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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Food

Which L.A. Restaurant Is the Best Designed?

design-redo-18.jpg
Inside Red O (Lindsay William-Ross/LAist)

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The sun-dappled back room of Brentwood's Tavern, the retro-chic game room vibe of the Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt, the resort getaway relaxation of Red O, the exposed brick-chic of the recently-remodeled Osteria La Buca...these four and eight other L.A. restaurants (or bars) have made a reader-nominated list of 14 venues up for the Best Designed in a poll run by California Home + Design.

Also on the list are a melange of brand-new, new-ish, and old school favorite places: A-Frame, Cecconi's, The Bazaar, The Edison, Ozumo, Patina, Public School 612, Sonoma Wine Garden, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and XIV by Michael Mina.

It's a tough call; the 14 finalists are all evocative and inviting, at least when it comes to design. Though we have checked out all but a couple of these spots, our vote is split among the first four mentioned (Tavern, The Spare Room, Red O, and Osteria La Buca), with perhaps the slightest edge going to the Spare Room. After all...it has bowling lanes, a cozy game lounge, a place for dancing to great tunes, and killer cocktails. You can vote daily on their site until June 24th.

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