Seemor
Employees Only Cocktail Bar and RestaurantBWorth Trying
7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
· Cocktail bar, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (626 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Destination cocktail bar with creative New American plates, lively nightlife energy, and excellent drinks; food quality is good but variable, service can feel rushed, and a 5% surcharge plus birthday dessert charges require vigilance.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Employees Only delivers solid neighborhood appeal through expertly crafted cocktails and genuine destination appeal for cocktail enthusiasts, but inconsistent food quality and a cramped, loud setting prevent higher standing. Best experienced as a cocktail-first venue where skilled bartenders and creative drinks outweigh the kitchen's occasional missteps and the venue's inherent space constraints.
Restaurant Summary
Inside this West Hollywood speakeasy-inspired spot, the room feels intimate and lively—dim lights, retro booths, and a buzzing bar fueled by DJs and perfectly etched ice blocks. Guests rave that the bartenders are genuinely skillful, with many calling the cocktails destination-worthy. One diner summed it up: "They built a drink to my taste and absolutely nailed it." Do note the loud soundtrack and occasional sense of pacing pressure. The cooking skews New American with creative cross-cultural twists—think miso caesar, gochujang-inflected vodka sauces, and wagyu steak frites with a mole-spiced bordelaise. When it hits, it really hits (steak frites, warm flourless cake); a few plates can skew inconsistent (underdone bone marrow, oily calamari, rubbery pasta). This is a cocktail-first venue with a kitchen that aims high rather than a formal dining temple. Families will find some accessible bites—pizza, fries, and a burger—but the space runs dark and loud with a late-night bar vibe. There is no kids menu, and service pace plus music volume may challenge younger diners. Better suited for date nights and adults who enjoy inventive drinks over a leisurely family meal.
At a Glance
- Standout, customized cocktails with skilled bartenders
- Creative New American menu with memorable steak frites and desserts
- Loud, dark room and limited space can feel rushed
- 5% surcharge and birthday dessert charges reported
- Parking is genuinely tricky; plan rideshare or extra time
What Sets It Apart
- award-caliber_cocktails
- creative_cross-cultural_menu
- late-night_traditions
What People Love
- Bartenders who tailor drinks on the fly
- Speakeasy vibe with DJ energy
- Signature steak frites and warm chocolate cake
- Golden Hour pricing on drinks and bar bites
- Friendly staff when not under time pressure
Points of Concern
- Music can be very loud, and lighting is quite dim for dining
- Some guests felt rushed due to uncommunicated table time limits
- Food execution varies: a few undercooked or oily items reported
- 5% surcharge and charged birthday dessert surprised some guests
- Review patterns show no manipulation, but pricing and service pace divide opinions
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$64-$92 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Leverage Golden Hour ($20-$29) for value on drinks and pizza
- Choose mains that play to strengths: steak frites, wagyu burger, pan-seared trout
- If sensitive to spice or fusion flavors, ask about sauces like gochujang vodka
Perfect For
- Date night with craft cocktails
- Girls night out in a lively lounge
- Late-night drinks after a show
- Small private events in a back room
Location Insights
Area: Trendy nightlife corridor with bars, lounges, and late-night energy; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy at night with high foot traffic; standard urban precautions.
Nearby: Santa Monica Blvd strip near clubs, eateries, and music venues; late-night scene.
West HollywoodWest Hollywood boasts a dynamic dining scene with a variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges catering to a fashionable and diverse crowd. The area is known for its stylish venues, live music spots, and a welcoming social atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors seeking nightlife and contemporary dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–01:00
Wednesday17:00–01:00
Thursday17:00–02:00
Friday17:00–02:00
Saturday17:00–02:00
Sunday17:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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