WHY Killer french fries and sweet potato fries, a suave croque madame, interesting fish and steak entrées, and desserts as comfy as grandma’s lap.

WHAT Located where way-cool Abbot Kinney meets the more prosaic Washington, Beechwood is rich in Venice style but free of hipster attitude—and its bar menu is one of the best values in the ‘hood. The midcentury-modern building houses a booth-lined dining room, a spacious lounge, and a terrific bar patio warmed by a big fire pit. No matter where you eat, it’s all good, stylish and reasonably priced.

WHO Handsome young folks in the bar, with date-night boomers in the quieter dining room.