Somerville Slauson has become one of the hardest reservations to get. It is one of the newest visions brought to life by Issa Rae. My husband and I live in the area and regularly drive down Slauson. We both knew Issa had something to do with it and next thing you know it was finished.
I didn’t even realize it was open until I saw the social media posts from the celebration. Somerville has garnered some mixed reviews, positive and not so positive. I love a good restaurant review. Having been twice with a third reservation on the way I feel qualified to share both of my experiences.
Somerville Slauson
Parking
Valet Parking is available. If you’re not from the area you wouldn’t know that there is a parking lot behind the restaurant. You can enter on Overhill or enter on Angeles Vista. There is also street parking and parking across the street. Both times that I went I managed to park in the lot behind and not valet.
If you’re planning on going it’s worth seeing if you can get a spot before you choose to valet. If you can’t be bothered, it’s totally understandable. When I went with my girlfriends we drove in one car. It literally did not make sense to try to worry about 3 cars separately.
Ambiance & Entrance
The ambiance and entrance when you walk up is mysterious, warm and rich. It reminds me of the original wood finishing that a lot of the homes in Viewpark and Windsor Hills have. It has a speak easy feel from the outside. No windows so when it’s your first time, beyond pictures, there is still an element of surprise and expectancy.
Once you make it behind the doors, Somerville is a dimly lit, peak into the past that feels surprisingly modern. It is furnished with jewel toned velvet pieces. Each section of the space has different color pieces. The booths near the live music are gold and feel grand, like you’re on stage. The lounge area where my girl friends and I ate is a mix of browns and greens. The section in the back that my husband and I sat in had blue velvet couches. There is an area with rose pink velvet furniture and chairs and then an ecru area.
There are such subtle details incorporated at Somerville. It really flows so well, doesn’t look or feel random it’s like each spot is a zone. It’s really well done.
Drinks
Somerville has 10 signature cocktails. They also have a variety of wines and spirits. Of course you can order something that you want. They serve Sir Davis which is Beyonce’s Whiskey and a pretty big deal for most people.
When my husband and I went he had a drink called Hey Day and I had the Forget Me Not. Hey Day is Somervilles take on a sidecar. Forget Me Not is their take on a spicy margarita made with mezcal. 10/10 would recommend.
When I went with my girlfriends the following Friday, they were out of the drink. Running out of things has been a pain point for Somerville. A lot of what the complaints are about that when it comes to people visiting. Our server mentioned they still had mezcal, but I imagine there was another ingredient missing. I opted for a Lemon Drop which did not disappoint. I’ll have to add it as a stop on my Lemon Drop Tour.
One of my girlfriends ordered the Mighty River and that was delicious. We ended up getting a free one which was nice. It was a pineapple style drink, it reminded me a lot of a smoother rum punch. It was really good and a great serving when you think about drinks from the bar. They do have N/A drinks, just 2, but they did consider that.
The bar itself is a moment. I don’t believe you can order food directly at the bar. However, you can hang in the area while you wait for a table. You can also hang in the area without needing a reservation. It is first come first serve and is another zone.
Food
I have a clear favorite. Would I order other things? Of course, but I like to order what is going to ultimately make me happy. One of the main dishes people raved about was the Fried Chicken Caviar sliders. I ordered those both times, with brussel sprouts and a side of truffle fries. The honey mustard along with the cream friache and caviar is just so good and so rich in taste.
If you have eaten caviar it’s not a scoop the way you would traditionally eat. It is almost like a sauce. It’s so so good though and for an appetizer/shareable it’s actually a really great size slider.
The brussel sprouts were delicious. My husband ordered a burger and lobster mac & cheese. The burger was good. It was a burger. It tasted like a restaurant burger. My husband and I both agreed the sliders were way better.
My girlfriends ordered the shrimp cocktail, lobster mac & cheese and collard green lasagna. Collard green lasagna sounds crazy but it was surprisingly really good. It’s hard to know what to expect when you hear it, but it ended up being unique.
Lastly, my husband and I had dessert when we went. We asked for the sweet potato ‘no bake’ cheesecake that was on the menu, but actually is no longer offered. So something as small as reprinting menus is something that needs to be done. Our server ended up explaining it wasn’t a fan favorite which is why it’s no longer available. I appreciate the ability to check in and listen to what we the consumers think. I couldn’t even be mad. We ended up getting their sorrel & pear granita. It was citrusy and fresh. A little sweet thanks to the passionfruit puree. A really refreshing dessert.
Price & Value
The Somerville menu price range is set betwen $31-$50. Sides and apps are under $31. There are quite a few things that are under $31, but they make up for that in other areas. Sparkling or still water is $10 a bottle, maybe more for sparkling. Sauces are like $6 which is pretty random. Maybe they do that as a way to prevent things from running out.
If you sit near the stage or in the lounge area there is a $4.00 charge for entertainment. I wasn’t mad at it. Our server did let us know what is was for. On top of that I really enjoyed the live music, both times. I loved the live music more the second time because I was right in front of it. It felt like a classic black owned club that everyone wants to be in.
My husband and I spent between $150-$175 for 9 things between 2 people including drinks. My girl friends and I spent under $290 for 9 things between 3 people, including drinks.
Overall Experience
Overall, I liked my experience at Somerville both times. Each experience was it’s own. My husband and I had a pretty seamless experience. It was raining the evening we went, but it was still buzzing and a good time.
When my girlfriends and I went, the experience was great. However, the hostess tried to put us at table 62. Table 62 is in the very back and faces the wall. The only reason I was familiar, was because my husband and I sat on the front side of that seat. We faced in the inside of the restaurant.
First of all, table 62 should not even be a table. I can’t imagine that people are actually okay sitting back there. But that is just my opinion. When we were being led back there, I absolutely spoke up. Be it me and my girls or me and my man, it was gonna be a no thank you. I wanted them to experience the buzz and feel and you don’t get that in the back. I would understand if it was like “you had no reservations, this is all we have.” However, I made these reservations back in December so definitely not a last minute situation at all.
Now I feel like that’s my little Somerville inside joke.
I have one more reservation on February 15th. Our server mentioned Somerville is booked up through April, so get in where you can. I had a great time, both times, food, drinks, music. I love that there is a spot for us. I love seeing how everyone dresses, I love the experience that Issa brought to South Los Angeles. I love that there is a new hot spot to go to in our neighborhood.
Have you had a chance to get into Somerville yet?
Other Lifestyle & Food Review Posts
