BLVD 16
WESTWOOD’S HOTEL PALOMAR HIDDEN GEM

Amid the hustle and bustle that is Westwood, especially along busy Wilshire Boulevard, the Hotel Palomar’s BLVD 16 is a real dining and drinking gem.

Attempting to redefine contemporary L.A. dining, BLVD 16, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (to 10pm nightly), has quickly become one of the hottest reservations in town. From shared plates at Happy Hour to small bites at the bar to full-course entrees, every dish seems to shine with bright flavors and über-fresh local, California ingredients.

The Opentable.com 2012 Diners’ Choice Winner, BLVD 16 offers a casual, yet fun environment. Looking for a fun cocktail to start, try the refreshing Lyder Side, prepared with Bos Genever Gin, Hibiscus liqueur, lemon juice, orange juice and agave. And kudos to the mixology team for coming up with the clever New Old Fashion, which consists of Jameson Irish Whiskey (my personal favorite), Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, and Peychauds bitters. Cheers to a great time, and with ample hotel rooms in case you need to crash nearby—gotta love that.

You can’t go wrong with the tasty Bar Bites menu. With extremely reasonable prices, if you share a few items, you’ll walk out satisfied with hardly a dent in your wallet.  A $6 order of Hummus with crispy pita chips is a great starter and a perfect item to share.

The Crudo, which costs $10, is a savory morsel of tuna, compressed watermelon, pickled chilies, and ginger aioli. This is a wonderfully light and refreshing menu item.

Another terrific item that is great for sharing are the flatbreads, which only cost $7 apiece. We had one flatbread with squash blossoms, nettle pesto, and burrata cheese, and another tasty one with house cured salmon with asparagus.

If you’re looking for a hearty choice, the Mini Burgers, at $3 apiece, are the way to go. Made with natural beef, bourbon onions, smoked tomato, black pepper aioli, and jack cheese, this is one of the best sliders you’ll find in town. You will definitely want to order the full size Bourbon Burger next time. The burger served a la carte costs $14, and paired with Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Bulliet Bourbon will run you $20. This has to be one of the better burgers you’ll find around.

Looking for something as delicious but not as heavy, the Fish Tacos, made with cod, pickled habañero, shredded cabbage, crème fraiche on corn tortillas is the way go to. Be forewarned, this is a really spicy order but rewardingly delicious.

Daily, from 4pm - 7pm, the bar offers its Rush Hour, featuring Bar Bites menu and $5 well cocktails, $4 selected beers, and $3 House Red/White Wine

BLVD 16 is located at the Hotel Palomar at 10740 Wilshire Blvd in Westwood. Call 310-475-8711. Valet parking is available for $7.