In May 2021, the LA County Department of Public Health announced that indoor dining may be open at a maximum of 50% occupancy. This is good news for the restaurant industry and as I drive around town I’ve observed “now hiring” signs on windows. Memorial Day is Monday, May 31 and it’s an excellent opportunity to eat out. Here is a roundup of restaurants featuring Memorial Day specials. 

Westside

Beverly Hills
Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão is offering 50% off all meals for veterans and active-duty personnel on Memorial Day, plus 10% off the meals of up to three guests. Fogo also has Memorial Day to-go packages available from Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31 that generously serve six and are either ready to eat (fully cooked) or ready to grill at home. The packages include selections of fire-roasted meats, salads, pao de queijo cheese bread, and berry macaroon bars for dessert.

Fogo de Chão, 133 N. La Cienega Bl. Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 310-289-7755; fogodechao.com

Fogo de Chão also has locations in downtown LA and Irvine. 

Santa Monica
Lanea

Santa Monica’s Lanea Cocktail Bar was recently voted one of the best cocktail bars in LA and for a good reason! Lanea features a hand selection of over 400 tequilas and mezcals and authentic Mexican cuisine. For Memorial Day weekend, they feature Picnic Party Packs for a perfect day at the beach as well as an interactive Cocktail Canning Pop-Up on the Third Street Promenade.

Lanea, 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 424.265.7437; gotolanea.com

Tiato

Tiato Kitchen and Garden fuses classic Vietnamese cuisine with healthy, farm-to-table Californian flair. Currently, Tiato is open for quick service dine-in only from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Order from the market and pick your favorite spot on the garden patio! If firing up the grill is more your style they offer Grill-It-Yourself Gourmet Burget Kits with all of the fixings including Tiato’s Signature Spicy Aioli and housemade chip

Tiato, 2700 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404; 310.866.5228; tiato.com

Culver City
Destroyer

If you aren’t ready to eat indoors, Destroyer has you covered with their pre-made Memorial Day picnic boxes. Their picnic basket includes a rhubarb shrub cocktail mixer, aged gouda shortbread, bread & butter shishito pickles, 4oz Jar of lemon-thyme honey, rhubarb-red onion jam, aged gouda-pink peppercorn “pimento cheese”, puffed garlic chips, Vadouvan-spiced nuts, shaved speck, and a whole baguette. The basket is $55 and now available for pre-order. Pickups available May 27-31. 

Destroyer, 3578 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232; 310.360.3860; destroyer.la

Maple Block Meat Co

Maple Block Meat Co is featuring three packages that are perfect for 4+ people (depending on your appetite). Choose from a Wagyu Beef Back Ribs Package, a Meat Sampler Package (Brisket, Chopped Pork and Spare Ribs), and a Whole Wood-Smoked Chicken and a Half Package. Each package includes your choice of four (4) Classic Sides (2 hot and 2 cold), a Market Chopped Salad, and a choice of fresh Buttermilk Biscuits or Cornbread (both come with whipped honey-butter). Orders must be placed by Fri. May 28. Memorial Day Weekend pre-orders are available for pick-up the entire holiday weekend (Saturday 5/29, Sunday 5/30, and Monday 5/31). 

Maple Block Meat Co, 3973 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City, CA; 310.313.6328; mapleblockmeat.com