soniabegonia, you nailed it. I live stupid close to Umami, but with the micro parking and price (and after dark that stretch of La Brea is a little skeevy for a walk) I'd just as soon go to the Counter where I can easily park for free & get beer. It was fine...but not remarkable. I still think Father's Office is the king, tho, but I really am over the damn 'open seating.'

8oz Burger Bar, only open a few weeks, on Melrose a few blocks east of Fairfax.

Father's Office is still the best, but the seating irritates. I went to the Counter once, my burger was dry, never again. I do love Lucky Devils. I really love the bun they use. But I have to starve all day so I can finish an entire burger. I just went to a new place on Melrose just east of Fairfax, 8 Oz. Burger Bar. Great cocktails, plenty of unique beers, burgers start at $8, everything from ketchup to aoli to ice cream made in house, awesome desserts, and great service. In a lovely, calm, atmosphere with normal table service where you can hear yourself talk. Highly recommended! (and kids welcome)

Went tonight. I walked in about 10 minutes after they opened, and the place was already about 1/4 full and steadily filled. Waiters were all checking in when I sat down, but I was waited on swiftly. My guy was very helpful with recommendations and attentive. Food came quickly, everything hot. I had the aquamiel cocktail, a delicate take on the margarita. The fried olives are wonderful. For burger: classic with bacon & spicy mayo, which was very tasty, nice & goopy but not too much so. (for some reason the pickles stood out--fantastic) I wanted more cocktails, but I was driving home, alas. For dessert--peach shake with snickerdoodle crumbs and an espresso. Lovely! Everything tasted fresh, well seasoned, excellent service throughout, good prices. Portion size is for actual, normal humans, a novelty in itself. I wasn't exploding at the seams, but comfortably full.

Now, I will say this: I slightely prefer the Father's Office burger, but I much prefer 8 Oz's traditional seating and service, not to mention the fact that it's not deafeningly loud. A really tasteful, comfortable, space. I'm also a Lucky Devil's fan, but their dining room is a little too spartan, and you really get a little too much food.

Yes, it's all amazing and so inexpensive! Let me just add my love for the chorizo empanadas, the creme brulee, mango balls (not sure of the name--organge, perfect little spheres), pineapple bomb, and let us not forget the humble apple danish! Amen! Love the place, and even with a huge line, they have enough staff to whip you right through,

Went to the new location last night with friends. A short wait because they were "at capacity" and wouldn't let more people in 'till a few left. I love the new space, we didn't have to look around too long for a table. Burger as good as ever, and I like the outdoor seating and ease of parking a lot! No complaints, will go back. We were there at 8pm on a Tuesday, and business was very brisk--it's going to be rough on the weekends.

Fiddler's Bistro on 3rd a few blocks east of the Grove is wonderful--hearty breakfast/brunch. It's much farther east, but Zankhou Chicken has got to be one of the best deals in town. But the best way to save money easting out? Don't eat out.

I went last week, midweek, and sat at the counter. Manager/owner type was there, coaching a very green countergal. The jalapeno/chicken thing was a little gloopy--I'm not a huge fan of greens, and their bitterness smothered the nice taste of the waffle. It was a B+ experience. Points off when countergal whisked away my half-full, perfectly sweetened coffee and sloshed it back to me full, coffee dripping off the handle. I still prefer the Griddle, but I bet I'll be back to try that pecan one.

It's four blocks east, but Lucky Devil's Hollywood has wonderful burgers, fries, and beers on tap as well as good desserts. Good service, excellent value. In H & H itself I recommend getting a sweet snack from Beard Papa--delicious cream puffs & eclairs.