themed lunchtime at city national plaza
Two new daytime dining spots in the food court at City National Plaza are bringing some quirkiness to the updated underground space.
Lemonade, a contemporary throw-back to the classic 1950s concept, is described by UrbanDaddy as “part lemonade stand, part grade-school cafeteria.” Though that comparison may not be much of a compliment, the nostalgic new joint — which opened just two weeks ago — serves much more than its simple name may suggest.
Grilled cheese with ham and quince on pumpernickel, snap pea and edamame salad, chicken basque with artichokes, lemon-frosted sugar cookies, chocolate-dipped marshmallow squares are some of the creative fare you’ll find under the cafeteria-style glass. Assemble yourself a meal by selecting from any of the $2 salads, $3 sides and $6 entrees.
And of course, Lemonade holds true to its namesake inspiration with a peculiar selection of homemade, sweet-tart concoctions. Rosemary Lemon, Blueberry Ginger and Peach Mint takes on the age-old drink (among others, all priced at $2), prove this place is refreshing in more ways than one.
(A second location under construction in Beverly Hills on Beverly Drive will be opening in a couple weeks.)
Next door, a fast Mexican eatery called El Coche opened in mid-March, offering all the quick eats one would expect from… a curbside taco truck.
Rice, beans, quesadillas, horchata, jicama salad and an assortment of tacos complete the food menu, which is affordably priced, but decidedly commonplace.
Sheets of diamond-plated metal, an awning over the counter and a lack of customer seating are intended to convey the themed dining experience. Unfortunately, lines of corporate office workers in suits and high heels kind of kill the fun.
Thanks to reader Adam Gold for the tip!
-saffron india restaurant opening this month
Lemonade & El Coche
505 S Flower Street
City National Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-488-0299
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9 comments
Great just in time for spring and summer. I definitely will check out Lemonade. Good to hear that the prices are reasonable. Especially right now how the economy is. When a “product” is priced lower/reasonably if its good, people are more willing to continue to frequent and buy. As opposed to the higher priced food and then to find out its average or mediocre. Quality and Value can co-exists. :)
I’ve avoided eating at City National Plaza because the food places seem a bit cheap and cheezy but now I gotta check out Lemonade and Saffron! I assume they’re not open on weekend?
I wouldnt recommend Saffron. Overpriced for the quality of food. Terribly disappointed.
Shawn, if only I saw your post an hour earlier. I went to Lemonade at 3:30 to avoid the lunch crowd and the place was already closed! So I went to Saffron instead. Yeah, $8 for a plate of chicken and rice is a bit much. It’s tasty but not a lot of food for the money.
Dude, what up with Lemonade closing so early?! I’m sad.
Damn, you can go to Gill’s and get all-you-can-eat Indian food for that same $8. Okay, they only have 3 or 4 dishes, but still…
Made it back for lunch today. The ordering process is awkward if you’ve never done it before, but the food is great for the value. For $13 I got 2 sides, a hot entree and generous-sized peach lemonade. The ancho chili pot roast is spicy and deeeelicious! The corn-jicama salad with cashews was fresh fantastic too. The brussel sprouts were OK but tasted like they had been frozen. I applaud them for cooking up an impressive selection of tasty and healthy foods! If they changed their menu up with daily specials I’d eat there every day.
Just called to find out the hours - M-F 8am-2:30pm! No weekends. How sad. This is exactly why I am ready to move out of DT
You’re going to move because of a lack of themed lunch-time dining on the weekend?
Saffron may be a smidge pricey, but where else can you grab tastey Indian and be back in the office in 15 minutes ~ I’ll pay the extra $1.00, my time’s worth more than that. And, I’m definitely going to check out Lemonade!
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