My husband and I are flying to LA tomorrow to spend the weekend with our son who has just started college at UCLA. We would like to go out to dinner Friday night to someplace nice and fairly close to the campus. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks Barb

HI--we had a really lovely and delicious dinner here w/our son who works at UCLA. When I looked up the website to recommend it to you, I was extremely surprised to find that there are several others in the US. However, despite my hesitation to recommend a chain--albeit a small one--it has a great local following among UCLA people and it is a very pleasant, relaxed dining experience.

http://www.napavalleygrille.com/

I think Westwood Village is one of your best bets.

While it's a sort of chain, I really like Palomino in Westwood. Fun menu, nice atmosphere and a mixture of young folk and older.

I was also very impressed with the Gardens in Westwood.

And you can't go wrong with doing Italian at Drago's -- Tanino.

Thank you socialworker and Neopolitan. I know we will be in LA a lot over the next four years and will have lots or opportunities to try different places. Barb

well a big splurge would be the Bel Air Hotel, just N of UCLA and Sunset Blvd. A magical place.

Barb,
I know you're back now, but just wanted to say congratulations on your son getting into UCLA. It is not an easy feat, let me tell you, but what a great school (my husband and I met while attending UCLA!).

BabsB....on a future trip you must go to my favorite hamburger joint in the whole world....The Apple Pan....yeah, they make great apple pie too....but, its the hamburger that keeps me going back...since I was a young girl..circa 1960's.....even by myself....steak burger.....its on Pico Blvd. one block East of Westwood Blve. (across from the Westside Pavillion Mall)....closed Mondays....."belly up to the bar" type place....everyone eats there..saw Jacqueline Smith last time....sublime hamburger!! Oh yeah, get a slice of pie too....
YUMMMM.....

Shadow

Shadow, I live around the corner from the "Pan". Hickory burgers to die for!