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American Beauty image
7.7

American Beauty

AmericanBurgers

Venice

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When you think “LA steakhouse,” what comes to mind? Something old-school with dim lighting and signed celebrity photos on the walls? A shiny chain restaurant? Well, American Beauty offers an alternative: a laid-back experience right on the beach–perfect for dates, catching up with old friends, and escaping the hell known as Westside nightlife. Since 2021, they’ve ditched their swanky dining room and moved completely outdoors, where you’ll find a colorful, sandy patio filled with billowing umbrellas and 20-year-old aspiring tech millionaires. It’s a total beach bonfire, but with much less wind and way, way more filet mignon.

While these aren’t our favorite steaks in town, many of them are still quite good (and cost less than $50). The meat arrives well-seasoned, with nothing but a bit of butter and salt, and grilled over almond wood—a technique that gives the steaks a rich, nutty flavor. We like the prime spinalis (ribeye cap) and hangar cuts the most, both served medium-rare. The meat’s juicy and plump–the ideal choice for anyone who still believes that eating red meat counts as a personality trait.

American Beauty image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Unless you’re literally only here for red meat (no judgment), you’ll also probably want a few side dishes. Start with the grilled flatbread—a beautiful, golden disk served with labneh and smoked honey. It glows in the Venice sun or moonlight and comes with a dollop of thick, tangy yogurt cheese. Order two or three of these, and maybe offer a bite to one of those wannabe tech moguls… who knows? Maybe they’ll throw you, like, half a dogecoin or something.

Food Rundown

American Beauty image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Grilled Flatbread

Honestly, the star of this restaurant. Brushed with oil and sprinkled in salt crystals (that you can see), this flatbread is the only way we’ll allow you to start your meal.

American Beauty image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Stuffed Hash Browns

An essential side dish—it takes everything we love about hash browns (crispy potatoes, little chives sprinkled on top) and loads it with sour cream and sweet caramelized onions. It’s like one of those Lush bath bombs, when you think about it.

Grilled Prawns

Hot dog-sized and similarly full of meat, these prawns are a welcomed addition to any order. Dunk them in the butter sauce like a basketball star and spin ’em around on your pointer finger a few times.

American Beauty image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Creekstone Hanger

Apparently, butchers used to hang onto this cut, refusing to sell it so they could keep it for themselves. Nothing fancy or extravagant, just eight ounces of pure meat cut from the cow’s upper belly. Slightly less tender than a tenderloin, but more flavorful than a skirt steak.

American Beauty image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Iowa Prime Spinalis

All rise for our favorite steak. This ribeye cap is flavorful (thanks to the fat chunks) and never stringy. It’s a bit unique, a rare cut known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

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FOOD RUNDOWN

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