Seemor
The GoldfishB-Worth Trying
5043 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
· Cocktail bar, Live music venue, Padang restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (697 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Highland Park bar and music venue with a Sticky Rice Thai menu; great vibes and strong drinks, but service speed, communication, and arcade maintenance can be hit-or-miss.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
The Goldfish delivers energetic entertainment value with exceptional retro design and solid Thai comfort food, making it a worthwhile destination for live music and arcade nights. However, inconsistent kitchen pacing and uneven service attention during busy hours prevent a higher grade, while moderate review authenticity concerns add slight uncertainty to the assessment. Best visited early or for specific shows rather than peak walk-in times.
Restaurant Summary
The Goldfish buzzes with lively, retro energy: a disco ball spins, a glowing fish tank hums, and the back room hosts bands while the arcade blinks with nostalgia. Guests praise the crowd and sound, noting, "The door team welcomed us and the room felt easy-going." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. On peak nights, expect lines at the bar and a soundtrack that leans loud. Cooking comes from Sticky Rice, leaning classic Thai comfort with a venue twist rather than showy fusion. Think bar-friendly Thai staples like Pad Thai, fish sauce wings, and curries, with a few playful moves such as Panang curry fries. Many find the food flavorful and satisfying pre-show, though pacing can slip when the room is packed and an occasional plate reads off-recipe. Families sometimes stop in early, drawn by pool and the arcade, and there are approachable bites like Pad Thai and fried rice that kids tend to recognize. That said, this is primarily a bar and music venue: it gets loud, seating can be scarce during events, and there is no noted kids menu. Visit before showtime if bringing younger diners.
At a Glance
- Energetic live room with solid sound and a fun retro design
- Thai menu delivers flavorful bar-friendly dishes
- Slow bar and kitchen pacing during peak hours
- Private event closures and policy communication can be unclear
- Happy hour details vary; confirm timing on arrival
What Sets It Apart
- retro_arcade_with_live_music
- thai_kitchen_inside_bar
- design_forward_space_with_fish_tank
What People Love
- That first step into a glowing, playful room
- Strong, satisfying drinks before the set
- Reliable Thai standbys that pair with beer
- A crowd that feels diverse and unpretentious
Points of Concern
- Service speed slows on busy nights; bar rounds and food tickets can lag
- Communication gaps on private closures and happy hour timing frustrate planners
- A few reports of uneven recipes (over-spice, veg substitutions) and one illness claim
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff shoutouts, short hype posts) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$38-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Fish Sauce Wings with a lager; follow with Pad See-Ew for a balanced salty-sweet course
- Vegetarians: Yellow or Green Curry ($16) and Veggie Egg Rolls ($12) are solid options
Perfect For
- Catching a local band with drinks and noodles
- Casual date with arcade nostalgia
- Group night hopping along York Blvd
- Pre-show bite with a lively bar scene
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, creative corridor with nightlife, vintage shops, and galleries; attracts music fans and neighborhood bar-hoppers.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked at night; typical urban precautions advised around closing.
Nearby: Surrounded by bars, casual eateries, and venues on York Blvd; good for multi-stop evenings.
Highland ParkHighland Park is a trendy and culturally rich neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a reputation for its vintage shops, art galleries, and a dynamic dining scene featuring a mix of traditional and modern eateries. The area attracts a hip crowd interested in craft cocktails, live music, and diverse culinary experiences, making it a lively spot for socializing and nightlife.
York BoulevardYork Boulevard is a well-known stretch within Highland Park famous for its walkable street lined with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and live music venues. It serves as a cultural hub where the community gathers for nightlife, casual dining, and events, embodying the neighborhood's creative and youthful spirit.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–00:00
Tuesday17:30–00:00
Wednesday17:30–00:00
Thursday17:30–00:00
Friday17:30–02:00
Saturday12:00–02:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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