Ray's & Stark Bar 30s / 40s / Affluent / Affluent Hipsters / Artistic Professionals / Artists / Artsy / Bar / Blazers / Burgers / Button-downs / Casual / Chill / Couples / Creative / Art / Music Types / Date Place / Designer Jeans / Dinner / Dressy / Expensive / Foodies / Heat Lamps / International / Jeans and Heels / Laid back / Late 20s / Locals / Lounge / Lunch / Mediterranean Restaurant / Moderate / Outdoor Area / Pizza / Seafood / Small Plates / Smart Casual / Sophisticated / Street Parking / Tourists / Trendy Casual / Upscale / Valet Parking

Museum food often evokes a cafeteria-type selection of day-old salads and boring sandwiches. Nestled between LACMA's Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion and the stunning Urban Light installation, Ray’s & Stark Bar embodies the city's sophisticated glamour, while also celebrating it as an artistic and cultural hub. The Mediterranean-inspired farm-to-table menu boasts seasonal flavors and fresh ingredients under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Kris Morningstar. The fresh Hamachi is a top choice for a first course, followed by a sizzling bold plate of Hanger Steak with pureed carrots and caramelized shallots. Like paint to a canvas, an artisanal cocktail or glass of wine perfectly complements a dish. The adjoining Stark Bar features an innovative selection of drinks made by top mixologists. A playfully named cocktail always gets my attention, so I often order a Ray's Swizzle when I'm in a Collins mood, or a Steel Magnolias for a more bubbly experience. Changing Miracle Mile's nightlife scene, Ray's & Stark Bar is the perfect gathering spot for post-work drinks, or an upscale yet casual welcome for tourists visiting LACMA.

Ray's and Stark Bar is a fantastic, upscale addition to LACMA's massive grounds. It's presence solved the huge empty space that separates the temporary exhibits from the building that houses the more permanent collection. Additionally, with both indoor and outdoor seating, Ray's is capable of providing a delicious meal rain or shine. The food here is delicious, and the fresh, high quality ingredients that they use really stand out in each dish. Because of their emphasis on local ingredients, the menu is constantly changing with the seasons. That being said, they only choose the best of each day's produce, so expect their best dishes to disappear from the menu after a busy day. Although Ray's can be a bit pricey for the average college student, I would highly recommend checking it out at least once during a visit. After all, students get into LACMA for free after 5 on weekdays, so why not redirect the entry free towards a post museum snack?

As a member of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art I really appreciate Ray's and Stark Bar. Not only are both the restaurant and bar nice venues to visit with or without a trip to LACMA, it changes the overall vibe and ambiance of the museum grounds. I used to go to LACMA for a specific exhibit, and want to immediately leave to avoid the tourists and general craziness. However, Stark Bar creates an environment for lounging. Not only do I stay at LACMA longer, but I find myself considering LACMA as a destination for drinks with a friend, NOT just a museum excursion. I'm going to tell you something you probably already know: the food and drinks at Rays and Stark Bar ain't cheap. And if you enjoy yourself, which you will, the bill can add up quickly. But it's worth it. The food and drinks are made with care, the wine list is on point, and the service is solid. Whether you like the light installation or think it's overrated, check out this restaurant and bar for the people-watching, food/drink selection, and ambiance either way.