Genghis Cohen

Step into Genghis Cohen and you’re immediately transported to another era. This Fairfax institution has been a fixture of the Los Angeles dining scene for over four decades, and its recent move just a few blocks from the original location has kept all the quirky charm intact. Think red leather booths, a bubbling fish tank behind the bar, and what feels like thousands of red lanterns cascading from the ceiling. It’s kitschy, it’s comfortable, and it’s exactly what you want from a neighborhood Chinese American spot.

The menu reads like a greatest hits of Chinese American comfort food, and they deliver on every front. The black pepper beef stands out with its unapologetically bold seasoning—salty and peppery in all the right ways. The volcano shrimp brings a crispy-sweet element that makes it hard to stop eating, while the New York-style eggrolls are practically a meal unto themselves. If you’re coming with a group, order generously and let the lazy susan work its magic.

What really sets Genghis Cohen apart is its late-night appeal. The bar stays open until 2am, serving up mai tais alongside szechuan chicken sliders, making it a perfect stop after a show or when hunger strikes well past normal dinner hours. The atmosphere encourages lingering—this isn’t a place to rush through your meal.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, catching up with old friends, or just craving some solid Chinese American fare in a space with serious character, Genghis Cohen delivers. The cave-like interior creates an atmosphere that’s equal parts nostalgic and inviting, and the food provides exactly the kind of satisfaction you’re looking for when you walk through those doors.