30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch American in Studio City
Best American in Studio City
Master Critic Review
Black Market Liquor Bar
8.1
Chef Antonia Lofaso's decade-old American gastropub features globally-inspired small plates in a moody brick-walled space. The unmarked entrance opens to leather booths and an open kitchen where crowd-pleasers like the deep-fried fluffernutter share menu space with sophisticated seasonal offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deep-Fried Fluffernutter, Burrata with Seasonal Accents, Seasonal Small Plates
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Celebrity chef ownership with eclectic American menu and craft cocktail program
Who should go: Professionals seeking upscale-casual with shareable plates format
When to visit: Weekday dinner or weekend for full atmosphere
What to order: Start with burrata, try seasonal specials, save room for fluffernutter
Insider tip: The unmarked black door entrance adds speakeasy intrigue to client meetings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive during peak hours; public lot on Ventura Blvd within 2 blocks
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - collared shirts and nice jeans work, skip the gym wear
Noise level: Moderate - brick walls create some echo but booths provide intimacy for business conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including burrata, seasonal vegetable plates, and creative sides
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 items, mostly vegetable-forward small plates; call ahead for modifications
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - several naturally GF dishes, kitchen handles modifications well
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the moody lighting and booth seating create intimacy, while the shareable plates format naturally encourages interaction. The unmarked entrance adds a 'discover something special together' element.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Friday/Saturday dinners book up - reserve ahead or expect 30-45 min bar wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - the moody ambiance and small plates format cater to adults. Older teens fine for special occasions. Consider lunch hours if bringing family.
How's the bar scene? Strong craft cocktail program makes it excellent for happy hour or drinks-focused visits. Bar seating fills up 5-7pm with industry professionals.
Can I host a business lunch here? Excellent choice - booth privacy, moderate noise levels, and upscale-casual vibe strike the right balance. Lunch service is efficient without feeling rushed.
Best For
Better for: Choose Black Market when you want chef-driven creativity with approachable shareables, need booth privacy for business talks, or want craft cocktails alongside dinner. The celebrity chef pedigree and speakeasy entrance beat generic gastropubs for impressing clients or dates.
Skip if: Skip if you need guaranteed kid-friendliness, want traditional full-portion entrees over small plates, require extensive vegan options, or prefer quieter acoustics for large group conversations.
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 10pm