Inside Los Angeles’ Bold New Dining Experience: Doritos After Dark

The vibrant city of Los Angeles, known for its eclectic culinary scene and innovative dining experiences, has welcomed a new player to its gastronomic landscape. On a bustling Friday, the first-ever Doritos After Dark restaurant opened its doors at the iconic Crypto.com Arena. This unique dining concept, introduced by Frito-Lay, the parent company of Doritos, promises to offer a menu that extends far beyond the traditional chip bag. The restaurant is set to redefine the boundaries of culinary creativity by infusing the bold flavors of Doritos into a variety of dishes and beverages.

The Doritos After Dark restaurant is not just a place to grab a quick snack; it is a culinary adventure that invites guests to explore the endless possibilities of Doritos-inspired cuisine. Chef Wiley Bates, the culinary senior principal scientist at Frito-Lay, emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovation, stating, “When we take Doritos chips out of the bag and put the distinctive chip into recipes, the culinary possibilities are endless.” The originality of this strategy is showcased in the wide-ranging menu selections, featuring items such as tequila cocktails with Doritos rims, vegetable dumplings, desserts, and sushi rolls, all incorporating unique Doritos elements.

A Menu Full of Surprises

The menu at Doritos After Dark is a testament to the brand’s reputation for pushing boundaries and paving new paths in the culinary world. Among the standout items is the Doritos Flamin’ Hot Limón Late Night Rita, a classic tequila margarita with a Doritos Flamin’ Hot Limón rim that adds a fiery kick to the traditional cocktail. Another innovative creation is the Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Ramen-Rito, a burrito that combines grilled chicken, ramen noodles, crushed Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, charred corn, scallions, and cilantro, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.

For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho Veggie Dumplings offer a delightful combination of pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables and a Flamin’ Hot Nacho chili crisp. Meat lovers can indulge in the Doritos Nacho Cheese Texas-Style Loaded Nachos, featuring brisket, barbecue sauce, nacho cheese, sliced pickles, and sweet onions served atop Nacho Cheese Doritos. To satisfy a sweet tooth, the Doritos Nacho Cheese Crunchtastic Vanilla Cone presents vanilla ice cream on a waffle cone, dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in Nacho Cheese Doritos chip crunchers.

An Exclusive Experience with a Pop-Up Twist

The Doritos After Dark restaurant experience is designed to be exclusive, available only to ticketed guests at Crypto.com Arena during scheduled events. However, Frito-Lay has ensured that the public will not miss out on this culinary spectacle. In a special one-night appearance, the culinary establishment will move from the stadium to Peacock Place in the heart of downtown Los Angeles for a pop-up event. This occasion, titled the Doritos Night Market, promises to be a free, immersive, neon-filled atmosphere open to all, offering delectable Doritos After Dark bites.

The timing of this pop-up event is no coincidence, as it coincides with one of the biggest concerts of the year?Sabrina Carpenter’s show at Crypto.com Arena on November 15. This strategic alignment with a major event highlights Doritos’ commitment to creating memorable experiences that resonate with fans and food enthusiasts alike. The Doritos After Dark concept, first introduced in 2022, has already gained popularity through pop-up ghost kitchens in several U.S. cities and an exclusive party at the 2023 SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene, offers a plethora of dining experiences catering to diverse tastes and preferences. For occasional travelers visiting the city, the Doritos After Dark restaurant presents a unique opportunity to indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience that blends creativity with bold flavors. We recommend planning your visit around a scheduled event at Crypto.com Arena to fully immerse yourself in the exclusive atmosphere of this innovative restaurant.

For expert travelers who have already explored the city’s culinary offerings, consider attending the Doritos Night Market pop-up event. This immersive experience provides a chance to savor the Doritos-inspired dishes in a vibrant, neon-lit setting, offering a fresh perspective on Los Angeles’ food culture. As you explore the city, take the time to discover other pop-up events and food festivals that showcase the creativity and diversity of Los Angeles’ culinary scene.

In conclusion, the opening of Doritos After Dark in Los Angeles marks a significant milestone in the city’s dining landscape. It invites both locals and visitors to embark on a culinary journey that challenges traditional notions of flavor and presentation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Doritos After Dark experience is sure to leave a lasting impression, encouraging you to explore the endless possibilities of food innovation in the City of Angels.