The Golden State exterior; tables and brick wall inside; click to enlarge images
Was running yesterday and saw that the sign was up at The Golden State, the opening-hopefully-soon restaurant in the former Nova Express space at 426 North Fairfax Avenue. After my jean repair errand, I headed over there to find owners Jason Bernstein and James Starr (also co-owner of cool area code T-shirt company Mike James Clothing) looking, frankly, a bit bored waiting through a marathon telephone line installation situation. Wading through the process of permits and other restaurant-opening minutiae of utmost importance to getting the place opened could weigh on anyone.
Bernstein and Starr may be a tired of the process, but that doesn’t tamp their enthusiasm about what’s to come at The Golden State—a locally sourced, simple menu designed by Samir Mohajer (formerly of Rustic Canyon) that Berstein describes as “good quality but also good value.” So, don’t expect the menu to be a tome a la Kate Mantilini; think five (homemade) sausage options, five sandwiches, a killer burger, six beers on tap, six wines, Scoops gelato (the only restaurant in town to carry the sweet stuff, per Eater LA), and sodas, including tasty local root beer from Virgil’s.
The price points are also excellent: around (they’re still finalizing) $8 for a sausage and side, $9 for a sandwich and side, $11-$12 for a burger, and beer starting at $5 a pint. “We do have some specialty beers in mind, but we don’t want to go over $9,” Bernstein says. Day and late-night friendly, the 35-seat restaurant will be open 11am-midnight. They’re not making any promises on an opening date, but let’s hope for mid-February.
It’s also just a cool space—exposed brick wall, high ceilings, exposed kitchen, and warm lighting utilizing LED lights throughout. Notes Bernstein, “I believe we’re the first restaurant in the country to use those LED lights in the hallway. They give off 100 watts, but only use 8 watts.” Now, all we need is a restaurant like this on West 3rd.
The exposed kitchen; click to expand
Flat screen; the LED lit hallway; click to expand
Looking to the front of the restaurant; a booth in the window; click to expand
The exterior sign
19 responses so far ↓
1 Geoff // Jan 28, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I like the clean design and Arne Jacobsen influenced chairs, but unfortunately it looks like the acoustics will be “classic school cafeteria”. I’m still looking forward to this place.
2 tannaz // Jan 28, 2009 at 3:11 pm
awesome! i’m so happy for a casual, not-crazy-expensive restaurant in the neighborhood where i can walk over for a sandwich and a good beer! just what we need. (then again, i may be a little biased =) great photos btw!
3 B+S // Jan 28, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Thanks, Tannaz (re: photos), you’re always hoping to make a space look at least as good as it does in person; this time I was happy that the images reflect the space pretty well, as it does look great in person.
4 Miss Teresa // Jan 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I almost never eat out (I’m a chef, and I’m cheap), but I have been waiting for Golden State. I think it’s important to support the smaller, independent cafes that come in, especially when they’re open for lunch. It’s great for the local shoppers and workers!
5 Sassy Sondra // Jan 28, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I’m pondering what they’ll play on the tv screen. I hope nothing boring!
6 Layke // Jan 28, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Samir!! He was former Sous Chef at The Little Door as well!
7 marino // Jan 28, 2009 at 11:24 pm
WoW! This place looks really cool and Scoops is the best. It would be cool if they did some california ice cream flavors like gilroy garlic with
harry berries strawberries!!! I’ve got some great ideas for this place. I can’t wait to have a sandwich and some beers, get tipsy and share my ideas with the owners.
8 Hungry girl // Jan 29, 2009 at 12:01 am
OMG I CANT WAIT! ACK LIKE WHEN WILL THIS OPEN!!?? NO! PLEEEEASE> SOUNDS MAGICAL!!!
9 Glutard! // Jan 29, 2009 at 10:07 am
I hope they have Gluten Free Beer either in bottles or on tap! I mean not even Father’s Office can figure that one out. Jeez!
10 Michelle // Jan 29, 2009 at 10:55 am
Sounds great, but so far does look like it will be too loud to enjoy your food & friends. (Does thinking that mean I’m old?)
11 B+S // Jan 29, 2009 at 11:09 am
Michelle, Then I’m old too. The acoustics is the one thing that’s frustrating about Cynthia’s on West 3rd, ditto for The Izaka-Ya. You just want to be able to have a conversation. I’m hoping for the best in terms of conversation-ability for The Golden State!
12 marino // Jan 29, 2009 at 10:12 pm
you ladies ARE old, if the food and drink are good who cares. plus SCOOPS!!!!!!!
13 gcs // Jan 29, 2009 at 10:19 pm
supporting local. can’t beat that. very much looking forward to their opening.
14 Friday Foodie Round Up | Dig Lounge // Jan 30, 2009 at 9:05 am
[...] The Golden State Looking Golden on Fairfax [@Blackburn and Sweetzer] [...]
15 count chocula // Jan 30, 2009 at 9:19 am
This is great for the neighborhood. Sccops and beer are you kidding me! Good things come to those that wait.
16 Galleries—Norm Maxwell Brings Art and Culture to Former Elegant Mess Space // Jan 30, 2009 at 12:02 pm
[...] I was checking up on The Golden State, owners Jason Bernstein and James Starr said I really needed to check out Norm Maxwell Gallery [...]
17 B+S Weekly Round-Up—January 26-30, 2009 // Jan 31, 2009 at 10:28 am
[...] Eats—The Golden State Looking Golden on Fairfax — Eats—The Little Door Launches Little Lounge — Shops—Big News, Douglas Fir Opening Third [...]
18 kayoko // Feb 25, 2009 at 11:11 am
Opening on March 12!!! For real… hopefully! Jim just gave me the scoop on some new menu additions- Harris Ranch burgers and Green Flash beer. WOOHOO!!! This is going to be great.
http://www.umamimart.com/2009/02/golden-state-to-open-early-march-for.html
19 Eats—The Golden State Update, Opening Date // Feb 25, 2009 at 12:23 pm
[...] to Umamimart for the latest news that Cali-focused beer/sandwich/sausage/ice cream spot The Golden State at 426 North Fairfax Avenue is set to open Thursday, March [...]
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