Getting your friends together for a night out in Los Angeles can be tricky, especially with party bus rentals in the mix. Everyone knows the struggle; the group chat goes crazy with suggestions while you endlessly scroll through restaurant options.
The challenge of finding places that fit your whole group without emptying your wallet is real. Party bus rentals in Los Angeles make it easier to combine dinner plans with transportation.
Places like Raffi’s Place, which hit its 30-year milestone in Glendale in 2023, give you plenty of room to spread out. On top of that, some spots create memorable dining moments, like H&H’s churrasco experience at $70 USD per person, where servers bring their best grilled meats right to your table.
A solid reservation is your best friend for group dining. In this piece, you’ll discover my favorite spots that won’t stick you with “some private room with a prix fixe menu you don’t want”. The options range from Mexican restaurants with amazing margarita flights to spots with huge courtyards perfect for your crew.
These picks come from countless nights of exploring the city. Your group might want to look into a bus charter with Metropolitan shuttle to keep everyone together as you hop between venues.
Where To Eat With Friends Before A Night Out
Your night’s success starts with pre-gaming at the right spot. Let’s take a closer look at LA’s hottest pre-party dining spots that will please even your pickiest friends.
1. Two Hommés – West African-Latin fusion Near The Forum
Two Hommés sits just eight minutes from The Forum and feels like a nostalgic clubhouse with hit records by Anita Baker and Chaka Khan adorning the brick walls. This West African-Latin fusion hotspot serves generous portions of fluffy Ghanaian jollof rice topped with BBQ jerk salmon and passion fruit ceviche that radiates a bright orange hue.
The berbere-dusted chicken bites have become a crowd favorite; they’re perfectly fried with just enough honey sweetness. You should book a picnic table online for groups up to eight and thank me later.
2. Si! Mon – Seafood And Cocktails In Venice
Si! Mon creates the atmosphere of a Spanish ranch in Malibu with its tropical patio and seashell chandelier-adorned interior. Groups of eight or more can enjoy a private bungalow in the back.
The Panamanian-leaning menu showcases seafood delights like hamachi crudo with curry mushroom oil and a rich, burnt-orange crab stew called gaucho that’s cooked with rum and habanero. This spot makes the perfect backdrop for those Instagram-worthy dinner shots before hitting Venice’s nightlife.
3. Budonoki – Lively Izakaya With Music And Skewers
Budonoki makes group dinners special in Virgil Village. The space creates a moody, urbane setting, a 40-seat tableau features shadowed tables, an angled bar, paper lanterns, and a wooden shoji screen that glows in pink and purple lighting.
Friends gather around tables and tuck into shareable dishes like jidori chicken oyster skewers, bowls of wagyu yakisoba, and pineapple soft serve. Old-school Missy and Ja Rule blast over the speakers, and you’ll leave ready to party even if you arrived tired.
4. Add A Cheap Party Bus Rental In Los Angeles For The Ride
Note that transportation can make your night amazing or disappointing. LA Party Bus provides premium vehicles at wholesale prices to the public, which solves the designated driver challenge.
Their service handles navigation and parking near your destinations so everyone can enjoy themselves.
You might want to check out bus charter with Metropolitan shuttle for groups of 10 to 50 people; they operate 24 hours daily throughout Southern California.
Family-Style Dining For All Ages
Need a restaurant that makes both grandpa and your teenage cousin happy? LA’s family-style restaurants have solved this classic challenge while keeping the food delicious and fun.
1. Carlitos Gardel – Classic Argentinian Steakhouse
This Beverly Grove favorite has brought families together for special meals for decades. The restaurant creates a romantic atmosphere with soft lighting and tango music playing softly.
A beautiful string-lit back patio sets the perfect mood for celebrations, while the indoor space features several big round tables that work great for large family get-togethers.
The juicy ojo de bife (ribeye) and charred entraña (skirt steak) taste amazing with the kitchen’s garlicky chimichurri sauce. The heavenly dulce de leche dessert makes a perfect ending to your meal.
2. Sun Nong Dan – Korean Galbi Jjim With A Show
This Koreatown hotspot stays open 24/7 and puts on a dining show that amazes everyone from kids to adults. The signature galbi jjim (braised short rib stew) comes to your table in a huge pot with enough food to feed a football team.
You’ll watch in amazement as servers light up a mouthwatering mix of tender beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, scallions, and chewy rice cakes right at your table. The hot metal pot creates quite a show as it turns the meat’s edges crispy and caramelized.
3. Raffi’s Place – Persian Platters And Courtyard Seating
This Glendale treasure has delighted guests with top-quality Persian cuisine since 1993. The space feels like a French bistro with white tablecloths and wicker chairs, plus a real tree grows right through the middle of the restaurant.
Each plate features carefully grilled meats on beds of fluffy basmati rice next to grilled tomatoes and Anaheim peppers. The portions are so big that they could feed your friends for a week.
4. Boston Lobster – Lazy Susan Seafood Feasts
Seafood fans love gathering around a big lazy Susan table for a shared meal. Like Capital Seafood in Beverly Hills, Boston Lobster provides the ideal setup to pass dishes around family-style.
You might want to think about booking a bus charter with Metropolitan shuttle so everyone gets home safely after enjoying multiple seafood specialties.
Hidden Gems Locals Love
LA’s true food scene reveals itself away from tourist hotspots. These hidden gems came off the top of my head after years of learning about neighborhoods where locals eat.
1. Cafe Birdie – Highland Park Charm And Cocktails
Cafe Birdie stands out in Highland Park’s dining landscape, where amazing craft cocktails meet cozy dining. This spot draws neighborhood regulars who love its understated elegance, unlike the tourist traps downtown.
The ambient lighting sets a perfect mood for friend gatherings. Local food lovers say their cocktail program matches downtown’s best speakeasies without any attitude.
2. Otium – Downtown LA With Shareable Plates
This artistic culinary haven in downtown LA somehow stays hidden from tourist crowds. Otium shines with shareable plates that get people talking. Food critics rave about their menu that changes with the seasons. The space captures LA’s essence by mixing industrial design with cozy touches.
3. Farmhouse Thai – Colorful Decor And Bold Flavors
Looking for a restaurant that feels like a party? Farmhouse Kitchen in West Adams hits the spot with its fun, colorful space full of fake plants and bright pink flowers. Their menu packs Thai dishes you won’t find anywhere else in LA, including volcanic cup noodles and live lobster pad thai. Don’t miss their massive curry-covered short rib or deep-fried prawns that groups love.
4. Maccheroni Republic – Organic Pasta And Byob
This pasta heaven isn’t just a restaurant, it’s “where magic happens”. One of the world’s best pasta makers creates organic noodles fresh daily. The BYOB policy makes group dining affordable here. The sort of thing i love is how everyone feels at home in this place.
You might want to think about a bus charter with Metropolitan shuttle to get everyone home safely after enjoying their handmade creations.
Best Patios And Open-Air Group Spots
LA’s outdoor dining scene thrives all year due to perfect weather. Groups can enjoy stunning surroundings at these open-air venues.
1. The Front Yard – Hotel Patio With All-Day Menu
The North Hollywood hotel’s patio creates a relaxed atmosphere like dining at a friend’s backyard. Professional chefs and stylish furniture elevate the experience.
Groups gather around fire pits under twinkling string lights to share stories over craft cocktails. The all-day menu lets guests transition from brunch to happy hour at the same spot.
2. La Cabana – Venice Mexican With Margaritas
La Cabaña’s legacy dates back to 1963, making it a beloved Westside institution. Groups flock to the spacious back patio for tableside guacamole and margarita pitchers.
The signature ‘El Verde Burrito’ serves two people generously with salsa verde and cheese toppings. The restaurant welcomes guests from 11 am-11 pm daily, though some reports suggest a 3 am closing time.
3. The Strand House – Ocean Views And Seafood
The Strand House welcomes diners with spectacular 180-degree Pacific views from its two-level space. The menu shines with fresh seafood, buttermilk rolls, and wood-fired pizzas.
The rack of lamb with green olive and caper mint relish stands out as a must-try dish. Groups celebrate special occasions against the stunning ocean backdrop.
4. Los Angeles Party Bus Rentals Work Well For Beachside Groups
Metropolitan shuttle’s bus charter services make coastal dining adventures hassle-free. Their round-the-clock availability throughout Southern California proves especially helpful after enjoying La Cabaña’s margaritas.
Conclusion
LA stands out as a food lover’s dream for group dining. This piece explores options that work great for different occasions and group sizes. You’ll find everything from Two Hommés with its nostalgic clubhouse feel to Raffi’s Place’s beautiful courtyard.
My visits to restaurants all over the city taught me that amazing group experiences need both fantastic food and smart planning. It makes sense to pair your dinner plans with transportation, like a bus charter with the Metropolitan shuttle. Your group can skip parking hassles and freely enjoy those margarita flights at La Cabaña.
Places like Sun Nong Dan bring drama to your meal with their family-style dining, while spots like Farmhouse Thai serve up bold flavors in settings that look amazing on Instagram. The city’s perfect weather lets your crew enjoy patio dining at The Strand House all year long.
These restaurants know how to handle groups while keeping their food quality and atmosphere top-notch. They welcome large parties warmly, whether you’re grabbing dinner before a night out or planning a family get-together with multiple generations.
When your group chat blows up with dinner indecision, you can take the lead with this guide. Life’s too short to settle for average group dinners in a city packed with great choices. Get your friends together, reserve that table, and maybe book that party bus too – LA’s food scene is waiting for you!
