origami bistro & bar celebrates grand opening september 10th
After a soft opening a little over a month ago, Origami Bistro & Bar has gotten into the swing of things, working through opening-week issues (to be expected, of course) that had some writing off the place altogether, while others raved about the quality of the Asian fusion menu.
Patio seating has been added to bring activity out onto Spring Street at 3rd, which is still sparsely traveled by pedestrians even during daytime. By bringing some dining outdoors, Origami may have softened the otherwise harsh landscape of the northern Historic Core a bit, but there are too many cars speeding past to be able to enjoy it.
Still, it’s what’s inside that counts. On September 10 from 6:00 to 9:00pm, join Origami for its grand opening (please RSVP: 213-687-8606), menu tasting and open bar. Open bar excludes premium alcohols and is covered in a $10 entrance fee.
A grand opening celebration may be just another excuse to throw a party and build buzz for some restaurants, but in Origami’s case the party’s been happening every weekday from 4:00 to 7:30pm during their happy hour special.
And special it is. Though it’s a longshot to contend with reigning happy-hour champ McCormick & Schmick’s, I’m hereby nominating Orgami for Best Downtown Happy Hour.
Generous portions of sweet-glazed chicken wings ($5), vegetable tempura ($5) and overstuffed albacore hand rolls ($4) enjoyed among a small but lively lounge crowd were a fine way to end my overworked weekday. (Bloggers may get a bad rap, but it’s a tough business!)
Try the Origami martini (not included in happy hour), a light pineapple-and-cranberry concoction that’s not too sweet but very satisfying.
Taqueria-sized Kobe beef tacos are a steal at $1 each, but if you’re looking for authentic Mexican tacos, you’d be better off heading to Lincoln Heights for your carne asada fix.
Origami Bistro & Bar
257 S Spring Street (In the Douglas Building)
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-687-8606
origamibistro.com
Sun-Thurs: 11:00am – Midnight
Sat & Fri: 11:00am - 2:00am
Weekday Happy Hour from 4:00-7:00pm
5 comments
i’ve only been there twice but i already love this neighborhood sushi joint. happy hour is the bomb.
The seating adds a lot to that corner. Even if no one is actually sitting outside, it just makes the street seem more inviting. I’ll have to check out happy hour tonight.
Greenery has been added to the outdoor seating since the picture above was taken and it looks better (although live bamboo trees would have been nicer and would grow more quickly to provide screenage/noise blockage from the street, and be more in keeping with the rest of the restaurant’s ambiance). I think it has potential. Look at both Pete’s and Banquette’s outdoor seating – both on heavily trafficked Main Street but still heavily utilized. Origami should get some soft music piped out to their outdoor seating. Plus, the Douglas Building is supposed to be getting some trees outside on both Spring and Third, which will definitely help.
Rich- I’ll second you on the nomination of Oragami as Best Downtown Happy Hour. I just went last night for my 4th visit and the place was packed- no seats in bar! After about 10 minutes a seat opened up…
I like the outdoor seating but was told they cannot serve liquor out there yet- major drawback, as that would be perfect area to take bar overflow that is bound to happen as the news gets out.
Oragami is a great addition to the neighborhood!
So is this still happening tonight?