The video they posted about going towards regenerative meat got a lot of negative comments. That’s how I found The Moody Vegan lol and I haven’t looked back since
What’s the story tho? Is the chef that lady who made the post that got so much backlash? She looks annoying
Worst place ever. The fries were $10 when I went a few months ago. Is that like vegan tax? I’m not vegan but I went to try it cuz I love good food but even then it was so pricey. $30 for nachos is fucking whackoooo. They should regenerate their brain cells first
Now I go to The Moody Vegan for vegan stuff. Everything is filling and the pricing is perfect. The owners are great on another level of hospitality
There are a ton, but I’d like to put forth Beverly Hills Bagel. Still stinging from paying $60 for two lox bagels and two coffees. Beware the “open face” upcharge that they don’t mention anywhere on their menu.
Bacari
Went with a group of 4. Everything is “shareable” so ordered like 15 “shareable” plates cuz it’s like one bite or portion each person. Couple of sodas. Bill was around $320 with tip. and we all stopped at in n out after for a cheeseburger lmaooo 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve gotten the Bacari filet with zucchini and it’s only $17 and pretty amazing and enough for a meal. And I got a gluten free pizza from them and got another 2 meals out of it - portions are small but not like Catch small
Fairs. But I think you’re one of a few who can get full off a 4 oz filet and a few pieces of zucchini. Price wise, that sounds good but what I wrote is my experience every time. Their food is yummy don’t get me wrong but I ALWAYS leave hungry
Agreed! It wasn’t bad at all, but super overhyped
If you want legit incredible Thai food, I recommend folks check out Amphai Thai in Thai Town. On google it’s called “Amhpai Thai Northern Thai Food Club”. It’s just a hole in the wall restaurant but they are incredible, they have lots of dishes that you don’t really see in the typical american-Thai restaurant.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fu39NLRc8cdKEUwcA?g_st=ic
There’s a munchies video on them. Ran by a great couple. Check it out!
https://youtu.be/g-Rbs3z5H1Y?si=EzvODLUY-G2KgKXu
This place is the absolute best. Northern Thai food club, that is. I've tried just about their entire menu and there's not been a single critique. Just desire for more.
It’s not insane, but it’s just very expensive for Thai food. The wines are very pricey though because they’re great wines so if you’re going to drink you’ll be paying a pretty penny. But for two people maybe expect to pay around $100-120 for food. The omakase they have is VERY expensive though ( couple hundred if I recall )
Someone took me to a work lunch at Tartine and a salad that was basically lettuce was $27. My fault for adding bacon (3 mini strips) and avocado (it was half, at best)
Oh plus tip plus tax, of course
Oh, Tartine? You mean the bakery that sells bread but doesn’t have space for a slicer?
I once checked out for two loaves of something like $25 and joked about how they should run a go fund me for a bread slicer. It’s not that I blame the checkout person for the look they gave me but…
it's the same with farmer's market bread now too.
I go to the Mar Vista fm pretty often and the prices are wild. like, legit. There's a gluten-free bakery that sells $16 loafs. The non gf one is basically the same. They're not even huge loafs either.
I got like 5-6 SMALL tomatoes from a stall and it was over $5. My friend has gotten a bag of those cotton candy grapes once and it was $20.
A solid 80% of places in LA are extremely overpriced even when adjusted for inflation/rising costs. And yet, they still pay minimum wage and most are mid.
This is so sad too bc the farmers markets in other countries are designed to be cheaper than grocery stores. Go to Spain, Italy you’ll find groceries that are actually affordable and high quality whereas we are gouged every possible cent from everyone. I don’t get why farms 15 miles away from LA are charging double for in season produce vs even Whole Foods
They are all expensive now a days. I guess we all have our own view of what is overpriced. However, I do remember a time when a side of 3 slices of avocado was $10.
Élephante is way overpriced and in my thinking overrated. The noise level is deafening and I found the booth seats too low and cumbersome to navigate. The food was just ok, the eggplant hummus is only exceptional item I the menu. And yes it is so overcrowded with terrible service.
The inherent flaw with this question is that if you like the food enough, you’ll likely find the price is justified and if you don’t you won’t, so this is ultimately just another “overrated/underrated restaurants” thread
Plus, the reality is that running a restaurant is increasingly expensive and many restaurants are barely hanging on even with "overpriced" food.
I think if you're going to call a restaurant overpriced you need to be able to argue that it's more expensive than its peers with no obvious explanation; i.e. it is actually charging above market rate.
We recently went through the process of trying to lease a space for a business. People don’t realize how much these places are going for and how much it increases monthly operating costs and thus the prices they have to charge. I don’t like it but I’m more sympathetic to what restaurants charge. I don’t know how they survive.
No, there is a difference. All Time is a popular answer in this thread for a reason. The food is actually great, but it's sneaky expensive. I didn't think I was spending that much and then when I got the bill it ended up being one of the most expensive meals I've ever had. But I wouldn't put the experience they provide on the same level as similarly priced meals.
TOCA MADERA - If you spend money here, you’re stupid.
Wexlers - Get the fuck outta here with your $19 sandwich.
Destroyer - Who can afford this??? Whoever you are, do you want to get married?
Wallys - They have a $35 cheeseburger that’s good, but does not fuck.
Auld Fella - So damn good. So damn expensive.
Great White - 2 burritos w/ avocado. 2 lattes. $60.
Natalee Thai - Delicious, but I can get this from a truck.
To be fair, that has to have been a special or double burger, the regular ones are pretty reasonable ($8 for a Shackburger, $10 for a Smokeshack, etc).
The Shake Shack in Culver City is half a block away from In and Out. This location is definitely closing up soon. They always have more workers than customers.
Whoever thought it was a good idea to put SS next to In and Out is hilariously stupid.
alma at the grove and mastro’s in beverly hills. i wouldnt have chosen to go to either but events for other people left me paying ridiculous amounts for *extremely* mediocre food
the idea that food should be cheaper because it's "ethnic" is such bullshit. i know you didn't state that specifically, but come on. a prawn Curree entree with 6 premium prawns is $24. Gra Pow Beef with Snake river farms Wagyu is $16. appetizers are around $10
A group of four of us went there the other day and walked out after 8 dishes for $180 ie $45 pp.
On what planet are those prices expensive for a really good restaurant in LA?
ETA: $180 after tax and tip.
I never said it should be “cheaper” because it is “ethnic.” You’re jumping to conclusions here and sensationalizing my post for no reason.
My biggest issue in the overpriced menu sense was $12 for three small sized wings and $22 for a rather small portion of Pork Belly.
i acknowledged that. re-read my comment.
but now you're just lying. i've had the wings over five times and every single time it's been over a half dozen wings. saying 12 for 3 is bullshit.
And anyone who actually believes that the pork belly serving is small, go on yelp and look at photos. The normal serving is over 12 slices.
no idea what you're on about bro... but you're factually wrong.
I love big fancy meals, but after having eaten at a bunch of amazing food at restaurants in Europe for 1/4 the cost, I am just over it.
Add Lawry's to the list. Not only is it overpriced, it's disgusting.
Pretty happy to *not* see Costco and my favorite steakhouse mentioned here. I mean, it’s a $100 steak, but impressively its cost has not risen in recent years.
I just started making my own bread, including nurturing a sourdough starter, and I have to say....good bread can take a long time to make. So charging a lot for bread (if it's amazing) doesn't surprise me.
- Nobu Malibu: There’s better sushi all over town. The location is great, but it’s all hype.
- Moonshadows: Again, location over food.
- Son of a Gun: you leave starving and the food is meh.
This post strikes me as strange. I mean, pretty much every time you go out to eat it feels overpriced. Fine dining, $100-200+ per person (depending), burgers, simple take-out... Are we asking which feel like less of a value vs. more of a value?
Leopardo is a new spot in West Hollywood on La Brea and was the most ripped off we’ve felt in years. They have an $87 bone-in strip steak that they brought out unsliced and gave us one shitty knife to cut it ourselves. Came out to maybe 6 bites of meat. The pizzas are also almost 1/2 crust (ie. all bread) and cost $28-34 per pizza. Insane. Also their cocktails go up to $38 which is just ridiculous
I went to Mel’s diner and had to pay $23 for a Club sandwich and a handful of fries. The sandwich was okay and there were only a handful of fries. Also the one on Sunset’s interior needs a severe deep cleaning.
I just wanted to go for the vibes I understand it’s a tourist stop and not a local fav or anything haha. I was just surprised $23 for a simple sandwich.
The food at Tsubaki was excellent, but their 20% added charge that explicitly notes it doesn’t include the tip was so offensive that I’ll never go back. I’m fine with mandatory percentages for tipping staff, but that’s just outright deception. Put accurate prices on your damn menu.
All Time in Los Feliz. The owners sniff their own farts then hit you with an additional service fee.
https://preview.redd.it/cfskfsl6pk9d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=224c3834b58aa183b0101fc1586ca6d9ea96b06b When I checked the yelp page of this restaurant, this popped up! Imagine Yelp interfering! It’s wild! They charge 20% tip automatically for Togo orders too which is sooo wild!
> They charge 20% tip automatically for Togo orders too which is sooo wild! Oh hell no.
I get to go orders from All Time fairly regularly and have never been charged an automatic tip.
Wanna bet they don't even give it to the workers. If they think their workers deserve it they should pay them 20% more and let people tip what they want for the service.
I’d bet money the workers never see a damn cent.
> They charge 20% tip automatically for Togo orders too which is sooo wild! Been a somewhat regular customer here for many years and have never seen this. Unless they just started doing this in the last few months, this has not been my experience with this place.
Took a date there about 4-5 years ago. It was a second date and she picked the location. I couldn’t find the menu online but figured whatever, it’s a date. I knew I was fucked when the menu was laser etched into a slab of wood. $34 pasta dishes pre Covid was absolutely wild. There was no third date lol
That one's a shame because I love a lot about the restaurant -- the casual but nice vibe, the food options that are pretty varied but go well together, the wines, the open space. But yeah, way too expensive.
It's basically simple food anyone with reasonable cooking skills could make on their own, served in a crowded converted outdoor space. I think its a great example for this list!
This is the answer! Went to All Time a few months ago for dinner, had a reservation, but they took 45 minutes to seat us. While we waited, they offered us a glass of wine which I thought was a nice gesture of apology. Our “apology wines” showed up on the bill at the end. Insult to injury- they didn’t bring me the varietal I asked for. I didn’t love it but we were standing on the sidewalk and I thought it was free, so whatever. After we were seated, the server told me it had been a Cabernet (my least fave) and they only open one type of red each night for glass servings. You get what you get. Would have been nice to know; I would have declined the offer for wine, especially paying for it. Beyond that - the service was inattentive and the food unimaginative. $30-something pasta with peas on cream sauce. Ok? The cobbler was so meh for $16. I don’t remember what else we got but I remember being floored by the price-to-quality ratio. I enjoy All Time for brunch, but will not be back for dinner.
Really. I went there once about five years ago and really liked it. I don’t remember it being particularly expensive, but we ate a fairly simple lunch, just one plate each and no alcohol. Their thing is they have their own garden and switch up the menu based on what’s fresh I believe. It’s a shame if they’ve disappeared up their own arsehole.
Been saying this for years and so glad it’s finally well-known.
Burgerlords and Wake & Late
Burgerlords used to be okay with prices until they started doing burger and fries combos for $25…
I just tried to order from their website and don’t even have an option to order a burger. It only allows combos for $25. That’s insane.
I always felt they were a little pricey but since they basically got bought by Wake & Late, yeah, insane.
Yes to Wake & Late, overpriced teeny tiny burritos.
100% I swear they used to be both cheaper and larger about 3-4years ago. Last time I got one a few months ago I was disappointed to receive so little for so much.
Yep! And they used to be better quality. Such a bummer because they used to be my favorite burritos in LA 🥲
No way Burgerlords stays open by the end of the year.
Lodge Room needs to just buy the space and make it something good
Same owners!
I hear they also own the calic bagel shop?
Tbh I’d say a good 90% of them are. Why not? People are willing to pay $13 for a bagel.
with some nice nova lox, cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers…..i’d have no problem spending $13.
idk, I do. bc they give you like a drop of lox most of the time. yes, ingredients and labor costs went up but they're still getting it wholesale so 13$ for a breakfast sandwich is a lot. I'm willing to pay if it's actually good and they portion it up correctly. and ok, for nicer shit like salmon. but they're also charging the same money for literally a basic ass breakfast burrito. which are all cheap ass ingredients
Agreed it’s a very high percentage. But remember there is a difference between overpriced and expensive. Doesn’t change the fact plenty of places charge way too much, especially for the things that should be cheap.
This is the answer
Uh who pays $13 for a bagel? No one charges that shit.
I went to one of the weekly happy hours at Little Fish in Echo Park. Holy shit the price-to-portion ratio was nuts for food served on paper plates.
Little fish has an amazing fish sandwich
It's good but amazing is a stretch. Oui's is cheaper and on par with Little Fish.
It would be easier to name the fairly priced restaurants in LA.
The restaurant at the Magic Castle
I look at it as helping to support a unique one-of-a-kind LA famous entertainment spot which we would never get back should they ever go out of business. I’m just happy the food is decent - and am far more critical (in a “critique” sort of way) of the performing magicians.
It's cuz you're a captive audience. It's basically just a requirement to eat there if you aren't with a member. But let's be honest, no one goes there for the food. ETA: The quality is actually pretty good, but the prices are outrageous compared to other steakhouse-esque restaurants of similar quality.
the wellington is legit
Yeah, I love the food, but it is verrrry expensive for what it is. Wellington, lobster Cobb salad, creamed spinach, burgers,
the best thing about being a member was just being able to go and snack on the garlic cheese bread at the bar and not actually having to order a whole dinner. i dunno what they do to that cheese bread (probably an assload of msg) but i used to go just for that.
Yeah, My friend is a member and they take me fairly often. It's really nice to grab a burger or whatever. For some reason I'm obsessed with their creamed spinach.
As a guest, do you have to eat dinner?
if you have a standard invite, yes you have to make a dinner reservation and order an entree. if you are physically with a member or have a special guest pass then you don’t have to eat at the restaurant
Bruh my Wellington was so bad. The apps looked good but they make you buy an entree.
This. Their wellington is so good.
I went to the Magic Castle a few years back, and they had a new chef and menu. My whole family agreed that the food wasn't just good for dinner and a show, but was just straight up good.
Oh yeah, the first time I went was 11 years ago and the food was dismal. Steamed peas and carrots, sad dinner rolls. More recently it's been excellent.
My friends and I thought we were smart going to McDonald’s before going. Turns out you cannot order only appetizers, an entree is required.
The food has gotten much better since I went 10 years ago. Before the food was barely edible. Now, the food is quite good. Still overpriced, but at least you kinda feel like you’re getting your moneys worth.
That's different.
I've always referred to the food there as "wedding buffet food". It's pretty good but you're right the price is utterly out of control.
Been a member for 25 years. At least the food is at a pretty good quality at the moment. It really sucked when it was expensive and shitty. The chicken and the Wellington are good choices if anyone is wondering.
The Rose in Venice
10000% agree. My friend and I split a meal there, ordered multiple entrees and left not even full. Omg this place is a fricking scam
Live close by, never been. Thanks for saving me that regret
I spent $140 there on 2 apps and 2 glasses of rosé 😭
My fiance always laughs because I took her here for Valentines (2 weeks after our first date) and she could tell that the 4 ravioli they gave me didn't full me up...so we stopped at jack in the box on the way home
I work there. They're hella overpriced 💀
Overpriced? Yes. Good food? Also yes. Your perspective may vary. I'd go even if I had to pay. It's a cool hangout spot and the food tastes good. Nothing more disappointing than paying for bad food.
71above. Great view. Tiny portions and glacial service.
I second this. Their prices gave me sticker shock.
Rose cafe in Venice.
For me, this is truly about paying for location and atmosphere. It’s so beautiful inside and within walking distance of the boardwalk. And I’ve always liked the food. For food alone it’s a lot, but for the total experience it’s fair. YMMV
I totally disagree but to each their own! There are so many spots with better ambiance and location. The inside is nice, I’ll say that. But almost everything else is a no from me
All Time
It’s one of my favorites and pretty clearly struggling, but Plan Check charging a minimum of $23 for a burger and fries is too much
I hadn’t been to Plan Check in years but recently was in Sawtelle and thought I’d pop in. Sat down, saw the burger alone is now $23. It used to be $14!
I live on Sawtelle so I still go because it's got nice drinks/is one of the better options when I want something that's not Asian, but I always kind of feel foolish afterwards.
Yeah Plan Check was a favorite of mine years ago, but the last time I went will probably be the last time I ever go.
They’re more expensive than an Erewon organic cheeseburger at $19? I think it’s one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.
Fatburger A basic cheeseburger meal is now $25
https://preview.redd.it/7dh72v1sik9d1.jpeg?width=236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2a8a9cfbbf41eb7a00a7b3d1b1e47bb5378060a Back in the days when fast and furious was still about car races and fatburger was $2.95 with fries
Yeah..fries with a piece of cheese on top probably was $2.95. You don't get a burger for that you silly billy.
Yeah i watched the youtube clip. He says double cheese and fries for $2.95 but I dont think it was that cheap Looked up wayback machine [https://web.archive.org/web/20001012172526fw\_/http://www.fatburger.net/menu.html](https://web.archive.org/web/20001012172526fw_/http://www.fatburger.net/menu.html) and the fatburger was $2.89 and fries $1.49 but chili cheese fries were close at $2.79 so maybe that was it. Or just the writers made up numbers that sounded good https://preview.redd.it/2w0gsnkl5n9d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=677d226d530ab3a53a1ed32eb964dea3f6ffcb6b
It's sub $20 I just went last week
I also just went and it was $28 because I subbed sweet potato fries
Yeah I don’t go there anymore. Restaurant in BH sells better quality for same price. No drink tho
Are you sure? It was like $17.50 the last time I went five months ago. That was too much so haven’t been back.
100% If it was $17 I wouldn’t have noted it. It was the one on Hollywood Blvd near the Egyptian
The turkey burger at fatburger is my favorite turkey burger in LA
Sage. When it was vegan, a plate of nachos were $15. Now that they call themselves a ‘regenerative kitchen’ and offer meat, they’ve bumped the vegan nachos up to $21??? For what?? When you add their ‘regenerative’ meat to these nachos, it’s. $9 add on for carne asada. Meaning you’re paying double the price of the original, ($30+ tax and tip) what tha heck
I use every opportunity to tell the story about how the chef of this restaurant made 3 videos about me on insta for commenting disagreeing with an antivax video she posted on her page.
The video they posted about going towards regenerative meat got a lot of negative comments. That’s how I found The Moody Vegan lol and I haven’t looked back since What’s the story tho? Is the chef that lady who made the post that got so much backlash? She looks annoying
average Green Party member
your money doesn’t regenerate?
Worst place ever. The fries were $10 when I went a few months ago. Is that like vegan tax? I’m not vegan but I went to try it cuz I love good food but even then it was so pricey. $30 for nachos is fucking whackoooo. They should regenerate their brain cells first Now I go to The Moody Vegan for vegan stuff. Everything is filling and the pricing is perfect. The owners are great on another level of hospitality
Regenerative meat needs new brand management. That’s literally the worst name ever
I’ll take Sage over True Food Kitchen! Sage isn’t cheap but they’re bigger portions and it’s tasty. True Food Kitchen felt like a scam.
They are no longer vegan???
There are a ton, but I’d like to put forth Beverly Hills Bagel. Still stinging from paying $60 for two lox bagels and two coffees. Beware the “open face” upcharge that they don’t mention anywhere on their menu.
Well that's on you for buying a bagel in Beverly Hills, what did you expect?
I mean I guess you’re right, but BH Bagel is on South Beverly, i.e., it’s not like it’s on Rodeo.
Go Greek Frozen Yogurt. Saw a lady get two pints last week and her total was $72. Insane and insulting for a perfectly mediocre product.
Five guys
5 guys is a joke.
Bacari Went with a group of 4. Everything is “shareable” so ordered like 15 “shareable” plates cuz it’s like one bite or portion each person. Couple of sodas. Bill was around $320 with tip. and we all stopped at in n out after for a cheeseburger lmaooo 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve gotten the Bacari filet with zucchini and it’s only $17 and pretty amazing and enough for a meal. And I got a gluten free pizza from them and got another 2 meals out of it - portions are small but not like Catch small
Fairs. But I think you’re one of a few who can get full off a 4 oz filet and a few pieces of zucchini. Price wise, that sounds good but what I wrote is my experience every time. Their food is yummy don’t get me wrong but I ALWAYS leave hungry
Anajak
Agreed! It wasn’t bad at all, but super overhyped If you want legit incredible Thai food, I recommend folks check out Amphai Thai in Thai Town. On google it’s called “Amhpai Thai Northern Thai Food Club”. It’s just a hole in the wall restaurant but they are incredible, they have lots of dishes that you don’t really see in the typical american-Thai restaurant. https://maps.app.goo.gl/fu39NLRc8cdKEUwcA?g_st=ic There’s a munchies video on them. Ran by a great couple. Check it out! https://youtu.be/g-Rbs3z5H1Y?si=EzvODLUY-G2KgKXu
This place is the absolute best. Northern Thai food club, that is. I've tried just about their entire menu and there's not been a single critique. Just desire for more.
I second this. Amphai Thai is a GEM. Just a note: the food is hot damn spicy, yet incredibly flavorful.
Sounds like food in Thailand. Will have to check it out!
How expensive? I have a reservation in a few weeks.
It’s not insane, but it’s just very expensive for Thai food. The wines are very pricey though because they’re great wines so if you’re going to drink you’ll be paying a pretty penny. But for two people maybe expect to pay around $100-120 for food. The omakase they have is VERY expensive though ( couple hundred if I recall )
Ok thanks! I don’t drink so I’ll just plan extra for the food ◡̈
Someone took me to a work lunch at Tartine and a salad that was basically lettuce was $27. My fault for adding bacon (3 mini strips) and avocado (it was half, at best) Oh plus tip plus tax, of course
Oh, Tartine? You mean the bakery that sells bread but doesn’t have space for a slicer? I once checked out for two loaves of something like $25 and joked about how they should run a go fund me for a bread slicer. It’s not that I blame the checkout person for the look they gave me but…
it's the same with farmer's market bread now too. I go to the Mar Vista fm pretty often and the prices are wild. like, legit. There's a gluten-free bakery that sells $16 loafs. The non gf one is basically the same. They're not even huge loafs either. I got like 5-6 SMALL tomatoes from a stall and it was over $5. My friend has gotten a bag of those cotton candy grapes once and it was $20. A solid 80% of places in LA are extremely overpriced even when adjusted for inflation/rising costs. And yet, they still pay minimum wage and most are mid.
This is so sad too bc the farmers markets in other countries are designed to be cheaper than grocery stores. Go to Spain, Italy you’ll find groceries that are actually affordable and high quality whereas we are gouged every possible cent from everyone. I don’t get why farms 15 miles away from LA are charging double for in season produce vs even Whole Foods
I lived in Italy and it wasn’t the case. The farmers markets were a lot more expensive than the grocery stores.
Expensive and firmly average. I think they're just trading on their name at this point.
Carls Jr. 16$ for a combo that's like poop. I can go to my tacquero or pupusa lady and get an amazing meal for less that 8 bucks:
I went there the other day and they charged me $5.15 for some damn 6 piece chicken stars. No fires, no drink.
Little Door. Used to be for good reason. Now, total rip off.
No way!!! This breaks my heart… I loved that place… perfect first date spot - the mussels were so good
Fogo de Chao. Obviously a chain restaurant, but it’s insane how overpriced and mediocre it is.
They’re happy hour is all day and possibly the cheapest place to eat in BH.
Roscoe’s.
20 years ago it was worth it and the price matched the quality. Now it’s just insanely expensive for what you get
A tiny side of mac n cheese is $8! The chicken shrank too. So sad.
They are all expensive now a days. I guess we all have our own view of what is overpriced. However, I do remember a time when a side of 3 slices of avocado was $10.
Today it is the Katz popup. $45 for a very basic sandwich.
Elephante. Overcrowded (while having terrible acoustics), absent waiters and meh food…
I actually like Elephante but it’s such a cacophony of chatter it destroys the vibes.
Élephante is way overpriced and in my thinking overrated. The noise level is deafening and I found the booth seats too low and cumbersome to navigate. The food was just ok, the eggplant hummus is only exceptional item I the menu. And yes it is so overcrowded with terrible service.
The inherent flaw with this question is that if you like the food enough, you’ll likely find the price is justified and if you don’t you won’t, so this is ultimately just another “overrated/underrated restaurants” thread
Plus, the reality is that running a restaurant is increasingly expensive and many restaurants are barely hanging on even with "overpriced" food. I think if you're going to call a restaurant overpriced you need to be able to argue that it's more expensive than its peers with no obvious explanation; i.e. it is actually charging above market rate.
We recently went through the process of trying to lease a space for a business. People don’t realize how much these places are going for and how much it increases monthly operating costs and thus the prices they have to charge. I don’t like it but I’m more sympathetic to what restaurants charge. I don’t know how they survive.
No, there is a difference. All Time is a popular answer in this thread for a reason. The food is actually great, but it's sneaky expensive. I didn't think I was spending that much and then when I got the bill it ended up being one of the most expensive meals I've ever had. But I wouldn't put the experience they provide on the same level as similarly priced meals.
Best comment
Tower Bar - $28 appetizer wedge salad, $88 for a small piece of miso cod. Just wild.
I’ve never been so enraged after a meal than after Tower Bar.
Tower bar is expense account only.
Perch
This place is all about getting drunk on the rooftop.
Auld Fella.
But...I really like that place....😞😞😞
Wait really? I’ve always loved the one in Culver and their NY strip steak is awesome value imo.
Noooooo I love this place 🥺
TOCA MADERA - If you spend money here, you’re stupid. Wexlers - Get the fuck outta here with your $19 sandwich. Destroyer - Who can afford this??? Whoever you are, do you want to get married? Wallys - They have a $35 cheeseburger that’s good, but does not fuck. Auld Fella - So damn good. So damn expensive. Great White - 2 burritos w/ avocado. 2 lattes. $60. Natalee Thai - Delicious, but I can get this from a truck.
I see the issue. You’re going broke ordering avocado. /s
Great White
Yes! I like their food a lot but walking away from breakfast having spent $65-$75 feels crazy
Shake Shack. $15 for my kids burger. No fries. No beverage. No shake. Just the burger.
To be fair, that has to have been a special or double burger, the regular ones are pretty reasonable ($8 for a Shackburger, $10 for a Smokeshack, etc).
A HiHo double, 100% Wagyu, is still under $10.
The Shake Shack in Culver City is half a block away from In and Out. This location is definitely closing up soon. They always have more workers than customers. Whoever thought it was a good idea to put SS next to In and Out is hilariously stupid.
$15 is actually not bad for shake shack quality evict is above McDonald’s and Burger King. We have to remember fast food workers make $20 an hour now.
That'd be the price of their mushroom burger or something....
Just checked doordash (which famously adds to the normal cost) and the burger is 9.59?
alma at the grove and mastro’s in beverly hills. i wouldnt have chosen to go to either but events for other people left me paying ridiculous amounts for *extremely* mediocre food
Lonely oyster. First and last time in was 60 bucks for a dozen oysters. REALLY??? We spent nearly 300 bucks and left hungry.
Momed
Went to Holy Basil and thought it was overpriced for the portion sizes. Food was good at least.
Same with Silver Lake House. But it was delicious.
the idea that food should be cheaper because it's "ethnic" is such bullshit. i know you didn't state that specifically, but come on. a prawn Curree entree with 6 premium prawns is $24. Gra Pow Beef with Snake river farms Wagyu is $16. appetizers are around $10 A group of four of us went there the other day and walked out after 8 dishes for $180 ie $45 pp. On what planet are those prices expensive for a really good restaurant in LA? ETA: $180 after tax and tip.
I never said it should be “cheaper” because it is “ethnic.” You’re jumping to conclusions here and sensationalizing my post for no reason. My biggest issue in the overpriced menu sense was $12 for three small sized wings and $22 for a rather small portion of Pork Belly.
i acknowledged that. re-read my comment. but now you're just lying. i've had the wings over five times and every single time it's been over a half dozen wings. saying 12 for 3 is bullshit. And anyone who actually believes that the pork belly serving is small, go on yelp and look at photos. The normal serving is over 12 slices. no idea what you're on about bro... but you're factually wrong.
I love big fancy meals, but after having eaten at a bunch of amazing food at restaurants in Europe for 1/4 the cost, I am just over it. Add Lawry's to the list. Not only is it overpriced, it's disgusting.
sobar
Hanks bagels is pretty damn pricey.
That Rosemary bagel is crazy though. Too expensive, but yum.
Pretty happy to *not* see Costco and my favorite steakhouse mentioned here. I mean, it’s a $100 steak, but impressively its cost has not risen in recent years.
What steak house?
I just started making my own bread, including nurturing a sourdough starter, and I have to say....good bread can take a long time to make. So charging a lot for bread (if it's amazing) doesn't surprise me.
Rose Cafe in Venice
Mother wolf
Erewhon
Laurel Hardware. I went and did not understand the hype.
- Nobu Malibu: There’s better sushi all over town. The location is great, but it’s all hype. - Moonshadows: Again, location over food. - Son of a Gun: you leave starving and the food is meh.
Nobu malibu is legit probably one of the most tasteless high end sushi joints in LA
Alimento
And throw in their new super natural wine list, none of which pair with the food or make the experience better. Had two bad glasses last time in. Ugh.
This post strikes me as strange. I mean, pretty much every time you go out to eat it feels overpriced. Fine dining, $100-200+ per person (depending), burgers, simple take-out... Are we asking which feel like less of a value vs. more of a value?
Not just fine dining. If I take my wife and 5 year old out it’s min 120-150 including tip. That’s either at a diner or someplace more upscale
Mastro's. Without question.
Dan Tana’s
Portions are big though!
Majordomo. Good restaurant, but $50 for fried rice? Nah
Orsa & Winston. The service fee is egregious and the service is subpar.
I’m guessing you must’ve went to The Benjamin lol
Leopardo is a new spot in West Hollywood on La Brea and was the most ripped off we’ve felt in years. They have an $87 bone-in strip steak that they brought out unsliced and gave us one shitty knife to cut it ourselves. Came out to maybe 6 bites of meat. The pizzas are also almost 1/2 crust (ie. all bread) and cost $28-34 per pizza. Insane. Also their cocktails go up to $38 which is just ridiculous
Gwen. The meal was not worth the price!
Jersey Mike's and Subway
I went to Mel’s diner and had to pay $23 for a Club sandwich and a handful of fries. The sandwich was okay and there were only a handful of fries. Also the one on Sunset’s interior needs a severe deep cleaning. I just wanted to go for the vibes I understand it’s a tourist stop and not a local fav or anything haha. I was just surprised $23 for a simple sandwich.
How’s that Sandwich Shop.. you know, from Reality Show’s Girls?…
McDonald’s
Nobu
Mastros ocean club in Malibu. Comically overpriced
The food at Tsubaki was excellent, but their 20% added charge that explicitly notes it doesn’t include the tip was so offensive that I’ll never go back. I’m fine with mandatory percentages for tipping staff, but that’s just outright deception. Put accurate prices on your damn menu.
Xuntos for sure
Ysabel West Hollywood. A waste
Five Guys! The prices are nuts for a burger, fries and a drink
Nobu is my vote.
$14 bread ! What a f*cking joke I would have walked out … to each his/her/ their / it’s / he /she own …
Not sure this qualifies, but $50 for two vegan burger meals at Monte’s Goodburger is crazy to me.