Dada Echo Park

I've been getting this feeling lately, that dining on the Eastside has gotten a little silly. How many interior design trends can you fit into one restaurant? All of them? How many influencers can you bribe to joyfully report from the scene? I can safely say that none of that applies to Dada, and that is what makes it my new favorite place in the zone between downtown and Silver Lake. So if you're short on time, no need to read more: just go. It's wonderful.On to the rest though.I'd heard of Dada via IG because they have incredible DJ shows, and I'd been to the market but the one time I tried going to an event, I couldn't find the entrance. And I want to praise this place but not to blow it up so I'm not telling you how to find it. That's the password to the treehouse fort, feel me? I had a last minute Hinge connection and my date suggested we meet at a new shop around the corner and we did. I parked in the lot behind that three block stretch of retail and felt the energy emanating from the storefronts as I walked up. It was a Friday night, Farmer's Market had just ended, and the shop lights had just beedn turned The shop we met at--XēBA BOTáNICA--was great, Aesop-adjacent but on a Joshua Tree kind of energy. More on that later. And after checking it out for a while, we were hungry and thirsty and thought we could find a snack and a drink somewhere so Dada came to mind. Green flag: we were both friends with the woman working the front desk.The interior does something rare: elevated but local. An outdoor space, a stunning lounge space, beautiful bathrooms and art, a modern but classic sound system and a dining room in the back. The cavernous aspect works with the appeal. This feels more like Paris than Echo Park but in a good way, a Rue de Charonne way. I got a burger and a beer. Perfect. And we sank into the deep, plush sofa in the corner and claimed that as our own. As the night went on, the energy stayed constant, deep vibes, optimal volume level, no bridge and tunnel, just comfort and an elevated experience. I will surely be back and if you can figure out how to get there, Dada has my absolute highest praise.

I didn't realize this place was new till I'm leaving this review at this moment. or maybe its new for evening cocktails. I remember there was few bartenders working but enough to service our large group of 10We stumbled this place after bar flores, needed something a little more quiet to chat. The decor is nice I remember the floors and walls seem brand new, maybe its the renovations. There's a DJ in the back so theres sime minimal house music going on which is up my alley. The bar in the back wasn't open but the room back there is nice to have a chat with your friends. Seems like a first date bar so you can stare at each otherIts just a really dark bar in the back which is nice , gives it sort of a chill club atmosphere. Intimacy is the vibeFood looks good maybe try that next timeNot allowed to smoke / vape in the outside corridorprobably because its a restaurant type feel

This place is so intimate and there's a few different options to head for. When you first walk in, there's a bar and some seatings was with more of a vintage, dark feel. They have an outside seating area as well. We opted for the bar in the back of the space. There's also quite a few tables back here as well. The drinks here were quality and we didn't feel rushed at all. We got a few bites to eat and a few rounds of drinks.Chicken Skewers 5/5 These were so juicy and flavorful! There's definitely a kick and spices were on the Latin side. The aji verde was the perfect pairing. Fries 4/5 Skinny and super crispy! Personally, a fan of thin and crispy fries so these are a must snack for me when I come back.

Eaten at Dada a few times and each time I've had a delicious meal. Their wedge salad is soo yummy and I really enjoyed the skewers and the fish. The interior has a nice clean and sleek aesthetic. Although, I must warn you that they keep the lighting very very low at dinner. The service is excellent and fast. I also love how Dada turns into a venue in the evening. Great dinner to vibe spot! Go with friends, go on a date, or go by yourself and you'll have a good time.

Such delicious food! We were all delighted by every single thing we ate! So much so, we came back the next evening for drinks and to eat more fries. Can't wait to go back soon.

We went here for a birthday the other night and it's a really cool (somewhat hidden) bar in Echo Park. The service was top notch, the wine & drink list were great (we had their orange wine & Cabernet ) and they had a really good menu! I kept it simple and had their shoestring fries There was plenty of seating, parking was a little challenging - there's 2 pay lots in back but they were full when we arrived; found street parking. FYI: if you go here, the entrance is in the back toward the alleyDefinitely check this place out if you're in the neighborhood!

The ambience was beautiful and serene, and decor details were well-thought, from custom casings in the restroom to lighting. Staff were super friendly and accommodating. Celebrated my friend's bday here last night, and even though we couldn't get a table, our group of 10 was able to take over the small bar lounge. A server attended to us all evening, delivering food and refilling drinks. My friend brought in a box of mini cake slices, and Dada's staff helped to unbox and display the cakes in a beautiful way using their plateware. They also supplied lit candles for my friend to enjoy a "happy birthday" song & wish. The only reason I'm docking a star is because the music was much too loud for conversation and the food wasn't as shareable as we thought (one part portion and one part plating.) For example, a plate of fish ceviche was delivered with only a spoon, and paid bread/butter plates were each delivered in 4 oversized slices, one of which was the loaf heal. Both the plating and difficulty to converse over the loud volume made enjoying our friends a bit awkward to attain. Our lounge seating also played a role, of course. If you plan to eat here with a large group, I recommend table seating on the patio or in the restaurant room and not trying for "family-style" food ordering.

Relaxed, grown up without being dull. Good barkeeps. Dark. And considering its place - in the middle of echo park - not full of wankers.