Dan Tana’s: Old Hollywood, Red Sauce Nights, and the Magic of West Hollywood’s Iconic Restaurant

As My Beloved Birthday Restaurant Lost Its Founder and Namesake — A Note on This Still Thriving Los Angeles Gem

The old-school charm, deliciousness, and comfort of Dan Tana’s is a rare thing in a town obsessed with the next new thing.

Looking for classic Hollywood dining? Dan Tana’s in West Hollywood has been serving red sauce, martinis, and starlight since 1964 — a true L.A. institution where the stories are as legendary as the menu. It’s where I’ve had my birthday party for over 15 years. So yes, when in LA, you should go. Of course, this iconic eatery, famous for community, chatting, and late nights, was founded by a Gemini.

Step inside Dan Tana’s and you step into Hollywood history. And it’s got delicious Italian food and a warm ambiance? That’s a win-win-win!

It’s Europe in LA. Why it’s my favorite spot in the city — and why you should go.

Stepping Into Hollywood History

For over 60 years, this iconic Los Angeles restaurant has been the late-night home of actors, producers, and locals who crave spaghetti, steak, and a little stardust. As the eponymous founder just passed away, I had to share my L.A. favorite spot.

I was sad to see that Dan Tana, the Serbian-born namesake behind my beloved L.A. restaurant, had passed at 90. But it made me smile how many friends sent me the notice — because when they think of Dan Tana’s, they think of me. And that’s just fine.

Remembering Dan Tana and the Magic of the Restaurant

Dan Tana’s is magic. That yellow house with Neon signage, sitting like the reminder of days gone by beacons with its cool charm. Inside its all swagger. I started going when Craig was the maître d’, later Christian, and the food has always been delish and the drinks strong. I’d arrive for dinner at 8 with a friend, with a long work day ahead the following day, and before I knew it — a lock-in happened. What happens at Dan Tana’s stays at Dan Tana’s is the unspoken rule. It’s very old-school Hollywood that way. Classy. Dignified.

In a town known for scandals and selling people out, this place would never tell (I mean, not that you go there for ANYTHING secret lol – a Gemini founded institution means everyone sees everyone and chats with everyone in the open space.) BUT, if something did happen here (wink wink) it would not be in the press. That matters. Discretion and loyalty are the vibe along with the legendary red and white tablecloths and art covered walls.

For over a decade, I have celebrated my birthday here every year. It became my tradition, one my friends looked forward to as well. It started when, new to L.A. in the mid-aughts, a European friend working in Hollywood took me there. He wanted to share with me his favorite spots, and this became mine too. The waiters are like family to everyone. Here there is no snobbery, only kindness and a welcoming smile. They’d even make me a special dessert, with their signature humor attached. A true sign of affection, as Craig and Christian would say with winks. It was, and still is, the best.

How To Dan Tana’s It: Best Late Night Restaurant in L.A.

Sure, I pop in for chill catch up dinners with a friend, but if it’s a group? We’ll be there all night. (Even with just one friend, we could be there all night lol.) Whether it’s chatting with the staff or saddling up at the bar and talking to strangers who become friends, you’ll always have a good time at Dan Tana’s.

I suggest you get a ressie. It’s a small place, where the in the know go, so yes, it fills up early and all night. They have space for drop ins of course, and its not like you gotta be Clooney to get one, but, you know, it’s small and busy and you dont want to be a headache do you?! A ressie is respectful and guarantees you a table (though you may wait even with one lol – cuz did I tell you those drinks are strong and the fun vibe is intoxicating.) As in Europe they wont kick out a table cuz it’s been an hour and they are all about tables turning over. So you may wait, but gain, the drinks and bar are fun. Join in. Don’t be such a schlub (as Mike would say with that sly smile.)

For food: I have my order (and yes, one day it will be on the menu with my name lol!). It’s the white fish with capers and for the pasta substitute garlic and oil. Many of my friends and Mom swear by the chicken parmigiana and even others get the steak every time. Do you. For dessert, there is this magical chocolate ice cream with like, bits of tiny sugar crystals that pop in your teeth that make it fun. I’m not even a chocolate person but this I get every time. (Seen in the special Birthday dessert they guys make for me.)

For drink: I drink martinis until dinner, then switch to red wine — because, OMG those martinis are strong. (I learned this after one too many martinis made me tired and want to sleep which is, not the move. Rookie mistake I can hear Mike saying lol.)

Celebrity Encounters and Unforgettable Nights

Over the years, I’ve met some of my childhood idols inside those walls. Harry Dean Stanton — the deadbeat dad in Pretty in Pink who reminded me of my own — always sat with that mix of sadness and spark. Seeing him there was one thing, but to chat with the actor-poet was a gift.

Then there was Dabney Coleman, cheeky as ever (okay, downright dirty advances included). But to me, I wasn’t just talking to the guy from 9 to 5 or WarGames — OMG, mind blown! No — I wanted to hear about Cloak and Dagger, my favorite, and he got a real kick out of that. He was old, as time does to all of us, but you could still see the game in his eyes. He had another 10 years left, but though you could see the weight of time on him, in his dirty spirit he was 18 and raring to go. (It was flattering, but my god, was he ever that dirty Franklin Hart Jr., only far more clever.)

Mariah Carey once dined in the next room, and just knowing my childhood idol was so close — and yes, she smiled at me kindly as she walked out so I was over the moon — and that she loved my favorite restaurant too made everything right in the world. She and I had something in common! Amazing!

Also, yes, Keanu Reeves is exactly as unassuming, handsome, and decent – in the absolute best way- as you’d imagine. His table somehow ended up chatting with mine, but Keanu? Absolute class. A true gentleman. Bigger than everyone in that room in success and money, but salt of the earth. I even remember thinking: “I wish I liked good guys, because he is so one.” (But with a Virgo stellium and placements like my mom? At that time I could never lol.)

(FYI of note: everyone listed has a Cancer moon except Coleman who also has a water moon, but Scorpio. Which so tracks lol. I didn’t plan this list this way, it’s what happened, but Cancers do know food, and water signs are about warmth and home, so…)

Europe in L.A.: The Most European Restaurant in America

Dan Tana’s was — and is — Europe in LA. Actually, it might be the most European restaurant in America. The bartenders European – RIP Mike! – the look is European, and the energy had that ease you only find overseas. So what if you have a meeting? Life is short. Take the shot (‘Shut up and drink‘ as Mike lovingly enforced.) Have the pasta. Sit and chat with friends and strangers. This is what life is about.

There were plenty of regulars who weren’t famous, just people wanting connection and community. That’s what Dan Tana’s gave. It’s L.A.’s own version of Cheers.

In a city where restaurants and bars shut early, this was the place where you could finish your drink, your convo, and wait for your cab without anyone rushing you out. That kinda chill, not capitalist focus, does not often happen in America. Here, it did.

Late Nights, Lock-Ins, and Legendary Orders

Indeed, I was blessed to pass many late-late nights here after closing. Let’s just say lock-ins Dan Tana’s style are fun. It was a club I was honored to be part of, because being amongst those guys and patrons felt like family in a town of everyone from somewhere else.

Born Dobrivoje Tanasijević, Dan Tana was so beloved by Hollywood his name became the character in a TV show, Vega$. Maybe being so far from home he wanted to bring that feel to Los Angeles because he did. Fun and warmth. And the raucous crowd of locals, Hollywood types, and visitors? It makes you feel like you’re somewhere truly special. Every night here is a night to remember.

The Legacy and Staying Power of Dan Tana’s

With the Soho House-ification of life, West Hollywood changing, and Beverly Hills and Hollywood becoming more similar (ooof), the old school charm and comfort of Dan Tana’s is a rare thing in a town still obsessed with the next new thing. I’m just grateful for the legacy and lasting warmth it’s brought to my Los Angeles life. In a city built on fads, its staying power is no small thing.

So yes, my friends, we’ll raise a glass to Dan Tana at this year’s birthday dinner. It’s been too long. You know who you are. See you there.

And maybe see you there, too sometime this year?!

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