American Beauty, a new Steakhouse restaurant in Venice, off of Rose Avenue is quite the spot for hipsters to grab a cocktail and enjoy an old-school style meal. The restaurant resides in the former Venice Ranch Market space with light wood finishings and an airy-open casual design. I didn’t know what to except, I thought, “Not another overpriced steakhouse,” but I was pleasantly surprised that steak, was not the thing that captured my attention.
Start with cocktails, like a classic Dirty Martini with Bay Infused Vodka, or a Whiskey Sour made with a splash of Sarsaparilla, a liquor tasting of root beer. If you get a seat in the bar, you may need to stay put because of the crowd, or sachay into the real restaurant for a table.
As for the Steakhouse Menu – there are a list of different cuts of beef ranging from 30 day aged Rib-Eye for $125 to Prime Hanger Steak for $24 – a price point for almost any diner. However, the smaller plates of Heirloom Tomato Salad, Sea Scallop Carpaccio and Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi Aioli were the things I could actually come back for.
The other list of Bigger fare besides steaks, were the Steakhouse Burger with Swiss and Grilled Onions, reminiscent of a Patty Melt from Hamburger Hamlet back in the day, and a Sea Trout Steak with Grilled Lemon and Capers. Both entrees prove to be worthy of a Steakhouse Menu and add volumes to its personality.
Side dishes of Charred Green Beans and Stuffed Hash Brown Potatoes with sour cream wafted past my nose, and surely enjoyed by tables around me. American Beauty opens nightly for dinner with a take-out Window offering Smash Burgers, Chicken Sandos and Grain Bowls for pickup or delivery during the day.
No Comments