The best restaurant and bar events in Los Angeles

Now one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions, Barnsdall Park’s wine tastings regularly attract sell-out crowds. Perched atop Olive Hill on the west lawn of the historic Hollyhock House (which you can tour during the evening for an additional $36), the Barnsdall Friday fund raisers include fine selections of boutique wines provided by Silverlake Wine with a spectacular sunset and 360-degree views of the city. Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket, or just nosh on the variety of food trucks parked up there. Though there used to be lots of kids running around, the event lawn is now 21-and-up—perfect for a date night. Proceeds support the park’s art programs and historic renovations.

The summer edition of Dine L.A. is back from July 25 to August 8, with hundreds of restaurants participating in the two-week blitz of bang-for-your-buck set menus. Scattered among the prix-fixe tradition’s dizzying full list of menus are some of L.A.’s best restaurants offering their signature fare at a more budget-friendly price point. Before you make a reservation, check out our list of the best lunch and dinner deals the event has to offer.

The Grove’s best dining option in ages, American Beauty boasts an inviting pink, rose-adorned entrance and a grander dining room than its Venice Beach counterpart. And this summer, the steakhouse is teaming up with its favorite California winemakers for a special dinner series. For $135, enjoy a seasonal five-course tasting menu paired with thoughtfully poured selections—including a few exclusive sips—from Paso Robles’s Tablas Creek (July 31) and the Santa Ynez Valley’s Liquid Farms and Kings Carey (Aug 21). Seating is limited to only 24 seats per dinner, so be sure to book ahead of time on Resy.