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Button Mash

4.5
·1k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

A vibrant Echo Park bar and arcade offering adventurous Starry Kitchen eats and a fantastic selection of craft beer. Sadly, now closed.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Button Mash - Image 1

Button Mash

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Echo Park bar and arcade offering adventurous Starry Kitchen eats and a fantastic selection of craft beer. Sadly, now closed.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A gastronomical journey with delicious and so much fun, and I'm not even talking about the arcade!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Menu

Don't shy away from the adventurous dishes; they're a highlight! Try the Thai Caesar salad or chicken gizzard pasta.

🕹️ Game On!

Bring your friends and challenge each other on the vintage arcade games. Free tokens with meals were a bonus!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Arcade Games

Vintage Arcade Games

Main floor

Relive nostalgia with a fantastic collection of classic and modern arcade games. Perfect for friendly competition!

Adventurous Starry Kitchen Eats

Adventurous Starry Kitchen Eats

Dining area

Experience a 'gastronomical journey' with unique and flavorful dishes that push culinary boundaries.

Reddit
Craft Beer Selection

Craft Beer Selection

Bar

Enjoy a curated selection of craft beers, complementing the innovative food menu.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

A Farewell to Button Mash

Button Mash, a beloved Echo Park spot known for its unique Starry Kitchen eats, craft beer, and vintage arcade games, has sadly closed its doors. This news comes as a blow to locals who cherished its communal vibe and adventurous menu. Reddit

Echo Park's Evolving Scene

The closure of Button Mash, following other beloved establishments like Sunset Beer, marks a significant shift in Echo Park's nightlife and dining landscape. Residents express sadness over the loss of these community hubs. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively social scene
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#buttonmash was a super awesome bar pinball arcade in echo park literally right out side the dodgers stadium. It was the go to bar while dodgers traffic dissipated. Miss you buttonmash!
@tonyliving91
163 likes • 1.9K views

🎯 Embrace the Menu

Don't shy away from the adventurous dishes; they're a highlight! Try the Thai Caesar salad or chicken gizzard pasta. Reddit+1

🕹️ Game On!

Bring your friends and challenge each other on the vintage arcade games. Free tokens with meals were a bonus! Reddit

reddit.com

Bar Burger at Button Mash is Maybe the Best in L.A.

reddit.com

Sad to hear Button mash (Echo Park) closing its doors this month

🚫 Age Restriction

Remember, Button Mash becomes 21+ after 9 PM. Plan accordingly for your visit. Reddit

👍 Friendly Staff

The staff are known for being amazing and helpful, even with reservation issues. Reddit

reddit.com

Button Mash is closing end of September

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Menu

Don't shy away from the adventurous dishes; they're a highlight! Try the Thai Caesar salad or chicken gizzard pasta. Reddit+1

🕹️ Game On!

Bring your friends and challenge each other on the vintage arcade games. Free tokens with meals were a bonus! Reddit

🚫 Age Restriction

Remember, Button Mash becomes 21+ after 9 PM. Plan accordingly for your visit. Reddit

👍 Friendly Staff

The staff are known for being amazing and helpful, even with reservation issues. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Button Mash was a beloved Echo Park spot celebrated for its adventurous Starry Kitchen cuisine and extensive vintage arcade game collection. While many praised the unique flavors and fun atmosphere, some found the food too experimental and the service inconsistent. The venue's transition to a 21+ bar after 9 PM was a key operational detail. Reddit+2

"A gastronomical journey. We were all eating with big smiles in our faces. It felt like going on an adventure of flavors. It was delicious and so much fun (and I’m not even talking about the arcade, though that was amazing too!). Can’t wait to come back and try all the menu options.
Favorites of the night: Octopus Burrata and Prawns.
Also, I want to highlight how amazing the staff were. I had a problem with my reservation and they were determined to figure it out and get us a table."

Martina Mattar

"This highlights Poltergeist at Button Mash. To preface, they absolutely do not allow anyone under the age of 21 to enter past 9 PM as they turn into a bar, even with a reservation so please follow their rules. The food was offered through a series of set courses. To begin, the roll was extremely flavorful and almost melted in the mouth. The beef ravioli and the octopus were also excellent and unique dishes. As for the game hen, there were a lot of bones and it was hard to get much meat but the overall experience was great. The vibes were very modern and almost hippie, and there were pinball games to play around us. Highly recommend if you want to try some upscale food in Los Angeles that comes with a fun experience with every dish they serve."

Ross Mantsurov

"Nice atmosphere. Came excited and over optimistic. Off the bat, service was lacking, bouncer was a total tool, and one of the bus boy was high out of his mind.
The food was too weird for the sake of being weird it seemed. A mix of flavors that, imo, just did not pair well.
Started with their bread. The bread itself was aight. The butter had no taste other than being spicy. Not sure how this was a top recommendation.
Next we had the only dish we liked, the octopus. It was not recommended by our server. But everything was good and well cooked with a unique blend of flavors that worked (the exception).
The duck in the triple duck was excellently cooked, but the sides were trash: mint leaves, dill, tangerin, pickled veggies, green waffle.. no two ingredients in this plate worked.
The ice cream desert was kinda weird but could finish most of it. The cake/tart was good.
No mixed drinks seemed like a miss given the atmosphere."

electro wasabi

What People Like

Adventurous and unique food
Fun vintage arcade games
Communal and lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Food too experimental
Inconsistent service
Limited non-alcoholic drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Button Mash was located in Echo Park, Los Angeles, conveniently situated near Dodger Stadium. TikTok Many visitors found it a great spot to visit while Dodger traffic dissipated. TikTok Public transportation options and ride-sharing services are recommended due to parking availability in the area.

Parking in Echo Park can be challenging, especially on event nights at Dodger Stadium. TikTok It's advisable to check for nearby parking garages or utilize ride-sharing services to avoid hassle.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Button Mash operated as a restaurant and bar. It's important to note that after 9 PM, the venue transitioned into a 21+ establishment. Reddit

While reservations were recommended, especially for larger groups, the staff was known to be accommodating and determined to find tables for guests. Reddit

Button Mash welcomed all ages during its earlier hours. However, after 9 PM, it strictly became a 21+ venue. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Button Mash featured a fantastic collection of vintage arcade games, offering a fun and nostalgic experience for visitors. Reddit+1

The atmosphere was described as communal and convivial, with a modern and almost 'hippie' vibe. Reddit It was a lively spot perfect for socializing and enjoying the entertainment.

Some visitors mentioned receiving free tokens with their meals, which added to the overall fun experience of playing the arcade games. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Button Mash was renowned for its adventurous and unique cuisine from Starry Kitchen. Dishes like the Thai Caesar salad, chicken gizzard pasta, octopus, and prawns received high praise for their innovative flavors. Reddit+2

While specific options weren't detailed, the menu was described as adventurous, suggesting a willingness to experiment with diverse ingredients. It's best to inquire directly about dietary accommodations.

The Octopus Burrata and Prawns were highlighted as favorites. Reddit The Thai Caesar salad and chicken gizzard pasta were also highly recommended for their unique flavor profiles. Reddit+1

While the craft beer selection was noted, some reviews suggested a lack of mixed drinks, which might have been a missed opportunity given the atmosphere. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere with shots of the vintage arcade games, the unique food presentations, and the lively crowd. The modern, 'hippie' vibe also offers interesting visual elements. Reddit

Absolutely! The adventurous and artfully presented dishes are a major draw and make for excellent photos. Reddit+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Button Mash offered a unique experience for families during its earlier hours, combining a fun arcade environment with adventurous food. The vintage arcade games provided entertainment for children and adults alike, making it a lively spot for a family outing. Reddit+1 While the menu was experimental, dishes like the bread and octopus were generally well-received, offering something for different palates. Reddit+1 It's important to remember the 21+ age restriction after 9 PM, so plan family visits accordingly.

🍻 Craft Beer & Game Lovers

For those who appreciate a good craft beer alongside their gaming, Button Mash was an ideal destination. The bar offered a curated selection of craft beers that perfectly complemented the innovative food menu. Reddit Paired with the extensive collection of vintage arcade games, it created a dynamic atmosphere for a night out with friends. Reddit+1 The communal vibe made it easy to strike up conversations and enjoy the lively scene.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Adventure of Starry Kitchen

Button Mash was celebrated for its partnership with Starry Kitchen, a culinary venture known for its bold and experimental flavors. Diners often described their meals as a 'gastronomical journey,' with dishes that pushed the boundaries of traditional cuisine. Reddit The menu featured unique takes on classics, such as a Thai Caesar salad and chicken gizzard pasta, which were frequently cited as standout items. Reddit+1 This adventurous approach meant that while some dishes were universally loved, others might be an acquired taste, reflecting the establishment's commitment to innovation. Reddit

Key to the Starry Kitchen experience at Button Mash was the element of surprise and discovery. The menu was designed to be an adventure, encouraging patrons to try something new and exciting. Reddit Even dishes that might sound unconventional, like the duck with bubble waffle or the spicy butter, were part of this unique culinary narrative. Reddit+1 The staff's willingness to guide guests through the menu and their determination to resolve any issues, like reservation problems, further enhanced the dining experience, making it memorable for many. Reddit

Nostalgia and Fun: The Arcade Experience

Beyond its culinary offerings, Button Mash was a haven for vintage arcade game enthusiasts. The venue boasted a diverse collection of classic and modern games, providing hours of entertainment for individuals and groups alike. Reddit This blend of dining and gaming created a unique, convivial atmosphere that appealed to a wide range of visitors. Reddit

Many patrons highlighted the arcade as a major draw, with some even mentioning receiving free tokens with their meals, which amplified the fun factor. Reddit It was the perfect place to challenge friends, relive childhood memories, or simply enjoy the lively ambiance. The presence of these games contributed significantly to the 'fun' aspect of the Button Mash experience, making it more than just a restaurant or bar. Reddit