Here are a few reasons why upscale Magnolia has joined the ranks of one the best eateries around Downtown campuses. Close to USC and FIDM, you can hop on the bus, walk a couple of blocks or take a short cab ride. One block from L.A. Live and next door to the Pantry, Magnolia offers you the option to spend your evening filling up on great food and drinks, and then to take a walk and look at Los Angeles’ largest entertainment center.

Magnolia’s Daily Lunch Specials offer a lot of food for the price. The $14 Salmon Reuben on Rye bread has enough layers of flavor to satisfy the senses, and you’re likely not to finish the sandwich due to the generous size. The Happy Hour menu (Mon-Fri; 4 p.m.-7 p.m.) is popular among the sports crowd, aptly so as the giant plasma screens enveloping the lounge area complete the atmosphere with your $4 Stella and bites of calamari, sweet potato fries and fried goat cheese.

The alcohol doesn’t stop there. Magnolia has killer signature drinks, most notably the Veev Grape Collins and the Magnolia Gimlet with Belvedere.

If you’re hungry for dinner, make sure to try the Braised Short Ribs. Served over a healthy portion of mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and Cippolini onions, the ribs are moist, tender and de-boned. Another offering, the Marinated Skirt Steak, is served with a peppered wine sauce that would be great with one of the carefully mixed martinis, like a Key Lime or Left Bank (gin and wine combo!).

While I didn’t try the dessert, Magnolia seems to be famous for it’s Mint Chip Ice Cream Sandwich. Not only did my gracious server sing its praises but friends asked me if I tried it – as it is heaven, they assured.



For more information, call (213) 362-0880 or visit magnoliala.com.