The Foundry on Melrose, Los Angeles

Executive Chef Eric Greenspan—who cut his teeth at restaurants such as Patina and Meson G—instills traditional American cuisine with a modern flair at The Foundry on Melrose, so named for its use of industrial designs to accent its art-deco décor. Featured in publications such as LA Weekly, the constantly evolving menu melds upscale dishes such as shellfish chowder with whimsical renditions of diner classics, including the signature burger stuffed between Hawaiian bread and onion-ring hula skirts. Often echoing with live music, the lavish dining room culls elements from the Machine Age to warm its space with antique light fixtures, sconces crafted from vintage heat registers, and colorful artwork. Outdoors, heat lamps protect diners from obnoxiously loud snowmen, and wicker chairs juxtapose the classic look of candles and white linens.