Guidebook for Los Angeles
Drinks & Nightlife
Their Brussels Sprouts and specialty cocktails are really delicious!
16 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Freddy Smalls Bar and Kitchen
11520 W Pico BlvdTheir Brussels Sprouts and specialty cocktails are really delicious!
Sports bar with food. They show all: SF Giants, SF 49ers, Golden State Warriors, USC Trojan, UCLA Bruin, NBA, NFL. MLB games.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
San Francisco Saloon
11501 W Pico BlvdSports bar with food. They show all: SF Giants, SF 49ers, Golden State Warriors, USC Trojan, UCLA Bruin, NBA, NFL. MLB games.
Liquid Kitty is a cocktail lounge, home of the Liquid Kitty Martini, and many other refreshing cocktails.
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Liquid Kitty
11780 W Pico BlvdLiquid Kitty is a cocktail lounge, home of the Liquid Kitty Martini, and many other refreshing cocktails.
The Arsenal is West L.A.'s pre-eminent bar - offering food, classic cocktails, spirits and tap beers to an eclectic mix of local westside patrons. Sitting at the gateway of the Pico Corridor (on the corner of Pico and Bundy Blvd.), the Arsenal is proud to serve as one of the first bars to the Pico area’s booming social scene.
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Arsenal
12012 W Pico BlvdThe Arsenal is West L.A.'s pre-eminent bar - offering food, classic cocktails, spirits and tap beers to an eclectic mix of local westside patrons. Sitting at the gateway of the Pico Corridor (on the corner of Pico and Bundy Blvd.), the Arsenal is proud to serve as one of the first bars to the Pico area’s booming social scene.
Food Scene
From LAist: TSUJITA L.A. / TSUJITA ANNEX
A latecomer to Los Angeles' already-robust ramen scene, Tsujita quickly became the closest we could get to a consensus pick as the best of the ramen options available throughout the county (including a few on the same street). You can get the standard tonkotsu ramen that's the staple at nearly every ramen shop (and yes, it is excellent here as well), but the real reason why you're waiting in line is for that hearty tsukemen: the dip ramen served with the noodles on the side. This is beyond a mere deconstruction of tonkotsu. The noodles are girthier and chewier, and the dipping broth is so thick you swear you can stand your chopsticks in it. If the lines at the original Tsuijita restaurant are too daunting, you try your luck with a crowd that probably won't be that much smaller at its Annex across the street. Supposedly the Annex's tsukemen is slightly different, but they're both so equally delicious we can't tell and, frankly, don't care.
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex
2050 Sawtelle BlvdFrom LAist: TSUJITA L.A. / TSUJITA ANNEX
A latecomer to Los Angeles' already-robust ramen scene, Tsujita quickly became the closest we could get to a consensus pick as the best of the ramen options available throughout the county (including a few on the same street). You can get the standard tonkotsu ramen that's the staple at nearly every ramen shop (and yes, it is excellent here as well), but the real reason why you're waiting in line is for that hearty tsukemen: the dip ramen served with the noodles on the side. This is beyond a mere deconstruction of tonkotsu. The noodles are girthier and chewier, and the dipping broth is so thick you swear you can stand your chopsticks in it. If the lines at the original Tsuijita restaurant are too daunting, you try your luck with a crowd that probably won't be that much smaller at its Annex across the street. Supposedly the Annex's tsukemen is slightly different, but they're both so equally delicious we can't tell and, frankly, don't care.
From LAist: PLAN CHECK
It's been a while since anyone has really made a hubbub about the burger "innovations" that Los Angeles couldn't shut up about years ago, but really it's because Ernesto Uchimura's Plan Check put all of that to rest. His standard burger called a "PCB" stands up there with, and some would argue above, the best in Los Angeles. Don't let the dashi-enhanced cheese or the Soylent Green-sounding ketchup "leather" scare you away—this is through and through a badass, savory bomb of umami that'll grow a few hairs on your chest. Pair it with a draft on tap and their fries made with rendered beef fat. Oh, and you know what might be even more amazing about this place? Secretly, their Southern Fry chicken sandwich might be even better than the burger. Shhh.
200 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Plan Check
1800 Sawtelle BlvdFrom LAist: PLAN CHECK
It's been a while since anyone has really made a hubbub about the burger "innovations" that Los Angeles couldn't shut up about years ago, but really it's because Ernesto Uchimura's Plan Check put all of that to rest. His standard burger called a "PCB" stands up there with, and some would argue above, the best in Los Angeles. Don't let the dashi-enhanced cheese or the Soylent Green-sounding ketchup "leather" scare you away—this is through and through a badass, savory bomb of umami that'll grow a few hairs on your chest. Pair it with a draft on tap and their fries made with rendered beef fat. Oh, and you know what might be even more amazing about this place? Secretly, their Southern Fry chicken sandwich might be even better than the burger. Shhh.
From LAist: SEOUL SAUSAGE COMPANY
While we've seen a good deal of fusion food make it's way through Los Angeles, Seoul Sausage Company's Korean-fusion dishes give us something to write home about. Prior to opening a brick-and-mortar, they had some humble beginnings: the owners started off with a food truck, and would later become the champions of season 3 of Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race. Everything on their menu screams comfort food, including their creative take on sausage rolls—housemade galbi sausage topped with kimchi relish and their spicy Korean BBQ pork sausage complemented by an apple cabbage cole slaw. Sometimes, you just want Korean BBQ in a handheld bun, you know? And while you're there, don't forget about their Flaming Ball, a cheesy kimchi fried rice with spicy pork, and Galbi Poutine. Everything is packed with flavor, and while it's definitely not diet food, it'll keep you sated and happy.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Seoul Sausage Co.
11313 Mississippi AvenueFrom LAist: SEOUL SAUSAGE COMPANY
While we've seen a good deal of fusion food make it's way through Los Angeles, Seoul Sausage Company's Korean-fusion dishes give us something to write home about. Prior to opening a brick-and-mortar, they had some humble beginnings: the owners started off with a food truck, and would later become the champions of season 3 of Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race. Everything on their menu screams comfort food, including their creative take on sausage rolls—housemade galbi sausage topped with kimchi relish and their spicy Korean BBQ pork sausage complemented by an apple cabbage cole slaw. Sometimes, you just want Korean BBQ in a handheld bun, you know? And while you're there, don't forget about their Flaming Ball, a cheesy kimchi fried rice with spicy pork, and Galbi Poutine. Everything is packed with flavor, and while it's definitely not diet food, it'll keep you sated and happy.
From LAist: BLOCKHEADS SHAVERY
Blockheads Shavery takes shaved ice to the next level. Instead of just regular Hawaiian shaved ice, their "snow cream" version, which is popular in Taiwan, is ice cream shaved down into ribbons of creamy goodness. It's equal parts rich, light and fluffy. In the same vein as Pinkberry, you can customize your order with different snow cream flavors and choose from a long list of toppings—from fresh mangoes to honey boba and mochi—and sweet drizzle sauces—from strawberry puree to chocolate. And yes, you could really go overboard with the toppings like we have on many occasions.
25 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Blockheads Shavery
11311 Mississippi AveFrom LAist: BLOCKHEADS SHAVERY
Blockheads Shavery takes shaved ice to the next level. Instead of just regular Hawaiian shaved ice, their "snow cream" version, which is popular in Taiwan, is ice cream shaved down into ribbons of creamy goodness. It's equal parts rich, light and fluffy. In the same vein as Pinkberry, you can customize your order with different snow cream flavors and choose from a long list of toppings—from fresh mangoes to honey boba and mochi—and sweet drizzle sauces—from strawberry puree to chocolate. And yes, you could really go overboard with the toppings like we have on many occasions.
From LAist: FURAIBO
FuRaiBo is an izakaya, a type of Japanese restaurant specializing in small plates of bar food to go along with your sake or beer. This means you can load up on literally dozens of dishes if you bring enough people for a meal. Hopefully, someone will be brave enough to share the chicken yakitori skewer set that wastes no part of the chicken. The liver and hearts might be a little daunting, but you'll be surprised to learn that the gizzard is quite tasty even if a little tough. The wings are still pretty good if you're not the adventurous type. Don't forget to get the hanpen cheese, deep fried fish cakes filled with molten American cheese like it's some sort of stealth weapon designed to burn the roof of your mouth; or the chawanmushi, a savory, egg custard with a soft flavor and texture.
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Furaibo
2068 Sawtelle BlvdFrom LAist: FURAIBO
FuRaiBo is an izakaya, a type of Japanese restaurant specializing in small plates of bar food to go along with your sake or beer. This means you can load up on literally dozens of dishes if you bring enough people for a meal. Hopefully, someone will be brave enough to share the chicken yakitori skewer set that wastes no part of the chicken. The liver and hearts might be a little daunting, but you'll be surprised to learn that the gizzard is quite tasty even if a little tough. The wings are still pretty good if you're not the adventurous type. Don't forget to get the hanpen cheese, deep fried fish cakes filled with molten American cheese like it's some sort of stealth weapon designed to burn the roof of your mouth; or the chawanmushi, a savory, egg custard with a soft flavor and texture.
From LAist: KIRIKO
Truly marvelous sushi is not cheap, but at Kiriko you're guaranteed to never leave disappointed at least. Chef Ken Namba's humble, unassuming sushi bar, tucked next to a shaved ice bar, has stood there for fifteen years and is annually named one of the top five places to get sushi in a city that has no shortage of excellent sushi chefs. Foodies keep coming back for that house-smoked salmon wrapped in mango and topped with caviar, which sounds so wonderful just typing that out. If you want to treat yourself one day, don't be afraid to spend up to $120 one night for Kiriko's omakase, leaving your hands entirely in the hands of the chef. Or as their menu puts it: "Let the chef create the best menu of the day." You won't regret it.
Kiriko
11301 W Olympic BlvdFrom LAist: KIRIKO
Truly marvelous sushi is not cheap, but at Kiriko you're guaranteed to never leave disappointed at least. Chef Ken Namba's humble, unassuming sushi bar, tucked next to a shaved ice bar, has stood there for fifteen years and is annually named one of the top five places to get sushi in a city that has no shortage of excellent sushi chefs. Foodies keep coming back for that house-smoked salmon wrapped in mango and topped with caviar, which sounds so wonderful just typing that out. If you want to treat yourself one day, don't be afraid to spend up to $120 one night for Kiriko's omakase, leaving your hands entirely in the hands of the chef. Or as their menu puts it: "Let the chef create the best menu of the day." You won't regret it.
COFFEE TOMO
After you enjoy a meal at any of the above places, we highly encourage you to drop by Coffee Tomo. Their single-origin, hand-poured coffees are very good, yes, and there's a different crop for each particular connoisseur (I'm more partial to Ethiopian coffees, myself), but you'll find yourself craving some dessert even after you already ate yourself silly at Tsujita just around the corner. "Tomo" means "friend" in Japanese, but their pastries show no mercy. Simply labeled all under a column labeled "Pretzel" on a rather plain, no-frills menu board, the lineup is a Murderers' Row of gigantic pretzels, caramel brick toast topped with whipped cream, and fried cheese bread. Get the sweet potato cheese pretzel, the best combination of sweet potato, mozzarella cheese, and baked dough west of Koreatown's Mr. Pizza.
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Coffee Tomo
11309 Mississippi AveCOFFEE TOMO
After you enjoy a meal at any of the above places, we highly encourage you to drop by Coffee Tomo. Their single-origin, hand-poured coffees are very good, yes, and there's a different crop for each particular connoisseur (I'm more partial to Ethiopian coffees, myself), but you'll find yourself craving some dessert even after you already ate yourself silly at Tsujita just around the corner. "Tomo" means "friend" in Japanese, but their pastries show no mercy. Simply labeled all under a column labeled "Pretzel" on a rather plain, no-frills menu board, the lineup is a Murderers' Row of gigantic pretzels, caramel brick toast topped with whipped cream, and fried cheese bread. Get the sweet potato cheese pretzel, the best combination of sweet potato, mozzarella cheese, and baked dough west of Koreatown's Mr. Pizza.
Ever walked by the old Nikkei Credit Union on Sawtelle and said to yourself, "man, I wish there was a bread pudding shop here instead"? Well, somehow the dudes at B Sweet totally heard you, cause that's exactly what they opened inside, stocking the place with a rotation of flavors like coffee cake crumble, horchata, and circus animal cookie. If you need more reasons to go into a sugar coma, they’ve got salted caramel cookies, donut ice cream sammies, and good, old-fashioned coffee to wash it all down.
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
B Sweet Dessert Bar
2005 Sawtelle BlvdEver walked by the old Nikkei Credit Union on Sawtelle and said to yourself, "man, I wish there was a bread pudding shop here instead"? Well, somehow the dudes at B Sweet totally heard you, cause that's exactly what they opened inside, stocking the place with a rotation of flavors like coffee cake crumble, horchata, and circus animal cookie. If you need more reasons to go into a sugar coma, they’ve got salted caramel cookies, donut ice cream sammies, and good, old-fashioned coffee to wash it all down.
Entertainment & Activities
This karaoke studio with private rooms doesn’t serve alcohol, but thankfully you’re allowed to BYOB and BYOF for a $1/person surcharge. Win-win...-win-win-win-win-win.
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Max Karaoke Studio
333 S Alameda StThis karaoke studio with private rooms doesn’t serve alcohol, but thankfully you’re allowed to BYOB and BYOF for a $1/person surcharge. Win-win...-win-win-win-win-win.
Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Landmark's Nuart Theatre
11272 Santa Monica BlvdMovie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.
Essentials
For a relatively small market, Nijiya’s got a mind-blowing selection of fresh fish, barbecue-ready meat, and to-go sushi/bento boxes, in addition to plentiful Asian sauces, spices, and snacks (including the elusive green tea-flavored Kit Kats). Bonus: they usually have someone outside whipping up okonomiyaki and yaki udon on a grill.
38 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nijiya Market
2130 Sawtelle BlvdFor a relatively small market, Nijiya’s got a mind-blowing selection of fresh fish, barbecue-ready meat, and to-go sushi/bento boxes, in addition to plentiful Asian sauces, spices, and snacks (including the elusive green tea-flavored Kit Kats). Bonus: they usually have someone outside whipping up okonomiyaki and yaki udon on a grill.
Ralphs
1644 Cloverfield BlvdProbably the closest basic supermarket close to me.
Rite Aid
888 Lincoln BlvdThe closest Pharmacy around.
Shopping
Cozy, laid-back record shop specializing in new releases & reissues, plus turntables & live music.
Touch Vinyl
1646 Sawtelle BoulevardCozy, laid-back record shop specializing in new releases & reissues, plus turntables & live music.
Parks & Nature
There are plenty of nurseries on Sawtelle Boulevard, but we had heard that Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery had been declared one of LA’s best. The nursery is large and beautiful, and although we didn’t buy anything, enjoyed chatting with the adorable older ladies who run the place (who are also extremely knowledgeable!) A lovely family-owned business.
Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery
1905 Sawtelle BoulevardThere are plenty of nurseries on Sawtelle Boulevard, but we had heard that Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery had been declared one of LA’s best. The nursery is large and beautiful, and although we didn’t buy anything, enjoyed chatting with the adorable older ladies who run the place (who are also extremely knowledgeable!) A lovely family-owned business.
Take one step inside Tongva Park in Santa Monica, California, and you'll find it hard to believe that this 6-acre urban oasis was a flat asphalt parking lot just a few short years ago. Together with Ken Genser Square, these two public spaces were part of a community-sourced vision for a vibrant new neighborhood that would bring life to Santa Monica's Civic Center. Designed by a project team led by James Corner Field Operations, these new open spaces have made the community's vision a reality.
93 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Парк Тонгва
1615 Ocean AveTake one step inside Tongva Park in Santa Monica, California, and you'll find it hard to believe that this 6-acre urban oasis was a flat asphalt parking lot just a few short years ago. Together with Ken Genser Square, these two public spaces were part of a community-sourced vision for a vibrant new neighborhood that would bring life to Santa Monica's Civic Center. Designed by a project team led by James Corner Field Operations, these new open spaces have made the community's vision a reality.
Santa Monica’s first universally accessible playground opened recently to rave reviews from the younger set. Now seaside tikes of all abilities can finally whoop it up together under the Santa Monica sunshine. This cheery beachfront park features a marine theme with an adorable boat as the focal structure surrounded by swings, slides and colorful bouncy surfboards. There are also water and sand play areas that encourage face-to-face interaction among kiddos.
South Beach Park Playground
3400 Barnard WaySanta Monica’s first universally accessible playground opened recently to rave reviews from the younger set. Now seaside tikes of all abilities can finally whoop it up together under the Santa Monica sunshine. This cheery beachfront park features a marine theme with an adorable boat as the focal structure surrounded by swings, slides and colorful bouncy surfboards. There are also water and sand play areas that encourage face-to-face interaction among kiddos.
Nice park to have a family gathering and practice some sports.
40 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Mar Vista Recreation Center
11430 Woodbine StNice park to have a family gathering and practice some sports.
Sightseeing
Located on the world famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park® is the family place to play! Rides, midway games, food, and seaside shopping. Free concerts every Thursday in the summer!
2744 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Мол Санта-Моника
200 Santa Monica PierLocated on the world famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park® is the family place to play! Rides, midway games, food, and seaside shopping. Free concerts every Thursday in the summer!
PEOPLE WATCH, SHOP, AND BE ENTERTAINED ON THE VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK.
815 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Набережная Венис-Бич
517 Ocean Front WalkPEOPLE WATCH, SHOP, AND BE ENTERTAINED ON THE VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK.