There was once a time in LA’s history when the Sunset Strip was the destination for all things entertainment: movies, music, clubs, whatever was cool at the time was located on one infamous boulevard. The Strip will always be a beloved part of Los Angeles, but it wasn’t too long ago that the Strip started bordering on sketchy; what were once “cool” hangouts became old hangouts, and the area just seemed to become a shell of its former self. These days though with so much new business and new developments happing in the area it would appear the Strip has finally begun to evolve with the changing of times. There’s a number of things bringing life back to the Strip but one of the most important is the emergence of several new restaurants.
The Guild is one of the most recent newcomers to open up shop in the West Hollywood area and it’s quite the breath of fresh and casual air the neighborhood was in need of. Located just across the street from West Hollywood favorites such as The Church Key and Eveleigh, The Guild is a new rustic wine bar, artisanal retail store, and dinner destination that is the perfect addition to Sunset Blvd. I love that this part of the Strip is home to a fair amount of chic upscale eateries, but I always found it lacking in restaurants you could feel more “comfortable” in, like you would at a true neighborhood joint. Maybe I’m just predicable and am easily swayed by rustic decor and a decent wine list, but to me The Guild feels like really good energy. It possesses all the necessary components to make for an excellent venture: a great chef, dedicated owner, gorgeous ambiance, no attitude, no bullshit. The Guild is just a brand new fish in a big ass pond working on making a great little niche for themselves. It only took five minutes, one sip of wine, and two bites of cheese later for me to decide I was intrigued. But three hours, several dishes, and one dessert later I was officially a fan. A big one.
Favorite Beverage | When at a wine bar, maybe order wine. They have a bottle of Barbera D’Alba (Cabot Berton) that is only $44 and is so, so, good. They also offer it by the glass for $12.
Must Order | I could not believe how incredible and how beautifully plated each dish was. I can’t say I had a single just mediocre dish, but I’d definitely start with a cheese/charcuterie board. Your waiter can help you guide through the menu but both the truffle cheese and the truffle salami were big stand outs! Appetizer wise, go with the beet ‘n’ goat cheese salad (it’s beautiful and the goat cheese is to die for), the bone marrow, and the Cuban shepherd’s pie. The Shepard’s Pie is non negotiable. Larger plates, you’ve only got three options and won’t go wrong with any. When it comes to dessert, each waiter will tell you they have a different favorite which can only mean they’re ALL delicious, but I must say the milk & cookies (dark chocolate cookies with milk sorbet) was frankly outstanding. Fresh baked cookies… crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside… with cold milk sorbet to top… lord have mercy. Chef Charles Cho and owner Diego Leporini are killin’ it.
Perfect Spot For | dinner // brunch // cheese & charcuterie // a glass of wine // a more casual stop on the Strip // parents // a date // patio seating // something new // rustic chic vibes
Pro Tip | come for the wine and cheese, stay for dinner and dessert. (And don’t forget: they have Happy Hour every day!)
Fun Fact | The Guild is housed inside the iconic former Screen Actors Guild headquarters (hence the name) and the space was created as an homage to the buildings later 1930’s history.
Bonus Fact | In (hopefully) a few short days/weeks The Guild will be opening up their retail store/casual wine bar space just adjacent to the dining room. I got a sneak peek and the space is awesome!
THE GUILD // 8741 W. Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA
HOURS:
Sunday – Thursday: 5 pm – 11 pm
Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 12 am
Brunch – Sat and Sun: 10 am – 3 pm (with bottomless Mimosas for $16.00 Per person)
Happy Hour – Monday – Friday: 5 pm – 7 pm @ the bar & charcuterie bar // Saturday – Sunday: 3 pm – 6 pm @ the bar & charcuterie bar
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