Kuya Lord is a former wandering pop up turned pandemic backyard grill turned brick and mortar restaurant. This current fast casual concept is a culmination of years of development from chef Lord Maynard Llera (Kuya Lord translates to “big brother Lord” in Tagalog). Occupying a small storefront in a recently rebuilt block of what once was a purely drive-by strip of Melrose in that weird part of Hollywood between the Paramount lot and the 101 that developers like to call ‘Melrose Hill’ not quite east enough to be East Hollywood or Thai Town, not quite south enough to be the edge of Koreatown, Kuya Lord is symbolic of a new era for the nondescript neighborhood that doesn’t quite have an identity yet.

The food derives from the chef’s childhood in Lucena City in the Philippines, with a touch of nostalgia and a healthy dose of culinary creative freedom. The menu is like a choose-your-own adventure exploration of southern Tagalog cuisine, with many dishes for sharing, as well as rice bowls and noodles for an easy all in one meal. The food stays true to what it is, appealing both to Filipino palates and to those less familiar with the cuisine. The shop is small but welcoming, with an open kitchen and friendly staff. There are a few tables for dining in, but the counter service system makes it quick for takeout orders as well. In the crowded food scene of LA, Kuya Lord is a wonderful fast casual addition that has quickly gone from being a cult favorite to food media recognized establishment.