clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Conservatory
Fall squash bruschetta and salad at Conservatory
Wonho Frank Lee

Filed under:

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

Conservatory takes a new look at the former Irv’s Burgers plot

Farley Elliott is the Senior Editor at Eater LA and the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks. He covers restaurants in every form, from breaking news to the culture, people, and history that surrounds LA's dining landscape.

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.

Conservatory
Miso-wari cocktail at the Society Room

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.

Conservatory
Bacon cheeseburger
Conservatory
Conservatory
Conservatory
Braised short rib
Conservatory
A Spritzy Little Painkiller
Conservatory
Kevin Lee Light
Conservatory
For Those About to Arrack
Conservatory
Irv’s is now a cafe
Conservatory
Conservatory
Conservatory

Sunny seating

Conservatory
Inside the restaurant
Conservatory
Tall ceilings
Conservatory
The bar
A wooden and greenery-lined indoor-outdoor bar at daytime, shown from one empty corner.
Conservatory
Conservatory
Conservatory

Gorgeous patio space

Conservatory
Millenial touches
Conservatory
Towards the Society Room
Conservatory
Dim and inviting
Conservatory
Conservatory
Conservatory

Plenty of art

Conservatory
And back outside
Coming Attractions

A Trio of Huge Openings in Century City Includes Greek Seafood Spot Estiatorio Milos

AM Intel

Jewish Institution Diamond Bakery Closes on Fairfax But Will Continue Selling Loaves Around LA

Eater Awards

Here Are 2023’s Eater Award Winners for Los Angeles