25 Degrees

Located in the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, this restaurant’s name refers to the temperature difference between a medium rare and well done burger. Feeling the after effects from our New Year’s Eve celebrations, my boyfriend and I were craving comfort food on New Year’s night. So we headed to this joint after hearing rave reviews from friends. 

Upon entering, we were welcomed by some friendly staff passing by and told to seat ourselves anywhere we like, diner style. The décor is so fun with dark red leather booths and black chandeliers overhead with a fun bar/counter area for enjoying cocktails or some grub. There is a really warm tone to the place while it is eclectic at the same time. We began with cocktails at the counter while we perused the menu. I enjoyed a lovely glass of red vino while my other half enjoyed a stiff, very, very dry martini. My only bone of contention would be their stemless glassware, as I do enjoy my wine in a stemmed glass. But that is a personal qualm I guess.

I needed something soul warming, so I ordered the Tuscan Tomato Soup. My boyfriend ordered a Burger, of course, seeing as this is the main focus of the restaurant and what they are known for. When in Rome as they say. The menu really is quite fun with a gourmet twist on burgers, fries, shakes, and floats. They even have a ‘Guinness Milkshake’. The main focus is the “Build your own Burger” selection – ground sirloin, turkey, or veggie, with an abundant selection of cheese, sauces, and toppings. They also have what’s called the ‘Half & Half’ so you can have a half order of fries with a half order of onion rings or sweet potato fries. Of course, we had to be difficult and ask if we could have a ‘Third & Third & Third’ because we wanted them all! Jennifer, our server, couldn’t have been nicer and said that they typically don’t do that but that she would ask the Chef. She returned with a smiling nod of approval on our request which pleased us to no end.

Everything was absolutely delicious and just what we needed. We left the place a couple of hours later and headed towards the Roosevelt’s lobby bar for after dinner cocktails. Now that’s the way to start the New Year!

For those of you who are not located in Los Angeles, there are sister restaurants in City North Center in Phoenix, Arizona and Downtown Huntington Beach, California. 

www.25degreesrestaurant.com

 - Jean