Downtown LA’s Music Center Adds New Burger Stand to Renovated Plaza

A new burger stand is close to opening in the newly renovated plaza between the Mark Taper Forum and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Upstage Burger is a compact take-away spot that looks directly over Walt Disney Concert Hall and Bunker Hill. Upstage’s reps suggest the restaurant should be open later this month or early November.

Upstage is on the corner of Grand Avenue and First Street, so appealing for museum or event-goers, and Bunker Hill office workers. The design is quick and easy, starting with orders placed through an iPad kiosk, including grass-fed beef, Impossible meat, free-range chicken, or all-beef hot dogs. Standard sides come as well, but a few extras sound downright fun with truffle fries, beer and wine, and ice cream floats.

This entire new section is part of Music Center Plaza. Three additional restaurants are coming too, while some longtime eateries will remain. Upstage is the second new eatery after Cocina Roja started serving casual Mexican dishes right next to the Ahmanson Theater in May. Both restaurants are operated by the Patina Group, and Music Center Plaza construction should be complete by fall 2019.

The overall renovation is long overdue, the plaza has not changed since its inception in 1964. When open, hours will be daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Upstage Burger. 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

• $40 Million Music Center Plaza Renovation Includes New Restaurants, Wine Bar, and Cafe [ELA]