You walk in and it’s red. Not just a little bit red, but "haunted 1920s steakhouse" red. The wallpaper is crimson, the booths are deep scarlet leather, and the lighting is so dim you basically have to squint to see your friend across the table. The Prince Restaurant Los Angeles doesn't care about your modern minimalist aesthetic. It doesn’t care about white marble or Edison bulbs. It’s a time capsule that’s been sitting on the corner of 7th and Catalina since the mid-1920s, and honestly, walking through those doors feels like a glitch in the simulation.
It’s weird. It’s wonderful.
Originally opened as The Windsor in 1927, this place was the height of continental fine dining. We’re talking tuxedos and tableside service. Then, in the 1990s, it transitioned into The Prince, shifting its focus toward the growing Korean community in the neighborhood while keeping every single piece of that original, moody decor. Most spots would have gutted the place. They would’ve ripped out the heavy wood and the oil paintings of royalty to make it look "fresh." Thank god they didn't.
The Hollywood Connection: Mad Men and Chinatown
If the dining room looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it on screen a dozen times. Location scouts absolutely lose their minds over this place. It’s the quintessential "noir" Los Angeles.
Remember that scene in Chinatown where Jack Nicholson is doing his thing? That’s here. Or how about Mad Men? Don Draper spent plenty of time brooding in these booths. It’s also popped up in New Girl, The Defenders, and American Crime Story. The reason it works for every era—from the 30s to the 70s to today—is that the bones of the building are authentic. You can't fake the patina on those walls.
But here’s the thing: despite the Hollywood pedigree, it isn't a tourist trap. You won't find a "Mad Men" cocktail menu or overpriced memorabilia. It’s a working-class-turned-neighborhood-staple that happens to be gorgeous. You’re just as likely to see a group of film students geeking out over the lighting as you are a family celebrating a 60th birthday or a couple of K-town locals slamming back Hite and fried chicken.
The Food: Korean Fried Chicken in a Tudor Castle
Let’s talk about the menu because it’s a total trip. You’re sitting in a room that looks like it belongs in a Sherlock Holmes novel, but you’re eating some of the best Korean bar food in the city.
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The Korean Fried Chicken is the undisputed king here.
They do it whole. It’s not just wings or thighs; it’s the entire bird, hacked into pieces and fried until the skin is shatteringly crisp. It’s not that heavy, saucy style you might find at Bonchon. It’s more old-school—seasoned simply, fried hot, and served with those little cubes of pickled radish that cut right through the fat.
Honestly, the contrast is what makes it. There is something deeply satisfying about eating spicy whelk noodles or soondae (blood sausage) while sitting under a massive oil painting of a medieval prince.
What to actually order
- Fried Chicken (Original or Seasoned): Don't overthink it. Get the original. It’s juicy enough that you don't need the glaze.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: It comes out looking unassuming, but it’s got that deep, fermented funk that only comes from using aged kimchi.
- Deep Fried Gizzards: For the adventurous eaters. They’re chewy, salty, and the perfect companion to a cold beer.
- Potato Pancakes: Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle. Basically, a giant hash brown but better.
The Vibe: Why It Works in 2026
In an era where every restaurant feels like it was designed specifically for an Instagram grid, The Prince Restaurant Los Angeles feels defiant. The Wi-Fi is terrible because the walls are like three feet thick. It’s loud. The service is "K-town style," meaning the servers are efficient and fast, but they aren't going to sit down and tell you their life story. You press the little buzzer on your table when you want something.
It’s efficient. It’s honest.
There’s a certain comfort in knowing that while the rest of Los Angeles is rapidly changing—with luxury condos popping up on every corner of Wilshire—The Prince is exactly the same as it was ten, twenty, or even fifty years ago.
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The bar area is usually packed. It’s a heavy, horseshoe-shaped wooden bar where the martinis are poured stiff and the beer is always cold. There’s usually a pianist or a live performer tucked away in the corner playing lounge standards, which just adds to the "am I in a David Lynch movie?" energy of the whole experience.
The Architecture of a Time Machine
The building itself is a masterpiece of the "Tudor Revival" style. You’ve got the half-timbering on the outside that looks like a British pub, but inside, it’s all about the high-backed booths. These booths are legendary. They’re deep enough that you can have a private conversation even when the place is at capacity. It’s where deals are made, secrets are shared, and breakups probably happen in dramatic fashion.
The layout is a bit of a maze. There are side rooms and nooks that feel like they haven't been touched since the Nixon administration. You’ll see old-school stained glass and heavy velvet curtains that dampen the sound of the street outside. Once you’re in, the rest of the world basically ceases to exist.
Navigating the Logistics
Koreatown parking is a nightmare. This is a universal truth.
The Prince has a small valet lot, but even that fills up fast on a Friday night. If you can, take a rideshare. You’re going to want to drink anyway. The drink of choice here is usually a "Somaek"—a mix of Soju and beer. Be careful with those. They go down easy, but they’ll wreck your Saturday morning if you aren't paying attention.
They also have a dress code that is... loosely interpreted. You’ll see people in suits and people in hoodies. As long as you aren’t making a scene, you’re fine. It’s a democratic space.
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Real Talk: The Limitations
Is the food the absolute "best" Korean food in the entire city? If you’re a purist, you might find better specialized spots for specific dishes. Go to Soban for crab or Park’s for BBQ. But you don’t go to The Prince just for the food. You go for the totality of it. You go because the fried chicken is an 8.5/10 and the atmosphere is a 15/10.
Sometimes it’s a bit dusty. Sometimes the music is a little too loud. But that’s the charm. If it were polished and perfect, it wouldn’t be The Prince.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your night at The Prince Restaurant Los Angeles, keep these three things in mind.
First, arrive before 7:00 PM if you want a booth without a massive wait. This place gets slammed, especially on weekends, and they don't always honor reservations with the precision of a Swiss watch.
Second, embrace the buzzer. Don't wave your hands around to get the server's attention. That little button on the side of your table is your lifeline. Use it.
Third, order the fried chicken immediately. It takes a while to cook—usually about 20 to 30 minutes—so get that order in before you even look at the rest of the menu.
Check the hours before you go, as they occasionally close for private filming. Most nights, though, they’re open late, serving as the perfect anchor for a night out in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the world.
Stop looking for the newest, trendiest pop-up. Go sit in a red booth, order a cold Hite, and let the history of Los Angeles wash over you. You won’t regret it.