Since officially taking the name Polo Lounge in 1941, the restaurant inside the Beverly Hills Hotel has hosted generations of Hollywood dealmakers (Vanity Fair). This review weighs the venue’s historic prestige against its modern-day execution, menu pricing, and dress standards to help you decide if it fits your visit.
Last checked: 2026-10-18
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Address: 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Phone: (310) 887-2777 · Hours: 9am to 5pm (Sunday–Thursday), 9am to 6pm (Fridays) · Cuisine: American cuisine with an Italian edge
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-18.
Sources reviewed: Official Dorchester Collection hotel website, Wikipedia, OpenTable listing, Vanity Fair editorial feature, lovebeverlyhills.com tourism page, user reviews aggregated on Restaurantji and Tripadvisor.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interview was performed, and no official menu prices were obtained from primary sources.
This review is based on publicly available secondary information; specific details (especially prices and hours) should be independently confirmed before a visit.
Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel: A Storied Dining Destination
Polo Lounge at a glance
- Officially named the Polo Lounge in 1941 (Vanity Fair)
- Located at 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (OpenTable)
- Listed in the $50-and-over price category on OpenTable (OpenTable)
- McCarthy Salad: approximately 650 sold per week, priced at $46 (Vanity Fair)
| Address | 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 |
| Phone | (310) 887-2777 |
| Hours | 9am to 5pm (Sunday–Thursday), 9am to 6pm (Fridays) |
| Cuisine | American cuisine with an Italian edge |
Is the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel?
The Polo Lounge is indeed located inside the historic Beverly Hills Hotel at 9641 Sunset Boulevard. The restaurant and bar has been a fixture of the property since it was officially named in 1941, earning the nickname “Hollywood’s commissary” during the Golden Age of Hollywood for its role as a gathering place for stars and industry dealmakers.
“It was—and still is—the power-lunch restaurant in Los Angeles.”
Vanity Fair
The implication is clear: a meal here is as much a visit to a piece of film history as it is a dining experience.
What to Wear to the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel?
The current dress code, listed on OpenTable, adopts a smart casual standard for most of the day. Prohibited items include ripped denim, crop tops, bathrobes, slippers, swimwear, and men’s sleeveless shirts. After 4:00 p.m., the restrictions tighten to also ban shorts, flip-flops, sweats, athletic wear, leggings, and jogging suits.
What to watch: dressing for dinner at the Polo Lounge means elevated smart casual—blazers, collared shirts, and tailored trousers are safe choices.
Is the Polo Lounge Worth It?
Assessing the value of the Polo Lounge requires separating the cost of the meal from the value of the experience. The restaurant is listed in the “$50-and-over” price category. Third-party menu listings show entrées ranging from approximately $42 for a healthy bowl to $95 for Dover sole, with a $195 dry-aged tomahawk steak for two (Restaurant Menu listing). Wine by the glass runs roughly $18 to $45 (Raging Wine).
“The favorite breakfast spot and watering hole for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers.”
OpenTable listing
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unrivalled Hollywood history and atmosphere
- Prime people-watching in a legendary setting
- Indoor and outdoor seating options
- Signature dishes like the McCarthy Salad
Cons
- High prices, especially for dinner with wine
- Mixed reviews on service consistency
- Strict dress code after 4:00 p.m.
- Reservations can be difficult to secure at short notice
User reviews aggregated on Restaurantji often praise the atmosphere and food but also cite instances of slow or disorganized service, which can undermine the value proposition at these price levels (Restaurantji). The Pearl guide estimates typical food spending at more than $66 per person before drinks (Pearl). The venue’s appeal is strongest for visitors who prioritize heritage, setting, people-watching, and a classic Beverly Hills experience over maximizing culinary value per dollar.
“The food was delicious and the ambiance was unmatched.”
Anonymous user review (via Restaurantji)
The bottom line: the Polo Lounge is worth it if you are buying into the Hollywood mystique and the ambiance of the Beverly Hills Hotel. If your primary goal is the strongest culinary value in Los Angeles, your money will likely go further elsewhere.
Polo Lounge: Menu, Reservations, and Prices
Exploring the Menu: American Cuisine with an Italian Edge
The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, described as American cuisine with an Italian edge. The McCarthy Salad, a historical signature dish priced at $46, remains a popular choice, with approximately 650 sold weekly. A third-party menu listing shows a Cobb Salad at $44 and entrées such as a $42 healthy bowl and a $95 Dover sole. A $195 dry-aged tomahawk steak for two and a $298 one-ounce Russian caviar item illustrate the high end of the price spectrum. The wine list includes 20 to 30 by-the-glass pours priced between $18 and $45, according to Raging Wine.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (310) 887-2777 or through the Dorchester Collection website. The venue is characterized as a long-standing breakfast destination and watering hole for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers.
Pricing and Hours
The table at the top of this article lists hours as 9am to 5pm (Sunday–Thursday) and 9am to 6pm (Fridays). However, conflicting reports list daily hours ranging from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This listing conflict is a recurring theme across sources, and confirming the hours directly with the restaurant is strongly advised before planning a visit.
Pricing band: High. With entrées from $42 to $95, a $46 McCarthy Salad, and wine by the glass up to $45, a dinner for two can easily exceed $150 per person before tax and gratuity.
The pattern across listings suggests the Polo Lounge serves a continuous menu from breakfast through late evening, but operating hours should be verified directly for the intended date.
Location and getting there
The Polo Lounge is located within the Beverly Hills Hotel at 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. The hotel sits on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Beverly Hills, offering valet parking for guests.
Alternatives in Set
If the Polo Lounge is fully booked or feels too formal, alternatives within the Beverly Hills Hotel include the Fountain Coffee Room, a more casual spot for breakfast and lunch. Private dining areas accommodating 12 to 70 guests are also available. Outside the hotel, Beverly Hills offers a dense concentration of high-end dining, from classic steak houses to contemporary Californian cuisine.
Related reading: Hotel Lutetia Paris: History, Pricing, and Comparisons · Windsor High Tea: Prices, Menu, Dress Code & Alternatives (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Polo Lounge?
Officially named in 1941, it became known as “Hollywood’s commissary” during the Golden Age of Hollywood, serving as a power-lunch destination for stars and dealmakers. It remains the power-lunch restaurant in Los Angeles.
Who is most likely to be seen at the Polo Lounge?
Historically associated with the Rat Pack, Humphrey Bogart, and Marlene Dietrich (Wikipedia). Today, it remains a spot for hotel guests, business travelers, and visitors seeking a historic dining experience.
What style of cuisine does the Polo Lounge serve?
American cuisine with an Italian edge.
How can I find user reviews of the Polo Lounge?
Reviews can be found on platforms like OpenTable, Tripadvisor, and Restaurantji, where feedback highlights both the atmosphere and pricing.
What is the signature dish of the Polo Lounge?
The McCarthy Salad is the restaurant’s signature historical dish. Vanity Fair reported that the hotel estimated serving approximately 650 per week, priced at $46.
Our pick
For first-time visitors, Hollywood history enthusiasts, and romantic diners seeking a tangible connection to classic Hollywood glamour, the Polo Lounge offers a unique and memorable experience. The venue holds the position of the most legendary restaurant within the Beverly Hills Hotel. While the pricing is high and service can be inconsistent based on user feedback, the setting and heritage provide an intangible value that justifies a visit for those who prioritize atmosphere. Business travelers will find it a fitting venue for power meetings. Budget-conscious diners might prefer a daytime visit for a lower-cost entry into this storied space.