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photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image
8.0

Carlitos Gardel

ArgentinianSteaks

Beverly GroveWest Hollywood

$$$$Perfect For:Dinner with the ParentsSpecial Occasions
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There are few secrets left in the neighborhood around Melrose and Fairfax. The intersection—and the several blocks in any direction—attracts a steady stream of hype-beast sneaker boys, ink shop influencers, and floppy-hatted plant girls fighting it out at Fairfax Flea. The attention can be overwhelming, which is why you’ll usually find us hanging at Carlitos Gardel when we’re in the area.

The family-run Argentinian restaurant is a rare beast in this part of LA: A mature, old-school neighborhood spot hiding in plain sight. No TikTokers or ring lights, just good food, a warm space filled with regulars who probably walked there, and a waitstaff who knows them by name.

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image
Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image
Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image
Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

Carlitos Gardel is an Argentinian steakhouse, which means one thing: You’re going to eat a lot of red meat. Giant carving boards piled with juicy seared filet mignon, skirt steak, and ribeye parade out of the kitchen like a holiday banquet. Servers carve the meat tableside, as everyone at your table dips and drizzles the house chimichurri over everything in arm’s reach. Dessert trays whiz by filled with flan and chocolate tarts. Glasses of red wine never fall below half-full. It’s why every meal here, even on a quiet Tuesday, has the energy of a celebratory dinner.

Nothing about Carlitos is too stuffy though, because this is the kind of restaurant where half the tables on a given night have standing reservations. “How are the kids? Did Alex get into Santa Barbara? We’re replacing the roof.” All things you’ll probably overhear between the staff and nearby tables throughout the night. In some corners of the city, this might not be that noteworthy, but here, it’s therapeutic—the low-lit lighting, classical music, and vintage black-and-white photographs on the walls all help with the escapism. But so does being in a place happily unattached from trends, where conversations fill the room and the food leaves everyone in a rich stupor. The hype beasts can have their sneakers, we’ll gladly take the stupor.

Food Rundown

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Empanadas

The meat platters at Carlitos are huge, so we recommend not loading up on too many appetizers. But definitely get the empanadas. They’re about six inches long, so even if you’re with a group, they’re very shareable. Secondly, they’re delicious, with flaky, golden casings and moist interiors filled with beef, cheese, or spinach and cheese (get one of each).

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Papas Fritas Provencal

These fries are technically an appetizer, but be prepared to have the bowl refilled throughout the meal. They’re thin, crispy, garlicky, and pair well with any dish that’ll hit the table.

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Deconstructed Caesar

Though not on the regular menu, this salad is special most nights of the week. If you hear the waiter mention it, order it. It’s the best salad here and your best bet of eating something raw and green.

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Noquis De Papa

This is a solid bowl of pasta. The gnocchi are smooth and plush, and the flavorful house pink sauce is savory and sweet. The only issue is it’s very decadent and filling, so if you’re planning to eat meat afterwards, be wary of taking up precious stomach room.

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Ojo De Bife

When picking red meat at Carlitos, it’s a follow-your-heart situation. But if you need some guidance, we often gravitate to the 14-ounce prime ribeye. It’s just a gorgeous piece of meat with a nice, smoky char, a juicy pink center, and a spicy chimichurri glaze on top. Its $68 price tag is validated by the fact it’ll easier feed two adults.

Carlitos Gardel Restaurant image

photo credit: Jessie Clapp

Dessert

The dessert tray at Carlitos is an experience unto itself. Servers pass by with a giant platter of daily treats like flan, chocolate tarts, and slices of cheesecake. You get to ogle and point at which one you want like a spoiled kid at the Macy’s window display. Did we say one? You’re definitely getting two.

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FOOD RUNDOWN

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