Next Door Tapas Lounge
Studio City, CA 91604-2617
Phone: (818) 985-9222
- Cross Street:
- Carpenter Avenue
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11:30pm-12am, Fri 11:30am-1:30am, Sat 5pm-1:30am
Editorial Review for Next Door Tapas Lounge – by Leigh Niles Reason
The Scene
Located off the serene patio of Studio City's La Loggia restaurant, this lounge has a look and feel completely separate from its sister Italian bistro. Black and blood-red mid-century-style leather couches, a two-sided fireplace and mod lighting--two magical chandelier bursts of wire and lights dominate--create a hint of retro appeal without overstating it. An intimate upstairs loft allows patrons to survey the action from above. Thirty-something locals and studio types linger over wine and masterful small plates.
The Draw
Owner Frank Leon brought Malaga-born chef Ruben de la Mata to California to create a unique, ever-evolving and authentic Spanish tapas menu to enhance the lounge experience. Pitch perfect cheese and charcuterie plates complement the wine list. Single-serving salads, like mixed greens accented with goat cheese and pistachio encased grapes, are served in double-old-fashioned glasses. A Spanish version of canoli is the don't-miss dessert, especially when enjoyed with a sip of rich, smooth 1971 Pedro Ximenez sherry.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasIf you like the ambience of La Loggia's patio but crave the Spanish tapas, you're welcome to sit on the patio, but order off the lounge's menu.
User Reviews for Next Door Tapas Lounge
03/10/2008 Posted by gigi1003
I absolutely love this place but refuse to return due to the unprofessional manager. I never take the time to write reviews on restaurants but after my experience with this person felt it was important to inform consumers and address his behavior. I was there with coworkers last wed night and when the check arrived we placed 2 credit cards down to split the bill. The very DUMB waitress only charged my card. After informing her of this she stated no problem she would VOID the original charge and then split the cost. Well the next day I saw that I was charged TWICE, Once for the entire Bill and then again for the splitting of the bill. I left several messages with no response and then when I finally got a hold of the manager he was extremely defensive, pretty much told me that it was not their mistake and that I would need to check with my bank, and what did I expect him to do. When I stated what do you mean what do I expect you to do you are the manager of that incompetent employer he stated I could show up to his restaurant with my lawyer or whomever and I ended up hanging up on him because he was being so inconsiderate. Any place that treats their customers in that manner does not deserve to be dined at with all the amazing places to eat in LA. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME AT THIS PLACE, go to Firefly instead right down the street!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
08/08/2007 Posted by girlnextdoor7
I went here with a friend at around 6pm on a Friday and I think we arrived at the same time as all the employees. The place was dead! We left at around 8pm and only a handful people were there. The food was overpriced for the extra tiny tapas portions we received. The wine was good (but you really can't mess that up). The bartender was a little snobby and not friendly, but helpful with picking a wine. No music and lacked the tapas ambiance that I like. I'd go again for the wine, but not for food.
Pros: Nice Spanish wine menu
Cons: Overpriced tapas dishes
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