"Mabel’s works for date night or catching up with a few friends, and you’ll keep company with a mostly local crowd and some mermaid sculpture friends at the bar—not to mention the service is always attentive even during the weekend crush. The menu leans heavily on Iberian Peninsula-inspired seafood dishes and snacks, which are great for sharing a few bites or a full meal. You could pair your Spanish gin and tonic with a platter of Baja oysters and a side of chorizo and bread and stop there, but you should keep going and add a whole, delicately fried fish and smashed potatoes, and clams in ham broth. Getting a reservation at Mabel’s is like trying to squeeze into a hot yoga class around here at peak hours—it’s basically impossible, even if you’re just trying to get a seat at the bar. But they do accept walk-ins when available and reservation slots drop about two months in advance, so you can always plan ahead. After you eat, head a few blocks down to catch a show at The Observatory." - ligaya malones
