"The food was unusual, and some items were better than others. My husband and mother are very adventurous in their food choices and we were there to celebrate my husband's birthday. My daughter and I are very picky eaters; however, everyone enjoyed something. We tried the lamb's neck, bone marrow, matzoh balls with bacon, the grebness (sp?)(fried chicken skin), broccoli, corn, and fish, as well as the sticky pudding/bread. I had a terrific beer and my husband and mother drank a grenache wine, also very good. The decor was stark but the atmosphere was very fun, with the mismatched chairs, and soft lighting. Our hostess/ waitress, Claire, was patient with all of our questions. All in all, it was a terrific evening. Ilan Hall was not there. : ("
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, late-night find, hot spot
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"We made reservations for 11pm banking on the fact that their website said open until 2am. We got there at 1130p (opera let out later than we thought). We tried calling to say we were running late but no one answered the phone. When we got there, we find out they are closing at midnight. The girl at the front desk argued with me that I was incorrect about what I saw on their website. We were able to get seated .. because there was NO ONE there. BUT we decided not to stay. The kitchen staff had everything packed up and were ready to go home. There was no way we would dare order anything to eat at this point."
Dined on 5/25/2013
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"A LOT of newer places have opened up DTLA and I feel Gorbals has been overlooked. I myself haven't been back in a LONG time and after this last visit, will definitely be putting it back on regular rotation. There's nothing super scary though there is a DELICIOUS tongue on the menu that everyone must try - the BEST tongue EVER. Along with the much lauded Bahn-Mi poutine. MAN that was good! The noise level can get ridiculously loud so I suggest weeknights for those w sensitive hearing such as myself - regardless, get yourself over there especially if you haven't since the bacon-wrapped-matzo-ball hype."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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"Food was amazing. Specifically the Banh Mi Poutine was friggin unbelievable, so was the chicken skin BLT and the cow tongue confit... Great cocktails too. We go to a lot cool restaurants but they all serve a lot of similar foodie stuff like pork belly, which is great but this place really does it in a new way."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"The food is of incredible quality. The hostess seemed a bit strange, but the wait staff and service, in general, was amazing. Perfect for large groups"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"If you're venturing downtown, this is a great place to try. Hidden away in a building that a generous soul would describe as having Faded Glory, it's got hip-on-a-budget decor and an adventurous menu. Try the bacon wrapped matzo balls just cuz, and don't miss the broccoli. Absolutely delicious. My favorite item on the dessert menu was "buy the kitchen a round of beer". We did. They deserved it."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Food is very unique but fabulous. Must try the latkes w/smoked apple sauce. The cucumber, Crunchy garbanzo beans and avocado was amazing. It is VERY loud here and it is a smal place so make a reservation ."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"You could be more adventurous, or play it safe with food choices. Loved the creativity and fun in several options. So happy to find such a place that isn't a "scene". Will definitely hit it up again."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Interesting set up in terms of where it's located and how you find it. I felt like I wandered into the set of 'The Shining' for a moment. Great food - tapas portions and great service. I'd go back."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Came in for a Monday night dinner. Started at the Bar, and stayed there for dining given that the craft cocktails were great and the service was attentive, engaging, and very hospitable.
Had a few dishes which tasted excellent. The Papas and the Beef Tongue Con Feit were exceptional.
Ambiance was cool and anti which I like...given the old hotel scenario for a base and the lighting it came across like an old Mickie Spalane Episode. Which is a compliment.
As well, I really dig the exposition style kitchen. Being able to see the action is a good thing."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Has gone under the bridge - too much hype. Dishes only so-so.
Ordered a gin martini up with a twist, when the bill arrived it was priced: Gin $12.00, Martini $2.00, and Up $1.00!! Why didn't they just charge me a flat $15.00 for the drink? Are they trying to be too cool?
Never again."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2009
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"One of my favorite spots in LA...the food is always great but I think the craft cocktails have fallen a tad. I would love to seem them ramp up the bar vibe a touch."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"The entrance was dismal but we were met with friendly and attentive staff. Food was delicious with somewhat different flavors than you would expect. We enjoyed the latkes, the soy-ginger-chili broccoli, and the chips. Matzoh balls were dry and bland except for the bacon. Ambiance is rustic, lighting dim but pleasant. Nice to be able to see the kitchen as they created the food. Would highly recommend. Staff helped make this an especially memorable culinary experience."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"The food was pretty good actually but the staff had such an attitude I'd never go back. They pretended not to hear you when you asked them for something. We, the guests, were a bother to them."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2009
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""Interesting" location...we almost missed the entrance tucked into the lobby of an office building.Food was a little slow but since we ordered multiple shared plates it worked out ok. Some interesting dishes but I thought the food was a little heavy handed, relying on a lot of deep-frying and heavy saucing."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2009
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"The food, ambiance was totally amazing, and by far one of my go to favorite restaurants! But I would have liked our waitress to have been a little more attentive. I felt like whenever we needed something we had to flag her down, it took a good 15min for us to get our first round of drinks!. I understood it was busy, so it wasn't such a big deal. If still come back and would recommend to friends. Loved the confit tongue, and definitely one of the best I've had."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Interesting, to say the least. Rough neighborhood, but that's to be expected on Spring/5th. I predict disaster for them, however, because unless you read about them or use services like Open Table, you would never discover them, which is a very dangerous business model for a restaurant. Impossible to know they exist if you're driving or walking past. Once inside, things get pretty good. Both the tongue and burger were excellent. The broccoli had good flavor, but was too saturated in the sauce. Overall it was interesting and good - but with all the choices in Downtown, I'm not sure when I'd be back. I did, however, just recommend a friend to go, because they like new experiences - and this is definitely that."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2008
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"Great and unique place. Delicious and unusual food. Relaxed talking atmosphere. Parking down street 7$. No photos in hotel (historic place). No cell signal. Loved the place stayed late too. Yummy dessert too."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The food was all very greasy. You walk in looking for an amazing meal prepared by a top chef and you leave with a food hangover and an extremely high cholesterol level. The bartender was great, the servers lacked personality.
Everything was either fried or extremely rich. There were some interesting flavors but I think that the Chef needs to take his Scottish menu and Americanize it for the sake of the customer's palettes.
I've worked in restaurants for 14 years and at that price point, they'll never make it with their current menu."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2013
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"The Gorbals had been on my radar for quite some time but it was always busy on the weekends but it just so happened that I had a business dinner during the week and thought this is the perfect time to check it out. The staff was attentive and needed to be with a menu that has many things only chefs know what they are. The food was extremely unique, small dishes, 2 per person was a fair amount although a fifth would've been just right. 3/4 of the dishes were fantastic. Decor was urban, rustic and modern. I'll be back."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"My experience at The Gorbals exceeded all expectations. My sister bought a Groupon and we decide to try it out on a Monday for her birthday. We came at a time when it wasn't busy and that was fine with us. It gave us a chance to observe everything. Even though it was a slow day, the service was anything but slow. Our server still gave us exceptional service. The food is phenomenal. I can understand the hype behind The Gorbals, and can understand why the chef won Top Chef. The menu was fresh and innovative and charming. We followed our server's recommendation, and is very pleased. The only minor quibble I have is the spare rib sauce can be a little salty.I will definitely come back again and will be bringing more friends."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"I made a reservation for 5 and ended up having to wait over an hour because their computer system apparently died. I kindly asked for the staff to let us know when our table was ready and our party took a seat at the bar which is only a few feet away from the hostess post. I saw that some tables were opening up, they were seating people who came before and after us... But not us. Finally after an hour of waiting, we got seated. From then on, the experience was great. We obviously had our order ready to go since we were starving and it was already 10 pm. Service at the table was great and bartender was accommodating as well. Hostess? Not so on top of it. I'm sure they just forgot about our table- we weren't seated until I asked what was up."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Loved the food and loved meeting Top Chef, Ilan. Everything was delicious. We will go again. The setting is kind of weird, in an old hotel, but still cool. I felt like saying "Redrum, redrum"."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We had a Groupon for four, which meant that we got 8 plates, 4 glasses of wine, and 2 desserts to share. It was perhaps the most amazing restaurant experience many of us had. One of my favorite new restaurants!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Totally worth the trip. The menu is basically broken up into what kind of animal you want to eat, or herbivore.
We went through probably half the menu, and I can say that the bone marrow was my favorite dish by far. Ya I know, bone marrow doesn't sound appetizing, but just give it a try! By the time they are done with it, it is more like a very rich stuffing. For a more friendly beef option, I'd recommend the beef cheeks."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"We had the Valentine's Day special with the wine flight. The food was a mix of well chosen ingredients, menu, and LOVE. Everything I ate was delicious. One minor thing was that I wish they had some of their more well known plates on their fixed menu for the night."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Wine was delicious. The bacon-wrapped matzoh balls and beef cheeks (per the BF) were good. I really enjoyed the latkes as well.
The bad:
Food overall was just okay. Not great, okay. I expect more when the final bill is $200 bill for two people. Timing horrifically off, like waiting over half an hour between courses off. Waitress was inattentive -- we had to flag her down to order more dishes and she never refilled our wine or waters.
I can see possibly going back with a large group so that everyone orders a little bit of everything to share. For a couple, not so great."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
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