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Minibar

3413 Cahuenga Blvd W
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 882-6965
Minibar
Price:
$$
Cross Street:
Universal City Boulevard
Best of Citysearch:
Small Plates 2004
Hours:
Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11:30pm

Editorial Review for Minibar – by Tara de Lis

The Scene
This mid-century modern space is like an abstract peacock that has spread its graceful wings; stark-white leather banquettes fan out against turquoise and chocolate-brown walls. A mirrored ceiling section with spherical lamps, circular cutouts and oversized oil paintings of maudlin women add quirky appeal. Fun-loving waiters occasionally hand out tambourines and maracas to adventurous diners to keep rhythm with the funky electronica soundtrack. The back room is lined with soothing forest-scene wallpaper for a more intimate experience.

The Food
An international hodgepodge of small plates radiate spicy flavors. Bread isn't complimentary, but warm yucca-flour biscuits are worth the money. Piquant barbecued shrimp cups are complemented by grilled cactus and zesty avocado relish. Comparably mild chicken pibil is steam-roasted in banana leaves, and the tender venison filet cutlets are sweetened with a port and cranberry reduction. For dessert, the homemade guava and mascarpone cheesecake is rich and smooth.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

The kitchen is very play-it-by-ear when it comes to closing time. Call ahead to see if they're staying open later than posted hours.

Look Good

Be very specific regarding pacing your order, otherwise you may end up with too many dishes at once. If necessary, order only a couple items at time in the order you want them to appear.

Where to Sit

In-the-know diners hold court at the single round table--No. 62--in the middle of the banquette-lined room.

The Extras

Express your inner artist without breaking the law by using the colored chalk and board in the bathrooms.

User Reviews for Minibar

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

03/19/2008 Posted by daveinla

TRIED TO CALL AND THE PHONE NUMBER IS DISCONNECTED. TRIED TO EMAIL AND IT BOUNCED BACK. HAD A GREAT TIME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, SORRY TO SEE YOU GO.

Pros: NA

Cons: NA

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/25/2008 Posted by camposa

Concert at Universal's BB Kings bar last night, so we ate at Minibar beforehand. Just down the street from the entrance to Universal CityWalk, this was a perfect place to enjoy some good eats with my honey. Since I'm a big fan of Modern design, this place was tops. The colors and lighting really compliment each other bringing a very sensual vibe to the whole place. We were seated on one of the side tables with a banquette. The waitress comes back with a small shot glass of Spanish Cava as a palate cleanser and my order of a Mojito. The Mojito was excellent by the way. The waitress tell us about the Prix fixe dinner they have available on Sundays, a deal for $40-for two. We decide to pass, eager to sample items from the menu. We start with the Meze trio..this is pita chips with three kinds of dips. Then we have the Yucca bread, followed by brochette of flank steak, salmon strudel, rissoto funghi, and the duck confitt eggrolls. All magnificent. Especially the risotto..creamy and flavorful. It was perfect. We ended our evening with the chocolate souffle. This was so warm and delicious that we each ordered one for ourselves-no sharing here. When I made reservations for this place, I wasn't sure if my honey would like it. He doesn't like tapas style dining and he's a "meat and potatoes" type of guy. But he really liked this place. He even got "full" after wards. The servings were enough for two, and since they all come one after another, it really gives you time to savor each dish. I suggest this restaurant if you are on a date. We found it romantic, and I loved the music they played through out the place and so will you.

Pros: flavors

Cons: none

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Editor's Review

Retro-'60s dining lounge offers tasty, eclectic tapas and communal atmosphere.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

The kitchen is very play-it-by-ear when it comes to closing time. Call ahead to see if they're staying open later than posted hours.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Valet

Hours

  • Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm
  • Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11:30pm

Cuisines

  • Tapas / Small Plates

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • MasterCard

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Special Occasion Dining
  • Notable Wine List
  • Group Dining
  • Romantic Dining
  • Date Spot

Recognition for Minibar

2004 Audience Winner - Small Plates

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