Table of Contents
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar: A Culinary Revolution in Los Angeles’ Burger Scene
Introduction
Situated in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, Plan Check Kitchen + Bar has carved a niche for itself as a standout destination for gourmet burgers and inventive comfort food. Since its opening, this trendy eatery has become synonymous with culinary innovation and a modern twist on classic American fare. With its focus on meticulously crafted dishes, bold flavors, and a commitment to using high-quality ingredients, Plan Check has captivated the palates of food enthusiasts across the city.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating journey of Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, exploring its history, meteoric rise to popularity, and the exceptional dishes that have made it a must-visit spot in LA’s vibrant food scene. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into a renowned culinary hotspot, we’ll uncover what sets Plan Check apart from other burger joints and why it continues to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
History of Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar was founded in 2012 by Terry Heller, a passionate restaurateur with a vision to create a place where traditional American comfort food could be reimagined and elevated to new heights. The name “Plan Check” is a playful nod to the restaurant’s original location, which was situated next to a building and safety department office in West Los Angeles, where architects and developers would go to get their construction plans checked.
The concept behind Plan Check was to create a unique dining experience that combined a relaxed, industrial-chic ambiance with a menu full of meticulously crafted dishes that would appeal to both casual diners and food connoisseurs. Heller’s approach was to focus on quality and creativity, offering a selection of gourmet burgers and comfort food classics with a modern twist.
From the beginning, Plan Check set out to differentiate itself by incorporating innovative techniques and flavor profiles that pushed the boundaries of traditional American cuisine. This philosophy was reflected not only in the food but also in the restaurant’s beverage program, which featured a curated selection of craft beers, artisanal cocktails, and fine wines. The combination of exceptional food, drinks, and ambiance quickly garnered attention, and Plan Check soon became a go-to spot for those seeking a sophisticated yet unpretentious dining experience.
A Rising Star in LA’s Food Scene
Plan Check’s ascent to prominence in the competitive Los Angeles dining landscape was swift and well-deserved. The restaurant’s reputation for culinary excellence spread through word-of-mouth recommendations, glowing reviews from food critics, and an ever-growing social media presence. What set Plan Check apart from the outset was its ability to take familiar dishes and reinvent them with an artisanal touch, showcasing flavors and techniques that were both approachable and inventive.
The restaurant’s signature burgers, in particular, became a major draw. Each burger was thoughtfully crafted with house-made condiments, unique toppings, and a perfectly cooked patty made from premium cuts of beef. The attention to detail and commitment to quality earned Plan Check a loyal following, with patrons eagerly lining up to try the latest creations.
Plan Check’s popularity was further cemented by its participation in various food festivals and events throughout Los Angeles. The restaurant’s presence at events like LA Burger Week and the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival allowed it to showcase its culinary prowess to a broader audience, further solidifying its status as a major player in the city’s food scene.
With its growing acclaim, Plan Check expanded to multiple locations throughout Los Angeles, including the Fairfax, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA neighborhoods. Each new location retained the same commitment to quality and atmosphere, ensuring that the Plan Check experience could be enjoyed by diners across the city.
The Menu: A Symphony of Flavors
At the heart of Plan Check Kitchen + Bar’s success is its meticulously curated menu, which showcases a harmonious blend of comfort food classics and innovative creations. The menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, with each dish crafted to perfection and bursting with unique flavors. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast or a lover of modern American cuisine, Plan Check’s menu offers something for everyone.
Signature Burgers
The burgers at Plan Check are a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and creativity. Each burger is made with a juicy beef patty cooked to perfection and topped with a variety of house-made condiments, artisanal cheeses, and unique ingredients that elevate the flavor profile to new heights. Some of the standout burgers include:
- Plan Check Burger: The flagship burger that embodies the essence of the restaurant. This creation features a beef patty topped with Americanized dashi cheese, ketchup leather (a dehydrated ketchup sheet that adds an intense tomato flavor), schmaltz onions, and mixed pickles, all nestled in a toasted bun. The dashi cheese, with its umami richness, and the unique texture of the ketchup leather make this burger a one-of-a-kind experience.
- PCB (Plan Check Burger) with Bacon: A variation of the signature Plan Check Burger, this version adds crispy bacon for an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness. The bacon’s crunch contrasts beautifully with the juicy patty and melted dashi cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Smokey Fried Chicken Sandwich: While not a burger in the traditional sense, this sandwich has earned its place as one of Plan Check’s most popular offerings. It features a buttermilk-brined fried chicken breast topped with smoked milk gravy, pimento cheese, duck breast ham, and pickles. The result is a decadent, smoky, and satisfying sandwich that rivals any of the burgers on the menu.
- Chef’s Special Burger: Plan Check frequently offers limited-time specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations. These specials allow the culinary team to experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of what a burger can be. Past offerings have included burgers topped with truffle aioli, foie gras, and even bone marrow butter, creating an elevated experience for adventurous diners.
Beyond Burgers: Expanding the Culinary Horizons
While the burgers are undoubtedly the stars of the menu, Plan Check offers a variety of other dishes that showcase the restaurant’s versatility and creativity. From appetizers and salads to hearty entrees, each dish is crafted with the same level of care and attention to detail as the burgers.
- Southern Fry: A modern take on the classic fried chicken dish, the Southern Fry features buttermilk-brined fried chicken served with smoked milk gravy, yam preserves, and spicy pickled okra. The dish is a perfect blend of Southern comfort and contemporary flair, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Short Rib Pot Roast: A hearty and satisfying dish, the Short Rib Pot Roast features tender braised short rib served with roasted carrots, celery, and fingerling potatoes. The rich, savory flavors of the short rib are complemented by the earthy vegetables, making it a comforting and indulgent choice.
- Cruller Donuts: Plan Check’s take on dessert is just as inventive as the rest of the menu. The Cruller Donuts are a standout option, featuring light and airy donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of cream and chocolate dipping sauces. The donuts are the perfect ending to a meal, offering a sweet, satisfying conclusion without being overly heavy.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Plan Check has also embraced the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options, offering a variety of dishes that cater to these dietary preferences. The Vegan Burger features a house-made plant-based patty topped with avocado, vegan cheese, pickled vegetables, and mixed greens, providing a delicious and satisfying alternative for those looking to avoid meat. Additionally, the menu includes a range of vegetable-forward dishes, such as the Roasted Cauliflower and the Brussels Sprouts, both of which highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients with minimal intervention.
The Ambiance and Decor: A Blend of Industrial Chic and Modern Comfort
One of the defining features of Plan Check Kitchen + Bar is its unique atmosphere, which perfectly complements its modern American menu. The restaurant’s design ethos blends industrial chic with cozy, contemporary touches, creating an inviting space where diners can enjoy an elevated yet casual dining experience.
From the moment you step inside Plan Check, you’re greeted by an open, airy layout that exudes an understated sophistication. Exposed brick walls, concrete accents, and steel beams pay homage to the building’s industrial roots, while warm wooden tables and soft, ambient lighting add a sense of warmth and comfort. The juxtaposition of hard and soft elements results in a visually appealing environment that is both stylish and approachable.
Each of Plan Check’s locations is thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of its surrounding neighborhood while maintaining the core elements that define the brand’s aesthetic. The original West LA location, for instance, features large windows that let in plenty of natural light during the day, giving the space a vibrant and lively feel. In contrast, the Fairfax and Downtown LA locations offer a slightly more intimate vibe, with dim lighting and carefully curated decor that creates a relaxed, sophisticated ambiance.
The restaurant’s open kitchen design is another standout feature, allowing diners to catch a glimpse of the culinary action as chefs prepare dishes with precision and care. The bar area, with its sleek design and well-stocked shelves, serves as a focal point of the restaurant, inviting guests to sit back, sip on a craft cocktail, and soak in the energy of the space.
Overall, Plan Check’s ambiance strikes the perfect balance between modern urban style and welcoming comfort, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners and after-work drinks.
The Beverage Program: Craft Cocktails and Artisanal Beers
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar takes its beverage program as seriously as its food, offering a carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, artisanal beers, and fine wines that perfectly complement the menu. The restaurant’s drink offerings are designed to enhance the overall dining experience, providing guests with a diverse range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.
Signature Cocktails
The cocktail menu at Plan Check is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to innovation and quality. Each drink is crafted with premium spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh ingredients, resulting in unique flavor profiles that are both balanced and refreshing. Some of the standout cocktails include:
- “Short Order” Old Fashioned: A modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail features bourbon, Angostura bitters, and a hint of smoked maple syrup, giving it a rich, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with Plan Check’s meaty burgers.
- Plan Check Sour: A tart, tangy cocktail made with bourbon, lemon juice, and egg white, topped with a dash of bitters for a touch of complexity. The creamy texture of the egg white adds a luxurious mouthfeel, while the lemon provides a bright, citrusy kick.
- Peach Bourbon Smash: A refreshing, fruity cocktail that combines bourbon with muddled peaches, mint, and a splash of soda. The result is a light, summery drink that’s perfect for sipping on a warm Los Angeles evening.
Beer and Wine Selection
Plan Check’s beer selection features a rotating list of craft brews from local breweries as well as a selection of international favorites. From crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and complex sours, there’s a beer to suit every palate. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and help guests choose the perfect brew to accompany their meal.
For those who prefer wine, Plan Check offers a thoughtfully curated list of reds, whites, and sparkling options that showcase both Old World and New World varietals. The wine selection is designed to be approachable, with choices that range from light and crisp to bold and full-bodied, ensuring that there’s something for every preference.
Pricing: A Range That Reflects Quality and Value
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar’s pricing is reflective of the quality ingredients and meticulous preparation that go into each dish. While it’s not the cheapest option in town, the restaurant offers great value for the experience it delivers. The pricing is in line with other upscale burger joints and modern American eateries in Los Angeles, making it accessible to a broad audience while maintaining a sense of exclusivity.
Breakdown of Pricing for Signature Dishes
- Plan Check Burger: $15 – $18 USD
- Smokey Fried Chicken Sandwich: $14 – $16 USD
- Chef’s Special Burger: $18 – $22 USD (depending on seasonal ingredients)
- Southern Fry: $16 – $18 USD
- Short Rib Pot Roast: $22 – $25 USD
- Cruller Donuts: $8 – $10 USD
Craft cocktails typically range from $12 to $16 USD, while beers are priced between $6 and $10 USD, depending on the selection. Wines by the glass are available for $9 to $15 USD, with bottles starting at around $35 USD.
Plan Check also offers a selection of happy hour specials and set menus, providing diners with an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes at a more affordable price point. These specials are particularly popular among the after-work crowd, who flock to Plan Check for a casual yet refined dining experience that won’t break the bank.
Expansion History: From a Single Location to a Los Angeles Staple
The success of the original Plan Check location in West Los Angeles led to the restaurant’s expansion across the city. Recognizing the demand for their unique take on comfort food and burgers, the Plan Check team strategically opened new locations in key neighborhoods, each one tailored to the tastes and preferences of its local community.
West LA: The Flagship
The first Plan Check Kitchen + Bar opened its doors in 2012 in West Los Angeles, setting the standard for what was to come. The flagship location quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its inventive menu and welcoming ambiance. Its proximity to the city’s building and safety department office attracted a diverse clientele, from architects and developers to food enthusiasts looking for a new culinary experience.
Fairfax Location
The Fairfax location, which opened in 2014, brought Plan Check’s signature style and menu to a new audience. Situated in the heart of one of LA’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the Fairfax restaurant featured a slightly more intimate setting, with a focus on creating a cozy yet trendy atmosphere. This location became a popular spot for both casual diners and foodies, further solidifying Plan Check’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Downtown LA
In 2016, Plan Check expanded to Downtown Los Angeles, a move that allowed the brand to tap into the burgeoning food scene in the area. The Downtown LA location featured a larger space with an emphasis on communal dining, making it ideal for group gatherings and events. This location also introduced a new element to the menu, with dishes that were exclusive to the Downtown spot, showcasing the brand’s versatility and willingness to experiment.
Santa Monica
The Santa Monica location, which opened in 2018, marked a new chapter for Plan Check as it ventured into the west side’s bustling dining scene. The beachside location catered to a mix of locals and tourists, offering a laid-back vibe that complemented the area’s relaxed atmosphere. The Santa Monica spot also introduced a special brunch menu, featuring items like chicken and waffles and breakfast burgers, further broadening Plan Check’s appeal.
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