Lemy A.
Yelp
I've recently had two solid experiences at Javier's DTLA during weekday lunches, both after 1PM, seated at the bar with different clients. The vibe was relaxed, the music at the right volume, the service attentive, and the space only half full. The Old Fashioned was on point, and while the food is priced at a premium for middle-of-the-road Mexican cuisine, the overall environment, upscale, elegant, with a beautiful crowd, made for great client-facing moments. I left both times thinking, "This could be a great spot to bring my wife and some close friends for dinner."
Unfortunately, the dinner experience didn't live up to those expectations.
We had a Saturday night reservation and came in with the mindset we usually bring to fine dining spots in Pasadena or Beverly Hills, a place to slow down, connect, and enjoy. While our server did his best, the pace of the evening was rushed. The food quality was consistent with lunch (just okay), but the ambiance was drastically different: loud, fast-paced, and geared more toward a flashy, younger crowd. It made conversation between four adults difficult.
Besides that you might feel out of place with the evening crowd, when you are used to a more sofistaced environment, what really sealed the decision not to return for dinner was the valet situation. The sign reads that Javier's validates, but when you step outside, you're met with a $60 charge, and told that's already the validated rate. The valet team clarifies that they're not affiliated with the restaurant. It's a small detail, but it shapes the overall impression.
We left before dessert and made our way to the Arroyo Chop House back in Pasadena, where we were greeted with calm energy, excellent service, and a booth ready for us, topped off with a perfect Grand Marnier soufflé and quiet conversation. That contrast made the difference clear.
To be fair, I'll still recommend Javier's DTLA as a lunch spot for one-on-one client meetings meant to relax and disconect from the daily grind during the week. Sit at the bar, enjoy the ambiance, and you'll likely leave pleased.
But as a dinner destination, especially if you're seeking something slower-paced, refined, and conversation-friendly, I'd personally look elsewhere.
Sometimes, when success scales fast, the little things that built the brand get lost in the noise. I share this with genuine respect and hope it's helpful.