Settle in at L.A.’s coziest restaurants and bars

At the nexus of comfort and romance is Little Beast, an intimate Eagle Rock restaurant that just begs for cuddling up on the patio or in one of the restaurant’s leather booths. The husband-and-wife team of chef Sean Lowenthal and Deborah Schwartz-Lowenthal brought a touch of elegance to this repurposed Craftsman-style bungalow, where New American dishes like beef stroganoff and pan-roasted ocean trout warm from within while the gorgeous yellow glow of bulb lights and the ample heaters will keep you comfy and toasty year round.

For most, the phrase “old man bar” conjures a specific image of worn upholstery, bowls of peanuts on a laminate bar top and crotchety curmudgeons downing cheap, no-nonsense drinks—but this isn't the sort of Old Man Bar you’ll find behind Culver City's Hatchet Hall. Instead, this intimate space with an ornate fireplace, etched antique lamps and candles speaks to the grandfather in all of us itching for a glass of dark-hued liquor and a luxurious armchair. The taxidermy and black-and-white portraits might lean towards macabre, but the deliciously strong drinks and list of rare, often pricey whiskeys make this Westside bar a worthwhile destination on colder evenings.

At Alcove Café and its adjoining Big Bar, two concepts are better than one. Part bakery-café and part cocktail bar, this dual-purpose bungalow serves nostalgic classics across a couple patios, each a cozy and comfortable space to eat, sip and hang out beneath the trees. The buzzier front patio is colorful and a total eye-catcher—just walk or drive past during brunch service—while the side seating is quiet and seats but a few. No matter where you sit, this is a true neighborhood spot. It is the best spot in Los Feliz to catch up with old friends over burgers, avocado toast and some of the best drinks in town.

Lined with well-stocked bookshelves, wood-paneled booths and a roaring fireplace, the Wellesbourne is your booziest library dream come to life. It’s modeled after 18th-century England, specifically Shakespeare’s hometown, so every room is filled with refined touches. To get into the mood, ask for the bartender's and specify “strong and stirred,” letting the experts do the choosing. Around the holidays, opt for specials like the Egg Nog Blue Blazer, a seasonally appropriate brew made with three different rums and house-made nog.

Still owned by the Canter family after 90 years, this reliable 24-hour Jewish deli on Fairfax is one of the best places in town to head after-hours. Come 2am, sipping coffee with a pastrami sandwich and bowl of matzo soup on the side, you’ll feel like you’re part of the counter service coterie from Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. During more regular service hours, however, Canter’s old-school diner interiors translate into a more laid-back, comfortable atmosphere perfect for a casual meal. At any hour, you’ll get excellent service, wonderfully sour pickles and endless refills of hot coffee. 

The string-lit heated patio at this iconic Californian restaurant in Beverly Grove isn’t just charming—thanks to an enormous brick-lined fireplace, it’s downright cozy on a chilly evening. The warmth from the flames, combined with seasonally driven small plates, make for an excellent evening meal with friends or family, especially if you're a big fan of wine. Plus, the Spanish fried chicken and bacon-wrapped dates still feel as fresh and flavorful as when A.O.C. first opened in 2002.

With blood-red leather booths and dim mood lighting, this historic Tudor Revival restaurant serving Korean fried chicken and other bar bites is a divey, time-traveling fever dream. Once known as the Windsor, the Prince’s interior dates back to the 1940s and has been featured in New Girl, Mad Men and Chinatown. Though the food isn’t the best (save for the deep fried chicken and spicy seafood soup), you can’t beat the low-key ambience at the Prince, which manages to toe the line between luxurious and comfortable all at the same time.

Located in the sprawling former Le Jardin space, this upscale Middle Eastern concept comes from Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek, who’s behind West Hollywood’s Ladyhawk. The minimalist-meets-Tulum design might feel rather chic, but the comfortable lounge seating and fire pit make Laya one of the coziest restaurants in the heart of Hollywood. Among Laya’s smaller appetizers, we enjoyed the Australian Wagyu kibbeh nayeh and freshly made pitas paired with olives, balls of goat cheese and za’atar spice in olive oil. There’s also a section of straightforward, vegan-friendly kebabs and larger entrées. For dessert, ask about the off-menu knafeh, which pairs sweet cheese and phyllo dough with a fragrant simple syrup, or opt for the showier rose soft serve topped with a delightful cotton candy cloud.

Live out your Wild West fantasies in this rustic, saloon-inspired wooden restaurant where meats get roasted over an open flame and the whiskey flows like water. Daily specials such as venison or wild boar are enough to make us feel like we’re taming the mountains of Agoura Hills, while a full weekend brunch menu and modern dishes—like the upscale grilled cheese sandwich smeared with a blue-cheese aioli—remind us we’re in the 21st century.