Basix Cafe

We eat here once a week and have been for the past six or seven years. Always consistent, always fresh and always delicious. It's our neighborhood spot and we get amazing service. The staff is like our family. I recommend the flat-bread pizzas, the pot roast and the burgers. They just added a lamb burger which is incredibly tasty. Great happy hour on the weekdays too. The bartender(s) make killer Manhattans and martinis.

My partner and I eat here atleast once a week. It's sorta our neighborhood spot in that we can walk there. The food is always delicious and consistent. They have one of the best nicoise salads in addition to great pizzas and always interesting specials. Many of the servers are great, but we always try to avoid two in particular: the one snippy blonde server that laughed when we asked to substitute a few items during Sunday brunch, and another server that puts me on edge when he pours the water and tea in my glass while holding the pitcher three feet away (as a trick no-less).

Basix is the slightly more upscale sister to Marix around the corner. She is a bit prettier inside and serving a greater variety of items of seemingly better quality. Basix is not Mexican food. The menu skims through several culinary regions but everything is tasty. They serve very large, entree size salads that are a fusion of fresh and diverse ingredients. The Apple Chicken Salad is one of the best. Served 'chop' style with large chunks of chicken, apple, celery, blue cheese, bacon and assorted garden lettuces. Tossed in a light creamy dressing the salad is anything but light. Large square pizzas are served on papery crust and are delicious but not superior to pizzas found at Vito's or Bossa Nova. I would recommend them as a starter for a group as opposed to an entree for one. It isn't that they aren't tasty, but that they offer only the one flavor and it can get to be a bit much after the second piece. A favorite of regulars and myself is the turkey meatloaf. I dream about this dish. Thick, juicy, slabs are bathed in a delicious gravy and topped with sun dried tomatoes. Served with buttery mashed potatoes and perfectly steamed broccoli. I could eat two plates if I had a stomach big enough. Portions are always generous and for the quality the prices are more than fair. Basix has a full bar and pours good drinks. Wine and beer selection is above average. The mood is subdued and pleasant. An outdoor patio is always packed, however I never sit there. It is ruined by the continuous traffic grinding along the street on Santa Monica Blvd. It is truly unpleasant when busses go by. I wish they could find a way to make that area more peaceful. A real shame.