Fundamental LA (CLOSED)

Fundamental LA makes the sort of sandwich that you wish you could make at home: a modest BLT is taken to new heights with a perfectly fried egg and garlic aioli on freshly baked sourdough. A two-fisted chicken torta features deliciously braised chicken, salty cotija, crema and a sharp tomatillo salsa. And, when it's on the menu, a juicy, crispy fried chicken sandwich is not only better than Chick-fil-A, but one of the best town. Such is the attitude of Fundamental, where even the long, sleek space of the shop reflects the kitchen's refined sensibility and emphasis on solid, carefully considered ingredients and flavors. At dinner, most sandwiches are replaced with casually sophisticated dishes like a beautiful carrot risotto. As a whole, the sandwiches might come together a bit better than the dinner entrées, but for a night out in Bruin territory, you could do far, far worse.