Executive Chef Vernon Cardenas at the new State Social House comes from a family of chefs. He was a corporate executive chef for Innovative Dining Group’s (IDG) Boa, Katana and Sushi Roku, as well as former executive chef of Pink Taco. His two brothers, Michael and Tom, offer years of restaurant expertise in Los Angeles. Michael Hide Cardenas was a former maître d’ at Matsuhisa and manager of Nobu, before owning Sushi Roku. Their other brother Tom was at Chaya Brasserie and Cafe La Boheme.

The rustic, rough hewn wood beams and polished floors make for an attractive, inviting bar to belly up to. (photo courtesy of State Social House)

Owner Robert Silverberg has created an environment to satisfy your social and nourishment needs by offering three unique settings under one roof.

The first floor is a rustic dining room with windows opening to one of the most exciting streets in of Los Angeles – Sunset Boulevard.

Upstairs is an elegant piano bar with wood floors and beam ceilings. Enjoy sitting in a comfortable mocha colored leather chair while listening to soulful sounds and enjoying the views of twinkling lights outside.

Downstairs is a smoking lounge serving cigars, creative cocktails and craft beers.  It’s an inviting room with open windows, a copper ceiling and cigar humidor.

I joined a small group of foodies sitting at a high-top table to share ten dishes family-style. Reviewing the menu, we noticed five categories ranging from share items, salads, sandwiches and pizzas to entrees.

Share items include black steamed mussels and crisp calamari with tomatillo sauce. Some of my favorites were the Kobe meatballs with smoked mozzarella, white shrimp ceviche on a crispy tortilla – that never got soggy, and a creamy mac & cheese with cheddar, Gruyere, Gouda and bacon. Many are priced under $10.

In the Garden Fresh section, I enjoyed the shredded Brussels sprout salad with walnuts, Roquefort crumbs and balsamic dressing. Chef Vernon also serves a beet salad, tofu salad and bacon wrapped scallop salad. All are priced between $10 to $16.

Creative sandwich fare includes meatball sliders on mini brioche buns to a Maine lobster roll. Unfortunately, the lobster rolls were so popular, that they were sold out by the time we placed our order.

I really enjoyed a slice of the smoked salmon pizza with a creamy babaganoush, dill cream, caramelized red onions and fresh squeezed lemon.

I also tasted the Asian bbq skirt steak, Pacific bass and prime rib-eye steak from the entrée section – ranging from $17 to $34.

The meatball sliders on brioche buns are a popular menu item at State Social House. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

With 20 televisions throughout the State Social House, it is becoming a popular sports bar destination. On September 14, come join a private viewing of the Mayweather vs. Alvarez fight in the Backroom cigar lounge. The $50 cover fee includes a complimentary drink. The Backroom offers a selection of cigars for purchase and the regular menu will be available. Draft beers including Blue Moon Belgium Wit, Magic Hat #9, Lagunitas IPA, Green Flash Hop Head Red Ale and Allegash Curieux Tripel. Bottled beers, cocktails, specialty drinks and wines by the glass are also available. Valet parking is available on Sunset Blvd. just east of the restaurant. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. $$ 8782 Sunset Blvd. (310)657-8100.