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(424) 901-1199
2311 Cotner Ave
(Pico Boulevard)
Los Angeles,
CA
90064
34.0375
-118.438
Neighborhoods: West Los Angeles, West LA
Hours:
Wed-Thu 5:30pm-12am
Fri-Sat 5:30pm-1am
Price:
$$$
Upstairs 2
Last updated 9.05.09
What People Are Saying About Upstairs 2
The Owner
Upstairs 2
Owner
The Wine House, Los Angeles' largest wine store, has opened a unique restaurant and wine bar called Upstairs 2. As you would expect, they have created a list of wines by the bottle that is exciting, eclectic & affordable. In addition, their wine experts have constructed a free flowing, entertaining and extensive "Wines by the Glass" program. Upstairs 2 offers diners a unique perspective rarely experienced at other restaurants, one in which the selection of wine and its marriage to food comes first and foremost. Their Chef de Cuisine, Todd Barrie, formerly of Joe's Restaurant in Venice, has…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Upstairs from one of L.A.'s largest wine stores, the light and airy dining room has a country club feel with its Beachwood-beam ceiling and upholstered booths with bentwood chairs. A circular wine bar with bar stool seating, often attended by knowledgeable sommeliers, features full restaurant service should the popular two-top tables fill up too quickly. The menu is divided between "cold" and "hot" plates such as duck confit flatbreads, nicoise salad, pan-roasted venison and five-pepper rib-eye.
12/03/09
Food 3 Service 0
by meredith m at Citysearch
This was arguably some of the worst service I've ever received. There were three chipped glasses served. The food was fair but the service soured the experience considerably. It was obvious that paying the corkage fee only made bringing wine permissible to the staff. They demonstrated their disdain by ignoring us and by serving food meant to be paired with red wine before the bottle of white wine was finished. Also, while the prices seem reasonable, the portions are small. And when you realize that you are not paying for the atmosphere, you are left wondering what is with the hype?
- Pros: relatively inexpensive tapas
- Cons: Terribly service, lack of innovation and atmosphere
02/02/09
Fun Wine Tasting Experience, Mediocre Food
by EconomicArmageddon at Citysearch
Because it's randomly located on the edge of the 405 near Sepulveda, you feel like you've come across a hidden gem.
They have a fairly extensive wine menu, and they give you cute little coaster-type papers to remember which brands of wine you've tasted. The menu is decent- tapas, and the chef delivers complimentary taster dishes as well. I had no issues with the service, and in fact have gone to this restaurant twice, albeit accidentally.
Overall, though, it's just so-so. Worth checking out... But kind of like a "renter" more than a "theater-worthy".
- Pros: Great wine menu
02/29/08
Good value for a nice evening out
by Beck73 at Citysearch
For my husband's birthday I wanted to go somewhere we hadn't tried before, and I love small plates and wine (prefer whites), so Upstairs 2 fit the bill perfectly. Indeed, there was a long list of wines by the glass and a wide variety of hot & cold tapas. You could even order small (2.5 oz) glasses of wine. It was hard to choose. We split 5 tapas between us and that was about right. Granted, we also ate quite a bit of delicious bread dipped in olive oil. My only complaint was that the tomato sauce with the swiss-chard-tofu ravioli was WAY too salty. (Don't worry, carnivores, you can't taste the tofu.) Service was professional and helpful without being overbearing, and the pacing of the courses was neither too rushed nor too slow. When the bill came--wow-- I wouldn't have mind splurging for a special occasion dinner but it was only $60 total including 2 glasses of wine!
On a Thursday night the place wasn't totally full, but it's probably easier to make a reservation. The tables are rather close together so it's not exactly an intimate dining experience, but it's comfortable enough.
- Pros: service, variety of choices, wines by the glass
- Cons: tables very close together
The Details on Upstairs 2
Parking:
Don't circle looking for the valet--free parking is available on the roof, where the restaurant is located. It that fills up, scout out street parking, which is usually available in front of the store.
What to Drink:
The by-the-glass wine and half bottle list is pretty formidable, with about 10 selections each of sparking, white and red.
The Extras:
A popular locale for private parties, the entire space, including audio and video capabilities, can be booked for special events Sunday through Wednesday.
Category:
Catering, Banquet Rooms, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Hidden Find, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Message from Upstairs 2
- Mediterranean menu of Tapas
- Affordable and Exciting Wines
- Banquet Rooms for Events
The Wine House, Los Angeles' largest wine store, has opened a unique restaurant and wine bar called Upstairs 2. As you would expect, they have created a list of wines by the bottle that is exciting, eclectic & affordable. In addition, their wine experts have constructed a free flowing, entertaining and extensive "Wines by the Glass" program.
Upstairs 2 offers diners a unique perspective rarely experienced at other restaurants, one in which the selection of wine and its marriage to food comes first and foremost. Their Chef de Cuisine, Todd Barrie, formerly of Joe's Restaurant in Venice, has designed a wine-compatible, Mediterranean-themed menu of tapas or "small plates," which he will enhance by presenting other creative dishes, highlighted by seasonal ingredients. It has been said that "variety is the spice of life." At Upstairs 2 they are committed to keeping that adage alive & well.
