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Member Reviews
Good Selection of Tasty Tapas
Ciudad is a great tapas bar and bar to try whenever you are in downtown LA for work or fun. First of all, the bar is great; second, the food is fantastic. Try to come with some friends so that you have a good excuse to sample a lot of the tapas--you'll do it anyway. Lately, the Portuguese sausage with honey and deviled eggs are my favorite tapas. Desserts are amazing, too. The service has always been good and I have never had a bad meal. I would make reservations to be on the safe side if you are showing up during the prime dinner hours/days. Prices are moderately expensive but worth it--and their wines are great, too.
Information from the business
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clubzone
Experience the bold and seductive flavors of the Latin world at Ciudad , the Downtown restaurant of Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Food Network's "Too Hot Tamales". At Ciudad , Mary Sue and Susan have pushed beyond the upscale, modern Mexican fare of their popular Border Grill restaurants, with authentic and new dishes from South America, Central America, Cuba, Spain, and Portugal.
Business Description
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Rumor has it that one sip of Ciudad’s “Supremo Mojito”--a frothy concoction of fresh mint, lime, sugar and 12-year-old Zaya Gran Reserva rum--is enough to turn any nonbeliever into a fan of Cuba’s favorite cocktail. Of course, the famed mojitos are just one of countless epiphanies in store for visitors to celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger’s pan-Latin restaurant in downtown’s Financial ...
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digitalcity
Ciudad, Spanish for city, is the brainchild of restaurateurs-turned-celebrity-chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, formerly The Food Network's 'Too Hot Tamales.' Over the years they've holed themselves up in kitchens around the world for a hands-on education in Latin cuisine, and Ciudad is the downtown showroom for the lessons they've learned along the way. A bit more mature than their sister ...
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fodors
The colorful interior perfectly complements the new-wave culinary tour of the Americas offered by celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Ordering a selection of appetizers is the way to go here. Start off with a Brazilian caipirinha or Cuban mojito cocktail; then tuck into starters like Bolivian sweet corn tamales, Colombian arepas (corn cakes stuffed with sausage) or Peruvian ...
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lacom
Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, those "Too Hot Tamales" of Food Network fame who also co-own Border Grill , offer unexpected combinations of more familiar Mexican food with the bold and seductive flavors of the entire Latin world.
Awash in color, the room is a sophisticated take on south-of-the-border. During the day it fills with business people, but later ... more
Awash in color, the room is a sophisticated take on south-of-the-border. During the day it fills with business people, but later ... more
Tips About This Business
Happy Hour
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Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm. Get $4 drinks and appetizers. There's also "after dark" specials on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9pm to 11pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to midnight.
Editorial Reviews from the web
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The Scene Walls and ceilings are splashed with Miro-like splotches and Picasso-esque scribblings. The playful decor is quirky enough that hipsters won't feel guilty about using their gold cards, yet trendy enough to entice suburban foodies to come downtown. The Food Diners embark on a giddy tour of Latin cuisine. Appetizers are the most seductive--pliant slices of sushi ...
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calendarlive
When it comes to food, most people are naturally conservative. They like what they grew up with. Italians get nervous if they miss pasta more than three days in a row, and while they relish pepperoncino in their penne arabbiata , they're wary of the heat in Thai dishes. Indians get homesick for naan and their mother's chutneys, Cubans for ropa vieja and media noche sandwiches. On one of my ...
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brought to you by
frommers
The latest L.A. venture of celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken is this intriguing restaurant in the heart of Downtown. Ciudad means "city" in Spanish and is a nod to the partners' long-ago venture City Restaurant. Here, amid juicy sherbet pastel walls and Miro-esque abstract designs, exuberant crowds gather to revel in a menu that brings together cuisines from the world's great Latin ...
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Other Reviews from the web
Great customer service
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night atmosphere at the patio is phenomenal,from time to time they offer live flamenco,its fantastic.
Pros
+ Thumbs up
Cons
- n.exp.
Pros
+ Thumbs up
Cons
- n.exp.
Amazing downtown experience!!!
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Definitely worth the trip downtown. Being Friday, it was packed.The maitre d., Jackson, was charming and articulate. He seated us immediately (no reservations, but we were early..make reservations). The Mojitos were perfect and the tequila with mulled limes was unbelievable. Great Bar.!!! The ambiance was interestingly hip without be off-putting or fakely sophisticated. "Little plates" of Thai ...
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Awesome Bargain at Ciudad
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Ciudad is got a dineLA Week menu, and its awesome, for $22 at lunch you get an appetizer, entrée and dessert thats crazy cheap. I know that have a deal for dinner too, but Im not sure on the exact price. I had the Spinach Empanadas, Pollo Ciudad, and Barcelona Chocolate Cake needless to say I was in a food coma for the rest of the work day, but it was well worth it.
Pros
+ Great Deal for ... more
Pros
+ Great Deal for ... more
THE WORST SERVICE I'VE EVER HAD, good food, good music, yummy mojito
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My husband and I just moved to Los Angeles. This was our first New Year's eve together and our celebration of our new marriage. He looked online, and picked Ciudad. We heard the chefs were great. We were excited to try their tastng menu,and both decided ahead of time to do the wine pairings. My husband is a foodie to the core. He has eaten all over the world, and is very easy going. I worked ...
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Latin limbo
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When it comes to food, most people are naturally conservative. They like what they grew up with. Italians get nervous if they miss pasta...
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Paella - My New Addiction
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I love the paella at Ciudad. Tuesday night they take these big bowls out on their patio and cook it up right in front of you. If you buy the meal you get a salad and appetizer with it. All-in-all a pretty good deal. I like to go back because they change up the paella every week. They have this sweet and sour dish that's delicious, but t hey don't do very often. I thought I'd just through that ...
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Mediocre dinner, terrible service
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We were at Ciudad's for dinner several weeks ago. We were there in a large group. I've been there for lunch several times and enjoyed it, but they were obviously not staffed to handle larger parties. Service was slow and subpar. Only half the table was really given any attention. The waiter who served us was somewhat snippy and rude whenever we asked him for something. Maybe it was a rough night ...
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Ciudad Aims, but Misfires
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I really want to say that Ciudad is a great place - but I can't. I visited Ciudad last night for the first time, and I was a little disappointed in the layout & decor of the place. I'd heard that this was an upper-scale "Latin" or "Spanish" restaurant, but the decor suggests Cal-French Fusion. The dining area seems relegated to the back of the house, and due to the low ceilings, provides a very claustrophobic ...
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Delicious Black Beef Special
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Citysearch
OMG I had this special on Monday, and it was sooooo good. The beef melts in your mouth nice baby carrots on the side and I loved the fried yucca underneath. I dont know how long it will stay on the menu, but I hope they make it a permanent dish. Only problem was I went for lunch and I ate all the food on my plate, then I spent the rest of the afternoon at my desk trying not to take a nap. ...
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After Dark Happy Hour Only for $4 drinks-no food
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Went on a Wed. night had a group go for the first happy hour-said the drinks seemed really watered down. Ceviche and empenadas were really really good. Potatoe tacos were ok. My sangria was good. I came for "After Dark" literally counting down to 9pm since I was starving only then being told it's only the drinks that are $4 and all food is regular price. Service was ok, thought it could be better ...
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Why Downtown is a BUST!
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Never again... So Downtown LA is trying to get people to eat there...1st step kick out CIUDAD.
I was there for a business dinner, someone else picked restaurant. The staff was very rude and, do I dare say it, CATY.
White table clothes does not guarantee good service, and this place proves that.
There were little desk top fans in the mens room, very tacky.
I could tell bt the dirt and grime that they ... more
I was there for a business dinner, someone else picked restaurant. The staff was very rude and, do I dare say it, CATY.
White table clothes does not guarantee good service, and this place proves that.
There were little desk top fans in the mens room, very tacky.
I could tell bt the dirt and grime that they ... more
Best Ceviche Ever
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Clean and accessible interior, cool bar area, but surprisingly slow on a Saturday night. The service was so-so, but the food incredible. The seared calamari was served in a borth and was ultra-savory, and the ceviche was to-die-for-- perfectly lime-y marinade, served in banana crisps, and really generous portions. was odd that we were the last table standing by 11pm, but the nice interior and delicious ...
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Nothing to write home about .
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The food was only OK. We had the carnitas plate and paella plate. The carnitas was good and had a nice flavor. The paella was amateur at best (had a starchy flavor). The drinks were good. The service was just average. The prices were high and not justified given what you get. The patio dinning looked nice and might be a great place for happy hour but go elsewhere for dinner. LA has SO much more ...
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Tapas To Die For
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I've been dying to try Tapas at Ciudad for a while, well last Sunday we finally managed to wrangle a babysitter and hook-up downtown with a couple of friends. Wow, so much fun. The atmosphere was great, and we had a great time trying all the dishes - you must order the Lamb Meatballs with Mint Chimichurri, oh sooo god, and the Plantain chips were so delicious we wanted to sneak some home in my purse ...
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THE HAPPIEST OF HOURS
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Ciudad Happy Hour has become a habit. A group of us stopped by on a whim, and now its our Thursday night tradition. Love the live music on the patio their $4 Mojitos are my favorite, but I have to say our group is kinda split between Mojitos & Sangria. Plus they have the best bar food in downtown. Such a fun place to unwind, I highly recommend it.
happy hour
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I initially came to this restaurant because I received a coupon from my old job, but I kept coming out because their happy hour is amazing! For their bar drinks, I like ordering their mojito and their suprema sangria... and they have some delicious bar snacks like beer-battered onion rings, goat cheese fritters and the carnitas tacos. Also, they play live music on certain night which really sets ...
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The Restaurant Version of "The Emperor's New Clothes"
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My wife and I met a friend for dinner here last night (at our friend's suggestion) and the experience was so bad, I just HAD to find an online review and put in my 2 cents. All three of us came out of there vowing never to return and our friend apologizing profusely.
I read the reviews here this morning and was amazed at over how many actually believe this place is considered good dining (although ... more
I read the reviews here this morning and was amazed at over how many actually believe this place is considered good dining (although ... more
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digitalcity
We absolutely loved this restaurant. We came in on a Saturday night about 5pm. Our 7pm reservations were made through Open Table, and we waited at the bar before getting seated. The service was great, the drinks were outstanding, especially the caipirinha and the mojito. Once we got our food, we knew this was a keeper. The wait staff was very attentive and they made an effort to make conversation ...
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Fun for a night of pricy drinks in downtown, but skip it for dinner...
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I've worked in downtown for quite a few years, and my girlfriend and I finally decided that tonight was the night we should try out Ciudad. We heard good reviews from friends and co-workers, so we gave it a shot. Without reservations (on a Tuesday night) the wait was going to be 30 minutes - despite many open tables in the dining area. No biggie - we sat at one of the 'high-tops' near the bar for ...
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north america : usa : california : los angeles : restaurant : ciudad review
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the latest l...
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aol cityguide: los angeles - restaurants, dining, pizza, mexican & chinese … - ciudad - overview
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two hot tamales open shop downtown...
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Good for Happy Hour and More
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This place is a fun downtown happy hour spot because of the occasional live music in the evenings (Wednesday/Friday? Check with the restaurant for the latest). Just get there early to ensure a seat near the bar. The mojitos and piscoritos are good, the piscoritos being my favorite. I also recommend the ceviche and the pork sandwiches. This place is good for treating a coworker to a birthday lunch ...
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Avoid at all Costs
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Food tastes like something you could make on your own for five bucks, I am talking Rice-A-Roni here, seriously. Portions are tiny. Way overpriced. Very bad service. I honestly don't understand the positive reviews of this place, must be relatives.
Second round of Mojitos - inferior; had liked the restaurant now disappointed
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Last night, 12/03/06, I took my visiting family to Ciudad for the tapas night.
The food was fine as expected, nothing exceptional, though.
The problems came from the bar.
I'd recommend Mojitos to my family and friends because Ciudad had made a wonderful Mojito.
This night, we decided to taste all three kind offered and compare. (Prices $10 - $15 a Mojito). They wer all right but ... more
The food was fine as expected, nothing exceptional, though.
The problems came from the bar.
I'd recommend Mojitos to my family and friends because Ciudad had made a wonderful Mojito.
This night, we decided to taste all three kind offered and compare. (Prices $10 - $15 a Mojito). They wer all right but ... more
Great Financial District Restaurant
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Considering there's not much options out here, I really recommend this place. Food is tasty, happy hour items are crazy cheap, and general entrees aren't too expensive for what you get. always a good backup option if you're staying in the downtown area at night.
Pros
+ happy hour value, food, location in downtown
Pros
+ happy hour value, food, location in downtown
WONDERFUL experience! Will be back for more...
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I took a chance and brought a couple of foodie friends here when they were in town. The food was amazing and my guests were blown away! We stopped in at Happy Hour and had scrumptous quesadillas, goat cheese fritters, and fish tacos with big, flavorful margaritas and decided to stay on for a full dinner. We had a Gaucho Steak, a perfectly-cooked salmon, and a Chile Relleno that made my vegetarian ...
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Great for a late night meal.
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Citysearch
Accomodating staff, cool decor, open late which is key. The only negative thing is that they show your full cc number and expiration date on the bill, isnt that illegal?
Pros
+ Open Late
Cons
- Displays your full credit card number and expire date on your bill.
Pros
+ Open Late
Cons
- Displays your full credit card number and expire date on your bill.
Busy Night, Great Food, Excellent Service
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While at most restaurants when you walk in and there is a party going on in mid week, I cringe at what kind of service a separate table would get...but we were seated, the service was attentive and the food was GREAT! I'd be happy eating the platos piquenos all night - the goat cheese fritters were incredible. They had a special rabbit fritter as well - I can't recall the name. Our table was feeling ...
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Busy Happy Hour
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I've only been here for Happy Hour, which I think is Mon - Fri from 4 - 7 p.m., so I can't comment on their normal menu. Ciudad's Happy Hour is probably not the best value in town. The menu consists of $4 and $2 plates, along with several $4 drinks to choose from; however, their plates are very small portioned. I liked their Sangria, which was on the sweeter side (the way I like it), although ...
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BEWARE OF MISCALCULATED GRATUITY CHARGES!
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BEWARE OF MISCALCULATED GRATUITY CHARGES! Last time I went to Ciudad with a group of 6 people, we were shocked to discover that the restaurant charged us the 18% gratuity to the total bill, INCLUDING the tax. It turns out that the system is set to default in charging the tip based on the taxed total of every bill instead of just the base total. Luckily, we flagged down our waitress and informed them ...
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Ciudad, Downtown
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By the time we made it from Malibu down to Venice for a walkabout through the canals and along the boardwalk and then all the way back to my house, it was already getting late. The original plan was to head to MOCA for a late-night viewing of the Rauschenburg exhibit but eating dinner was agreed to be the first order of business. Ciudad seemed a good choice as I hadn't eaten there in a few years but ...
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Don't waste your money
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There's nothing really wrong with Ciudad -- except the prices. The food is decent Latin fusion (although they really need to learn their way around yucca if they're going to offer it on the menu), but nothing special, especially for the prices they charge. Dinner for four, with one bottle of wine, a round of cocktails and three appetizers and two desserts, was $314.00-- hardly worth the quality ...
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Much Better Restaurants Around
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fodors
Nothing special. I had rock shrimp tostada and empanadas--okay, but nothing you can't get better at much more inexpensive places. With all the latin restaurants in LA, I can't see going out of my way to return to this place.
Major rip-off!!!
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This place was so expensive!!! We went there on Sunday night, when they only serve tapas. They charge $5 for one, that's right, one empanada!!! There were only 6 of us, but we left with a $300 tab! And we only had one bottle of wine. The food was ok, nothing spectacular. The service was good, but the dessert took FOREVER to come out. Overall we were not satisfied. TOO EXPENSIVE. Noisy too.
Pros ... more
Pros ... more
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4/5/06
Cocktail crowd and live music reverberated. Wait staff was helpful; food was great. Not a place to go for a good conversation.
Cocktail crowd and live music reverberated. Wait staff was helpful; food was great. Not a place to go for a good conversation.
Dissapointing
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Paella Valencia was salty and disappointing. If you like Paella, I do not recommend this dish. Portions are small and the prices - way overpriced. The place is overrated. Will not return or recommend the place.
Cons
- Overpriced, noisy
Cons
- Overpriced, noisy
Great Downtown Place
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Went on a Thursday night after work - live music, great mojitos and happy hour specials. We ordered lots of apps and had a fabulous time - loved the goat cheese fritters and spicy quesadillas. Nice way to wait out the traffic and maybe hit a show after. We will be back!
Pros
+ great food, good drinks, happy hour
Pros
+ great food, good drinks, happy hour