“A loose translation of Lustig means jumping for joy. Better you jump for the check. But The Helms Factory is jumpin' for joy that this new spot has been busier than a one armed wall paper hanger. The decor is you finish industrial chic concrete Wienstube. Forget the patio until late Spring. Inside it's all hardscape, sharp angles and stark walls populated by warm, genuinely pleasant staffers that really want you to enjoy the experience, and you will. Naturlich. Settle in and soak up the Old World European sensibility that's spiked with twist and turns. Is it Stierereck? Nein. But it isn't supposed to be. But, it is charming nonetheless and the very best Viennese (if the only) Viennese Restaurant this side of zur deWild Schimanszky. The Staff: Not a Weiner among'em. No one will yell GruBgott (a tradional Austrian greeting when you enter a store/Resto). Everyone on the floor is all smiles and attentive to duty and detail. No doubt Chef Bernhard's Austrain influence, skillful training and the fact that he is 6' 8". The Bar is the best bet despite the butt numbing hard wood chairs. Once all feeling in your cheeks disappears you'll hardly notice especially once you begin to sip your Jungle Bird which had Rum, Red Bitters, Pineapple, and Amaro all swizzled together surrounding a big rock of ice in your Highball glass. What a wonderful cocktail. Speaking of the Bar: A truly amusing cocktail list awaits your curiosity. The wine list is carefully selected and unusual. You won't go wrong but just in case you are the timid type or unsure, let Kevin behind the Bar guide you. Begin with a Brotzeit Basket of 3 different house baked Sourdough Rolls to keep your Bar choice company. The Brotzeit captures the Lustig zietgeist. The rolls come with a little cup of Slightly Salted Butter, Mashed Potatoes and melted Raclette Cheese spread which carried a flicker of heat and and some lovely Liptauer. (An Eastern European Cream Cheese and Pimento Spread). Who's in the Haus? Studio dudios, the odd guest that got kicked out of Father's Office for asking for Ketchup, a few irregular regulars and those who don't wanna queue up for cold Carbonara at Pasta Sisters. And those of us who thoroughly enjoyed BierBiesl way back when. The Food: Serious without taking itself too serious. It is traditional and truly playful and edgy at the same time. And, it's all really, really good. The Chef and Kitchen are working without a net here elevating Viennese Cuisine, which while not as heavy as German cooking still leans into filling fare. Lustig lightens the load, and all the dishes emphasize more of a Viennese Spa cuisine, if you will. Call it what you will, it's a creative and delightful menu. The Caesar Salad had marinated Trout Caviar, Baby Bitter Greens, Parmesan Cheese Two Ways. (shaved and shards of Frico), a few handy Herbs and a light Caesar-ish Dressing. Very nice, indeed. The Beef Cheeks "Sauerbraten" arrived on a bed of dead perfect Rosemary Spatzle plus Baby Carrots, and house made Crispy Onions, (no 5 Pound Bag from Costco). The Cheeks were as soft and tender as a Baby's cheeks and twice as tasty. This was the best dish on the table all evening by a fer piece. I'm a sucker for a Schnitzel. Historically it is served screamin' hot from the fryer, with a cross of Anchovy Filets and Capers in each open triangle. Two Lemon Wedges are also required. But Schnitzel was actually stolen from the Italians (Cotoletta alla Milanese) when they weren't looking. But then the Italians stole it from the French despite Napolean's protestations. Here the Schnitz comes neat and on a bed of Pee Wee Potatoes, Charred Shishito Peppers, Lingonberry-Yuzu Chutney so you can see the cross cultural pollination. Is it the measure of Figlmueller Baeckerstrasse where you'll get a truck tire of breaded fried Veal the size of Godzilla's Whoopee Cushion. Nein. But the Schnitzel here is definitely some thing to order. Two good sized cutlets allow for one the next mo“
“I just want to give the biggest shout out to Tasha and the entire Forman's team.I've been setting up events here for a couple of months now and Tasha has been absolutely AMAZING. Always answers my questions in a timely manner, and offers suggestions when something may not be available or can be improved.This is now the go-to place for a lot of new people in our group! The food is amazing, the vibe is chill, the drinks are superb, and of course the staff provides the best customer service.Thank you for always being good to me and my group, truly appreciated in our hard times during the strikes. We even had the joy of celebrating the end of the strikes at Forman's and wouldn't have had it any other way!“
“I rated 5 stars 6 years ago (I was a very consistent customer)4* now, after 2 or 3 visits within 2 months.Food is still really good. Though...Service is all right (depending on the waiter), but the prices just exploded!$21 for a cocktail for instance ( small Maitai, good but not the amazing)... And same for other food.When I pay more than 150/person... I expect more... Though... $21 for a cocktail in a restaurant (& at the bar) is insane“
“Ordered the Margarita, mezcal margarita, birria tacos, salmon tacos and guac. Everything was very fresh. Tasted authentic. We sat at the bar because all tables were taken for reservations. Service was quick, bartender was very friendly and welcoming.“
“Trevor is one of the best servers ever!! Great customer service ! Love it ! For a Tuesday night, it was so easy to catch up with friends here because there music was not too loud ! Love it here! THANK YOU TREVOR for making the experience great !“
Cocktail Bar • $$
“A hidden gem! I had only been here pre-Covid late at night for drinks and just recently tried it out for food and I was so pleasantly surprised! The menu is small - mostly appetizers and small shareable bites - but everything we got was really good! And the drinks were FANTASTIC! The vibe was awesome and for a Saturday at 7:30, it was a great little chill start to a fun Saturday night out! Definitely reccomend stopping by!“
“I loved the songs they played. The place wasn't packed for a Saturday night but I didn't mind it. Drinks were on the expensive side but they were very good. Bartenders were quick and engaging. Very memorable for me. I'd come back if I'm ever in LA again.“
“It is the best service and ambianceI love itI totally recommend anyone that need a good atmosphere and smoke good cigars to come hereAsk about the Cohiba CigarsAnd make sure Sean or Art are thereI came here 3 days in a rowI wish I’m staying more in LA to keep coming here“