Mako

Mako is a teeny tiny Japanese restaurant, sequestered nearly in the lobby of a movie theater on Vermont that specializes in diner-style food. Blink twice and you might miss it, with its unassuming decor and tiny sign. Notorious for their 'C' rating from the health board they were recently bumped up to an 'A' (or discovered photoshop). The service ranges from curt and quick to completely silent, but you get what you pay for.

Visits: 6+

Andrew Says: The 'C' rating had kept me away from this spot for a few months, although the incredibly inexpensive menu teased me from the window. When they finally received an 'A' I gave it a shot, and have been hooked since! Pardon the fish pun, Natalie has corrected my English and it's not pronounced Make-o like the shark, but 'Mah-ko'. Now you know. The biggest draw of this place has to be the price. Don't get me wrong, every dish I've had is very tasty, but the price is simply unbeatable. Dinner for two is going to run you about $11 on average. That's basically half-priced eating in Los Angeles. You might imagine skimpy dishes, but your money goes a long way. For $4.95 you can get veggie tempura, with a little cabbage salad and a bowl of miso soup. For even less than that you can get Yakisoba noodles with the side salad, or fried rice. There's something that evokes gritty, Blade Runner visions of Los Angeles just hunching over the counter, watching the grill man do seven things at once and suddenly -poof- your food is there. As for the service, we once had a waiter that ran completely silent. A literal stealth waiter. He approached our table, gave us a little nod to commence ordering, brought our food in silence, and then the bill. It was odd, but it really wasn't as off-putting as you might think. Who needs cheap pleasantries when I can get a $3 plate of noodles?

Overall: 4/5

Veg Friendly: There are veggie options, including the Miso soup (I checked), tempura, yakisoba and fried rice.

Dog Friendly: There are two tables outside, but no water bowl. The staff would likely give you a bowl if you asked.

Cost: Dinner for two with tip: $12