Blondie

Blondie feels like a European or South American alleyway lifted straight into the Hollywood treetops. The Blondie signage/mural lining the staircase and local plants add to the chic treehouse illusion. It’s a space that’s much deeper than you’d expect, offering shifting views depending on where you look (past the bar, look up and you get pretty nice views of the Hollywood Hills…don’t bother looking down).

The vibe: Before sunset, the energy is casual, chill, and bright, with neutral tones that make for an easygoing dinner spot. As the patio lights and red glow kick in after dark, the space shifts into something much more youthful and flirtatious—solidly a date night spot or a place to hang with friends. For dinner, it skews a little older, before letting loose into a space that makes an earnest attempt at being hip and cool (and generally succeeds).

The food: The Blondie Burger’s messy horseradish onions cut through the heaviness in an otherwise middling burger, while the French onion dip with house-fried kennebec chips is snackable but even less satisfying. A surprising standout, however, is the Japanese sweet potato with harissa butter, fried shallots, and almonds. It’s a hardy, filling dish that manages to feel healthy and indulgent at the same time. This spot is best for a quick bite with drinks rather than a full dinner, but you could certainly do worse in a pinch.

The drink: The drinks are inventive and well-executed, even if they don't linger in your mind quite as long as the atmosphere. But with drinks like the Punch Kun pulling Batavia arrack out of the history books and signature cocktails maxing out at $17 (yes, in West Hollywood), you can forgive the forgettable. The rotating frozen "Daily Crush" is a fun, playful touch, but you’re most likely to see guests drinking beer or sipping natural wines out of little goblets.

Time Out tip: Come for dinner if you want a calmer, older crowd, then stay as the lights come on and hearts beat a little faster.