Dan Tana's

What does one say about a restaurant that has already been reviewed 1.7 trillion times? Nothing much, I suppose... other than it remains one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the big city. The place just screams out "Old School," but in such a wonderful way. The decor, of course the food, and yes, the amazingly knowledgeable and friendly service. These waiters know what they're doing... big time. Got a question? They got it. Unsure what to order? Leave it to them. I would like to say that I've marched my way through the entire menu, but that would be a big fat fib. It's hard to get past the Eggplant Romana Parmigiana. It's just too damn good. It's about as big as a hubcap, there's no way you can finish it although you will want to, but box it up and finish it at home the next day. That's what I do. Repeatedly. Oh, and if you don't like the calamari and the Caesar salad, it's time to start going to church and praying for the demons to leave you. Because that is damn good calamari and Caesar salad and you MUST like it!Overall, a visit to Dan Tana's is like going to your Italian high school buddy's house for dinner. Lots of laughs, great food, and warm memories as you waddle home.

Dan Tana's Has Fallen Apart....I've been dining at Dan Tana's in West Hollywood for years, watching it decline from a once-beloved restaurant to an absolute disaster. If you're looking for overpriced mediocrity served with a side of attitude, look no further.From the moment we walked in, the hostility was palpable. The hostess greeted us with a cold indifference, barely acknowledging us before seating us with filthy, stained menus--complete with a smashed tomato inside. When we pointed it out, to the server nonchalantly disregarded it and did absolutely nothing. That should have been our cue to leave.Service? Nonexistent. Our server couldn't have been less interested in us. His disdain was obvious, especially when we were forced to order as the kitchen was closing in 10 minutes, which we agreed to and had no problem and was grateful to sit . When I address the menu situation. I began to speak a bit of Spanish and he told me that he wasn't Mexican. And he said he only spoke two languages. I said to him I'm sorry, but I speak multiple languages and you have to forgive me because it's in my nature to describe things otherwise. But he did this in a very discriminatory way, shrugging his shoulders at me and shaking his head . When he realized we were only having a few appetizers, his entire demeanor shifted--pure disapproval, dripping with arrogance. No follow-ups, no check-ins--just a cold, dismissive attitude. And the cherry on top? Receiving our bread wrapped in dirty, food - stained red napkins--an obvious retaliation for daring to expect decent service.As a hospitality industry professional, I respectfully brought these glaring issues to the manager's attention. Rather than engaging in any constructive dialogue, she rudely cut me off with, "I don't need your résumé." Excuse me? How about addressing the blatant problems at your establishment instead of brushing off valid concerns? Her only interest was shoving the bill in our faces and getting us out the door. And when I added that, I'll just leave her a review. Her response was great we love our negative reviews. They actually help us. This is the Standard of a restaurant? Really? EGOOO!And let's talk about the food--bland, uninspired, and grossly overpriced. Four under-seasoned prawns drowning in a one-note garlic butter sauce for $29? Laughable. Bland flour and lightly seasoned tough calamari with a delicious marinara sauce. But again nothing to write home about nothing creative , Nothing new. Meanwhile, corks littered the floor next to our table, completing the scene of pure neglect.The energy, professionalism, and quality that once defined Dan Tana's have completely disappeared, replaced by an ego-driven staff that has zero respect for guests. This place is running on fumes, and at this rate.Do yourself a favor--skip the attitude, skip the filth, and spend your money where it's actually appreciated. where industry professionals thrive for experiential moments that will leave you raving to invite and return. Where are the culinary artistry of today is inspired and protected with enthusiasm and passion. Not the Hollywood façade of an old world gangster restaurant. It's played out it's over. It's done. Move on . There are far better options in West Hollywood that still understand what high-end dining should be.

The restaurant is cute and small, very old-time Hollywood / Italian and unique. It was a little chaotic, though, due to the size and the bar seating (people were walking around the space to get to the bar pretty constantly and squeezing next to our table) and there were a handful of people who were over served and spilling things. The food was great but a bit overpriced for quality, we've had better pasta other places for a cheaper cost. Ultimately, I'm glad we experienced it but don't feel compelled to go back.

Once upon a time this was my favorite Italian American restaurant in LA. What the hell has happened to Dan Tanas? I was so shocked that I was able to get a table for four by calling on the same day, and the day after Christmas!!! That should have told me everything. They no longer make the Caesar salad table side to order. Cocktails were $25, portions got smaller, the food was not good & more overpriced than ever. The penne vodka tasted like marinara with a splash of milk and no salt. The aglio e olio had zero flavor, the once delicious veal parm was full of tendon and hard to cut and chew. The only thing that was good was the Cesar salad and garlic cheese bread. We took some friends for their first time and I honestly felt embarrassed that we paid $300 for bland food and zero vibes. This sadly isn't the place it once was and I don't think I will be back.

First time here. Decided to fulfill the time-old tradition of having dinner here and catching a show at the Troubadour next door. We made reservations about a week in advance and had no issue getting a table on Friday night. We were seated promptly and our order was taken quickly. Our food arrived just as quickly. We ordered the Chicken Parm with a side of spaghetti and marinara. OMG it was so good. I inhaled it. Service was good. We didn't have one set waiter but rather several waiters and wait staff who periodically stopped by to check in and see how everything was going. The majority of the clientele seems to be locals, and for a minute it felt like we were in a small town where everyone knows everyone, not in the middle of WeHo. I enjoyed that. Once you step inside, you're transported back in time. The place is rather small and cozy with some patio seating in the back. The bar is also tiny but lively. It felt like I was a dinner guest in someone's home. I wasn't sure what to expect but I had a really nice time and a delicious dinner. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely stop by for dinner.

My favorite Italian Restaurant in Los Angeles, actually my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles! Small and well serviced, the drinks are always doubles and the food is always amazing! My highest recommendation.

Iconic! Legendary! Hollywood!First- Reservations a MUST if you go during prime time. Okay, you might get lucky and if the host likes you, you may (or may not) get a seat at the bar and have your meal there.Second- Don't be late! there is a 15 minute grace period but anything more than that, better give them a callThird- Establishment is not large so expect a packed house. You never know who you will see thereFourth-Menu short, sweet, to the point. Steakhouse pricing so don't be sticker shockedFifth- Great martinis - Old school styleWe had linguine and clams (5 STARS), Chicken Parmesan (4 stars) and the Chicken parm comes a pasta side smothered with marinara sauce, Cannoli (5 stars) 1 order fed 3 of us. The table is served with warm french bread!!!! Don't fill up on the bread because each entree is HUGE. Street parking available if you are willing to walk or they have Valet ($16 for 2 hours) The staff, starting with the Valet is your typical Old School Hollywood... Definitely legendary. IF I go back there, I will order the clams iinguine for sure.I'd get the first seating OR the last seating....Happy eating....

Est. 1964-You can just feel the vibes of the famous luminaries who have passed through this Classic LA restaurant. Dan Tana's is tiny, but it's mark on Hollywood culture is enormous. It's tough to get a table here, and It's even harder to get a seat at the bar. Both are usually taken over by regulars. But, with a 10 day advance reservation, we were able to get a booth for my first visit at Dan Tana's, and we had an excellent dining experience.Fried RavioliSteamed ClamsHomemade LasagnaNew York Steak Martini's Everything we tried was very good. Dante did a nice job of keeping the Martini's flowing, and the staff made sure that our table was well maintained. Dan Tana's is an experience. For me, it's not a menu that I would crave by its self, but it is an evening which I would be happy to repeat. Also, they don't add any hidden fess to the bill. The coup de grâce is to eat here, and then see a show next store at The Troubadour. That's what we did, and we will do it again.

Jamie W. and I have patronized quite a few of the classic LA eateries like Musso & Frank (review: https://yelp.to/p8t0hRAH4D) and Formosa Cafe (review: https://yelp.to/ZVurO7KxPU). Founded in 1964, Dan Tana's is not nearly as old, but I was intrigued when I saw the restaurant on our last WeHo visit when we saw a show at the Troubadour next door. So when we returned to WeHo for PRIDE last month, I decided to make a 5PM dinner reservation.Even at that hour, there were quite a few people waiting outside, mostly white and middle-aged. The restaurant was a yellow bungalow, quite small inside with a bar that was already filled with regulars. The decor was old-school - red walls with wood paneling, Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, dark red naugahyde booths. We managed to score a booth.As we were reviewing the menu, we experienced sticker shock. Lamb Chops for $95. Lobster Tail for $85. New York Steak for $79. Even Linguine with Clams cost $49. What felt initially like a family-friendly Italian restaurant suddenly became an upscale ristorante banking on its celebrity connections. We crinkled our noses as we selected our dishes with some trepidation.We started with the $12 Fresh Green Salad, which was pretty basic with iceberg lettuce, tomato, cucumber slices, and exactly one Kalamata olive, all of it drenched in oil & vinegar (photo: https://yelp.to/IfIJg66M5Y). The $21 Caprese Salad was unfortunately a mess - three tomato slices alternating with fresh mozzarella pieces (not slices), sprinkled with chopped basil, and drowning in balsamic and olive oil (photo: https://yelp.to/lKWZkdOqm2).We both went with pasta dishes because they were more within our price range. Jamie ordered the $34 Spaghetti with Meatballs (it came with two big ones - photo: https://yelp.to/a-G6AdiVNU), while I went for the same priced Spaghetti Carbonara (photo: https://yelp.to/NIP6f6FugG). Old school favorites for sure, but there was nothing outstanding about the execution. They were simply and blandly filling. No dessert for us. That was enough.FOOD - 3 stars...no standouts here, and the main dishes were exorbitantly pricedAMBIANCE - 3 stars...old school Italiano decor seems at odds with the pricesSERVICE - 4 stars...the longtime staff were appropriately gregarious TOTAL - 3 stars...not quite the classic LA dining experience we were looking forRELATED - Exploring WeHo? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3TBgdOP

Make a reservation in advance. They don't do Open Table or anything else online so you will have to use that thing in your hand to make an actual phone call to a real person.REQUEST TO SIT INSIDE. If you are seated on the patio, you might as well dine elsewhere. You are coming for the experience, not the food.Good luck getting seated in the main room (that is for the A listers or regulars) or at the tiny bar which fills up the minute the restaurant opens. But do ask to be seated somewhere inside.This is a fun restaurant. It is loud and casual. It is filled with long-time regulars who feel perfectly comfortable hugging the servers, and tourists. That's about it. I saw many people dressed in shorts, t-shirts, and hats. That's not how I would dress at a restaurant like this (you don't have to dress up) but you can come as you like.Is the food amazing? No, it is not. Are the portions massive? Yes, they are. Get the chicken parmesan and split it (for an extra $10) with your dining companion. It is massive and has enough melted cheese to satisfy you for weeks. It is a perfectly fine, good dish. It comes with a big side of spaghetti in meat sauce.The garlic cheese bread is good, too. It is listed as an appetizer but you get complimentary bread at the start of your meal anyway, so order the garlic cheese bread to accompany your entree so you can dip it into your sauce.Martinis are well-made here. They are good and strong. My first one had two olives and the second had one. Was it something I said?The servers can seem gruff but really, they are grizzlies on the outside and teddies on the inside. Don't be so sensitive. Show them some humor and you will be fine.This is an old school place that oozes charm. The food isn't 5-star but you should still come for the fun, lively scene.