WeHo’s Sunny New Cafe Compound Keeps a Bit of LA History Alive

The West Hollywood sun rises today on Conservatory, a splashy corner newcomer that prominently features one of the city’s most prized culinary landmarks: the former Irv’s Burgers stand on historic Route 66. Take a look around.

Conservatory comes to life by way of Paul Kalt and his Kalt Group construction, management, and investment firm, with lead design and concepting coming from Jim Hustead of Age Old Trade. The sprawling off-Santa Monica Boulevard location boasts a variety of different ways to dine and drink, from a small cafe pocket pushed up near the sidewalk to an airy brick-floored sit-down restaurant that opens on multiple sides. The central bar is tied together with hanging plants, sparkling tile, and lots of brass metalwork, leading to the back cocktail den with its low ceilings, checkered floors, and dark lighting.

All those different pockets of action mean many different menus. The former Irv’s is now a quick-serve outlet for coffee, tea, and $8 breakfast burritos, with stools that reach out almost to the sidewalk and wraparound seating that hugs the inside ordering windows. The main Conservatory restaurant space runs a dinner menu that floats seamlessly between salads, braised fish entrees, roast chicken, and a bacon cheeseburger. Lighter snacks throughout the dining and bar areas include a crudite plate, lamb meatballs, and flatbread. Executive chef Adonis Witt (BLD, Local Kitchen and Wine Bar) will oversee the food.

Much of the drinking takes place at central bar or at the lowkey Society Room tucked into the back. Josh Goldman of Soigne Group takes care of the drinks for all, including a run of spritzes available up at the cafe, perfect for outdoor summer dining. All the opening food and drink menus are below.

Conservatory opens for business on Tuesday, October 23. Expect hours starting at 7 a.m. at the cafe, 3 p.m. at the restaurant for happy hour, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on weekends) for dinner, and until late into the night at Society Room. Lunch and brunch will follow next month.

Conservatory. 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA.

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Sunny seating

Gorgeous patio space

Plenty of art