Somerville

From the Slauson Corridor, Somerville has a deliberately mysterious, windowless facade finished with warm wood meant to echo the homes in the surrounding View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood. A host is stationed out front to manage arrivals, reinforcing the building’s speakeasy feel. Once inside, the space is dimly lit and channels an old-timey supper club, with the sounds of a live jazz and R&B band filling the room. Jewel-toned velvet furniture sections off different areas, and the booths closest to the stage are finished in a deep gold. The restaurant’s name is a direct nod to the historic Hotel Somerville, a central hub for the Black jazz scene on Central Avenue in the 1930s and 40s, and the menu follows that spirit. The cuisine is progressive American, honoring the roots of South Central Los Angeles with modern takes on Southern-inspired dishes. Standouts include the collard green lasagna, fried chicken and caviar sliders, and braised short ribs, alongside heartier plates like pan-seared salmon and Australian lamb shank. The bar puts out ten signature cocktails, including the "Forget Me Not," a spicy mezcal drink, and the "Hey Day," its version of a sidecar. Reservations are essential and often book out a month or more in advance, with tables subject to a strict 90-minute time limit. The general attire is dressy – people show up to be seen. The best way to get in without a booking is to aim for the bar, which is kept open for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. For parking, valet is offered, and there is also a lot located behind the building.