A gourmet dinner spread including Short Rib Barbacoa Nachos and a Sun and Shade cocktail on a marble table at The Roof at EDITION, overlooking a golden West Hollywood sunset.

A Meat-Cute Surprise on the Sunset Strip

December 22, 2025 - By Ginger Graham

They say love is a many-splendored thing, but in Los Angeles, love is usually just a 45-minute search for parking followed by a conversation about someone’s “pilot.” However, yesterday, I discovered a different kind of romance. It didn’t involve a dating app or a suspicious DM; it involved some prime meat, a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Design Center, and a 12-hour braise that understood me better than my college boyfriend ever did.

Welcome to The Roof at EDITION, the crown jewel of the West Hollywood EDITION hotel. If you are looking for a “Meat-Cute”—that cinematic moment where you fall head-over-heels for a protein—this is the Sunset Strip’s ultimate stage.

The Setting: High-Altitude Flirting with the Horizon

The West Hollywood EDITION, designed by the legendary Ian Schrager, is already a masterclass in “Quiet Luxury.” But when you take the elevator up to The Roof, the quiet part disappears, replaced by the internal screaming of your brain trying to process the 360-degree views. You aren’t just looking at LA; you’re hovering over it.

We arrived just as the sun began its slow, dramatic descent toward the Pacific. The vibe at The Roof is effortless—think lush greenery, terracotta flooring, and a crowd that looks like they all just stepped out of a high-end skincare commercial. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a VIP even if you still have a stray LEGO in your pocket from your 8-year-old’s toy box.

The Icebreaker: Sun and Shade

To kick things off, we ordered the Sun and Shade. It’s a bright, refreshing blend of Ketel One Vodka, passion fruit, and sparkling wine. Is it a revolutionary cocktail that will change the trajectory of mixology history? Perhaps not. As I told my husband, it’s a “very safe” drink. It’s the Ketel One of cocktails—reliable, predictable, and impossible to get wrong. It was the perfect, bubbly prologue to the heavy hitters that were about to arrive from the kitchen.

The Meat-Cute: A Love Story in Five Courses

Now, let’s talk about why we’re really here. While many rooftop bars in West Hollywood rely on the view to distract you from mediocre sliders, The Roof at EDITION is playing a different game. According to Eater LA, the culinary program here leans heavily into Southern California’s Mexican-inspired flavors with a high-end, meat-forward twist.

1. The Roof Burger (The One with the Surprise with the Meat)

I ordered the Roof Burger, and let’s just say we’re now engaged. On paper, it’s a standard luxury burger. In reality, it’s an architectural marvel. The meat was juicy and perfectly seasoned, but the “chef’s kiss” moment was the addition of tortilla chips inside the burger.

The crunch provided a textural contrast that most burgers lack, and when combined with the heat of the Poblano Chili, it elevated the entire experience from “lunch” to “lifestyle choice.” It’s a bit of a kick, sure, but the kind of kick that makes you want to thank the person who kicked you. The fries were equally impressive—salty, golden, and disappeared faster than a celebrity’s reputation.

2. The Carne Asada Tacos (The Prime Meat Suspect)

My husband opted for the Carne Asada Tacos, featuring Prime Skirt Steak. Here is the tragedy of the afternoon: the steak was so fantastic that he spent the rest of the meal mourning the fact that there weren’t ten more of them. The char on the meat was perfection—smoky, tender, and clearly high-grade beef. When Food & Wine discusses the importance of sourcing in high-end Mexican cuisine, this is exactly what they mean. You can taste the quality of the prime cut through the seasoning.

3. The Deconstructed “Angry” Chicken

Dining with a 10-year-old can be a tactical challenge, but the Angry Fried Chicken Sandwich saved the day. She ordered it “deconstructed”—which is basically the kid-version of a DIY assembly kit. By separating the elements, she got to enjoy the crispy, perfectly fried chicken without the “angry” sauce overwhelming her palate. It’s a parent hack I highly recommend for anyone visiting a high-end spot with a discerning (read: picky) pre-teen.

4. The “Plant Invasion” Barbacoa Meat Quesadilla

Then came the Barbacoa Quesadilla for my 8-year-old. This dish features a 12-Hour Braise, and you can tell. The meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich, and savory. However, when it arrived, it was topped with a beautiful, vibrant array of micro-greens and pickled onions.

To a food blogger, it looked like art. To an 8-year-old, it looked like a lawn. “Why did they put plants on my cheese?” she asked, looking genuinely betrayed. I spent the next three minutes performing “culinary surgery,” picking out every trace of chlorophyll so she could get to the meat and cheese. Once the “plants” were banished, she cleared the plate. The lesson? The meat is so good even a child can recognize the 12 hours of effort put into it—provided you hide the salad.

5. The Short Rib Barbacoa Meat Nachos

Because we clearly hadn’t reached our protein quota, we also ordered the Short Rib Barbacoa Nachos. These are not your average ballpark nachos. These are the nachos of the gods. The meat-to-chip ratio was generous, and again, the quality of the beef shone through. It’s heavy, it’s indulgent, and it’s the perfect companion to a sunset view.

The Anatomy of a Sunset Strip Staple: Beyond the Plate

What truly separates a “Meat-Cute” at The Roof at EDITION from a standard dinner is the intentionality behind the menu. While the West Hollywood scene is often criticized for being “all style and no substance,” the culinary team here—guided by the influence of Michelin-starred expertise often found in EDITION properties worldwide—understands that a view only keeps a guest in their seat for twenty minutes. The food has to do the heavy lifting for the rest of the night.

The “Crunch Factor” Philosophy

Let’s circle back to that Roof Burger. In the world of high-end gastronomy, adding a “low-brow” ingredient like tortilla chips to a “high-brow” prime beef patty is a daring move. It’s a nod to the street food culture of Los Angeles, integrated into a luxury setting. According to a recent deep-dive by Los Angeles Magazine, the trend of “elevated nostalgia” is dominating the 2025 food scene. By placing that crunch inside the bun, the chef isn’t just adding texture; they are sparking a conversation. It’s playful, it’s unexpected, and it’s exactly the kind of “fun surprise” that keeps the dining experience from feeling too stuffy.

The Art of the 12-Hour Braise

Then there is the matter of the Barbacoa. Whether you are enjoying it in the Short Rib Nachos or the Quesadilla (minus the “plants,” if you’re eight years old), the 12-hour braise is a testament to patience. In a city that moves as fast as Los Angeles, there is something deeply romantic about a piece of meat that has been slow-cooked for half a day before it ever reaches your table.

This cooking method breaks down the connective tissue of the short rib, allowing the fat to render into the meat, creating that “melt-in-your-mouth” texture that defines high-quality Mexican-coastal cuisine. It’s a process that can’t be rushed, much like the perfect sunset we watched. The rich, deep flavors of the barbacoa act as a savory anchor to the bright, acidic notes of the pickled onions and the refreshing (if “safe”) splash of the Sun and Shade cocktail.

A Masterclass in Multi-Sensory Dining

As we sat there, the sky shifting from a dusty orange to a deep violet, it became clear that The Roof at EDITION is designed as a multi-sensory experience. You have:

The Sight: The 360-degree sprawl of the Los Angeles basin.
The Sound: The rhythmic hum of the Sunset Strip below, softened by the rooftop’s ambient lounge track.
The Taste: The smoky char of the prime skirt steak and the spicy kick of the poblano.
The Touch: The crispness of the fries and the cooling condensation on a glass of sparkling wine.

The Most Iconic Restroom in Los Angeles

I am about to tell you something that sounds like a joke, but I promise it is the absolute truth. You must go to the restroom at The Roof.

Usually, a restaurant bathroom is a place you go to check your teeth for spinach. At the EDITION, it’s a destination. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass and the strategic positioning of the building, the restroom offers what I would argue is the single best view of the Los Angeles skyline. It is hilarious, slightly surreal, and deeply “LA.” In a city built on the “see and be seen” mentality, the fact that even the most private room in the building offers a panoramic vista is the ultimate architectural wink. It’s a reminder that in West Hollywood, the view is the true currency. You’re standing there, washing your hands, and looking out over the sprawling city like a titan of industry. It gives “throne room” a whole new meaning. It’s a little bit funny, a little bit vain, and 100% West Hollywood.

Why The Roof at EDITION Wins

West Hollywood is saturated with “sceney” spots. As noted by the Michelin Guide, the West Hollywood hotel scene is fiercely competitive, often prioritizing design over dining. The EDITION manages to balance both. You get the “cool factor” of the Sunset Strip without the “cardboard steak” disappointment of lesser rooftops.

The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the pacing of the meal allowed us to truly soak in the sunset. It’s a rare place that feels appropriate for a romantic date, a business meeting, and a family meal with kids who are suspicious of garnish.

In the end, our “Meat-Cute” was a success. We came for the view, we stayed for the tortilla-chip-crusted burger, and we left with a 12-hour-braise-induced glow. If you find yourself on the Strip and your heart (or stomach) is feeling lonely, head up to The Roof. Just remember to tell your kids that the “plants” are optional.

It is rare to find a venue that hits all these marks while remaining genuinely “family-friendly.” Usually, you have to choose between a “cool” atmosphere and a place where your child can order a deconstructed chicken sandwich without the staff scoffing. Here, the “Angry Chicken” can be made “Happy” just by changing the presentation, and the 12-hour braise is so delicious it transcends the generational gap—even if the micro-greens are still a point of contention for the elementary school demographic.

The “Best Time to Visit” Sunset Table

To ensure your “Meat-Cute” happens under the perfect lighting, use this guide for booking your reservation at The Roof:

Season	Ideal Reservation Time	What to Order	The Vibe
Spring	6:30 PM	Sun & Shade Cocktail	Crisp air, clear views
Summer	7:30 PM	Carne Asada Tacos	Long, golden twilights
Fall	5:45 PM	Roof Burger (with chips!)	Deep orange “fire” sunsets
Winter	4:45 PM	Barbacoa Quesadilla	Moody, cinematic purple skies

A Parent’s Survival Guide to Luxury Rooftops

Dining with children at a venue as chic as the West Hollywood EDITION doesn’t have to be stressful. Here is how to navigate the “plants” and the prestige:

The “Deconstructed” Directive: Like we did with the Angry Fried Chicken Sandwich, always ask if spicy or complex items can be served deconstructed. It lets the kids control their flavor profile and saves you from a “this is too hot” meltdown.
The “Plant” Protocol: If your child is suspicious of anything green, ask the server for “no garnish.” The Roof at EDITION plates beautifully, but to an 8-year-old, micro-greens are just obstacles between them and the cheese.
The Bathroom Field Trip: Make the trip to the restroom an event. It’s the easiest way to keep them entertained between the appetizers and the main course. It is the only “educational” view of LA geography they’ll actually enjoy.
Early Bird Gets the View: Book the earliest possible sunset slot. The atmosphere is more relaxed, the service is faster, and you’ll have the best lighting for your photos before the “party crowd” arrives.

About the Author

Ginger Graham is the founder and lead explorer of CulinaryPassages.com. A self-proclaimed “Carnivore Connoisseur” and mother of two, Ginger has spent the last decade navigating the global food scene—one picky-eater-approved quesadilla at a time. When she isn’t hunting for the perfect medium-rare steak in West Hollywood, she can be found hiking the Santa Monica mountains or trying to convince her daughters that cilantro isn’t “the enemy.” She believes that every meal tells a story, and the best stories usually involve a great view and a side of fries.

A Meat-Cute Surprise on the Sunset Strip