Alta Adams

 This joint venture from Watts native Keith Corbin—an alumnus of Roy Choi’s original Locol—and San Francisco’s Michelin-recognized Daniel Patterson has grown into a beloved staple of both West Adams and the greater L.A. Black community, as well as a see-and-be-seen hangout for Black Hollywood. Featuring a menu that Corbin broadly defines as “California soul” and a wine shop next door, Alta Adams is one of L.A.’s only soul food eateries to offer an upscale sit-down experience. On my visits, I’ve enjoyed the cornbread with honey butter, black eyed pea fritters, and fried catfish with spicy tartar sauce. The mains, however, are somewhat of a mixed bag: I find the house fried chicken to be pricey for how dry and small the pieces are, though the Fresno hot sauce alleviates some of that issue. The oxtails and grits and smothered bone-in pork chops are much better options. Where the restaurant consistently shines is with starters and sides, including the vinegary collard greens, standout macaroni and cheese and classic red beans and rice. Service is usually warm and welcoming, though I’ve had a downright negative experience here that makes me think twice about coming without a reservation. A newer Sunday brunch menu includes many of the dinnertime staples, plus cornmeal pancakes and biscuits, served three ways: with gravy, butter and jam or in chicken sausage sandwich form.