Best Restaurants with a Happy Hour in Forest Hill / West Portal

The holiday experience is in full swing at Joes of Westlake. It’s beautifully decorated. The waiters were bustling around, very busy. We had a 3 pm reservation and they seated us by a lovely open fire pit. The only drawback was that our waiter left and as far as we could tell, a new waiter did not take his place until we called someone over to us to ask about our waiter. We were told he left, and two other waiters came to help us. So it all worked out in the end.

Service overall good. The ceviche mixto, Morcilla blood sausage, and filet mignon were delicious. The tables are very close together, so we could hear other people’s conversations. I received a free dessert for my birthday, which was a welcome surprise.

Nopa is a really special place. It does everything SO well. I will start with the food. Their menu stays interesting over time with new dishes regularly introduced with the seasons and what’s seasonally available. The ingredient quality and preparation are really next level and I don’t think there is a single thing on the menu that anyone would not enjoy. The flavor of every dish is always surprising in a wonderful way with interesting combinations and textures. And plating is, of course, just beautiful. And my god, don’t just order one dish per person; share! You will be wowed. Their mainstay burger should not be missed either. If you’re into mixed drinks or wine, again, Nopa is standout. And even if you don’t drink, there are mocktails that I’m confident you’ll enjoy. Next let’s talk about the staff. Nopa has such a special and wonderful culture. Their entire staff is very well versed in the ingredients and preparation of their food. They’re also extremely kind and accommodating. There seems to be a genuine enthusiasm and shared belief that they make great food, and I would agree. They have opinions and can definitely suggest wine and beverage pairings to what you order. They know where ingredients were sourced from. And their attention to detail is also remarkable. I made a note on our reservation that we’d love a table instead of the high table if one came available and true to form, they came through. Someone took time to read the comment I had left! If you have a chance to dine here, take it. Even if you don’t have a reservation, there is a high table and bar area that may be able to accommodate a drop in. It’s a lovely atmosphere and always a joy to be a patron here. Thank you Nopa staff for the unique place you’ve created here.

Went to Charmaine's this weekend with 12 people to celebrate a special birthday. The experience was beyond my expectations! We had a lovely area inside on the sofa and chairs. The service was just right--not too slow and not too rushed. The food and drinks were superb. We didn't sit outdoors around the cozy firepits because of the size of our group, but the ambiance and views of the city were superb. Went early to catch the sunset and it did not disappoint.

Fiorella is definitely our favorite go-to spot for a casual night out. The food is top notch and service quick. The staff has always been very welcoming and friendly as well.