Somewhere on the corner of comfort food and decadent simplicity lies Silverlake neighborhood’s newest (and possibly best) restaurant, Black Hogg. Hidden in its block on Sunset lies the small, cozy restaurant, filled to the brim every night with hungry patrons excited to try the kitchen’s take on an American favorite: good old-fashioned meat.
Image via kevineats.com
Black Hogg is subtle in nearly every way; softly lit, lightly decorated (only a single wall of framed mirrors) and a small offering of tables in the open room, all signified to the world by a neon sign barely noticeable by passer-bys. The restaurant doesn’t have a bar yet (though we Californians know how to get around that…) leaving the food to be the single priority of the place. This could be the secret to Black Hogg’s success; each dish from start to finish is so masterfully prepared, their flavor profiles read like a love story.
Wild Fire Island Oysters and Popcorn Bacon – yes, delicious, sinful little cubes of bacon deep fried – could start you off. Or maybe Spicy Chicken Liver or Roasted Bone Marrow could carry you into your entree. And once you get there, prepare to stay awhile. Black Hogg has one of the best Lamb Burgers in the city, and their Wild Mushrooms on Brioche Box is so rich and perfectly textured and flavored, it deserves a restaurant all its own. Not to mention the Mussels, the New York Strip, and a dessert of Chai Spiced Churros dipped in chocolate…navigating the menu is only a challenge in that choosing just one item is near impossible. Word to the wise: bring friends. Share everything. You won’t want to miss a single spice your first time around.
Image via LA Eater
Black Hogg’s serving style is delightfully casual, without sacrificing high standards the food deserves. Glasses and ice are provided for those who bring your own beverages (hinthint); for this end patrons can make a stop at the convenience store next door or pop into the liquor store across the street prior to dining. It’s abundantly clear from every server that the staff takes this art-the art of eating, tasting, feasting-very seriously. They each know the menu backwards and forwards, and are happy to let you linger over your stout after your dessert is long gone. It’s nice to see a restaurant strip down the pomp and circumstance in order to perfect what we really came for…
Image via kevineats.com
Though the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, it is absolutely worth the wait. For your best chances of a table, get there not long after they open at 6 pm, Monday-Saturday. (Closed Sunday)
Black Hogg, 2852 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Written by Guest Blogger
