12/05/08

Worth Missing Your Plane For (We Did)

by dyslexia

Having just experienced the Buggy Whip for the first time, we're very impressed. We'd recommend it to anyone, but especially those who appreciate classic mid-20th century dining.

The quality and attention to detail in terms of atmosphere, decor, service and (last but not least) food was superb.

In terms of atmosphere and decor - The subdued lighting, the wood paneling, the high-back leather booths, and even the lack of tv screens (an unfortunate rarity these days) combine in evoking mid-century style, a time when dining was truly an event.

Our waiter for the evening was Fidel, a superbly professional, attentive, knowledgeable and funny server. Seats and butts hadn't had even a chance to get past hello before the drinks were on the table. He achieved the golden mean of service - high attentiveness without even a hint of invasiveness.

The food was classic without being staid; the range of dishes enjoyed by our table (prime rib, trout, chicken piccata) being uniformly excellent in flavor, freshness and presentation. Be warned however - portions are generous!

The highlight of the evening however, was the pianist, Peter Wagner. This guy defines the term "musical stylings" like nobody else, ever. Peter can play just about anything, and his arrangements and delivery are *amazing*. Manilow, Diamond, The Animals...he made every song fresh and delightful, camping up the lounge stuff, but with bang-on virtuosity. We were lucky enough to be late diners, so we got to sing along and clap like you might not want to do with a full dining room.

Regardless, be sure to pick up his CD's...We'd *especially* recommend his single of "House of the Rising Sun" - pure, pure gold.

• Pros: Peter Wagner!
• Cons: Location, but great if you're on the way to the airport

01/18/08

VERY GOOD DINNING EXPERIENCE!

by thumpertherott

Tuesday night my girlfriend and I had dinner at the Buggy Whip. We showed up after 9pm and the restaurant was very busy. We were seated promptly by the hostess in a nice table by the piano. Our waitress was very punctual and helpful to the menu suggestions. The waitress noticed a large party was seated minutes before us and wanted to make sure we were taken care of and not neglected. She immediately had drinks and bread brought to our table. She made it a point to make sure our order was in before the large parties order went in. The waitress was very knowledgeable with the menu and had very helpful suggestions to help our dinning experience. I haven?t been to the Buggy Whip in years just because we live too far from, but now I remember why this place has been around for so long. The excellent service, great food and more then fair pricing will allow this L.A. landmark to keep providing a quality dinning experience.

• Pros: GREAT FOOD GREAT PRICES GREAT SERVICE
• Cons: NONE

12/27/07

Buggy Whip deserves 100 lashes

by lisaluisa

I've given this place two chances and will not be back. During both visits the hostess -- Joy, a misnomer -- was rude while we waited for a table more than 30 minutes past the time of our reservation. The drinks are overpriced. The kitchen help needs more help. During both visits at least one member of our party received his entree more than 15 minutes after others were served. This kind of service is unacceptable. Although the waitress did her best to serve the party of six, there was little she could do when the kitchen did not provide her with the food. Ah, the food. On both visits the prime rib was delivered with glistening globs of fat that encouraged the diner to push away the plate. The waitress apologized, saying the cut of meat was not appetizing. Joy, on the other had, was snippy, saying, "Prime rib has fat on it!" One of our diners, a retired butcher, shook his head in disbelief. Steak and chop houses usually get higher grades of beef than grocery stores. The quality of this prime rib -- and the inexcusable attitude of the hostile hostess -- made us want to run to Carrows.

Save your money. Save your time. Save your sanity.

Don't even think about visiting the Buggy Whip unless you are slipping int othe bar to hear the Jazz musician.

• Pros: music
• Cons: food, service