Great place and very family friendly without being a Chuck E. Cheese. I didn't have food or drink when I was there, but the selections looked good. I'm looking forward to going back when I'm in LA again.
Atmosphere: 5
PMC Madrid
Really cool spot. Good 10$ burgers.Honestly I sat at the bar because it was a bit full.I watched a server work so hard and still run with a big smile! Her name was Britney.I’ll be back :) thanks
Raina Lee
Poltergeist stops serving / taking orders before 1010- 1015pm so if you want to eat there get there before 10pm
Francisco Manalo
ButtonMash is the epitome of a gamer's paradise blended with delicious food and drinks. From the moment we stepped in, the vibrant atmosphere was palpable, with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses mingling with the cheerful beeps and boops of arcade games.Our experience at ButtonMash was elevated by our incredible waitress, Victoria, whose warmth and charisma made us feel right at home. Despite the bustling crowd, Victoria ensured that our needs were met promptly, adding an extra touch of magic to my birthday celebration.The menu at ButtonMash is a delightful fusion of mouthwatering dishes and drinks, perfectly complementing the nostalgic ambiance. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or innovative culinary creations, there's something for every palate.But what truly sets ButtonMash apart is its impressive array of video games and pinball machines, transporting guests back to the golden age of arcade gaming. From iconic classics to modern favorites, there's no shortage of entertainment to accompany your meal and drinks.Overall, ButtonMash exceeded our expectations in every aspect, from the exceptional service to the delectable fare and endless gaming fun. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or simply looking for a unique dining experience, ButtonMash is the ultimate destination for food, drinks, and play.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger
Arian Malek
Bouncer at the front is as rude as they come , ruined the atmosphere before we ever walked in. Our party of 10 left specifically because of his ego. You’re a bouncer , not a prison guard .
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Gemma Lacey
This place is amazing, the flavors are extremely clever and otherworldly. Reasonably priced too. I love it!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sean Kidder
Dinner for 2 tonight - simply amazing food - very creative, wonderfully tasty, great service - overall one of the best restaurant meals I've had in years.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
arina borodkina
Visited Button Mash for a fun anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint. The seating allows for some people watching of the arcade, but far enough away to feel intimate. The service is fantastic and it’s worth getting some quarters from the front bar to play games after your meal. For food, we split the house roll, yellow curry bucatini, and the mushroom curry fondue. The roll is so decadent and interesting, and the bucatini was a must-try. One of the most texturally complex and flavorful dishes I’ve tried in a while. Don’t let fusion scare you off. The mushroom curry fondue was good, but simply too similar flavor-wise to the bucatini. If you try one, get the bucatini, it’s more balanced from the squash and chutney. Would definitely come back to try a fish dish and dessert in the future!Vegetarian options: Good balance of veg/vegan items on the menu and the server asks if any allergies or dietary restrictions once you are seated. Did not feel restricted eating a fully vegetarian meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noodles, Milk Buns w Honey Butter
Mimi Nguyen
By @asiandumplingsmugglerChef Diego Argoti’s unrestrained creativity takes center stage at Poltergeist, and I must say, I left thoroughly inspired. The precision in his technique is evident, but what truly commands attention is his fearless culinary imagination, hitting each dish like a powerful cannonball. The remarkable presentation of such daring creations is particularly noteworthy in the traditionally conservative culinary scene of Los Angeles. My experience left me not only inspired and impressed but also thoroughly blown away.Adding to the allure of Poltergeist is its reasonable pricing, a refreshing contrast in an era where many restaurants have elevated their prices to astronomical levels without delivering an equally impressive dining experience. In the midst of this, Poltergeist shines through, offering a delightful combination of affordability and outstanding quality. My admiration for this establishment is unwavering, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow food enthusiasts.As a bonus, an unexplored realm awaits at @buttonmashla where @eatpoltergeist is taking residence—an arcade, nostalgic haven of 70’s-90’s games, that I’ve yet to immerse myself in. Strolling past an array of childhood memories, I anticipate returning to relive those moments with Tetris, Ms. Pacman, Streetfighter, Galaga, and more. A roll of quarters and a journey down memory lane beckon, promising an added layer of delight to an already enchanting culinary experience.Love, love, love – an unforgettable culinary adventure! @mr.argoti @eatpoltergeist @buttonmashla
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Savannah
The aesthetics an atmosphere of poltergeist and button mash are incredible, I love the murals, and I love all of the food. Some of the most inventive vegetarian food using mushrooms for fondue and stuff like that is just so good. I love it so much. There's a great wine selection, and of course I love the arcade!If I was to give one slight note, if anything, I would just say that the neo Geo collection cabinet, it has a lot of lag. I don't know if there's something wrong with it. It's probably nothing that button mash can really control, it's probably just that the cabinet itself is a little bit dated, but I personally really love games like metal slug and they're very difficult to play at a low frame rate. I think it might just be something that you could maybe repair? I'm not sure. It's likely just an emulation cabinet or something like that, I have to imagine you could dump the cash? Maybe they're already doing that every single day, and by the end of the day, which is when I usually go to button mash, it's then laggy again and needs to have the cash reset. Regardless, I love button mash, I love poltergeist, and yeah I really love neo Geo, where can you play authentic neo Geo cabinets? It's a pretty rare thing. It's just a shame that it works at such a low frame rate.The thing is though, something I hadn't really considered but I'm now thinking about while writing out this review, is that when you do play a game like metal slug how to reduced frame rate, it does give you a better opportunity to dodge bullets and make impressive plays. Kind of like playing with the special mode on from Tony hawk pro skater, if you recall that. Please basically the special meter in Tony hawk works for once you do a bunch of tricks you can enable special mode and it'll make it so that everything happens a little bit slower which means you can do more impressive tricks. It's a pretty cool mechanic, one that I really admire, and when you think about how it might apply to a neo Geo that's kind of laggy, it's a little bit of a silver lining.Yeah I'm going to recant the initially negative aspect of this review. 5 out of five. Thank you for everything you do button mash.
Maybe we hit a bad night, but we had a rotten experience here. Walked into a disorganized situation with rude staff. The host didn’t give clear instructions, and we grabbed a table. Then a different host asked what we were doing and berated us for not having menus and not having a reservation. She took us back to the host, who we had seen before, and he also berated us for doing the wrong thing when he couldn’t be bothered to give us clear information earlier. Then he literally said “It’s Friday night in a restaurant, what do you expect?” in the most sarcastic, sassy, and rude way possible. We walked out. This was the rudest service I have had in a restaurant in years.
Service: 1
Matko Kalac
Surprisingly, the best food in Echo Park. The last thing I would expect with pinball machines is roasted lamb shwarma and short rib ravioli, but that is what makes this place special. I'm definitely coming back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Thai Caesar Salad, Beef Ravioli
Jillian H.
So fun!! It was super busy on a Saturday night (obviously) and a bit hard to navigate around petiole but had no issue finding an open game. One of the games took my tokens though :(( Love button mash and would come back again!
S V
Fun. Different. Great service. Had reservation at 6pm.Parked down the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Derek Schinke
Had been looking forward to coming here for a while. Let’s start with the good.The Thai Caesar salad was phenomenal, perfectly blending Thai flavors with the traditional Caesar dressing and with great lettuce, but it was absolutely massive for 2 people to try to share. Honestly, this could have been the only thing we ordered and I would have left satisfied.The chochoyotes were great, and the fondue-style curry and BBQ’d mushrooms served along side it were amazingly fun. Fantastic experience of trying the different mushrooms, and dipping them in the curry.The okay:The broccoli beef ravioli was what I was most excited for, but it ended up being the biggest disappointment. It was cloyingly, inexplicably sweet, almost like candied onion or something. It was extremely lacking in the beef and umami flavors, and the broccoli was served on the side, undercooked, and tough to eat. I expected better incorporation and flavors in the dish.The mapo tofu-stuffed cabbage roll (sort of like a gołąbek I guess) was sort of bland. Maybe it was an off day, but it was again a bit too sweet, and lacking porky umami flavors, and also lacking in spice (also, not much tofu for a mapo tofu dish). Again, expected a better base layer of flavor to work off of, for the dish as a whole to work, but it simply didn’t meet what I thought would be amazing.The finale:The dessert was amazing. Olive oil cake and squash and delicious ice cream. This saved the meal. One of my favorite desserts ever.Altogether, I would be interested in coming back here and trying the rest of their menu. The ideas are great, and some dishes are outstanding, but the execution on some dishes needs some work.
Great place and very family friendly without being a Chuck E. Cheese. I didn't have food or drink when I was there, but the selections looked good. I'm looking forward to going back when I'm in LA again.
Atmosphere: 5
Really cool spot. Good 10$ burgers.Honestly I sat at the bar because it was a bit full.I watched a server work so hard and still run with a big smile! Her name was Britney.I’ll be back :) thanks
Poltergeist stops serving / taking orders before 1010- 1015pm so if you want to eat there get there before 10pm
ButtonMash is the epitome of a gamer's paradise blended with delicious food and drinks. From the moment we stepped in, the vibrant atmosphere was palpable, with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses mingling with the cheerful beeps and boops of arcade games.Our experience at ButtonMash was elevated by our incredible waitress, Victoria, whose warmth and charisma made us feel right at home. Despite the bustling crowd, Victoria ensured that our needs were met promptly, adding an extra touch of magic to my birthday celebration.The menu at ButtonMash is a delightful fusion of mouthwatering dishes and drinks, perfectly complementing the nostalgic ambiance. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or innovative culinary creations, there's something for every palate.But what truly sets ButtonMash apart is its impressive array of video games and pinball machines, transporting guests back to the golden age of arcade gaming. From iconic classics to modern favorites, there's no shortage of entertainment to accompany your meal and drinks.Overall, ButtonMash exceeded our expectations in every aspect, from the exceptional service to the delectable fare and endless gaming fun. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or simply looking for a unique dining experience, ButtonMash is the ultimate destination for food, drinks, and play.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger
Bouncer at the front is as rude as they come , ruined the atmosphere before we ever walked in. Our party of 10 left specifically because of his ego. You’re a bouncer , not a prison guard .
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
This place is amazing, the flavors are extremely clever and otherworldly. Reasonably priced too. I love it!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dinner for 2 tonight - simply amazing food - very creative, wonderfully tasty, great service - overall one of the best restaurant meals I've had in years.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited Button Mash for a fun anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint. The seating allows for some people watching of the arcade, but far enough away to feel intimate. The service is fantastic and it’s worth getting some quarters from the front bar to play games after your meal. For food, we split the house roll, yellow curry bucatini, and the mushroom curry fondue. The roll is so decadent and interesting, and the bucatini was a must-try. One of the most texturally complex and flavorful dishes I’ve tried in a while. Don’t let fusion scare you off. The mushroom curry fondue was good, but simply too similar flavor-wise to the bucatini. If you try one, get the bucatini, it’s more balanced from the squash and chutney. Would definitely come back to try a fish dish and dessert in the future!Vegetarian options: Good balance of veg/vegan items on the menu and the server asks if any allergies or dietary restrictions once you are seated. Did not feel restricted eating a fully vegetarian meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noodles, Milk Buns w Honey Butter
By @asiandumplingsmugglerChef Diego Argoti’s unrestrained creativity takes center stage at Poltergeist, and I must say, I left thoroughly inspired. The precision in his technique is evident, but what truly commands attention is his fearless culinary imagination, hitting each dish like a powerful cannonball. The remarkable presentation of such daring creations is particularly noteworthy in the traditionally conservative culinary scene of Los Angeles. My experience left me not only inspired and impressed but also thoroughly blown away.Adding to the allure of Poltergeist is its reasonable pricing, a refreshing contrast in an era where many restaurants have elevated their prices to astronomical levels without delivering an equally impressive dining experience. In the midst of this, Poltergeist shines through, offering a delightful combination of affordability and outstanding quality. My admiration for this establishment is unwavering, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow food enthusiasts.As a bonus, an unexplored realm awaits at @buttonmashla where @eatpoltergeist is taking residence—an arcade, nostalgic haven of 70’s-90’s games, that I’ve yet to immerse myself in. Strolling past an array of childhood memories, I anticipate returning to relive those moments with Tetris, Ms. Pacman, Streetfighter, Galaga, and more. A roll of quarters and a journey down memory lane beckon, promising an added layer of delight to an already enchanting culinary experience.Love, love, love – an unforgettable culinary adventure! @mr.argoti @eatpoltergeist @buttonmashla
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The aesthetics an atmosphere of poltergeist and button mash are incredible, I love the murals, and I love all of the food. Some of the most inventive vegetarian food using mushrooms for fondue and stuff like that is just so good. I love it so much. There's a great wine selection, and of course I love the arcade!If I was to give one slight note, if anything, I would just say that the neo Geo collection cabinet, it has a lot of lag. I don't know if there's something wrong with it. It's probably nothing that button mash can really control, it's probably just that the cabinet itself is a little bit dated, but I personally really love games like metal slug and they're very difficult to play at a low frame rate. I think it might just be something that you could maybe repair? I'm not sure. It's likely just an emulation cabinet or something like that, I have to imagine you could dump the cash? Maybe they're already doing that every single day, and by the end of the day, which is when I usually go to button mash, it's then laggy again and needs to have the cash reset. Regardless, I love button mash, I love poltergeist, and yeah I really love neo Geo, where can you play authentic neo Geo cabinets? It's a pretty rare thing. It's just a shame that it works at such a low frame rate.The thing is though, something I hadn't really considered but I'm now thinking about while writing out this review, is that when you do play a game like metal slug how to reduced frame rate, it does give you a better opportunity to dodge bullets and make impressive plays. Kind of like playing with the special mode on from Tony hawk pro skater, if you recall that. Please basically the special meter in Tony hawk works for once you do a bunch of tricks you can enable special mode and it'll make it so that everything happens a little bit slower which means you can do more impressive tricks. It's a pretty cool mechanic, one that I really admire, and when you think about how it might apply to a neo Geo that's kind of laggy, it's a little bit of a silver lining.Yeah I'm going to recant the initially negative aspect of this review. 5 out of five. Thank you for everything you do button mash.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Maybe we hit a bad night, but we had a rotten experience here. Walked into a disorganized situation with rude staff. The host didn’t give clear instructions, and we grabbed a table. Then a different host asked what we were doing and berated us for not having menus and not having a reservation. She took us back to the host, who we had seen before, and he also berated us for doing the wrong thing when he couldn’t be bothered to give us clear information earlier. Then he literally said “It’s Friday night in a restaurant, what do you expect?” in the most sarcastic, sassy, and rude way possible. We walked out. This was the rudest service I have had in a restaurant in years.
Service: 1
Surprisingly, the best food in Echo Park. The last thing I would expect with pinball machines is roasted lamb shwarma and short rib ravioli, but that is what makes this place special. I'm definitely coming back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Thai Caesar Salad, Beef Ravioli
So fun!! It was super busy on a Saturday night (obviously) and a bit hard to navigate around petiole but had no issue finding an open game. One of the games took my tokens though :(( Love button mash and would come back again!
Fun. Different. Great service. Had reservation at 6pm.Parked down the street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had been looking forward to coming here for a while. Let’s start with the good.The Thai Caesar salad was phenomenal, perfectly blending Thai flavors with the traditional Caesar dressing and with great lettuce, but it was absolutely massive for 2 people to try to share. Honestly, this could have been the only thing we ordered and I would have left satisfied.The chochoyotes were great, and the fondue-style curry and BBQ’d mushrooms served along side it were amazingly fun. Fantastic experience of trying the different mushrooms, and dipping them in the curry.The okay:The broccoli beef ravioli was what I was most excited for, but it ended up being the biggest disappointment. It was cloyingly, inexplicably sweet, almost like candied onion or something. It was extremely lacking in the beef and umami flavors, and the broccoli was served on the side, undercooked, and tough to eat. I expected better incorporation and flavors in the dish.The mapo tofu-stuffed cabbage roll (sort of like a gołąbek I guess) was sort of bland. Maybe it was an off day, but it was again a bit too sweet, and lacking porky umami flavors, and also lacking in spice (also, not much tofu for a mapo tofu dish). Again, expected a better base layer of flavor to work off of, for the dish as a whole to work, but it simply didn’t meet what I thought would be amazing.The finale:The dessert was amazing. Olive oil cake and squash and delicious ice cream. This saved the meal. One of my favorite desserts ever.Altogether, I would be interested in coming back here and trying the rest of their menu. The ideas are great, and some dishes are outstanding, but the execution on some dishes needs some work.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Thai Caesar Salad