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Best of South LA

American dinner spots

Sitting down for a proper American dinner is the only way to slow down and reset before the week begins again.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Shared kitchen space hosts a takeout-only soul food spot with generous portions and authentic Southern comfort. Warm lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere despite limited parking and entry challenges. Dishes like well-seasoned lamb chops and rich mac and cheese stand out for flavor and quality.

Mac and cheese stands out with its creamy texture and blend of cheeses, unlike typical versions. The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned, and the lemon pepper wings deliver consistent flavor.

Offers catering services suitable for dinner parties. Provides Southern-style dishes for dinner events.

People are saying

"The soul food here is amazing, especially the mac and cheese."

"The American food, especially the mac and cheese, is wonderfully creamy."

"The food here is seasoned perfectly and full of soul."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is a takeout and catering location, not a dine-in establishment.

2

Parking is limited; expect to find street parking or loading zones.

3

Portion sizes are very generous, often enough for sharing or multiple meals.

02
L.A. CRAZY CRAB image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with big TVs showing various sports and a full bar featuring Micheladas and margaritas. Atmosphere stays quiet and family-friendly with a vibrant vibe boosted by a DJ playing throwbacks. Seafood boils stand out with fresh, succulent shrimp and spicy sauces.

Seafood boils, chicken wings, and clam chowder soup stand out with rich flavors. Fries come with extra Cajun seasoning on request, and sides like corn ribs and Mac and cheese balls add variety.

Dinner feels like eating at a relative's home with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Service stands out as attentive and nice, making the evening comfortable.

People are saying

"This seafood boil was the best I've ever had."

"The American Food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

"The seafood dinner spots here are perfectly seasoned and served hot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $2 beers from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

2

A 3-liter beer tower is available for $16 during happy hour.

3

Expect no wait times during happy hour on Sundays.

03
Johnny's Pastrami image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers a huge secluded patio with firepits and heat lamps for outdoor dining. Atmosphere stays friendly and relaxing, with a vibe similar to a spoken word cafe. Space includes a fully equipped bar and a rentable party room with DJ for social events.

Pastrami sandwich and grilled cheese stand out with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Onion rings, loaded fries, and brisket add hearty, classic American sides and mains.

Dinner here has a family vibe with a focus on pastrami dishes. Meals feel friendly and casual, suitable for groups or friends.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor seating, it was so nice and spacious."

"The pastrami here is nostalgic and phenomenal."

"These dinner spots have the most nostalgic pastrami."

Good to know

1

Johnny's Pastrami is open 24/7.

2

Parking is difficult around Johnny's Pastrami.

3

Food is cooked to order and ready in 10-15 minutes.

04
Lonells image 1
Soul food restaurant

Large space fills with lively, joyful energy and live jazz band music. Warm, friendly atmosphere blends modern style with down-home soul food vibes. Back room offers private event space, while communal mood invites groups and families.

Fried chicken features an exceptional crust crispiness without dryness. Oxtails, meatloaf, greens, and red beans and rice appear as hearty options.

Dinner feels like a family gathering with hearty plates. Options include oxtail dinner with rice and sides like mac and cheese, greens, and smashed potatoes with gravy, plus a baked chicken dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The brunch here has down home hospitality and a modern feel."

"The American food oxtails were tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect popular menu items like oxtail and fried chicken to sell out by 7 pm.

3

Street and metered parking is available within half a block of the restaurant.

05
TOMโ€™s Jr. BURGERS image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Walk-up window offers quick ordering with minimal wait. Atmosphere is simple with a panoramic view and a focus on affordable prices. Menu includes classic burgers and varied options, with portions and quality varying by payment method.

Hamburgers stand out with a delicious double cheeseburger and a popular hamburger special. The menu also includes fried chicken dinner, hash browns, and sides like grits, rice, pancakes, and French toast served in large portions.

Fried chicken dinners stand out with crispy texture and rich flavor. Chicken strip dinners offer surprisingly high quality food for the price.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and good quality."

"I found the American Food, especially the hamburgers and fries, delicious."

"I thought the fried chicken dinner was the best meal."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of less than 15 minutes during peak hours.

2

Breakfast is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals costing around $7 to $9.

06
Dulan's On Crenshaw image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant combines modern renovation with a homey atmosphere and gospel music playing softly. Spacious dining area includes outdoor seating and a patio for private events, creating a welcoming and accommodating environment.

Fried chicken stands out with a homemade flavor and is often paired with collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that balance sweet and savory well. Meatloaf and smothered chicken also feature as hearty, well-cooked dishes.

Dinners come with two sides and a delicious dressing. Many choose it as a spot before concerts at SoFi stadium or The Forum.

People are saying

"I loved every dish I tried; the food was amazing."

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"The fried chicken dinner here is so yummy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Free valet parking is available right out front.

2

They have spoken word and comedy nights on Wednesdays.

3

They plan to start serving peach mimosas at their upcoming brunch.

07
Kim's Fish World image 1
Fish & chips restaurant

Family-owned fish and chips spot with fresh, well-seasoned seafood and house-made tartar sauce. Atmosphere feels alerting due to a sketchy surrounding area and crowded parking near a liquor store. Prices stay very reasonable with portions that satisfy.

Meals feature fish and shrimp with sides like hush puppies, fries, and potato salad. Family meals include warm dinner rolls and a choice of two sides for a set price.

Fish and shrimp dinners come with two sides and hush puppies. Family meals offer 20 pieces of fish and warm dinner rolls, though rolls sometimes get missed.

People are saying

"The seafood here tastes so good, it's been a community staple for years."

"The American food here, especially the fish, is seasoned and fried just right."

"I've enjoyed meals at this dinner spot since childhood."

Good to know

1

The family meal includes 20 pieces of fish, warm dinner rolls, two sides, and hush puppies for $38.50.

2

Parking can be crowded in the evening due to nearby establishments.

3

Kim's Fish World gets busy on Friday evenings, so plan accordingly.

08
Happy Fish Market image 1
Seafood market

Seafood market offers fresh, flavorful fish and generous portions with great prices. Atmosphere feels plain and unremarkable, with a small parking lot and street parking available. Popular for fried fish and shrimp specials, it stands out for quality despite modest surroundings.

Hush puppies come out crispy and flavorful. The coleslaw is consistently good and can be swapped for other sides. Platters often include a mix of fish, shrimp, oysters, fries, and hush puppies.

Fish dinners like catfish and Red Snapper come out well-prepared and flavorful. The 10-piece jumbo shrimp dinner is a solid choice that consistently satisfies.

People are saying

"The fish here is always fresh and tasty."

"I thought the American Food fish was fried perfectly, crisp and moist."

"The catfish dinner here is fire."

Good to know

1

Happy Fish Market accepts E.B.T. as a form of payment.

2

Parking at Happy Fish Market can be challenging due to a small lot.

3

The best deal is the party platter for feeding two or more.

09
Harold & Belle's image 1
Creole restaurant

Creole restaurant blends modern touches with Southern charm in a classy, inviting interior featuring a full bar with expertly mixed cocktails and a lively bar area with live jazz music that captures New Orleans spirit.

Seafood dishes like fried oyster Po boy and gumbo stand out with rich flavors. Jambalaya features unique sausage, and the mac and cheese tastes like homemade comfort food.

Dinner here suits both special occasions and casual nights with a welcoming, elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The red snapper dinner comes fried just right and stands out on the menu.

People are saying

"The seafood platter here is massive and amazing."

"The Dinner Spots here have amazing seafood, like the hearty gumbo and fresh oysters."

"The American Food here, especially the gumbo and red beans and rice, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Valet parking is available for $10, but street parking is also an option.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

10
Pete's Burgers image 1
Fast food restaurant

Huge building with 50โ€™s vibes and vintage style interior creates a calming atmosphere despite being small and cozy inside. The place serves generous portions of burgers and fries that many find very good. It stands out as a great neighborhood spot for a greasy burger fix.

Fried chicken and burgers stand out as popular choices here. The menu also features a Cheeseburger Special, burritos, and club sandwiches without turkey.

Dinner features a fried chicken dish that often has more crust than meat. The meal costs around $25 and attracts families looking for a hearty dinner.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were literally the best."

"I thought their fried chicken was the best American Food I ever had."

"I loved their fried chicken dinner; it was the best ever."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available for customers at this restaurant.

2

Expect inconsistent pricing; the same item may cost differently each time.

3

A combo with a burger, fries, and a soft drink costs $15.

11
Chong's Meat & Fish Market image 1

Seafood market offers fresh fish and shrimp with large portions and great prices. Atmosphere feels like a hole-in-the-wall spot with no parking available. Food quality varies, but seafood items stand out for freshness and flavor.

Chicken wings come in large portions and are nicely sized. Catfish, oysters, and shrimp are also served but can be undercooked at times.

Fish dinners stand out here, especially the Oyster Dinner which is highly praised. Multiple dinners can be bought for around $80, making it a solid choice for a seafood meal.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the food tasted good and was spectacular."

"The American food, like chicken wings and catfish, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect large portions for the price at this fish market.

2

Prices are considered great for the amount of food provided.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly.

12
Woody's Bar-B-Q image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers a modern, homey feel with lowered ambiance lighting and music videos on TVs. Outdoor seating is spacious and comfortable, warmed by heat lamps for a relaxed evening. The place has a vibrant atmosphere with a clean, neat interior and a view into the kitchen.

Fluffy, rich, and moist cornbread muffins stand out alongside classic sides like greens, potato salad, and beans. The beef ribs come with hearty portions of mac and cheese and yams, making for a filling meal.

Spicy slicebeef dinner with a side of greens stands out as a frequent favorite. Rib tip and chicken dinners also appear as popular choices. Expect about a half-hour wait during dinner rush.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich was hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared."

"The American Food here, especially the ribs, is tender and amazing."

"I ordered the spicy slicebeef dinner with a side of greens."

Good to know

1

Woody's Bar-B-Q only accepts cash payments.

2

Saturdays and holidays are very busy at Woody's Bar-B-Q.

3

Expect a wait of about half an hour during dinner rush.

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