“A place to be your first, next and last place to meet, eat and drink.” This phrase, according to Tom Ryan, sums up the essence of his newest restaurant, Tom’s Urban, which launched its L.A. LIVE location on Feb. 20. 

The modern, casual-dining restaurant—located next to Live Basil Pizza and Smashburger, also founded by Ryan—is the second of its kind (the original Tom’s Urban 24 was founded in Denver in 2012), but is a newcomer to California. The place prides itself on including an energetic, full-service bar (actually, several of them) featuring modern technology (80 high-definition plasma TVs) coupled with a contemporary dining experience (comfortable seating with more than 400 spots for guests). 

“There is a void in the market for a casual place to eat, drink and meet, and we wanted to take care of that in the L.A. LIVE location,” he says.

L.A.’s Tom’s Urban has some of the same unique characteristics as the Denver original, such as the beloved menu favorites and eclectic cocktail menu. The L.A. LIVE location features a downstairs that includes several full-service bars and patio seating, while a lounge-like upstairs area includes three private suits and event-friendly spaces. Currently, Tom’s Urban is open at 6:30 a.m. daily til closing … and “closing” is a subjective term, Ryan states.

“It really depends on what events are going on that day,” he shares. “This place was designed to be very casual and relaxing — you can grab drinks right before a game at the STAPLES Center, or you can get some food right after a big concert. This restaurant was designed to fit into the L.A. LIVE experience.” 

Indeed, the eatery features a breakfast menu, as well as a variety of “small plates” and entrees available for lunch and dinner. Some of the breakfast favorites include “Corned Beef Hash”—served with butter-toasted brioche, preserves and two eggs made any style—and “Urban Breakfast Burros,” which are mini-burritos, according to Ryan. Another best-seller is the “Grilled Brioche + Croatian Fig Jam”—a modern, sweet twist on the classic grilled cheese made with fontina, brie and Havarti cheeses atop a butter-toasted brioche (this can also be found on the “small plates” menu)—but the breakfast version includes Applewood smoked bacon. 

While platters, omelets and full-sized entrees are available at Tom’s Urban, the small plates are the eatery’s crowning glory. The “small plates” menu contains three different categories—“Traditional,” “Interesting” and “Adventurous.” The last category contains more eclectic dishes, while the “traditional” bunch features those you might find on other appetizers sections. 

“We have lots of small plates for sharing,” Ryan explains. “We have a great variety—multi-ethnic and pretty adventurous food—and we feature many flavors, including Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern and American.”

Various dishes are served to customers in eight minutes or less—the eatery places great emphasis on stellar customer service—and dining at Tom’s Urban is truly about “getting an experience,” in the words of Ryan. Some of Ryan’s favorite menu items are noted so first-time customers have immediate suggestions. These favorites include dishes like the unique “Ginger Chicken Pot Sticker Salad”—made with romaine, shredded carrots and cabbage, Sriracha, peanut dressing, cucumbers, baby kale and Asian vinaigrette—and “Sticky Pork Belly Tacos,” featuring cilantro, cole slaw, Chipotle aioli and a fresh orange slice.

Other winners on the “small plates” menu include “San Marzano Meatball Marinara + Sonoma Goat Cheese,” which features pork and all-natural beef meatballs topped with marinara sauce and chunks of goat cheese, as well as the unique and surprisingly sweet “Grilled Croatian Fig Jam + 3 Cheese.”

Besides its wide-ranging variety of food, Tom’s Urban is also known for its grandiose wine selection, handcrafted cocktails and cold beer, and 80 taps. Drinks are served in three sizes—“Pint” (16 oz.), “Large” (22 oz.) and “Tom’s” (33 oz.)—designed to keep guests content.

“Drinks come in regular sizes to two or three times the regular size,” Ryan confirms. “The largest size is so that you can order once, but get served three times. Craft cocktails are served in shakers so you get more of your drink.”

Some of the drinks features on the “Tom’s Libations” section of the menu all have unique names. Popular libations include the refreshing “Gatsby”—made with Hangar 1 Mandarin Blossom, Tom’s lemon sour and a splash of soda water—and “Tom’s Margarita,” featuring Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila, apple juice, agave nectar and fresh lime juice. 

With this eclectic ensemble of cuisine and drinks—plus convenient dining hours—Tom’s Urban is truly set to be the “first, next and last” place many curious diners venture to in L.A. LIVE.

For a more detailed look at Tom’s Urban, check out the Flickr slideshow below. Photos courtesy of Gaston Souza and Kelli Shiroma. 

Reach Kelli Shiroma here or follow her on Twitter.