The Foundry on Melrose

Melrose eatery and lounge draws the next generation of fine diners with refined American fare and fair-minded prices.

(323) 651-0915

7465 Melrose Ave (Between Vista and Gardner)
Los Angeles, CA 90046 34.0836 -118.3527

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Neighborhoods: Melrose, Central LA

thefoundryonmelrose.com/

Hours:

Monday - Wednesday:

6pm - 11pm

Thursday - Saturday: 6pm - 2am

Sunday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm

Last updated 8.12.11

Category:

Restaurants

Restaurant Special Features:

Business Dining, Online Reservations, Celeb Hangout, Private Parties, Private Rooms

Notable Chef:

Eric Greenspan

Editor's Tips

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What People Are Saying About The Foundry on Melrose

The Owner

The Foundry on Melrose

Owner

The Foundry on Melrose is a swanky, fun, food-driven restaurant right in the heart of world-famous Melrose Avenue. Featuring the cuisine of Executive Chef and owner Eric Greenspan, The Foundry on Melrose serves exciting, market driven and creative "fancy schmancy" food in a casually elegant atmosphere. Our Dinner Menu is available Tuesday through Saturday 6 -11pm in both our Garden Dining Room, one of Los Angeles' premiere outdoor dining rooms (covered and heated for the winter), and our Main Dining Room with a view of the action in our showcase kitchen. Our lounge, outfitted with leather…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Mar Yvette

Contributor

Maybe it's the live music blasting out onto the sidewalk or maybe it's chef/owner Eric Greenspan's reputation (he's the former exec chef at Patina and "Next Iron Chef" contestant), but this art deco bistro knows how to bring in a steady flow and impressive mix of Melrose hipsters and gray-haired sophisticates. The front lounge and piano bar area is where crowds gather for fun evenings filled with live music and a few cocktails. Beyond the narrow dining hall and exposed kitchen is the "secret" garden patio, framed by arching trees and warmed lighting. Much like the loud and larger-than-life…

Editor's Tips

Look Good:
A weekly tasting menu--available Thursday through Sunday--offers four seasonal courses for $75, with wine pairings for $25. The dishes are also available a la carte as the evening's featured specials.
Parking:
Street parking can be hard to come by--opt for the valet instead.
The Extras:
The restaurant has weekly events like Bluesey Tuesdays (live music, menu items under $10), Live Jazz Thursdays and Suds & Sammies Sundays.
What to Drink:
Late-night neighborhood crowds opt for the cocktail list. Try the Consiliere, a smooth, sophisticated concoction of bourbon, amaretto and fresh-pressed grapefruit.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The ambience was really very good and our waiter was great.”
  2. “It's fine dining food without the stuffy atmosphere - perfect!”
  3. “great food, great atmosphere, SUPERIOR SERVICE!”
  4. “thought the food was good and the restaurant had a nice ambiance.”
  5. “The service was nice and prompt, the atmosphere good.”
  6. “nice ambience, nice service, ok food”
  7. “From the friendly & knowledgeable staff, the FANTASTIC wine list & gourmet but reasonably priced menu, soothing yet hip ambiance with great outside seating, you will not be disappointed!”
  8. “New lounge area is sleek, comfortable and with a great view onto Melrose.”
  9. “The food was awesome, the service was first rate, and so is the atmosphere.”
  10. “The atmosphere is welcoming and intimate, with a romantic back patio as well as an area reserved for "chef's tables" right by the open kitchen.”
  11. “The menu brims with comfortable and exceptionally executed dishes.”
  12. “We were excited about having dinner at this restaurant, it has very nice ambiance and good service.”
  13. “The service is friendly, attentive and fun.”
dessert
0.0% positive
  1. “The banana chocolate cake amazingly had no flavor, either, except a bitter, cocoa-like flavor.”
  2. “The gamey-ness of the squab was accentuated, rather than subdued by the sauce; the halibut had a flat flavor; the donut dessert was tough and chewy (one filled with jelly - I mean seriously, is this Dunkin Donuts and the other with lavender cream -truly n”
  3. “The fish was dry and had no taste (other than salt) and the dessert was nothing to write about.”
drinks
90.0% positive
  1. “The wine servings were exceedingly generous and the pairings were good.”
  2. “We love the live music, the Absinthe cocktails, grilled cheese, tuna tartare, and pretty much everything on the menu.”
  3. “The hostess was nice, even offering a free round of drinks--which never materialized.”
  4. “Great wine, great food, great people.”
  5. “From the friendly & knowledgeable staff, the FANTASTIC wine list & gourmet but reasonably priced menu, soothing yet hip ambiance with great outside seating, you will not be disappointed!”
  6. “The knowledgeable wine staff served us up a couple of bottles that were both new to us as well as paired with food perfectly.”
  7. “Our server was friendly and knowledgable about the food and wine and both my husband and my dishes were incredible.”
  8. “The food was good, albeit on the pricey side - $150 for two appetizers, one entree, one glass of wine, one coke, and a cheese plate (including tax and 20% tip).”
  9. “Service was ridiculously slow and after telling the waiter how long we had waited for either drinks or courses (we ordered the tasting menu), there were no apologies, just excuses.”
  10. “Now we understood that the restaurant was new and busy and the guy was trying to keep his customers happy, and thought he could ask us as a favor to leave (we were finishing coffee).”
food quality
84.32999610900879% positive
  1. “Great food, service and nice outdoor patio.”
  2. “The food is outstanding, the service is impeccable and the vibe is perfect.”
  3. “The entree portions weren't huge but with the apps and in-between course tasty treats they serve, it was perfect for us.”
  4. “nice ambience, nice service, ok food”
  5. “-the burger was really, really good and it came with all of the fancy/cool ingredients on the side so you can sort of make according to your liking.”
  6. “the salad to start was not very interesting and was very small and cost way more than it should (all ala carte)”
  7. “The food wasn't completely horrible, but it was bad enough to make us say that we will not go back.”
  8. “Too bad, the food is fantastic.”
  9. “The food temperature was luke warm to cold, the flavors were flat, the menu small and uninspired.”
  10. “The menu brims with comfortable and exceptionally executed dishes.”
  11. “many meals in LA are good, but not many are as memorable as the meal we had at the Foundry.”
  12. “The gamey-ness of the squab was accentuated, rather than subdued by the sauce; the halibut had a flat flavor; the donut dessert was tough and chewy (one filled with jelly - I mean seriously, is this Dunkin Donuts and the other with lavender cream -truly n”
  13. “Excellent food and value”
  14. “The fish was dry and had no taste (other than salt) and the dessert was nothing to write about.”
  15. “The food was average and sometimes bad, but even if it had been outstanding our experience would have been ruined by the horrible service.”
  16. “this is a good place to try and check out but don't expect to be wowed by the food.”
  17. “Great wine, great food, great people.”
  18. “Wanted great food and great blues and we got both.”
  19. “The slow service could have been overlooked (a little) if the food was good - but it wasn't.”
  20. “You wouldn't expect to find exquisite, fine dining food in such a cool, hip area, but you will find it here.”
  21. “The lobster pasta was incredible, the New York strip was tough and the quail unremarkable.”
  22. “As sushi people, we found the sashimi lacking, although the grilled prawns were delicious.”
  23. “The food was good, albeit on the pricey side - $150 for two appetizers, one entree, one glass of wine, one coke, and a cheese plate (including tax and 20% tip).”
  24. “Horrible service, average food at best, don't waste your time”
  25. “It's fine dining food without the stuffy atmosphere - perfect!”
  26. “Great back patio and amazing food!”
  27. “It's an awesome mix of fancy food in a fancy restaurant that's unpretentious, at somewhat affordable prices.”
  28. “The food was amazing.”
  29. “Owner Eric Greenspan's knowledge of world cuisine is impressive, to say the least.”
  30. “Our server was friendly and knowledgable about the food and wine and both my husband and my dishes were incredible.”
  31. “The food was awesome, the service was first rate, and so is the atmosphere.”
  32. “holy mother of tasty food, I mean every bite was amazing.”
  33. “We go out to dinner an average of 2 nights per week and both my husband and I agreed that it has been a loooong time since we've had such wonderful food.”
  34. “Great space, great food.”
  35. “The pork belly appetizer is exceptional and the short ribs are the best in the city, hands down!”
  36. “the pork belly was perfect and basically desegrated when you pressed it against the roof of your mouth.”
  37. “great food, great atmosphere, SUPERIOR SERVICE!”
  38. “Their bread comes in odd tapas portions which is creative but inadequate.”
  39. “My wife had the jidori chicken which was SO unbelieveably juicy on the inside, yet had a great crunchy texture to the crust.”
  40. “thought the food was good and the restaurant had a nice ambiance.”
  41. “If you're looking for a new place for a quiet night of creative food and great people, check out the foundry.”
  42. “We finished off with the donuts--which were tasty, but hardly satisfied her sugar craving.”
  43. “(How about a nice bread basket?)”
  44. “wish I could take gazpacho home by the gallon, the pork belly was ridiculously good, and the short ribs are making me hungry just thinking about them!”
  45. “The knowledgeable wine staff served us up a couple of bottles that were both new to us as well as paired with food perfectly.”
  46. “Overall, the meal was OK and we had an enjoyable evening, however, our dining experience really lacked that "Wow!”
  47. “The food was good but for a $200+ meal for 2 people and what seems to have been an attempted scam, we will definitely not return.”
  48. “the sauce is really good, but the steak itself is not very tender.”
  49. “The entire meal took 2.5 hours, which would be OK if the food were miraculously great, but since it wasn't it just seemed amateurish.”
  50. “The new lounge menu is delicious and very reasonable.”
menu variety
77.77999877929688% positive
  1. “From the friendly & knowledgeable staff, the FANTASTIC wine list & gourmet but reasonably priced menu, soothing yet hip ambiance with great outside seating, you will not be disappointed!”
  2. “The menu brims with comfortable and exceptionally executed dishes.”
  3. “The food temperature was luke warm to cold, the flavors were flat, the menu small and uninspired.”
  4. “Unreal service, gave us great suggestions for the menu, checked on us about 4 dozen times, Eric came over twice to check on us as well.”
  5. “we were informed that the menu changed frequently we felt the best thing to do was order the chefs tasting menu and we were not let down.”
  6. “The tasting menu was inexpensive and very "southern" and the combination made for a perfect evening.”
  7. “Service was ridiculously slow and after telling the waiter how long we had waited for either drinks or courses (we ordered the tasting menu), there were no apologies, just excuses.”
  8. “The new lounge menu is delicious and very reasonable.”
  9. “We love the live music, the Absinthe cocktails, grilled cheese, tuna tartare, and pretty much everything on the menu.”
overall
77.77999877929688% positive
  1. “besides a nice place.”
  2. “ll have to say that it is pretty darn near the best restaurant in LA!”
  3. “The only good about this place was the Jazz band which plays some of the best Jazz I have heard in L.A. To top off this awful experience the Chef screams foul language through the Restaurant at his kitchen staff which is obviously due to his Napolean Com”
  4. “this is a good place to try and check out but don't expect to be wowed by the food.”
  5. “Anyone looking for a great place to celebrate a special event or just have a great evening out should try the Foundry on Melrose.”
  6. “This will be another chef that will lose out on good reviews because the place is the worst in LA.”
return potential
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. “would totally go back again and I would recommend this place to everyone and anyone WHO LIKES FOOD!”
  2. “The food was good but for a $200+ meal for 2 people and what seems to have been an attempted scam, we will definitely not return.”
  3. “The food wasn't completely horrible, but it was bad enough to make us say that we will not go back.”
service
81.19999885559082% positive
  1. “The food was good but for a $200+ meal for 2 people and what seems to have been an attempted scam, we will definitely not return.”
  2. “the service was pretty good though.”
  3. “So impressive that I asked Andrew, the very attentive manager, for several cards to pass out.”
  4. “Expedient service, which borderlined that type of "get everything out to them so we can free up the table" service, except for the fact that our server was very polite, unlike other restaurants that try to do the same.”
  5. “If you're looking for a new place for a quiet night of creative food and great people, check out the foundry.”
  6. “Service was ridiculously slow and after telling the waiter how long we had waited for either drinks or courses (we ordered the tasting menu), there were no apologies, just excuses.”
  7. “John, our waiter, was SUPERB.”
  8. “The ambience was really very good and our waiter was great.”
  9. “Great wine, great food, great people.”
  10. “From the friendly & knowledgeable staff, the FANTASTIC wine list & gourmet but reasonably priced menu, soothing yet hip ambiance with great outside seating, you will not be disappointed!”
  11. “Great food, service and nice outdoor patio.”
  12. “The service was nice and prompt, the atmosphere good.”
  13. “When we did sit, the patio out back was beautiful, and the wait staff courteous.”
  14. “Horrible service, average food at best, don't waste your time”
  15. “The food was awesome, the service was first rate, and so is the atmosphere.”
  16. “First and foremost, the service was terrible.”
  17. “the waitstaff was so helpful and friendly without a hint of snootiness!”
  18. “The waiter didn't bother identifying what the amuse bouche was that night, so I have no idea what it was.”
  19. “As sushi people, we found the sashimi lacking, although the grilled prawns were delicious.”
  20. “The service is friendly, attentive and fun.”
  21. “Great except for awful hostess (Addendum: They now have a great new hostess.)”
  22. “Our waiter, Justin is the best waiter we've come across in L.A. also.”
  23. “Not only did I coo over the gorgeous setting and outstanding service, but both meals were fantastic.”
  24. “nice ambience, nice service, ok food”
  25. “Unreal service, gave us great suggestions for the menu, checked on us about 4 dozen times, Eric came over twice to check on us as well.”
  26. “The hostess was nice, even offering a free round of drinks--which never materialized.”
  27. “ADDENDUM: They now have a fabulous new hostess, so I have nothing but love for this place.”
  28. “Our server was friendly and knowledgable about the food and wine and both my husband and my dishes were incredible.”
  29. “The only good about this place was the Jazz band which plays some of the best Jazz I have heard in L.A. To top off this awful experience the Chef screams foul language through the Restaurant at his kitchen staff which is obviously due to his Napolean Com”
  30. “Our reservation was at 9pm, we didn't leave till 12:45pm because the service was terrible.”
  31. “The food was average and sometimes bad, but even if it had been outstanding our experience would have been ruined by the horrible service.”
  32. “-the service (at least in the back) is impeccable, every time”
  33. “The food is outstanding, the service is impeccable and the vibe is perfect.”
  34. “The knowledgeable wine staff served us up a couple of bottles that were both new to us as well as paired with food perfectly.”
  35. “The slow service could have been overlooked (a little) if the food was good - but it wasn't.”
  36. “the staff is extremely professional and on top of everything.”
  37. “We were excited about having dinner at this restaurant, it has very nice ambiance and good service.”
  38. “Likewise, the sommelier is attentive, knowledgeable and patient.”
  39. “The service was slow.”
value
81.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Bottom line - with the wide array of amazing restaurants in this city - your time and money are better spent elsewhere.”
  2. “It's not cheap, but it's not that expensive either - I'd say it's on par with other nice restaurants in the area.”
  3. “Their bread comes in odd tapas portions which is creative but inadequate.”
  4. “The food was good, albeit on the pricey side - $150 for two appetizers, one entree, one glass of wine, one coke, and a cheese plate (including tax and 20% tip).”
  5. “It's an awesome mix of fancy food in a fancy restaurant that's unpretentious, at somewhat affordable prices.”
  6. “actually, not that bad, and worth every single penny.”
  7. “Excellent food and value”
  8. “The entree portions weren't huge but with the apps and in-between course tasty treats they serve, it was perfect for us.”
  9. “The wine servings were exceedingly generous and the pairings were good.”
  10. “The tasting menu was inexpensive and very "southern" and the combination made for a perfect evening.”
wait time
16.670000553131104% positive
  1. “The service was slow.”
  2. “Service was ridiculously slow and after telling the waiter how long we had waited for either drinks or courses (we ordered the tasting menu), there were no apologies, just excuses.”
  3. “The slow service could have been overlooked (a little) if the food was good - but it wasn't.”
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/11/12

New Year's Eve 2011

by solam007 at Citysearch

Check out my full review @ buenprovechola.blogspot

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/11/11

so good....great experience

by imfabulous at Citysearch

I went with hugh expectations, hearing the grilled cheese was infamous, and that it would be wonderful.

Before I went i previewed the menu, in order to anticipate just what I should order, so I was excited for the Peanut Butter Bread Pudding. When I did arrive, it was very early in the evening, not even 6:30pm, so they just opened, it wasnt yet packed.

I met a friend there on Friday after work, and I ordered the 'Black Eyed Sue - a martini with avocado and spice to it, a little skeptical, it was fabulous, the avocado wasn't overwhelming and the spice was perfect! I moved on to the 'Holla Atcha: vodka with jalapeno and meyer lemon' this was the one. When I had my friend try it, he felt the subtle hint of spice from the jalapeno, but was on board with the cocktail.

Moving on to food, we had the infamous grilled cheese, which was wonderful, a perfect balance of salty & sweet, along with the curry lobster salad, and a few others items to company our cocktails.

It was refreshing to see Chef Greenspan himself at the window expediting food himself, to make sure that everything left the kitchen as he likes it. Chef Greenspan, did in fact make a presence, greeting people as they came in, welcoming the guests, (before it got too busy), as well as standing outside as they entered the restaurant. He did visit the tables to say hello to the guests, which was great to see. Some chefs are in the kitchen and thats it unless you specifically ask to speak to them.

In closing, I was excited for the Peanut Butter Bread Pudding, when our server told me that the Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with Peanut Butter Ice Cream was available instead, I was sad, but gave it a shot. It did just as well in my eyes. It wasn't too rich, you could taste all the flavors.

Overall it was a great experience, and I will put this on my list of places to frequent.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/31/10

HOLY F#%$@*! GRILLED CHEESE BATMAN

by magicmikela at Citysearch

really, really enjoy this place every time. It's an awesome mix of fancy food in a fancy restaurant that's unpretentious, at somewhat affordable prices.

GENERALLY, WHY IT'S AWESOME:

-the service (at least in the back) is impeccable, every time

-the back patio is really, really nice and comforting

-they bring out little breads/awesomes between courses. always makes me happy. i guess free food in general makes me happy.

-live music

-grilled cheese night

-eric is awesome

FOOD THAT IS AWESOME:

-the grilled cheese is RIDICULOUS (Eric not only won the grilled cheese invitational last year, but he's starting his own grilled cheese restaurant next door to the foundry this summer)

-the short rib is RIDICULOUS. sorry, i really like using caps when something's important. but seriously, i've had it almost every time and it's freakin amazing.

-the burger was really, really good and it came with all of the fancy/cool ingredients on the side so you can sort of make according to your liking.

-GNOCCHI. PILLOWS OF AWESOME.

-deserts are on point

Food that isn't as awesome:

-unfortunately, the steak (every time) has been sub par. the sauce is really good, but the steak itself is not very tender.

GO.

  • Pros: food, price, mini free apps between courses
  • Cons: not RIDICULOUS...if that's a con
1 Star Rating: Poor

09/29/09

Worst in LA

by Louise N at Citysearch

This place is terrible! Our reservation was at 9pm, we didn't leave till 12:45pm because the service was terrible. The waiters downright ignore you.

Too bad, the food is fantastic. This will be another chef that will lose out on good reviews because the place is the worst in LA.

We thought it was new and working out the kinks. Wrong, it's been open for a couple of years. I promise it will closed in a couple more.

In a recession, money is tight and nights out are a splurge. If you want to waste your money - please go here!

  • Pros: Food is great
  • Cons: "Are you my waiter?"
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/16/09

Update

by thom1961 at Citysearch

We have gone back every month since our first time and have recommended The Foundry to everyone we know. Eric Greenspan is a great chef and a really warm host. Jim, his co-owner makes you feel like part of the family each time you go. I have been a repeat customer at many L.A. restaurants over the last 12 years (moved here from New York), and it is strange but no one ever seems to remember you out here or welcome you back. This is not the case at The Foundry. We eagerly look forward to each visit as it is alot of fun. We love the live music, the Absinthe cocktails, grilled cheese, tuna tartare, and pretty much everything on the menu. Definitely try the prawns, mussels and tater tots, they're addictive. Our waiter, Justin is the best waiter we've come across in L.A. also. I hope they are around forever and I look forward to my next trip this month.

  • Pros: Great back Patio, Great Music, Great Chef
  • Cons: none

The Details on The Foundry on Melrose

Place Categories:

  • great fine dining food
  • nice service
  • worst place
  • terrible service
  • not bother waiter
  • knowledgeable wine staff
  • nice restaurant
  • memorable many meals
  • nice new hostess
  • definitely recommend foundry
  • great stuffy atmosphere
  • delicious new lounge menu
  • flat cocoalike flavor
  • great evening
  • knowledgable server
  • bad average food
  • awful experience
  • patient sommelier
  • basically desegrated pork belly
  • ridiculous short rib
  • very nice ambiance
  • creative odd tapas portions
  • great people
  • incredible dishes
  • best chef

Message from The Foundry on Melrose

  • Beautiful Outdoor Patio
  • Great After Work Scene
  • Voted Best Grilled Cheese!

The Foundry on Melrose is a swanky, fun, food-driven restaurant right in the heart of world-famous Melrose Avenue. Featuring the cuisine of Executive Chef and owner Eric Greenspan, The Foundry on Melrose serves exciting, market driven and creative "fancy schmancy" food in a casually elegant atmosphere. Our Dinner Menu is available Tuesday through Saturday 6 -11pm in both our Garden Dining Room, one of Los Angeles' premiere outdoor dining rooms (covered and heated for the winter), and our Main Dining Room with a view of the action in our showcase kitchen. Our lounge, outfitted with leather couches and ottomans, offers a more casual experience for the drop in diner, featuring both our regular Dinner Menu as well as our Lounge Menu with our take on bar snacks, salads, and sandwiches. The Foundry on Melrose also features live jazz on weekends starting at 9:30pm.

The Foundry on Melrose
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