Messhall Kitchen

"Messhall Kitchen has all the touchstones of a classic sleepaway camp: cabin-like décor, a menu full of comfort foods, and their logo, a cream-colored pine tree. However, the difference between this Los Feliz restaurant and the camp you formed your whole personality around from the age of 8 to 15 is the food. You’ll find childhood favorites like mac and cheese made with a sharp white Vermont cheddar and baby back ribs smothered in barbecue sauce. It’s pure nostalgia, served the way we like - present but not overpowering. Food Rundown photo credit: Benji Dell Hot Wings Confit Sweet and smoky. A great app, but a bit too much sweetness to make a meal of them. photo credit: Benji Dell Mac-n-Cheese The best appetizer on the menu. Made with a sharp white Vermont Cheddar encased in shells. These are little bites of goodness. photo credit: Benji Dell Brussels Sprouts Sure, at camp these would be the thing most likely to still be on your plate at the end of a meal. But with their perfect char and some added bacon, I’d bet even a kid might be able to give these a try. Short Rib Poutine The absolute lightest poutine I’ve ever tasted. The short ribs are so light and airy that they almost make you forget about the cheese and fries and gravy. How is that even possible? photo credit: Benji Dell Baby Backs This dish is the standout of their hardwood grilled menu. A bit of a sweeter sauce than is generally our favorite, but the smoke from the wood gives it a nice contrast." - Michael Burke

"People of Los Feliz: Messhall is always there for your weekend brunching needs. The space is big and sort of on its own on Los Feliz Blvd., so getting a seat is rarely a problem. More importantly, the menu is enormous and involves almost anything you could want from a comfort food brunch, from pancakes and omelettes to a beet salad. Hike it all off in Griffith Park afterwards. Or, you know, just get another round." - brant cox, brett keating

"Messhall in Los Feliz is hosting a mezcal dinner featuring Mal Bien Mezcal on May 10 at 5 p.m." - Mona Holmes

"Los Feliz’s summer camp-themed Messhall has reopened for patio dining. Their all-day menu includes a fish fry, smoked ribs, and crab cakes, along with some really great cocktails and a few kinds of oysters. They’ve got an all-day menu weekday lunch and nightly dinner, and a weekend brunch menu. Reserve on their website." - brett keating

"This woodsy-themed restaurant in Los Feliz serves solid comfort food, and is a good place to go when you need to eat something familiar. The space is huge, so you can usually find a table quickly - try to get a spot out on the patio, where there’s a fire pit. You can pretend you’re glamping while you eat mac-n-cheese and ribs." - amy clark, brett keating