Despite a wonky name and a location perched above the bustling intersection of Melrose and La Cienega, West Hollywood's E.P. & L.P. is destined to become one of the hottest dining and drinking destinations Los Angeles will see this year, thanks to one of the most expansive rooftops in recent memory. With pristine views of L.A. from the Hollywood Hills down the flats of Mid-City, the L.P. portion hopes to serve industry folks and glamorous jetsetters late into the night.
The more composed, but equally trend-focused E.P. one level down will have a supper club vibe fit for the 21st century, with chef Louis Tikaram serving up Southeast Asian-inspired plates like Chiang Mai larb, wood-grilled Fijian tuna with green mango, and sweet black sticky rice for dessert. Inside the lower dining room, think bright hues, copper accents (check out that copper chef's counter), and nearly floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto La Cienega.
Upstairs, a slew of $10 bites include a soft shell crab banh mi, sticky chicken wings, and "nachos" with cassava crackers and coconut cream chicken dip. As for drinks, barman Alex Strauss (Grandpa Johnson's) uses plenty of flavors from Southeast Asia, such as the Thai Town Rodeo, which uses pandan and Indonesian long pepper with bourbon and Cynar. A refreshing Royal Welcome mixes up vodka, fresh tangerine juice, and a champagne float. Finally, those who want to infuse a bit more fun into their drinking can sip on one of the boozy bubble tea cocktails, served in the classic plastic cup.
Along the edge of the rooftop, one will also notice Frankie's, a more secluded section that'll work as a private events space, or perhaps a more exclusive hideaway for celebrities.
Seasoned Australian restaurateurs David Combes and Grant Smillie produced the sharp-looking experience (oh and mega-DJ Axwell is an investor) with the aim to have people hang out, and stick around for the night. Hours run 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night, with Frankie's running Thursday to Sunday.
