Connie & Ted's

Back in 2013, Connie & Ted’s was the restaurant everyone in LA knew about—even if you’d never set foot inside. The valet line stretched for blocks, celebrities packed the dining room, and scoring a table felt like winning the lottery. Fast forward to today, and this West Hollywood seafood spot has transformed into something even better: a genuine neighborhood gem where locals gather for honest-to-goodness New England fare without the circus atmosphere.

The seafood here channels the spirit of a Cape Cod family gathering. Expect pristine lobster, three varieties of clam chowder (the Rhode Island clear is the sleeper hit), corn on the cob, and those gloriously messy stuffed clams called “stuffies” that’ll have you ordering seconds. This isn’t your typical overbreaded chain seafood—it’s the buttery, messy kind that stains your shirt in the best possible way. The lobster roll clocks in at $36, which stings a bit, but they pile on enough fresh lobster to make it worthwhile.

The bright, airy space now hums with an approachable energy—couples on dates, families with kids eating early dinners, solo diners posted up at the bar nursing oysters and cold beers. You can usually walk in same-day, a far cry from the month-long waits of its heyday. The service has found its rhythm too, no longer overwhelmed by the celebrity chaos that once defined the place.

Whether you’re craving that chowder sampler for a friendly debate over which style reigns supreme, or you just want to splurge on one of the city’s most satisfying lobster rolls, Connie & Ted’s delivers. Just do yourself a favor and take Fountain to get there.