Top Tips For Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Looking for something fun to do for all ages? One place to consider is Universal Studios Hollywood. This film studio and theme park is one of the most popular theme parks in California! If you’re planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood soon, a little planning and preparation can go a long way! Take a look at the tips below. Hopefully this will help you navigate Universal Studios Hollywood like a pro.
Ticket options
1. Order you tickets in advance. Online general admission tickets are typically cheaper and range between $99 – $129.
2. If you’re not really sure on what day you’re planning on visiting, you can purchase their Anytime Admission tickets online. You can visit Universal on any date you choose.
3. Get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when you purchase online tickets. The Early Park Admission allows you to enter the park one hour before it opens and is subject to availability. Check out their calendar for availability.
4. Get in front of the line to all attractions and shows when you purchase the Universal Express Pass. This will cut your wait time in half and helps during busy days like weekends and holidays. Prices typically run $169 and up.
5. Children two years of age and younger get to enter the park for free. Just keep in mind that there’s a height requirement to various rides.
6. Want to get the VIP experience? The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience package gives you valet parking, unlimited access to shows and rides, a personal tour of the park, breakfast in the VIP lounge, access to sound stages, prop warehouse, and other restricted areas, an all-you-can-eat lunch at the Moulin Rouge dining room. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed for this package. Prices are currently around $349 and up.
7. Planning on going with a big group? Universal offers discounts for group of 10 or more. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 1-800-959-9688.
8. Stay away from third party resellers and buy directly from the park.
Best time to go to the Park
9. If you can help it, avoid going to the park when children are out of school.
10. Fall and spring are the least congested. The busiest season is the summer.
11. Want to see a celebrity? Check out the Universal Studios Hollywood calendar to see which celeb will be at the park.
Tips on the Park
12. Get to the park early to beat the crowd.
13. Try visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter first, which is located at the front. This area can get extremely packed later in the day.
14. The park has two lots, the Upper and the Lower lot. Build out your day so you’re not going back and forth between lots. Also, the Lower lot (the smaller of the two) is usually less buy and is near some of the most exciting rides; Revenge of The Mummy The Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and soon, Jurassic World, which is set to open next year in 2019.
15. Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app. The app gives you information on upcoming shows, ride wait times, restaurant and shop locations, as well as character meet and greets.
16. Free WiFi is available at the park. While at the park, use it to view wait times HERE.
17. Make sure to bring an empty water bottle into Universal Studios Hollywood and fill it up at one of the fountains inside the park. The theme park can leave you dehydrated with all the excitement and walking.
18. Non-english speakers can visit Guest Relations for tour times. Studio Tours are offered in Mandarin and Spanish.
Tips on Rides and Shows
19. Don’t care to split up from your group? Single Riders Line is a great option for you and one of the fastest ways to get on a ride.
20. Also, did you know the park offers a “child switch” program? If a child isn’t old enough or tall enough to ride—one or two adults can wait with the child in the Child Switch room while the rest of their party enjoys the attraction. When the party returns, the adults can switch with the ones waiting, without having to wait in line all over again.
21. Express passes are not accepted at Ollivanders Wand Shop. This line is the longest in the mornings when children and adults are buying their wand for the day. Wands allow you to perform magical spells at most of the Harry Potter world.
22. If you’re a die-hard Potter fan, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the place you have to visit! Here you’ll be transported into a magical world the moment you step in.
23. Consider taking the Studio Tour if you decide to visit the park. Guests will get to see some of the most iconic movies that have been filmed like JAWS and Psycho. In addition to that, you’ll also get to experience King Kong 360-3D and a ride along tour with the cast of Fast & The Furious, a hyper-realistic journey with a crazy car chase adventure.
24. Looking to attend one of the most popular shows in the park? Make sure to see WaterWorld. Run time for this show is 20 minutes, so head on over when you need a break or are tired of standing.
25. The old Jurassic Park closed earlier this year. Universal Studios Hollywood plans to update the ride as Jurassic World in 2019.
26. Looking for a perfect cool down option for the little ones? The Wet Zone area known as Super Silly Fun Lands, offers more than 80 water play features.
Tips during Holiday Time
27. Enjoy a dazzling light show by Night Time Lights at Hogwarts Castle. This is available during the summer and in the winter time as well.
28. From November 17, 2018 to January 6, 2019, enjoy holiday themed everything at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Expect Christmas décor, and holiday themed food and drinks.
29. During the holidays, enjoy the return of “Grinchmas”. This annual event will take place weekends on December 1 and 2, 8 and 9, and daily from December 14 – 30. Here you can catch performances by Martha May Who-vier and the Who-liday Singers, as well as see a 60-foot tall “Grinchmas” tree.
30. Don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve yet? Universal Studios Hollywood will have various party areas filled with drinks, music, and dancing. At midnight, enjoy a countdown and fireworks!
31. Another fun time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is during the Lunar New Year. For 2019 the park plans to have a Dragon Warriors Kung Fun training show, live performances, and Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
Eating Options
32. Feast on Hogwarts approved British fare at the Three Broomsticks in Wizarding World. This rustic tavern has a menu that includes Fish & Chips, Beef Sunday Roast, and Shepherd’s Pie. For a group of five, consider “The Great Feast” which includes roasted chicken, ribs, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and steamed vegetables.
33. Harry Potter fans can enjoy a taste of Butterbeer inside Hogs Head Pub. Here you can order the exclusive Hog’s head Brew or the Pumpkin Juice, wine, spirits, and other beer selections.
34. For a variety of food options, consider Springfield U.S.A. This place has many eateries, bars, and items from the show.
35. Also, CityWalk has many food options such as Karl Strauss, Margaritaville, and Voodoo Doughnut.
36. So, remember you can go in and out of the park. Hold on to your ticket and get your hand stamped.
Weekend Events: Nov 16th-18th
With a new month comes new activities and events! Although November is already here and almost gone, there are still plenty of things to do this month. Therefore, here are some of the best events happening in and around Los Angeles that you should consider adding to your weekend calendar.
With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.
Discover your inner Angeleno!
Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 16th-18th
Event highlights include a Chinese Lantern Festival, the Great Los Angeles Walk, and an Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. So, make sure to grab your tickets now as these events are sure to sell out!
Friday, Nov. 16th
Chinese Lantern Festival
Location: The Fairplex at Pomona
This specially crafted multicultural event features more than 1,000 handcrafted pieces that create a plethora of beautiful color and light displays.
This year’s theme is “The Wild,” which will feature animals represented in lanterns from five different areas of the world, Oceania, Africa, Antartica, Asia, and America. The event will be held at from November 15 – January 16 at The Fairplex at Pomona from 5:30 – 10 p.m. on Thursday – Sundays, including holidays. For additional information, click HERE.
LA Zoo Lights
Location: Griffith Park
LA Zoo will be decorated in winter splendor during Zoo Lights. While the adult portion will feature a happy hour lounge and live entertainment, kids will get to enjoy Reindeer Village. How old were you when you found out Reindeer are real? If your answer is today years old, your welcome(if not congratulations on knowing your mammal species) and also your in luck. This holiday season you’ll find your antlered friends hanging out in Reindeer Village at Griffith Park. Along with Comet and Blitzen as the main attraction, the zoo will also be decked in bells of holly. Just Kidding. But it will feature a splendor of winter decor and sites for all to enjoy.
David Sedaris: New and Unpublished Work
Location: Royce Hall, UCLA Center for Performing Arts
Head down to Royce Hall at UCLA for a specially crafted intimate and engaging event with David Sedaris. The event, which takes place annually, sees the bestselling author reading newly written work that has not yet been packaged and published in a collection of essays or otherwise. The program is put on by UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts. Sedaris’ first reading at the famous L.A. university happened on Nov. 6, 1998, making this a near-perfect 20th anniversary for the yearly visit. This event kicks off at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, you can visit the link here.
Saturday Nov. 17th
Burbank Winter Wine Walk
Location: San Fernando Blvd, Burbank
Burbank’s Holiday Street Fair will take place November 17 at noon, but after 4 p.m., you and your 21+ friends can enjoy the Winter Wine Walk. The event gives you a complimentary tasting cup. Enjoy the multitude of wine and beer tasting spots around San Fernando Blvd. During your walk you can also enjoy the live entertainment, holiday lights, and even snowfall! For info on this event, click HERE.
The Great Los Angeles Walk
Location: Pershing Square, DTLA through Santa Monica
Grab your tennis shoes and participate in The Great Los Angeles Walk! The 13th annual event will be held November 17 and begins at 9 a.m. in Downtown at Pershing Square and goes all the way to the ocean by way of Santa Monica. To join in on the all-day strut, email greatlawalk@mail.com. No entry fee is necessary. To learn more on this event, visit this link: www.greatlawalk.com/
Long Beach Airport’s 2018 Festival of Flight
Location: Long Beach Airport, Long Beach
Enjoy a day of fun and airplanes at the Taxiway B at Long Beach Airport. The 2018 Festival of Flight is a celebration of flight with dozens of aircraft displays throughout the day. In addition to the aerial shows, attendees will also enjoy many activities such as helicopter tours, live entertainment, and kids activities. The event will take place Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is completely free to attend. For more details, click HERE.
Sunday, Nov. 18th
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Location: Decanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge
Experience a night filled with lights and scenery at Descanso Garden’s 2018 Forest of Light now through Jan. 6th. View the large displays taking over the park for a one-mile walk. Some of the new additions added this year include the neon-lit benches around the park, the Lightwave Lake, and the dining options that overlook the body of water. The Forest of Light will open daily from November 11 – January 6. For tickets and additional information, click HERE.
Toluca Lake Turkey Trot
Location: Chase Bank Parking Lot, 10050 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 91602
The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association invites you to The 6th Annual Toluca Lake Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 18, 2018. To participate, there is a $10 donation and all proceeds will be supporting the North Hollywood LAPD PAL (Police Activity League). Chaired by Ryan Kugler, this year’s event will prove to be fun for the entire family!
NY Mag’s Vulture Festival
Location: The Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood
Do you have the E! News or TMZ app on your phone? Are you always in the know of who’s who and what’s what in Hollywood. Well our dear Pop Culture addicts, your in luck. This weekend features NY Mag’s Vulture Festival at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Come see all your favorites in music, TV, film and more in a two day festival extravaganza! This year’s participants include Constance Wu, Busy Philipps, Eric Bana, Connie Britton, Chloe Grace Moretz and more. Tickets can be purchased for each event here: http://vulturefestival.com/
10 Best Happy Hours for Fall
While it’s warm as ever in LA, there’s no better way to cool down than with a cocktail at one great happy hour or another in Los Angeles. All over the city, bars and restaurants are offering great options for full-on dining, grazing with friends, or just grabbing a beer solo on the way home.
Luckily there’s no shortage of great options for happy hour dining and drinking right in one’s very own neighborhood. Here now are the best places to slip in for an early evening (or all night long) happy hour bite, presented from west to east.
Tallula’s
Santa Monica, CA 90402
This beachy entrant by the Rustic Canyon group was meant to host happy hour crowds. The menu available weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. offers steep discounts on favorites like the nachos sencillo, alongside new dishes like steak tostadas and a variety of tacos. Of course, there’s a requisite $8 margarita.
Tumbi
Santa Monica, CA 90401
This modern Indian restaurant just steps from the beach in Santa Monica features happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays with mini kabob burgers and two kinds of dosas either stuffed with fried chicken or mozzarella, tomato, and basil chutney. Burgers or dosas come with a beer for $11.
E.P. & L.P.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
E.P. & L.P. have a new rooftop happy hour on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. with $8 cocktails and $5 Asian-inspired street snacks. Bites include fried chicken sliders, szechuan fish tacos, and soy caramel popcorn to go along with a drink called Pineapple Skies, with tepache pineapple liqueur, ginger beer, and lime.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Los Angeles, CA 90048
This Southern-inflected restaurant has all the mores of a chain restaurant, which it is, but with an expansive Beverly Center dining room and a wide menu of comfort dishes, it’s hard not to recommend as an after work hangout. It serves $7 bites from 3 to 7 p.m. such as brisket biscuits, barbecue shrimp, and disco fries, plus cocktails like a Frenso watermelon mojito for the same price.
Connie and Ted’s
West Hollywood, CA 90046
There’s a new late night happy hour for West Hollywood denizens at Santa Monica Boulevard mainstay Connie & Ted’s, with $1 oysters Sunday to Thursday evening from 9 to 10 p.m. Connie & Ted’s also has an afternoon happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., but the late night is the only time to get those dollar oysters. Afternoon happy hour features $5 beers, $6 wines, and a $7 margarita, too.
Gusto
Los Angeles, CA 90048
There’s a new happy hour at this high-ceiling Italian restaurant on West Third from 5 to 7 p.m. daily with $10 pizzas, 6 oysters for $12, and the excellent polpette al forno for $8. Nab an Aperol spritz or Negroni for $7, which makes a post-work hangout pretty darn affordable.
Gesso
Los Angeles, CA 90046
West Hollywood locals have a new after-work go-to thanks to Gesso’s weekday happy hour. From 5 to 7 p.m., an eclectic set of everything from hummus plates to anchovy toast to pate banh mi is all on the menu for $10. Specialty cocktails and wine by the glass also float around the $7 mark.
Spartina
Los Angeles, CA 90046
This Melrose standby encourages diners to get social with its extended “Social Club,” available all day Monday and at the bar Sunday through Thursday. It’s surely a pleasant way to bring people together over $8 classic and specialty cocktails and $5 antipasti.
The Mermaid
Los Angeles, CA 90012
This intimate cocktail lounge in Little Tokyo has a low key bar bites menu that’s even more reasonably priced during happy hour. Running from 5 to 8 p.m. daily, drinks are $1 off while the kitchen churns out some snacks like nori guac and pickled eggs. For something more substantial, there’s tangy chicken wings at just $1 each.
Bone Kettle
Pasadena, CA 91103
With a sleek dining room and welcoming bar, Bone Kettle prepares Indonesian-inflected bites from 5 to 6 p.m. in Pasadena with $7 drinks. Food includes the highly regarded oxtail dumplings, steak tartare, bone marrow with scallion confit, and chicken wings.
Courtesy of Eater LA
Out and About: Brentwood Edition
Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.
Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…
In the morning hours…
Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.
The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.
After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.
For afternoon reprieve…
Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties. A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.
After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.
If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.
Your evening adventure…
Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.
Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.
This week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Nov. 5th-11th
This week at Rodeo Realty: SFV and Ventura County Newsletter Nov. 5th-11th
Out and About: Pacific Palisades
Over the hill and through the woods to Pacific Palisades we go! Heading down Sunset and past Brentwood, you’ll find this hillside-oceanview neighborhood abundant in luxury homes nestled perfectly into the bluffs. From stunning estates to the Getty Villa and Will Rogers State Park, why not make a day of it in L.A.’s westside escape.
In the morning hours
What better way to start your morning then amongst the art found at Getty Villa. Based on the remains of Villa Dei Papiri in Herculaneum, the faux villa is the home of J. Paul Getty’s Mediterranean antiquities. Hours could pass as you tour through roughly 1,200 artifacts on display at any one time.
If your historical interest is peaked then head to the next famed abode, Eames House. Designed by couple Charles and Ray Eames, it stands as one of Southern California’s most beloved examples of modernist design. The Pacific Palisades abode stuns with its Mondrian-style color-block exterior and environmentally-sensitive siting.
If you’ve had your fill on architecture and art, fresh air should do the trick by making your way to Will Rogers State Historic Park. The grounds originally served as the former home of writer and first honorary mayor of Beverly Hills-Will Rogers. Maintained as it was in the 1930s, the 186-acre park is a destination spot for ocean views, polo matches, and horseback riding lessons if your feeling indulgent.
For a midday reprieve
By the time the afternoon hits, famished is an understatement. Make your way to the new Pacific Palisades Village for a range of dining options to appease your midday cravings.
General Porpoise is L.A.’s first concept from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson. The famed Seatle doughnut shop brings L.A. rows and rows of sugar-coated goodness freshly baked daily.
Blue Ribbon’s first take on the sports bar fits cozily into one end of the Palisades Village complex at Hank’s. With the eatery brings flat-screen TVs, beers, cocktails and some serious burgers to the neighborhood.
Before you leave be sure to check out the shops as the village also includes first time L.A. flagships from Rachel Zoe and Jennifer Meyer Jewelry.
If you prefer to grab a bite a bit closer to the cliffs then Gladstone’s will serve as your landmark destination. Situated where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s become a place of Southern California legend. Gladstones offers a menu plucked from the very ocean it overlooks, serving modern renditions of classic dishes.
Evening fete
With what is likely a day of bites, sites, shopping, and Palisades fun, your evening should be spent somewhat scaled down. On the weekend catch a stage performance at Theatre Palisades. While the 2018 season comes to a close with E.P. Dowdall’s Parfumerie holding the spotlight through December, the 2019 season is sure to wow.
If your looking for your nighttime feast, indulge at Il Ristorate di Giorgio Baldi. This Pacific Coast Highway-facing trattoria has welcomed everyone from Tom Hanks to Tom Cruise. Once you’ve sampled the kitchen’s fresh pastsa dishes like the agnolotti with corn and white truffle sauce, you’ll understand why.
For after dinner drinks we recommend anchoring down at Shore Bar, a cape cod inspired craft cocktail favorite for Palisades locals. Swim through a sea of sophisticated cocktails, designed by Master Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D’ Ora.
Whether you spent your day indulging in one destination or the other, there is no doubt that the Pacific Palisades serves as the perfect Oceanside spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Weekend Events: Nov. 9th-11th
With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.
Discover your inner Angeleno!
Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 9th-11th
FRIDAY NOV. 9th
PASADENA CRAFTSMAN WEEKEND (OPENING DAY)
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: THE GAMBLE HOUSE, Pasadena
ALISA WEILERSTEIN, CELLO
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, Beverly Hills
L.A. Coffee Festival
Time: Time varies based on purchased pass
Location: Magic Box at The Reef, DTLA
Alright all you Cup-O-Joe drinkers, this weekend will serve as the debut of LA’s first ever coffee festival. Yes you heard that right. Kicking off on Friday and spanning the entire weekend, is a caffeine-obsessed day of fun. Patrons will enjoy Barista competitions, samplings, demos, workshops, chefs, music and food from LA’s coffee/dining stars. Join them Friday for their Industry Day Trade show with Saturday and Sunday offering up a jolting dose of available sessions for the coffee bean enthused.
Saturday NOV. 10th
POMONA ART WALK
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: DOWNTOWN POMONA: POMONA
Taste of Art: Los Angeles Restaurant Menus
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, Pasadena
Explore iconic Southern California architecture of the 1920s and ’30s in the exhibition “Architects of a Golden Age,” then prepare a meal inspired by menus from some of the era’s most popular L.A. restaurants, including the Musso & Frank Grill and the Brown Derby. Maite Gomez-Rejón of ArtBites leads this cooking workshop.
AFI Fest
Time: Varies
Location: Throughout LA
AFI Fest presented by Audi features red carpet galas, acclaimed international films and the best of independent cinema. It also presents conversations and panels with notable filmmakers, as well as a tech showcase featuring immersive virtual reality experiences. The complete schedule of events is listed online, but highlights include centerpiece galas; special screenings; as well as world cinema, shorts, virtual reality films and a competition for first- and second-time filmmakers. All film tickets are free, but limited. Special packages that include such privileges as priority access, reserved seats, access to the VIP lounge and invitations to festival parties are available for $400–$2,500.
SUN. NOV 11th
ART WITHOUT WALLS: THERE’S MORE TO ME THAN WHAT YOU SEE
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: HAMMER MUSEUM : LOS ANGELES, CA
Join Karina Esperanza Yánez in challenging stereotypes and celebrating your identity in this workshop inspired by the art of Adrian Piper. ART WITHOUT WALLS is co-presented by the Felipe de Neve Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Families create art inspired by social justice issues, literature, and Hammer exhibitions. The same activities are offered at each site. The Hammer program includes storytelling in the galleries. The library program is bilingual in Spanish and English. Recommended for children ages 5+, teens, and grownups.
Raw Wine FAir
Time: 10a.m.-6p.m.
Location: City Market Social House, DTLA
If there is one thing we love in LA it is our all-natural, certified organic bounty of food and beverage options. With that in mind the 2nd annual Raw Wine Fair returns to DTLA showcasing the best of the best in natural wine goodness. The organic and biodynamic festival will include winemaker dinners, tutored tastings, as well bites from restaurants like Helen’s, Tabula Rasa and Kismet.
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
Time: 7:30
Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA
Daniel Barenboim unites young musicians to create one of the musical wonders of the world. One of the wonders of the world, Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra brings together young musicians from Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Spain to make music at the highest level.
***Pre-Concert Talk: Upbeat Live
With Derrick Spiva Jr. – 6:30pm
Enhance your concert experience with a pre-concert talk starting at 6:30pm
Thanksgiving to-go
Thanksgiving to-go? We aren’t talking about featured bites on Grub-Hub. This curated list of LA restaurants offering an entire feast to your door will save you time on learning how to bast a Turkey and more time avoiding awkward family questions. Hang up your apron and call ahead because these birds are flying fast(last corny joke of the year…maybe).
The Belvedere
Beverly Hills
This fall, The Belvedere’s iconic Thanksgiving at Home is back by popular demand. Offering complete reprieve from the kitchen, the family-style feast will feature three hearty courses and a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. Created by Executive Chef David Codney, the plentiful spread combines Thanksgiving classics, such as a 12 lb. Roasted Free-Range Natural Turkey, with Belvedere favorites like the Charred Caesar Salad and a Whole Baked Pumpkin Pie with our House-made Vanilla Ice Cream.
Price: $390 for 4 guests
Order by: November 19th
Pick up: November 23, at Valet 11:30am-4pm
Barrel & Ashes
This Studio City BBQ outpost is going full-on comfort food for this year’s Thanksgiving menu, offering the full spread à la carte and brimming with hearty classics. Opt for an entire smoked turkey, then fill your table with hoe-cake stuffing, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and more, for an indulgent and smoky Southern feast.
Price: whole turkey, $80; sides, $10-$45; whole pumpkin pie or apple crisp, $35
Order by: November 22 at noon
Pick-up: November 23, noon-2pm
Belcampo
Leave it to a restaurant with its heart in the butcher shop to do Thanksgiving right. Belcampo’s Luxegiving is one of this year’s most decadent options, with a full spread for up to 14 people and a bottle of champagne. Begin with a Belcampo-made charcuterie board, then proceed to a menu of butternut squash soup; kale salad; a roasted 22-to-26-pound Belcampo Farms turkey; truffled mashed potatoes; mustard-and-whiskey-braised Brussels sprouts with guanciale; green bean casserole with a trumpet mushroom Béchamel; and both a pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie, among other dishes.
Price: $899
Order by: November 13 by 5pm
Pick-up: November 23, by around noon, at Belcampo in either Santa Monica or Larkspur. DoorDash delivery is available in select zipcodes within 15 miles of either location.
Got Kosher?
Put an entirely kosher and dairy-free meal on the table with a little help from Fairfax’s Got Kosher? This Tunisian and Moroccan restaurant is preparing a prixe-fixe meal that includes salt-roasted turkey with rosemary pan gravy; cranberry sauce with orange, almonds and dates; spinach gratin; roasted vegetables; pretzel rolls; apple, pecan and cranberry cornbread stuffing; and three choices of dessert. There are even plant-based alternatives to the turkey, which makes this a killer vegan option, to boot.
Price: $40 per person
Order by: November 20 at 5pm
Pick-up: 10am-1pm
The Culver City BBQ restaurant will be offering whole wood-smoked, all-natural, free-range, antibiotic-free turkeys in three sizes, so you’re covered no matter your party size. And hey, if you order the largerst—a 17-to-18-pound bird—you’ll probably have some for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches the next day. Score. Don’t neglect the bevy of sides. Think: cornbread-and-sausage stuffing; buttermilk biscuits with whipped honey butter; roasted root vegetables; braised greens; and of course the dessert, chocolate bread pudding.
Price: turkey, 12-14 pounds, $217; turkey, 15-16 pounds, $252; turkey, 17-18 pounds, $276; sides, $14.50-$90; dessert, $45-$90
Order by: November 15
Pick-up: November 23, noon-3pm
Wexler’s Deli
Wexler’s Deli usually serves hefty pastrami sandwiches and bagels with lox, be it in Grand Central Market, Santa Monica or Century City, but this Thanksgiving, they’re offering an entire 10-to-12-person dinner that includes an entire smoked turkey, challah stuffing, gravy, salad, squash soup and cheesy pull-apart rolls.
Price: Smoked bird Thanksgiving Dinner, $350; whole-pie add-on, $40
Order by: November 19, call 424-744-8671, ext. 1
Pick-up: Available for delivery or Santa Monica pick-up on November 23
WOLF
Marcel Vigneron’s thoughtful and hyper-seasonal dishes are getting ready to land on your home table. Choose the more traditional brined-and-spatchcocked turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, or swim upstream and opt for the salmon with cauliflower cream and romanesco. Either way, you’ll also enjoy kale salad, squash soup, cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing and roasted root vegetables, and to top it all off, a pumpkin-and-banana bundt cake.
Price: dinner for 2, $250; dinner for 4, $300; dinner for 6, $450
Order by: November 19 by 9pm
Pick-up: November 22, noon-5pm or November 23, noon-3pm
Lawry’s the Prime Rib
This year, why limit yourself to turkey? Prime-rib and spice institution Lawry’s is giving you the best of both worlds with full Thanksgiving feasts that have a little something for all. Opt for turkey or prime rib, whether you’re buying your mains à la carte or as part of a family-style meal. Then add your sides, including the options of Yorkshire pudding batter, extra jus, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, whipped horseradish, creamed corn, cranberry sauce and cornbread stuffing.
Price: Family-style turkey dinner, 10-12, $255; family-style prime-rib dinner, six-eight, $300; family-style prime-rib dinner, 12-15, $495; sides $3-$20; whole pie, $25
Order by: November 21 at noon
Pick-up: November 23, 11am-4pm
Courtesy of TimeOut LA