R+D Kitchen

R+D Kitchen Restaurant Review:

A concept from the Hillstone Restaurant Group (Houston’s, Hillstone, Gulfstream, Bandera), R+D Kitchen serves up American fare and cocktails on Santa Monica’s increasingly chic Montana Avenue. The indoor-outdoor space is a sleek combination of wood, glass and leather, providing a modern take on a classic tavern. The menu offers sandwiches and salads, plus main dishes like wild mushroom meatloaf, filet mignon with mashed potatoes and wilted spinach, and Greek-inspired chicken served with tabbouleh. Sandwiches include the signature cheeseburgers (regular and veggie), which are very respectable, but no competition for Father’s Office down the street. An even better choice is the generously portioned fried chicken sandwich with vinegary coleslaw and honey mustard. A short but global wine list offers many options by the glass, and there’s also a selection of draft beers and cocktails. R+D Kitchen keeps things simple, an approach that has proved quite popular. Diners should be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes for a table --- the restaurant does not accept reservations. Lunch is arguably a better time to experience this restaurant, as it makes a good break between boutiquing in this lively shopping district.