The Park Restaurant

This Echo Park bistro is where locals go for dinner, lunch and weekend brunch. The menu is solid, with eclectic offerings such as Szechuan fried calamari, seafood fideos, roast chicken and spaghetti and meatballs. Browse the beer and wine list for a good selection of reds and whites by the glass, as well as tasty craft beers. Wednesday is the popular (read: super crowded) half-price burger night. They've recently updated their patio, which makes al fresco dining here a delight. And if you want to escape the sweltering heat in the summer, the Park has some much-appreciated AC.