(Dined 04/13/19 SA @ 5:00pm): Shaq Shaq... baby! I had just gotten off my shift from the Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA) and had my eye to finally try Shaquille's since I was basically next door. Personally, I was a fan of Shaquille O'Neal as he helped to bring several more NBA Championship rings to the Los Angeles Lakers but for also having been such a transcendent player since high school and now as a formidable sports broadcaster. As with everything at the world-famous L.A. Live entertainment center prices were at a premium. Having said that, would there be a positive enough experience to return for more!? PURCHASE South Of the Border Cocktail ($17.00): A spicy margarita with jalapeno bits throughout, this got the evening started right as I smacked my lips while I licked the spicy salt off the rim. I babied this drink as long as I could because not only was this somewhat of a stiff drink it was also a stiff price https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=w7tQzYPk5wOk40fYHB5oZw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! BC Mac & Cheese ($11.00): Lucille's recipe with cheese cracker crust, this was one crunchy gooey treat that smeared melted cheese all over your face. The elbow pasta was firm while the cheese covered and filled each piece as well as the container it was served in. This was one of the cheesiest I've had and loved it... but not so much the price https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0ZC06i5t87kSKVYnkQMtHA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Potato Salad ($11.00): Roasted purple sweet potatoes, cauliflower, charred jalapeno, and deviled egg dressing, this was one ugly delicious starter that could've passed for a small meal the way each bite stuck to your ribs and held you over for hours. This was the first time I'd ever had sweet potatoes in a potato salad and simply couldn't get enough in addition to the deviled eggs dressing which baffled me while I didn't order that dish too, since I loved deviled eggs. Again, I loved it but not the price https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pCkUVn7XyaMMdIPlqoB8Uw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! SERVICE It was happy hour time although I don't believe there were happy hour prices, but I was still able to easily find a seat at the bar where I was greeted by an attractive friendly bartender/server ready to take my order. After a quick scan of the menu while I asked for her recommendation of a drink, I found what I wanted as she methodically made my drink and submitted my order. Less than ten minutes later, my entire order arrived which was brilliant! She asked if I wanted any water (I obliged) and then casually settled in after a long work day. Before I knew it, all was consumed and time to head home as the crowds started to arrive. I paid up and went on my way to the nearest Metro station - all was pleasant! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) Thankfully, I went Metro on this day and avoided any parking issues whatsoever. Otherwise, there was fixed rate structure parking at L.A. Live, a ton of other structures that offered various rates that depended on the time of day all within walking distance, and short-term meter parking along the main drag of Olympic Blvd. and other surrounding streets. Honestly, try to go Metro if possible and save yourself the headaches. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A clean modern spacious space with an inviting bar directly on your right once you entered, to a mix of chairs/tables and cushy booths tightly situated together. I loved all the charming wood accents from the floor to the walls with no cluttered decorations whatsoever. Decent natural lighting came through the tinted glass windows and doors while fanciful electric ceiling lights covered the rest. There were several TVs while loud music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=e3TIUWBF0yGlPvNo_D4eGw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Based on the name alone and how much his namesake meant to the City of Angels, Shaquille's should do fine, although I wrestled with the idea of returning... unless it was for a special occasion like someone's birthday or simply wanted to try it out. Yes, I loved the cocktail and food I ordered but found it difficult to visit again because I felt the prices were prohibitive for my value-minded wallet. If these items were something I honestly couldn't make at home would be one thing but I could especially since I bartend and enjoyed cooking. However, the service was spectacular and the menu was varied enough that would probably garner at least a couple visits. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $43.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

"Me shooting 40% at the foul line is just God's way of saying nobody's perfect." ― Shaquille O'Neal Okay SHAQ I came in with high hopes for a five star dining experience and I was NOT let down in regards to food. Service got a little sketch midway to the end of the dining experience but like SHAQ said, "nobody is perfect", but I had a pretty great experience overall. Location: located at la live by the staples center. Parking in structure C will probably be your best bet by the NOVO. I didn't check in regards to validation at the restaurant, but at the end of the night we paid $10 for parking which is reasonable considering its LA. Venue: Large open format with a huge outdoor patio. I can see this being a fun spot to people watch in the summer. Otherwise, you can dress it up for a fun celebration or date night. The spot does give off more of an upscale vibe but saw a lot of people dressed casual. Food: TRUEEEEE southern comfort food, but on the pricier side. Pepper biscuits $8.95- I wish the jam was a little softer but the butter was smooth and rich. The biscuits were warm and broke apart easily. Super yum and great way to start the meal! 1/2 Fried Chicken $28.95: seasoned WELL and cooked tenderly. I thought it was pretty darn good. I wanted to lick my fingers, that good lol. However, it does state on the menu "good for 1-2 people" but one person can easily clear this. Our plate consisted of 5 pieces of chicken, two breasts, and three wings. Mac n cheese $9.95- SOOO cheesy!! My love for mac n cheese is SO REAL so they really hit the spot with this dish. Southern comfort at its best! Yukon Mashed potatoes $7.95- Limited edition special. No JOKE best mashed potatoes of my life. They REALLY should induct this dish on the menu and make it permanent! French Fries $7.95- Large and best described as an in between of French fries and a potato chip. Clever and delicious. I do wish sauces were provided with this-- l feel a specialty sauce would be great with the fries. Cocktails ranged $13 and up. I skipped on libations this time around so will have to be back to try a flight or margarita! Overall, I left with a fully and happy belly. I will definitely be back!

My mom wanted to dine at Shaquille's for her birthday dinner. As best practice goes, I took a gander at the Yelp reviews to see what there was in store. I was almost considering changing our reservation but I am glad that I didn't and here's why: Price Point: Yes, prices can be a little high, but if you know how/what to order, you will be fine. Ambiance: Super cute! It's definitely an upscale casual dining place (if that makes sense). Modern atmosphere. I would not expect anything less from Shaq. Service: Service was great. Our server Lajuana was fantastic! Our greeter was very nice as well. We made a reservation via Open Table however, I think you would be fine without one. Food: My entire dining party loved their dishes. We stuck with sandwiches mainly. The presentation of the dishes were so cute as well! The sandwiches came on charcuterie boards. What a cute idea. Favorites: Brisket grilled cheese: You gotta try it! Seasoned brisket with yummy cheese. So good! Shaq Burger: Very tasty. The sauce and the grilled onions made the difference. Jambalaya: very tasty!! And spicy...if you can't tolerate spices, don't order this. Shrimp Ceviche: This creole version gave a different spin to the authentic dish, however pretty good. Planters Punch: If you love cocktails, you'll definitely love this.

We came here on the busiest night of the Kobe memorial (Friday 1/31) and were lucky enough to get a reservation. There was a ton of chaos trying to check in with the host station because of the Crowds- BUT- those of us with reservations got seated quickly, and were the envy of all those who didn't think ahead- And that was even before the food came out. Interior design is great. Gorgeous looking place. Servers all super nice. Might need some help prioritizing and they were a little (or a lot) understaffed (which cost them a star). Food- expensive for "casual" but Shaq did us right. We went with some simple stuff, a burger and grilled cheese and I gotta say, for simple- IT WAS GREAT. The grilled cheese was the best of the two- but the unique cut of the fries was a stand out. It was almost like a steak fry and chip combined. We would come back- and as someone who LOVES the other chef owned prominent restaurant in the same area, that's a pretty big compliment. So, head over to Shaqulilles (with a reservation) and be amazed. It's not your typical "cheesy" celebrity owned spot, and it's worth checking out.

I absolutely loved this place! It is both beautiful and delicious. The food is simple yet satisfying... We ordered the Shaq burger as well as the skinny fries and Kendrick Perkins himself was here so we had to get what he had...deviled eggs...bomb.com! Come and visit this place when you can. The set up was super cute...the staff was attentive...it was super clean and I just loved it!

I had lunch at Shaquille's during its first week of operation and it was a pleasant surprise. Everything went without a hitch. The food quality and portions were just right. SERVICE Friendly and available. Our server was professional and knew the menu very well. PARKING I'm not a fan of parking in this area but Shaquille's validates parking if you park in LA Live's garage. It ends up being a reasonable price.