If you’ve been anxiously awaiting more news about the local outpost of Saved by the Max — the Saved by the Bell-inspired pop-up dinerthat held Chicagoans in thrall for an entire year — you’re in luck. The official Los Angeles opening date of May 1 has finally been announced, and tickets went on sale Friday, February 2 at 9 a.m.
Though Saved by the Max will look like the sitcom’s The Max diner, with its neon decor, jukebox, and vintage video games, there’s more to this eatery than mere ‘90s nostalgia. Its chef-driven menu was created by Brian Fisher, who helmed the kitchen at Michelin-starred restaurant Schwa in Chicago’s Wicker Park.
As in Chi-town, the menu here will offer dishes like the Kelly Kapowski Monte Cristo, A.C. Sliders, the Bayside Burger, the Preppy BLT and Mac & Screech.
As we told you last fall, Saved by the Max will be located at the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center at La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. “First semester” will run through early October, with plans for the pop-up to eventually make its way around the country.
Each tickets includes admission and dinner. As Saved by the Max was a smash success in Chicago, reservations are highly encouraged. Walk-ups will be limited.
This weekend it’s all about the big game. While the Philadelphia Eagles go up against the New England Patriots, thousands of Angelenos will be digging into 50-cent wings, bottomless beers and $2 shots. So where will you be? Check out our top picks on where to watch, eat, drink and play on Super Bowl Sunday.
DTLA’s Brack Shop Tavern will open its doors at 1 p.m. and offer 50 cent wings and $15 pitchers (60oz) of Budweiser and Goose Island IPA. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. and deals will last until the end of the game.
Baldoria located in Little Tokyo will be showing the game and offering happy hour throughout the entire game. Happy hour includes $8 pizzas and 20% off all beer, liquor, and wine. $2 shots will also be offered during every touchdown.
Mohawk Bend located in the heart of Echo Park, will host a Vegan Tailgate Party from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with special game day offerings like the ‘Vegan Tailgate Platter’ from 2 p.m. until halftime, featuring vegan versions of sausage, pulled pork sliders, beef jerky and fried chicken paired with Anchor Lager for $23. In addition, Bowl of Wings will start at 3 p.m. serving real chicken wings with three different sauce choices for $12.
Ayara Lūk will host their popular Game Day Viewing party that will have football fanatics stuffed with bottomless Singha beer and AYCE Thai eats like Pad Thai, Chicken Satay and Spicy Tahi “Lobstah Roll.” There will be a 100 inch screen playing the game and tickets cost $60 in advance, $75 at the door and kids under 5 are free.
Chicas Tacos will team up with Boomtown Brewery in DTLA for a Big Game Fiesta from noon to 10 p.m. Guests can purchase eats by Chef Eduardo Ruiz while they watch the game on two 16-foot projection screen at Boomtown Brewery who will serve cool brews and wines all day.
Laurel Tavern in Hermosa Beach will play the Super Bowl on an extra-large projector and offer food and drink specials like $20 Corona buckets, $4 draft lager, $1 Smoked Louisiana Wings, and 2 for $4 sliders.
Recently re-opened Brennan’s in Marina Del Rey will host a Super Bowl House Party with food specials like Buffalo cauliflower $9, Buffalo Chicken pizza $15, Vegan Chili fries $9, Soft Pretzel with Beer Cheese $6 and $5 canned beer all day.
The Standing Room is hosting a Football Tailgate Party with a $45 all-you-can-drink and $6 off-menu food specials. The AYCE drink deal includes domestic, draft, wells, and house red or white wine. Food specials include Chicken Wings (Korean or Hot), Pork Rib Wings with Knob Creek BBQ Sauce, and Chili Cheese Hot Dogs, all of which are not on their daily menu. The deal starts at 1 p.m. and ends when the game is done.
People who live in Venice Beach have it all: from glittering beaches and man-made canals, to stylish Abbot Kinney and eclectic Rose Avenue, to classy tasting menus and dirt-cheap taco trucks. Here are 30 best restaurants you absolutely have to visit while in Dogtown — including some of the best restaurants in all of Los Angeles.
Unpretentious institution with a straightforward menu
This unassuming dive bar on the busy Washington strip is the type of place where, at 1am on a Monday night, you can play pool with a stranger, sip on ice-cold beer served from a frosty glass pitcher, and tear into a juicy, classic burger as unpretentious as the place itself. And if your surroundings look familiar, that’s because Hinano has appeared on shows like Dexter and NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as the movie S.W.A.T. — yes, the one that teamed up Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell.
Long-standing pizzeria famous for its bagel crusts
The geniuses at Abbot’s hit the jackpot by fusing two of man’s favorite foods. For over a decade, this place has been serving delicious pizzas made with chewy, yet crisp, bagel crusts — a starchy match made in heaven.
Sprawling open-kitchen restaurant serving all-day Californian fare
Under the helm of Chef Jason Neroni, Rose Cafe (which underwent a brilliant reinvention in 2015) has grown into a perpetually lively Rose Avenue hotspot, with reimagined favorites for breakfast and brunch like oat griddle pancakes and a breakfast burrito served with peanut-poblano mole. Dinner dishes fall on the rich end of the spectrum — ranging from charcuterie (whipped lardo and porchetta) to al dente pastas (carbonara is a classic, but order the yuzu- and uni butter-flavored wakame spaghetti for something unique). If none of the above floats your boat, there’s plenty more on the menu (which is vast enough to match Rose Cafe’s sprawling, stunning space).
Fun brunch or dinner spot with colorful, Caribbean flavors
Sunny Spot’s brunch scene is loud and celebratory — sort of like its bold, Caribbean-inspired food. The savory-leaning menu (which until 2015 was overseen by Roy Choi) boasts pulled pork burritos, huevos rancheros, and your pick of bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, or rum punch (see: loud and celebratory).
Delicious organic, vegan eats that will satisfy even omnivores
Venice Beach’s hippie-dippie vibes are written all over Cafe Gratitude’s organic, plant-based menu. Dishes go by names like I Am Grateful (a quinoa/kale bowl drizzled with garlic tahini sauce) or I Am Warm-Hearted (grilled polenta served with braised summer squash), but each one is surprisingly satisfying and delicious. When your brain’s screaming, “I am hungry, but want to eat healthy,” go here.
Upscale restaurant with a market-driven menu
The Tasting Kitchen is about as fancy as Venice Beach gets — meaning not very, although considering its unfussy attitude and spontaneous approach to food, that’s a plus. Order the salt-roasted branzino and the pimento cheeseburger a la carte, or if you’re feeling extra hungry, gun for the five-course chef’s choice tasting menu, which’ll set you back a not-so-terrible $95 per person.
Rustic, modern American food with charming decor
It’s hard to beat this Abbot Kinney standby for date night: The lighting’s dim, most of the food is meant to be shared, and the rustic-slash-romantic outdoor patio will charm your dining partner as much as the perfectly executed squash blossom pizza and crisp duck confit. That said, Gjelina’s brunch menu is equally excellent — y’know, in case the date goes especially well.
Tasty grab-and-go tacos for cheap
Perched on the corner of Rose and 4th, this taco truck is a local gem. The fresh ceviche tostada, which maintains a satisfying crunch without ever getting soggy (how?!), is a must, though the meat-centric menu is killer, too. Easy-on-the-wallet prices also mean you won’t mind grabbing a seat curbside.
Cozy cafe with filling breakfast and lunch options
Nothing fixes a tequila-induced morning migraine like one of Flake’s stuffed-to-the-gills breakfast burritos, or its hearty Super-Crojo: a pile of warm scrambled eggs, crisped bacon, smoked Gouda, and special secret sauce tucked into a flaky, toasted croissant.
Perpetually busy artisanal bakery-meets-deli-meets-cafe
What Gjusta lacks in seating, it more than makes up for with dripping porchetta melts and baklava croissants. Mix and match from different stations — one brimming with house-made pastries; the next filled with charcuterie, cured fish, and interesting spreads; still another displaying enormous pies and cakes — and eat it all while perched at a communal table out on the patio.
Spacious sausage-focused restaurant ideal for big groups
You won’t find any weird mystery meat dogs here — only succulent, flavor-packed, gourmet sausages served on freshly baked rolls. That said, there are still some exotic options, like mildly spicy rattlesnake or duck and bacon links. The food and venue are casual enough for a quick, post-work bite, but the vibe’s also fun and boisterous if you want to do a big group dinner or birthday celebration.
Unassuming made-to-order deli sandwiches by the ocean
Venice has plenty of exemplary dining options, but locals tend to avoid the overpriced, underwhelming eateries by the boardwalk. Bellissimo is an exception: the charming deli’s gourmet sandwiches are all you need pre-sun and -surf.
Authentic BBQ restaurant that encourages family-style dining
The restaurant’s got a Type A attitude about its meat, so all the prime cuts are tender, moist, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. That said, it’s the homemade barbeque sauces that really seal the deal. Pro tip: if you can handle the heat, smother your ribs in the fiery XXX blend.
Food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar hawking Asian fusion tacos
Taco purists may say that no self-respecting taco would include a sunny-side-up egg, but they’ve clearly never tasted Komodo’s MP3: It’s the perfect example of the restaurant’s Asian fusion mash-ups, it features chunks of sirloin steak, tater tots, and a fried quail egg. Meat, seafood, and accompanying dressings — like Indonesian-inspired pork rendang braised in coconut milk or chicken tossed with crushed peanuts and hoisin — can be made into a taco, burrito, or rice bowl, while sides like dumplings and kimchi nachos fill out the rest of the menu.
Wood-fired eats in a sleek steakhouse setting
The brainchild of Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal cooks almost everything (lamb chops, smoky chicken wings, bone-in short ribs) over a live fire. Even non-meat dishes — like grilled squash with yuzu pumpkin vinaigrette or cabbage wedges baked in the embers until charred — get the same treatment and end up tasting like comfort food.
Iconic neighborhood restaurant offering classic Mexican and tequila
Casablanca serves mouthwatering Mexican (the tortillas, rumored to be made with beef lard, are legendary) and margaritas. A bartender wheels a cart of top-shelf tequila around and prepares drinks tableside, making you 100 times more likely to call a Lyft after dinner.
Buzzy restaurant serving a modern take on old-school Italian
Venice restaurants generally tend to be low-key affairs, which is why Scopa — with its high ceilings, exposed brick, industrial vibe, and a playlist that includes Sampha — looks like it belongs more in the Arts District or West Hollywood. But there’s clearly a void that this cool Italian spot’s filling for Westsiders — especially in our stomachs, which have thoroughly enjoyed Chef Antonia Lofaso’s rich ricotta crostini, fried rice balls, and beautifully prepared pastas for the past few years. Scopa’s top-notch beverage program also means it’s a great place to kick-start your night out.
Relaxed atmosphere with beers on tap and Mexican fare
Expecting a classic Mexican joint? Not your place. If, however, you’re in the mood for chipotle beer shrimp and Mexican corn on the cob, Cerveteca hits the spot. It’s also known for craveable barbacoa and fish tacos, as well as a spicy, seafood-heavy hangover soup.
Lively, critically acclaimed Italian trattoria with the best pasta in LA
If you somehow managed to secure a dinner reservation at Felix — currently the Westside’s most hyped Italian restaurant — make sure it’s on the early side. That’s because some of chef Evan Funke’s best dishes — especially the mouth-watering sfincione (a rosemary-kissed focaccia with an olive oil-oozing crust and pillow-soft interior) and meaty pappardelle — are actually worth the hype and tend to sell out before the late dinner crowd arrives. Have an 8pm seating? The rest of the food is still very good, with pizza dough mixed by hand and pastas made in an on-site, temperature-controlled room.
Bright, airy, all-day restaurant with seafood-leaning menu
Salt Air doesn’t succumb to being your typical trendy Abbot Kinney hotspot, and that’s a good thing. This unassuming neighborhood spot nails its seafood dishes — like trout on brioche toast with Thai basil or chili-glazed Scottish salmon — with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and flavors that don’t overwhelm. Everything is fresh and light, which means you’ll never leave here with a bloated food coma, which also means you can pop by to nearby Jeni’s or Salt & Straw for dessert.
Recently revamped sports bar serving elevated comfort food
Surfside moved into the space previously occupied by local hangout Danny’s — and it tried hard to preserve and display some of the former spot’s artifacts. But this sports bar/restaurant has a spotless, new look (although given its proximity to the boardwalk, we don’t expect that to last long). Most importantly, Surfside has a totally updated menu worth checking out: casual American comfort food with a few Asian-leaning flavors, like fries smothered in caramelized kimchi and sesame seeds, slow-roasted miso caramel pork belly, and a bulgogi burger. There’s lighter fare too (grain bowls and salads), but when you’re watching a football game with your fourth IPA in hand, all you’ll want is something heavy and preferably fried.
Mexican seafood gem slinging tostadas, tacos, and ceviche
After experiencing major success at Grand Central Market, this Mexican seafood spot just opened a second location on Abbot Kinney, bringing its Baja-influenced ceviche and tacos to the Westside. Most items are on the lighter side — like the chilled white fish tostadas or gringos tacos (a mix of grilled shrimp and tender octopus loaded on a sturdy corn tortilla) — but you can always order the shrimp and Oaxaca cheese Patrona burger for something more substantial. Bonus: Topo Chico’s also on the menu.
Restaurant/cafe/bakery beloved for freshly baked goods and brunch
Superba’s a neighborhood go-to, welcoming at any time of day. Seasonal pastries, like churro croissants or pear pistachio danishes, are available to grab and go. Breakfast or brunch calls for an order of the delicious cheesy eggs served over levain toast, and the lunch menu has a varied selection of burgers, omelets, and sandwiches (fried chicken is a favorite), but dinner’s where things get a touch more creative, including flavor combos like roasted carrots with fennel and pickled raisins or fries drizzled with rice wine vinegar.
Cool, New American date night spot with artisanal cocktails
If you couldn’t snag a last-minute table at Felix and walked into nearby Neighbor for dinner, chances are you’d leave pretty happy — as long as you’re OK forsaking pure Italian food for the night. This relative newcomer to Abbot Kinney sports a typical new American menu (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and burrata for starters; diver scallops, chicken, and steak for mains), but there are a few surprises to be had, like potato-ricotta gnocchi and buckwheat noodles served with black garlic and enoki mushrooms. And don’t leave without ordering a drink: fancy craft cocktails boast names like Venice Queen and Kimmy Gimlet, while the wine list is handpicked by James Endicott (formerly of New York’s Per Se). Oh, and those groovy tunes you hear? That’s DJ Morse Code, the restaurant’s Music Director who was hired to curate its auditory vibes.
Late-night joint serving grown-up breakfast for dinner
There’s a huge chunk of the general population who thinks breakfast (or brunch) food is the best food, which is where Nighthawk comes in — but this breakfast-themed restaurant (formerly based in Hollywood) doesn’t just serve your standard morning fare. The soft, scrambled eggs come with foie gras and duck jus, French toast is saturated in pear brandy and topped with mascarpone mousse, bacon is candied (and amazing), and coffee drinks are made with alcohol. Perhaps most creative of all? Spiked cereal milk cocktails in pairings like Cinnamon Toast Crunch coupled with spiced rum or Cocoa Puffs and vanilla vodka.
Creamery hawking creative, crave-worthy flavors
Ohio-based Jeni’s has four fantastic LA shops, but the spacious Venice outpost might be best of all — bright and quirky like the vibe of the street it’s on. Flavors can range from understated and delicious (like Savannah Buttermint, a simple, minty-buttery ice cream with white chocolate flecks) to utterly loaded and delicious (such as gooey butter cake or the sweet cream biscuits and peach jam combo). And if those imaginative flavors don’t keep you coming back again and again, the ice cream’s rich, luscious mouthfeel will.
Family-friendly Italian eatery with hearty portion sizes
This family-friendly Italian restaurant straddles the Venice/Marina del Rey border, but deserves to be on dining guides for both neighborhoods thanks to three little words: free garlic knots. These hot, doughy, chewy balls are absolutely smothered in garlic and olive oil and come in unlimited quantities; feel free to supplement with C&O’s pastas, which are excellent and generously portioned but hard to finish when you’ve polished off your weight in complimentary bread.
Recently upgraded Japanese hangout with inventive dishes
The decor and menu at this long-time Japanese spot — formerly known as Wabi Sabi — got an upgrade recently that’s turned it into a hip hangout. Grab a table on the outdoor patio, where the walls and ceiling drip with lush hanging plants, and start with izakaya-style small plates. Then dive into the heart of the menu: signature Japanese-style seafood with a twist, like seared toro served with caviar, salmon sprinkled with ponzu and truffle oil, or amberjack with coconut chili lime. Rolls are innovative here as well; the Pablo Escobar includes fried leek and crawfish salad, while the PB&J is stuffed with sous vide pork belly, avocado mousse, and 24K gold (edible, of course).
Fresh and quick Mediterranean eats for the millennial
Dune is a Middle Eastern oasis in the sea of new American, Italian, and Mexican restaurants that make up the Venice dining scene. Few other spots on the Westside specialize in making falafel this good: a crisp exterior that gives way to a fluffy, tender interior, easily broken down for eating atop charred flatbread with pickled veggies, onions, and loads of creamy hummus. (If you’ve ever eaten at Paris’s L’As du Fallafel, Dune’s version of the balls is something like that.) There’s more to the menu — a fried chicken “shawarma” sandwich, chicken souvlaki, and lamb — but eating the falafel alone will leave you as happy as a clam.
Modern Indonesian fusion spot perfect for date night
There aren’t a ton of Indonesian restaurants on the Westside, and there are even fewer that are housed in a beautiful space with modern architectural details. Combined with good Indo food (somewhat traditional, somewhat not), this makes Wallflower pretty special. Get the nasi goreng, bakwan (deep-fried corn fritters balanced by a vinegar-chili dip), and a legitimately spicy beef rendang that’s been simmered in kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal.
Predictions and New Years go together like cupcakes and sprinkles, especially when it comes to the topic of desserts.
2017 was a year of colorful decadence and over-the-top sweets like cake-topped milkshakes and funfetti cream-filled croissants. But in 2018 we’ll say goodbye to cereal atop everything, with a shift towards wellness, plant-based goodies, and whole grains (yes, even in our desserts!).
Below are the biggest trends we think you’ll want to watch out for in the year ahead.
If 2017 was a year of excess, 2018 will be equally focused on mindful eating and wellness. We’ll see this in the confections we consume as well. As demand for plant-based food options has reached record highs, 2018 will bring a bigger emphasis on plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan sweets. You can already see this with the popularity of the vegan/dairy-free selections at LA’s beloved soft-serve institution Magpies Softserve, but you’ll soon start to see such options on menus citywide. We’re even predicting more stand-alone spots devoted to alternative-diet sweets. One place to look out for is the upcoming bakery from whole-foods baking company Sweet Laurel, focusing on paleo, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free baked goods.
Even with the gluten-free craze in full effect, it’s clear people are still enjoying bread and baked goods, and heirloom grains are making a big comeback this year. In 2017 we embraced heritage grains in the form of artisan breads from local millers like Grist & Toll and farmers like Alex Weiser of Weiser Family Farms, but in 2018 we’ll see these grains go beyond bread to make their presence felt in pastry cases across L.A. Roxana Jullapat at Friends & Family offers great examples of this, with heirloom grain in housemade viennoiseries and baked goods like sonora wheat croissants, einkorn shortbreads, and spelt blueberry muffins.
2017 was a big year for Filipino food and for ube in particular — just take a look at the trending treats from Silver Lake bakery FrankieLucy Bakeshop for reference. While we think Filipino food will continue to make a splash in 2018, we’re predicting that Middle Eastern flavors and spices will be a dominant force in desserts. Middle Eastern cuisine had a strong presence in Los Angeles in mid-to-late 2017 with Kismet and Mh Zh hitting the scene. We expect continued growth and excitement about Middle Eastern food to make a big impact on desserts — think flavors like cardamom, pomegranate and pistachio. One great place you can expect to see this is Bavel, the new restaurant from chef Ori Menashe and pastry chef Genevieve Gergis (of Bestia fame) opening in early 2018.
Not only are there great classic spots all over the Valley, but the past few years have brought a food renaissance to the SFV, which is why Thrillist has updated their list of the best restaurants on Ventura. Of course, there are also great cuts deeper north, but the Boulevard’s where much of the action happens, and is also way easier for any friends coming from over the hill to get to.
Strong cocktails and killer brunch from a Top Chef alum
The just-off-Cahuenga section of Ventura is one of LA’s trendiest gastropub havens, but one of the first to set up shop on the block was Black Market, which combines the efforts of Top Chef alum Antonia Lofaso with lauded barmen Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni. It’s jam-packed on weekend nights, thanks to the tremendously tasty drinks (the spicy/grapefruity Chilero is a favorite) and some of the city’s best wings, as well as an egg-laden brunch.
Divey spot with pub fare and 60+ taps
Not only does this (yes, again) gastropub have one of the best burgers in town that you’ve never heard of, but it’s also got an insane beer list, and is walking distance from the Galleria, where you’ll smirk at the people waiting in line at The Cheesecake Factory… right before you stumble up to the ArcLight.
Late-night Valley institution with terrific margaritas
Is this the best Mexican food you’ll ever eat? No, it is not. Still, it’s been a Valley classic for over 50 years, due in one part to amazing margaritas, and in another part to incredible chips-and-guac, and, in yet another part, to that old-school charm-y Mexican restaurant decor that falls flat when anyone tries to modernize it. And the oven-style burritos — wet with sauce and covered with drippy cheese — are pretty excellent too, all told.
Classic, family-style Chinese food
If you’ve got friends who grew up in the Valley, it’s likely that their taste for Chinese food started at this mid-Boulevard staple. But it’s not just nostalgia that keeps the lights on here: Bamboo’s a Zagat-rated favorite, with reliably delicious takes on classic dishes like well-salted wonton soup and sizzling hot beef & scallops.
Reliable reincarnation of a sushi classic
The transformation from Sushi Nozawa to Sugarfish — the most consistent chain of any kind we’ve ever eaten at, with some of the best sub-$50 sushi you’ll find anywhere — has not gone unnoticed. Sugarfish is great, and unequivocally so.
Middle Eastern spot with excellent kebabs
Sure, it’s as far west as you’re likely to go, but it’s worth heading under the 405 for this Persian treasure. In addition to melt-in-your-mouth skewers of beef and chicken, you’ll also want to try the rice boiled with sour cherries and chicken, and the juicy, thick savory stews of veal and eggplant. As an added bonus, there’s plentiful, under-the-405, shopping cart parking nearby!
Barebones space with barbecue and a massive beer selection
This long-standing BBQ spot is a classic for a whole host of reasons. It serves up tender, drool-inducing ribs, features a wide-ranging and ever-changing craft beer list (42 taps long), offers a half-priced wine special every Tuesday and Wednesday, and has a daily happy hour. Oh, and the Kobe beef & chili-filled donuts here are life-affirmingly good.
Longtime sushi spot serving both trendy & traditional takes
OK, props to one more sushi joint: this unassuming, tucked-away spot serves not only hearty helpings of salmon nigiri and crazy-good uni, but also has the best blackened cod on the Boulevard. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a man throw a 13-foot python at you while you eat your dinner.
Bistro emphasizing farm-fresh ingredients
This New American spot got a rave review from Jonathan Gold and has become one of the surest bets for great food in the Valley. The dinner menu’s got tempura cauliflower and a patty melt that’s become a local favorite, and chef/owner Ted Hopson’s also got a poached-egg-topped grain bowl and a hot chicken sandwich for brunch on the weekends.
Romantic spot for a sit-down dinner
This longstanding nice-dinner favorite has an indoor/outdoor vibe, and a pedigreed chef who’s now doing a three-course tasting menu as well as a la carte options like an osso buco and lamb-rib duo. Try to get a seat outside by the fireplace: this is the rare Valley restaurant that feels romantic without being hokey, and the patio vibe goes a long way in establishing that atmosphere.
Counter service standby for lunch or dinner
There is tons of great Middle Eastern food in the Valley, but for the East Valley, Joe’s reigns supreme: their falafel is a lunchtime staple, thanks to a perfectly crisp exterior and a chickpea mixture that’s surprisingly spiced (is that… cinnamon I’m tasting??). Their bowl specials are also exceedingly affordable and always delicious.
THE FRANKLAND LEE EMPIRE
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Acclaimed restaurant group by a husband/wife duo
Vaunted Scratch|Bar chef Phillip Frankland Lee and his pastry chef wife Margarita have single-handedly (or is that double-handedly? How does that work?) changed the dining scene in the West Valley with a quartet of restaurants, all located in the Woodley Plaza center. There’s the gastropub-y Woodley Proper, the seafood-centric Frankland’s Crab & Co, Sushi|Bar (which trounces the Valley’s raw-fish mainstays), and of course the flagship Scratch|Bar, all of which have become destination restaurants in a part of LA that had never really been on the culinary map before.
LA landmark serving traditional Cuban dishes
This LA Cuban mini-chain is responsible for one of the city’s most iconic dishes (garlic chicken, yes please), but is also great for sandwiches, casual/inexpensive group dinners, and other events that don’t involve making out afterwards. Plus, you can tell your over-the-hill-friends that you ate at a bona fide LA institution, and then argue over why the hell they don’t believe you when you say the Valley’s every bit as good as the city is.
Well-made comfort food in a pub-style atmosphere
Gastropubs started trending in the East Valley nearly a decade ago, and the trend’s welcome crawl westward is exemplified by The Local Peasant’s two locations on Ventura — one in Sherman Oaks, and one all the way west in Woodland Hills. Does that mean Woodland Hills is the next Studio City? Maybe, but until we know for sure, order some chocolate chunk bread pudding and make yourself comfortable.
Addictive Middle Eastern fare inside a shopping center
Worthy of a Tarzana trip all by itself, the bubbly, doughy flatbread at this Middle Eastern mainstay has the perfect consistency to sop up any of the 12+ all-you-can-eat “salads” served with every dish, which include multiple deconstructions of eggplant, a chopped liver pate, and a slew of spiced vegetables. Here’s your go-to move: order one of the skewer dishes for every two or three people at your table, and then go HAM on the salads — and the bread. Oh, and also order the hummus (duh).
1. Current Top Chef contender, Bruce Kalman of Union Pasadena will host his annual Feast of Seven Fishes dinner on Christmas Eve. Now in it’s third year, the feast will feature olive oil poached abalone, uni risotto, halibut steamed in fig leaves and more. Reservations can be made by calling Union at 626-795-5841 or via email at reservations@unionpasadena.com. Advanced ticket sales only and all reservations will be confirmed via email. The meal cost $125 per person with a $40 wine pairing option.
2.Tintorera will host a special brunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Both will be served family-style with brunch available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5-10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a selection of classic Tintorera dishes complemented by signature drinks like Michelada and house mezcal. Both meals cost $60 per person.
3.Downtown CHAYA’s Amuse & Four-Course Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe Menu is a Japanese style meal that starts with Kumamoto Oyster with caviar and gold flake, and Kinmedai and Wagyu Nigiri to cleanse the palate. Courses to follow include Grilled Spanish Octopus; Hudson Valley Duck Breast; Togarashi Ora King Salmon; Angus Filet Mignon served with a wasabi au jus and Macha Opera Cake served with yuzu anglaise and fresh raspberries. The dinner cost $75.00 per person and service is held between 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
4. Executive Chef Tony Esnault will prepare a Three-Course Christmas Eve Menu de Noel at Spring. The meal begins with hors d’oeuvres and moves onto your choice of Salmon, prepared with beets Hawaiian heart of palm, scallions and crostini or Magret de Canard, a maple leaf duck breast with sweet potato, pomegranate and kale, or the Flat Iron Steak, a Strauss Farm grass fed beef with forest mushrooms, pee wee potatoes and celery. Finish your evening with desserts like the Buche de Noel Traditionnelle made with a Valrhona chocolate log, orange marmalade and kumquats, and the Vacherin, with meringue, mango, passion fruit, and coconut sorbet. The dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m. and cost $76.00 per person with the option of wine pairing for $38 per person.
5. Plant based restaurant Beelman’s in DTLA will be open on Christmas Eve. Chef Caroline Concha will host a Tiki Themed Christmas with specials throughout entire day starting at noon till the late hours of 2 a.m.
6. Christmas Eve at Craft Los Angeles will offer a festive prix-fixe dinner menu served part family-style with main course choices that include apple tortelli with pine nuts; sage and roasted quail; parmesan risotto topped with truffles and more. Pastry chef Shannon Swindle will provide dessert options for the table to end the meal. Sweets include a spiced persimmon pudding, seasonal ice cream and sorbets, as well as a hazelnut, cranberry and pear tart. Reservations can be made between 5-8:30 p.m. The prix-fixe cost $135 per person.
7. Have a cozy meal inside a historic Craftsman cottage when The Raymond 1886 hosts a delectable Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner. The feast begins with a choice of Wildhead Stealhead Roe with Lemoncello sorbet, and pickled lemon, or the Micro-Farmed Massachusetts Oyster with Yuzu-jalapeno, and Hungarian carrot. What comes next are choices of Wild Albacore from Fiji; Hand Harvested Scallops; Prime Iowa Beef; Roasted Duck Breast; Wild Caught Salmon and more. End the evening on a sweet note with a Chocolate “Blackout Cake” with chocolate malt balls, and Bailey’s Cremeux. The Raymond 1886 will be open for Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for Christmas Eve Dinner from 4-7 p.m. the Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner cost $120 per person.
8.The Restaurant at Mr. C will host a “feast of the seven fishes” theme Christmas Eve menu featuring a four-course meal of coastal inspired dishes. Choose from a Trio of Marinated Scottish Salmon; Tuna Tartare; Lobster Risotto; Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut and more. Dinner service begins at 6 p.m. On Christmas Day the restaurant will continue the seafood inspired menu starting at noon. The four-course menu includes King Crab Salad with soft avocado and citrus dressing; Baked Cipriani Mezze Maniche pasta; Pan Roasted Chilean Seabass with white wine sauce served with artichokes alla Romana; and a holiday favorite, a Panettone with mascarpone cream and chocolate fondant. Both meals cost $95 per person with an option for wine pairing at $35.
9.The Mar Vista will offer a three course prix-fixe Christmas dinner with two seatings available at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Inspired by California’s seasonal ingredients the menu will include Mushroom Fundido; Kurobuta Pork Chop with corn bread dressing; Duck Confit with lime-spiked sweet potatoes and Persimmon Bread Pudding and horchata ice cream. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at (310) 751-6773. The prix-fixe cost $50 for adults and $20 for kids.
10. Live large this holiday. Mastro’s will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas from 2-9 p.m. serving all their fan favorites like mouth watering steaks, seafood towers and decadent sides like the Alaskan King Crab Black Truffle Gnocchi Gorgonzola Mac & Cheese and Lobster Mashed Potatoes. Treat yourself to a Winter Whisper seasonal cocktail and the popular Warm Butter Cake as well.
11.Lost at Sea in Pasadena will be open for Christmas dinner featuring prime rib as a main course this Monday.
You’ve got college friends/parents/strangers-you-met-on-the-sidewalk coming to visit LA, huh? Well, it’s your duty to show them a great time; but even more than that, show them what LA is really about. You’re their tour guide, so why take them to the predictable places they’d go without you? Instead, we whipped up this handy guide to help you really dig into the heart of our fair city, while skipping out on the touristy, obvious choices.
Instead of In-N-Out, hit up an under-the-radar burger joint
If they’re not from the West Coast, the obvious answer is to take them to In-N-Out (there’s one by the airport for maximum convenience). But chances are they’re already familiar with the beauty of the Double-Double, so hook ’em up with some under-the-radar burgers that are truly LA — Bill’s Hamburgers and Jack’s Classic in the Valley are great options, as well as Carney’s in West Hollywood.
Instead of the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek, find a more intimate venue
LA is undeniably a music town, and the city is filled with incredible spots to catch live acts. But instead of relying on one of the huge venues, consider some of the smaller local spots full of LA history, like the Kibitz Room (where Guns N’ Roses and the Chili Peppers got their start) or even Rainbow Bar & Grill (where legends like Elvis and Lemmy would hang). You should also consider one of the many amazing venues with free music nights where you can catch up-and-coming stars and sometimes surprise appearances from big names. You can even split the difference between huge & tiny venues with excellent, intimate shows at the Troubadour or the Teragram Ballroom.
Instead of fast food for a late-night fourth meal, eat tacos from a truck
Tacos are essentially LA on a plate, and there might be nothing more perfect for out-of-towners to get the full experience than posting up outside of a taco truck (bonus points if it’s after you’ve taken them to one of LA’s infamous dive bars). Don’t settle for the first truck you find (though chances are it’ll get you through) — hunt down Leo’s or El Flamin’ Taco for that legendary al pastor, or any number of the exemplary tacos that can be found across LA. If it’s mid-afternoon and you’re looking to get a little more artisanal with your tacos, get over to Guerrilla Tacos or Kogi BBQ in a hurry. And explain to your guests who Roy Choi is while you’re at it.
Instead of eating fancy, Americanized sushi in a trendy area, go old-school in a strip mall
If there’s one thing that makes LA what it is, it’s our limitless amount of incredible food in strip malls. Sushi especially. The long drive to Canoga Park is beyond worth it for Go’s Mart (Go’s fish is imported straight from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo) though the entire SF Valley is packed with gems like Katsuya, Sushi Spot, Chiba, and more. For a non-Valley option, Hamasaku certainly won’t let you down.
Instead of a predictable club, go to a Houston Hospitality speakeasy-style bar
It might sound odd to endorse an entire hospitality company, but fraternal twins Mark and Jonnie Houston have done something kind of incredible for LA’s nightlife scene: They’ve created an enduring brand of genuinely fun destinations. When fans hear they’re opening a new spot, they tend to geek out like a new Star Wars movie is on the way. Almost every HH bar is defined by a secret entrance, excellent live music, some sort of live show, and an insanely attractive clientele. Take a gander at No Vacancy to start off, as it probably best defines what Houston Hospitality stands for (and don’t spoil the entrance!).
Instead of drinking beer at Dave & Buster’s or 33 Taps, drink beer in LA’s booming craft beer scene
Though LA doesn’t have historical roots as a major beer capital, that is quickly changing. Breweries have been popping up like mad, finally helping to give LA some recognition in the beer world. Guests staying in the Valley? MacLeod Ale Brewing Company has you covered. More Eastside? FrogTown Brewery is one of our best newcomers, as well as Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District. You can even plan your own Arts District beer crawl — make sure you hit Boomtown, Mumford, Iron Triangle, Angel City, and Arts District Brewing for the grand finale.
Instead of the Dodgers/Lakers/Clippers/Kings, go to a Rams game
The Rams are back, ladies and gentlemen. We had them from 1946-1994, and starting this year they’re ours again. Though they will be playing at the Coliseum (where you can also find some great food options) until the new Inglewood-based arena is finished, it’s still crazy exciting to watch a pro football team in LA.
Instead of the 3rd Street Promenade, eat some Korean BBQ in Koreatown
LA has the largest Korean-American population in the country, and our Koreatown is a mecca of limitless wonders that many visitors miss. LA simply wouldn’t be what it is without Koreatown, and one of the best ways to truly experience it is to go all-out on a huge KBBQ meal (which somehow tastes even better later at night). We have a slew of knockout meat havens, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t consider Hae Jang Chon, Soowon Galbi, Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, or J-Gold favorite Park’s (by now you should have explained to your guests exactly who Jonathan Gold is). Stuck with a bunch of vegetarians? No problem, K-Town can still be explored. Try out Beverly Soon Tofu or BCD Tofu House, for some soondubu, or tofu stew. And last time I checked, vegetarians can do karaoke, which is another essential part of the K-Town (and LA) experience.
Instead of seeing comedy at The Comedy Store or the Improv, check out an indie show
Though our traditional clubs are filled with comedy legends that you know and love, our underground scene is unstoppable. You’ll catch superstars and up-and-comers alike in people’s backyards, taco shops, and even secret locations that you can only find by getting on an email list. These shows make for much better memories for both visitors and locals.
Instead of taking a studio tour, take a tour of Clifton’s Cafeteria
Clifton’s was around for 80 years before its recent stunning, $10 million renovation — helmed by the guy behind The Edison — so the place is rich with LA history (and the more you explore, the more subtle nods to LA history you’ll find). Four floors of mysteries and curiosities await you inside the legendary so-much-more-than-a-cafeteria. And with the newly opened Tiki bar? Forgetaboutit.
Instead of waiting in line at Pink’s, eat dumplings in the San Gabriel Valley
Pink’s is great, but your guests probably have hot dogs where they come from and you don’t have time for that line. An SGV visit will be a lot more memorable — what Koreatown is for Korean BBQ, the San Gabriel Valley is for Chinese & Sichuan food. No trip is complete without hitting Din Tai Fung for soup dumplings or Chengdu Taste for… well, literally anything. That place really can’t miss.
Instead of hiking in Griffith Park… actually, just go hiking in Griffith Park. It’s great.
For real, Griffith Park is so gigantic that you don’t need to see the Hollywood sign to have a great time. Check out the Wisdom Tree, or if all else fails, any of these secret hikes.
On Wednesday, November 22, Hope of the Valley provided the largest Thanksgiving meal in the Valley at their Help Center in Van Nuys.
Several Rodeo Realty agents were in attendance helping serve more than 1,000 traditional Thanksgiving meals to the homeless and hungry.
In order to help the ministry offset the cost of feeding so many hungry people, Rodeo Realty also sponsored several tables for the event. The company cares about the less fortunate and is happy to continue sponsoring the event and also volunteer.
For the Thanksgiving banquet, homeless individuals and people in need were bused to the center from all over the Valley to enjoy a gourmet Thanksgiving meal. In addition to enjoying a meal with all the fixings, guests also were able to participate in the fourth annual street fair where community partners gave away blankets, socks, tooth brushes, sleeping bags, medical exams, and much more! Hope of the Valley also gave away two cars!
Thanksgiving is this week and if you’re like many you have done zero in the planning department. Luckily there is still time to make reservations at some of the best establishments across Los Angeles. If you’re still looking for a place to wine and dine take a peek below at some of the top last minute Thanksgiving ideas.
On that note, here’s hoping everyone has a happy (and delicious) holiday, whether you’re planning to prepare all the fixings at home or taking one of the recommendations below.
Bon Appétit!
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Last Minute Thanksgiving Ideas
1. The Mar Vista (Mar Vista)
Eclectic neighborhood restaurant The Mar Vista will offer a three-course menu featuring Thanksgiving dishes with a twist. Highlights include wild rice pistachio turkey roulade, turkey leg confit and a cranberry raspberry crumble. The meal will be offered over two dinner seatings; at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. –> More information
2. Gracias Madre x Guelaguetza Thanksgiving Benefit (West Hollywood)
Plant based Mexican restaurant Gracias Madre combine forces with Oaxacan power house Guelaguetza for a Thanksgiving fundraiser benefiting Por Oaxaca, who’s mission is to aid indigenous communities in Oaxaca affected by the 8.2 earthquake in Mexico on September 7, 2017. Head over to Gracias Madre on Thanksgiving from 1-5pm and donate a suggested $25 to the cause and dine on seasonal eats like Butternut Squash Tamales, Pumpkin Cheesecake and Cranberry Margaritas. –> More information
3. Clifton’s Republic (Downtown Los Angeles)
Spend Thanksgiving at a legendary venue. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Executive Chef Andrew Pastore will host a buffet with “all you care to enjoy” options for $55 per person. Highlights include classic trimmings like mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, roasted vegetables and mac n’ cheese. There’s also a special value menu for $12 featuring your choice of turkey or chicken pot pie with a slice of pumpkin pie and a soft drink. Those not interested in Thanksgiving fare can head to the Pizza Station! Cocktail Ambassador Beau du Bois will be serving a cider sparkling punch cocktail called Turkey Day Punch made of apple cider, Prosecco, Brandy, orange, cranberry, cinnamon and apricot. –> More information
4. The Raymond 1886 (Pasadena)
One of Pasadena’s oldest establishments opens it’s historical cottage up for a traditional family-style feast this Thanksgiving. Highlights include Oven Roasted Turkey, Garlic & Black Pepper Encrusted Prime Rib, Candied Weiser Farms Yams with Toasted Homemade Marshmallows, Italian Sausage & Grilled Apple Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole and more. Save room for dessert, they’ll be serving a decadent Caramalized Apple with Almond Bread Pudding and Pumpkin Mousse. The meal cost $76.00 per person and is available from noon to 7 p.m. –> More information
5. Craft LA (Century City)
Chef de cuisine Denis Crutchfield will host a seasonally-driven family-style feast. Guests will start with succulent pork belly with butternut squash, an endive and pear salad and octopus with celery root before selecting an individual entree. Options for entrees include roasted organic turkey, diver scallops and a wagyu sirloin. in addition an assortment of sides will be presented to go with entrees. Pastry chef Shannon Swindle will help end the night on a sweet note with a pumpkin & cranberry “bombe” and a quince brown betty to share with the table. Thanksgiving dinner is served between 1-8 p.m. and cost $140 per person. –> More information
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6. Spring (Downtown Los Angeles)
Michelin Starred Chef Tony Esnault will offer a special three- course meal this Thanksgiving. On the menu diners will find, Roasted Mary’s Free-Range Turkey with Gravy, a Slowly Cooked Prime Rib with herb crust and chimichurri, Pan Seared Branzino with capers and Meunièr and a Farmer’s Market Root Vegetable Gratin. Each entrée will be accompanied with traditional Thanksgiving sides. There will also be an Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie with bourbon caramel sauce and Pumpkin Pie served with spiced Tahitian vanilla chantilly for dessert. The meal cost $65 per person and is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. –> More information
7. Crossroads Kitchen (Beverly Grove)
Innovative plant based eatery Crossroads will serve a four course prix fixe menu on Thanksgiving from noon to 5 p.m. Guests will start with a Butternut Squash Bisque and Autumn salad and move onto a Holiday Spices Chickpea Cake served with seasonal trimmings such as mash potatoes, stuffing, brussle sprouts and sweet potato biscuits. –> More information
8. Wolf (Melrose)
Chef Marcel Vigneron will host a Thanksgiving prix fixe featuring a five-course tasting. On the menu guests will find brined and spatchcocked turkey, ora king salmon and roasted roots of carrot, turnip and sunchoke. The meal cost $75 per person and will be available from 4-9 p.m. –> More information
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9. Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse (Downtown Los Angeles)
Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the delicous trimmings during Nick & Stef’s Thanksgiving dinner. The meal includes Diestel Farms Turkey, chestnut stuffing, potato purée, candied butternut squash, pickled cranberry compote and turkey gravy for $49. Guests can pair their meal with a spiced hot toddy made with Bulleit bourbon a end their meal with a Pumpkin Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Spiced Cremeux. Dinner is served from 3-9 p.m.–> More information
10. by CHLOE. (Silver Lake)
The fast-casual, plant-based eatery by CHLOE. will be open on Thanksgiving Day. This year they’ll bring back their famous, vegan, Thanksgiving burger. Deemed as The Gobble Gobble the burger comes with a lemon-caper seitan, sautéed kale, rosemary gravy, harvest stuffing, and fresh cranberry sauce, served on a potato bun for $11.95. End your meal on a sweet note with a Pumpkin Cupcake topped with toasted marshmallow and a Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. The specials are available all month. –> More information
11. Upstairs 2 (Sawtelle)
If pairing the perfect wine with your Thanksgiving meal is a top priority, head to Upstairs 2 this Thanksgiving. They’ll be serving a three course turkey dinner with family sides from 2-7 p.m. Menu highlights include a grilled elk chop with whole grain mustard sauce, pan roasted wild salmon with coriander yogurt sauce and a traditional roast turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce. The meal cost $55 for Adults and children 12 and under will be served their own turkey dinner for $25. Wine pairing with each course cost an additional $25. –> More information
It’s time for Dodger baseball! This week the Dodgers begin their World Series showdown versus the Astros and the entire city is celebrating through drink and food specials that include $2 beers, $1 shots of whiskey and more. We’ve got a few choice options on where to watch the big games and get a few tasty deals to boot.
Bon Appétit!
Where To Eat During The World Series
The Dodgers are back in the World Series for the first time since 1988. Now some of the city’s bars are gearing up to help all Dodger fans celebrate. Check out our top picks of bars and resturants offering specials.
Baldoria will offer an all-night happy hour on World Series game days. For every Dodger home run the bar will serve $1 shots of whiskey. If the Dodgers win the World Series, anyone at the bar during game day will receive a free glass of champagne.
Brack Shop Tavern in DTLA will give out free appetizers (one per table) for guests wearing Dodger gear on World Series game days.
Dog Haus biergarten locations located in USC, Alhambra and Old Pasadena Green Street will offer it’s Happy Hour deals from game start to finish.
Public School on Tap gastropub has added in a large projector in the dining room of its Downtown Los Angeles location for special screenings of the game. Additionally, “Recess” (aka Happy Hour) is held everyday from 3 to 7 p.m., with specially priced drinks and bites.
The Standing Room is showing the World Series and they’re doing an off-menu chili cheese hot dog plus one draft beer for $10.
Laurel Tavern in Hermosa Beach will be airing the game on its TVs and large wall projector, the second largest screen in the South Bay!.
Lost at Sea in Old Town Pasadena will offer $2 beers on World Series game days to guests who post an Instagram photo wearing a Dodger hat.
DTLA’s Prank Bar will offer a Turner-Taylor Triple Header the bars rendition of the Dodger Dog for $15. The drink special is My Blue Heaven made with blanco tequila, butterfly pea flowers, agave, fresh lime and a touch of Himalayan sea salt for $7.
