18 Unique Brunches in Los Angeles

Whether you prefer a boozy breakfast or a more caffeinated morning, few weekend outings top a solid brunch experience.

L.A. always offers up a plethora of places to get your brunch on, but sometimes you want to switch things up from your tried-and-true favorites. That’s where this list comes in.

Do you want to try breakfast pizza in a West Adams party atmosphere with live music? Chilaquiles in a 1920s Spanish-style house in Toluca Lake? Share brunch with your pooch in Mid-City? Listen to live jazz at a luxury retreat surrounded by nature in Westlake Village? Imbibe a breakfast Old Fashioned paired up with duck hash in Playa del Rey? We’ve got choices.

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1. The Mar Vista (Mar Vista)

This gorgeous space, opened in early 2017, is loaded with greenery and features a smartly designed Murphy bed-style stage that can be eased down the wall for frequent musical performances. Dedicated to using “ugly” produce, the Mar Vista’s menu is globally inspired and a refreshing addition to the up-and-coming neighborhood. This Sunday-only brunch is served in the company of chill DJ-spun tunes and live art. Food options include a beautiful “cranked bowl” of yogurt and shredded frozen fruit, chilaquiles, a smoked salmon-loaded baked potato, and a bacon & egg hotpot. Pair them with a bellini or a michelada for a boozy affair. -> More info here

2. Manuela (DTLA)

Located at Hauser & Wirth gallery, Manuela is an art-laden restaurant with a menu heavy on fermenting, pickling, preserving and in-house smoking. Many of the herbs, vegetables and fruit served here are grown right outside in Hauser & Wirth’s garden, while eggs come directly from the 12 rare-breed chickens in the adjacent chicken runs. Brunch offerings include hush puppies with molasses butter, grilled Texas quail with labne, a deer burger, Dungeness Crab Louie, and cinnamon churros with dulce de leche. -> More info here

3. Jane Q (Hollywood)

Located at the just-opened Everly Kimpton Hotel near the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, Jane Q. is a bright, airy, counter-style spot utilizing lots of fresh-off-the-farm produce. For brunch, try the Savannah B.E.L.T. sandwich (pickled green tomato, pimento cheese, bacon candy and a fried egg),  the roasted sweet potato with spiced walnuts, yogurt and pickled Fresno chiles, duck confit monkey bread enrobed in mushrooms and melted teleggio cheese, or the avocado parfait. Pair these dishes with an Aperol spritz, Smog City coffee porter, or Sicilian coffee. -> More info here

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4. The Ponte (Beverly Grove)

If the idea of pasta for breakfast appeals to you, check out this casually elegant Italian eatery that’s drawing crowds for its excellent Italian cuisine and superior cocktail list. At brunch, standout dishes include spaghetti pomodoro, which The Ponte’s chef Scott Conant perfected during his years with Scarpetta, and Eggs in Purgatory. A scrumptious take on shakshuka, it features eggs poached in house-made puttanesca sauce atop creamy polenta. Sip on a Lucano Correcto (composed of coffee-infused amaro, rum, coffee liqueur, coffee, chocolate bitters and cream) or the Bloody Mary made with green chile vodka. -> More info here

5. Herringbone (Santa Monica)

This seafood-focused eatery in Santa Monica offers a gorgeous, beachy decor, lush greenery, a playful vibe, and extremely fresh and delicious fish. Oyster fans will want to check out the Salt & Brine Bar’s fresh oysters with kimchi mignonette. At brunch, try the lobster scramble with Maine lobster and caviar, or the crab cake benedict with sriracha hollandaise. You can enjoy endless rose at brunch for $25. -> More info here

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6. Friends & Family (East Hollywood)

Located in East Hollywood’s Thai Town, Friends & Family’s brunch is exceptional, offering dishes like olive oil fried eggs topped with chickpeas, harisa & yogurt with olive toast; baked pancake with rhubarb/blood orange house-made preserves; and duck in the hole (an egg fried within a slice of crusty bread, with a duck drumstick on the side). All the jams, breads and pastries served here are made in house, while heritage grains are used for the baked goods. Standout baked options include summer corn hand pie, spinach breakfast galette, and bacon leek quiche. Cool off with the agua fresca of the day. And who says you can’t finish your meal with a meringue ice cream sandwich? -> More info here

7. Delicious Pizza (West Adams)

Delicious Pizza — from the guys who started Delicious Vinyl — is home to one of the most delicious and unique brunch options in Los Angeles. At their West Adams location, it’s a friendly, multicultural scene that frequently offers live hip hop and jazz on Sundays. Check out the current exhibit at the location’s art gallery, then settle yourself on the spacious back patio to savor brunch selections like the Pick Me Up Pizza (topped with ricotta, mozzarella, homemade sausage and eggs), the Lean Green Pizza (laden with pesto, mozzarella, mushrooms, roasted peppers, pureed eggplant, basil and eggs), fluffy ricotta-heavy pancakes and some very tasty sangria. -> More info here

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8. Aroha (Westlake Village)

The only New Zealand eatery in L.A., Aroha is a beautiful, romantic space that’s great for anyone eating gluten-free, as every item on the brunch menu can be made sans gluten. Top brunch dishes include banana pancakes with rum caramel, caramelized pineapple pancakes, and New Zealand venison sausage and eggs. Try a brunch cocktail like the Hamilton (sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, lavender and lemon) or the Aroha Nui (Mount Gay Rum with butterfly pea flower).  -> More info here

9. Baltaire (Brentwood)

A beautifully sprawling dining room, a huge patio with a retractable roof, a ridiculously good-looking clientele and a cut-above wine list help make this ultra-glamorous Brentwood steakhouse a superior place for brunch (or any meal, for that matter). Try a glass of rosé with a globally inspired dish like the albacore and salmon poké bowl with yuzu ponzu, avocado, and house-pickled vegetables, Eggs Sardou with artichoke hearts, spinach, and hollandaise on a housemade cheddar-scallion biscuit, roasted cauliflower steak with lentil chimichurri and sunny-side-up egg, or an ahi nicoise with banyuls vinaigrette & peewee potatoes. -> More info here

10. mar’sel at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)

At mar’sel, enjoy stunning ocean views, exquisite food, and unique drink offerings like the Pacific Granita (a cocktail served tableside and cooled with liquid nitrogen until frozen), seasonal mocktails, and a sangria basket for two. The aforementioned basket offers your choices of three unusual sangrias, including a Pinot Grigio-based sangria with St. Germain, apricot, peach, lavender, gooseberries and a carafe of Prosecco for topping up. Notable brunch dishes include grilled wagyu with roasted bone marrow rice, bok choy, yuzu aioli, and a 65-degree egg; buttermilk fried chicken with a green juice shooter, kimchee, and wild arugula; and black-ink flatbread served with a soft scrambled eggs, diced pancetta, shaved pepato cheese and red chili. -> More info here

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11. The Bellwether (Studio City)

How do you improve on a Bloody Mary? Find out at The Bellwether in Studio City, where Mama Betty’s Bloody Mary is not only made from vodka infused in-house with habanero, but is also garnished with an adorable mini BLT. This Studio City eatery also features Pimm’s Cups, cocktails on tap, and brunch dishes like Eggs in Purgatory (baked in spicy tomato sauce with Calabrian chili, ciabatta bread and pecorino), the Ploughman’s Burger with Branston pickle and clothbound cheddar, or a vanilla kouign-amann. -> More info here

12. Sawyer (Silver Lake)

Serving up seasonal California cuisine with a nod to Southern U.S. influences, this Silver Lake eatery, inspired by Mark Twain’s classic Tom Sawyer, is a beautiful, airy space offering superior cocktails and seafood-centric fare. Try brunch on their lovely patio, enclosed with birch trees, olive trees and vibrant bougainvillea on chilly days the roaring fireplace can be seen put to use.  Standouts include smoked trout salad with horseradish creme fraiche, Maine lobster roll, the catfish po’ boy, pork loin breakfast sandwich and cornmeal blueberry pancakes. -> More info here

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13. Ray’s & Stark Bar (Mid-Wilshire)

Situated next to LACMA behind one of L.A.’s most iconic photo sites/artworks —- Chris Burden’s Urban Light — Ray’s recently instituted its “Barky Brunch,” with a menu of canine-friendly dishes, including a chicken liver and brown rice cookie, a steamed chicken and broccoli bowl or a giant bone shaped pizza crust. Their human companions can brunch on dishes like a crispy pork belly sandwich with scrambled eggs and arugula; Croque Madame with béchamel, pistachio ham, aged gruyere, fried egg, and rosemary; or eggs tartine with Maitake mushrooms. -> More info here

14. The Tripel or Playa Provisions (Playa del Rey)

Brooke Willamson’s two Playa del Rey restaurants both offer great brunch experiences. Like the idea of a beer-centric brunch? Then visit The Tripel, known for its amazing beer flights. Here you can savor unique brunchy fare like the sweet carrot farrow with wilted kale, linguica, poached egg, and truffle pecorino, or duck hash with lobster-salted peewee potatoes, duck confit, fried egg, pancetta, and vinegar-cooked greens. At Playa Provisions, you can gaze upon the beach, listen to live jazz, sip the Breakfast Old Fashioned (bourbon, cold brewed coffee, Frangelico, and chocolate bitters) and partake in a coconut chia seed pudding, a bagel topped with beet-cured salmon, or Nutella and banana French toast. -> More info here and here

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15. Cascabel (Toluca Lake)

This unique Mexican restaurant is housed within a beautiful 1920s Spanish house with original details. Exposed beams, wooden floors, windows made of leaded or stained glass, seating made of turquoise velvet or burnished leather, and an enormous snake painted on one of the walls all contribute to the very cool decor at Cascabel. Serving Mexican food with a strong L.A. influence, you’ll want to sip on a rosewater margarita, a michelada or a jamaica sangria while enjoying dishes like smoked bacon guacamole, chile relleno with chorizo, shrimp and chile soup, toast topped with anchovies, or chilaquiles with sesame salsa. To really enliven an already festive scene, Cascabel will soon feature live Latin Rock bands during Sunday brunch. -> More info here

16. The Raymond (Pasadena)

Housed within a 19th-century Craftsman house, The Raymond is a gorgeous spot to get your brunch on. Tucked away off Fair Oaks Avenue the location transports guests into a serine hideaway from the bustling streets of Pasadena. At 1886, The Raymond’s bar, talented mixologists painstakingly create some of the best cocktails in Los Angeles. A perfect brunch libation is the gin-based Ramos Fizz, lightly fragranced with orange-flower water and topped with frothy egg white. Or you may want to try a whimsically named cocktail such as the Foghorn Leghorn (made with peach black tea-infused bourbon) or the mezcal-based Woody Woodpecker from the new Cartoons & Cocktails menu. Brunch-time standouts include grapefruit brûlée, apple fritters with maple syrup, avocado eggs benedict topped with chipotle hollandaise, and savory breakfast tacos stuffed with lightly gamey house-made lamb bacon, avocado, black beans and fried eggs. -> More info here

17. Four Seasons (Westlake Village)

Located in Westlake Village, the verdant Four Seasons Hotel is an outstanding place to get away from it all. Lushly landscaped and surrounded by mountains, the resort offers a Jazz and Champagne Brunch every Sunday on its gorgeous Waterfall Lawn. Listen to live jazz as you sip champagne and enjoy the farm-to-table buffet featuring freshly made sushi, crab legs and other seafood, fresh-baked bread, organic produce and much more. -> More info here

18. Valerie Confections (Echo Park)

Valerie Confections offers up tea and dishes that pair well with it, their recently expanded tea program includes small-batch artisanal tea brands offering robust flavors like velvet cacao, blood orange, and smoky green akinomori houjicha. Settle in on the shaded patio with a hot, aromatic cup as you enjoy dishes like kale and goat cheese bread pudding with a fried egg, the croque madame with onion marmalade, or an herb-and-goat-cheese scone. -> More info here

Article courtesy of We Like LA.

Planning Commission approves two-tower project near LA Live

The Los Angeles City Planning Commission gave its approval Thursday to a massive mixed use project set to rise across the street from LA Live.

The project, proposed by developer Shenzhen Hazens, would replace the existing Luxe City Center Hotel on Figueroa Street with a pair of towers rising from a flashy podium structure. Previous plans called for three towers, but the developer recently unveiled an alternative design consolidating the project into two structures.

The taller tower, designed by Steinberg Architects, would rise 49 stories and include 435 units of housing. The other structure, designed by Gensler, would be a 29-story hotel tower operated by W Hotels. It would have 300 rooms (significantly more than the 178 offered at Luxe City Center).

The two buildings would be connected by a three to five-level podium adorned with digital signs—in keeping with plans for many of the new projects planned for the Figueroa Corridor.

In addition to the hotel rooms and housing units, the project would also feature a total of 58,959 square feet of commercial space, including shops, bars, and restaurants. A total of 738 parking spaces for cars and 654 spots for bikes would be found in a four-level subterranean parking lot.

A pair of public plazas would be located at the base of the development, intended to provide a pedestrian connection to the project along Figueroa Street and at the corner of Figueroa and Olympic Boulevard.

Now approved by the planning commission, the project will next go before the city council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee.

Ground level retail
Towers seen from ground level
Aerial of plaza
Coffee shop at base of project
Two towers seen from street
Plaza with LA Live in the background

Article courtesy of Curbed. 

The Broad Releasing More Tickets For Yayoi Kusama 'Infinity' Mirror Rooms

Were you one of the unlucky ones who didn’t snag a ticket to the upcoming extended Infinity Room exhibit at the Broad? If so, luck is in your favor, because the museum plans to release 40,000 more tickets for the selfie-ready exhibit.

The additional tickets will go on sale Monday, October 2 at 12 p.m. This won’t be the same process as the first ticket go-around, though. Instead of sitting in an online waiting room with no knowledge of your chances, the museum will host a waiting room from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on its website. At noon, you’ll receive one of two messages: either you’ve received a randomized number giving you access to buy tickets, or you didn’t.

How are they managing to sell more tickets for a specifically-timed exhibit? Well, the Broad knows what the people want, and apparently the people want to come to the exhibit outside normal museum hours. Normally the museum opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, and closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 p.m. on popular nights. For the exhibit’s two-month run, however, the Infinity Rooms will be open for a few hours outside of those regular hours. Here are the new special times:

Tuesday/Wednesday: 5-7 p.m.
Thursday/Friday: 10-11 a.m., 8-9 p.m.
Saturday: 9-10 a.m., 8-10 p.m.
Sunday: 9-10 a.m., 6-8 p.m.

That’s an extra 14 hours of Instagram content per week.

If you still don’t manage to get a ticket ahead of time, the museum will be offering a limited number of first-come, first-served, same-day standby tickets for the exhibit. Online, the tickets will cost $25; in person, they’ll be $30.

And remember, this exhibit isn’t for those who spend long amounts of time absorbing art. You’ll have 30 seconds of personal time in each room (infinity mirrors =/= infinity time) and about 15 minutes of group time at each room while everyone waits for the 25-person group to finish cycling through the space. If all goes well, you’ll leave with six new photos to fill your Instagram grid and some newfound connections with other digitally-obsessed museum-goers (or, at least, some new followers).

Article courtesy of LAist. 

Things to do This September in Los Angeles

Can you believe it’s already September!! Where has this year gone? Well if you don’t have any plans for this month, take a look at the list below. There are plenty of events going on this month! Enjoy!

1. The LA County Fair Returns (Sept. 1-24)

The LA County Fair returns to the Fairplex in Pomona September 1- 24 to kick off the fall with some delicious food and fun. -> More information

2. L.A. Times The Taste (Sept. 1-3)

Hosted from September 1-3, the event features five events with tastings from some of L.A.’s best chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists. -> More information

3. Made in LA Fest at Golden Road Brewing (Sept. 2-3)

Made in LA is a music fest that celebrates Los Angeles-based creators with a lineup that includes legendary West Coast rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G, YACHT, Buyepongo, Korey Dane, Maxim Ludwigas, and more. -> More information – Discount tickets

4. Fiesta Hermosa (Sept. 2-4)

Hermosa Beach’s 45th annual Fiesta Hermosa takes place from September 2-4 and features some 300 vendors, food, a kiddie play area and much more! -> More information

5. Long Beach Original Lobster Festival (Sept. 8-10)

The festival features fresh Maine lobster, live music, face painting, karaoke, arts & crafts booths, a petting zoo, plus various wine/beer gardens. -> More information – Discount tickets

6. Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival (Sept. 10)

The Los Angeles Latino Book and Family Festival comes to the La Plaza de Cultres y Artes on September 10 for a full day of exhibits, storytelling, author meet-and-greets, workshops, activities, food and much more.  Entry is free!-> More information

7. Grand Park Presents a Beat Swap Meet (Sept. 10)

Calling all music lovers & aficionados, Grand Park is hosting a FREE record & vinyl swap meet alongside live art-making, entertainment & a classic car show! -> More information

8. Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo (Sept. 15)

The LA Zoo’s signature summer music series concludes on September 15 with a themed night of 80s vs. 90’s music. Activities for the evening with include live bands, DJs, pop-up zoo keeper talks, special animal encounters, food trucks, lawn games and more. -> More information – Discount tickets

9. Los Angeles Anime Film Festival (Sept. 15-17)

Los Angeles Anime Film Festival celebrates 100 years of anime films during its three-day event September 15-17 at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE. -> More information

10. Tarfest at the La Brea Tar Pits (Sept. 16)

The 15th annual Tarfest is back for 2017 with a FREE showcase of music, dance, live artwork, a biergarten and wine Bar,and installations, all at the iconic La Brea Tar Pits. -> More information

11. Open Arts + Music Festival in Downtown Glendale (Sept. 16)

The Open Arts & Music Festival, a FREE event on September 16, returns to Downtown Glendale with music from Run River North, DUCKWRTH & more, along with craft beers, kiddie fun, $1 vinyl and much more. -> More information

1. Free Admission at 50+ SoCal Museums to Help Launch PST: LA/LA (Sept. 17)

As part of the launch for Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA over 50 SoCal museums will offer free admission on Sunday, September 17. -> More information

13. The 22nd Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival (Sept. 22-24)

The food festival will bring 27,000 fresh Maine lobsters to the South Bay for mouth-watering dishes, alongside an impressive music line-up all weekend! -> More information – Discount tickets

14. Surf City Dog Competition in Huntington Beach (Sept. 23)

The dog days of summer are coming to a close, but not without a bang. What better way to recognize the end of summer than with a dog surfing competition? -> More information

15. PROUD Movie Night at Grand Park (Sept. 23)

PROUD Movie Night at Grand Park comes to Downtown Los Angeles on September 23. The evening will showcase short films reflecting the diversity and freshness of creators from the Outfest Fusion Festival.. This is a FREE event for the LGBTQ community and its allies. -> More information

16. Dino Fest at Natural History Museum (Sept. 23-24)

The 2nd annual Dino Fest returns to NHMLA this September 23-24 for a weekend of celebrating the prehistoric giants that one ruled the earth. -> More information

17. Los Angeles Green Festival Expo (Sept. 23-24)

The two-day sustainable festival starts at 10 a.m. on September 23-24 will feature over 200 exhibitors, 50 inspirational speakers and hands-on activities. -> More information

18. The 33rd Annual Abbot Kinney Community Festival (Sept. 24)

The FREE community festival will feature over 300 quality vendors, food trucks, rides and games for kids, 4 music stages and 3 beer gardens! -> More information

19. UnSilent Cinema at FIGat7th (Sept. 28-29)

UnSilent Cinema is a two-day showcase of classic silent films enlivened by contemporary live scores. The back-to-back evenings will feature a happy hour in the TASTE courtyard, a DJ at the FIGat7th plaza, plus screenings of The Goddess scored by Juana Molina on Thursday and The Passion of Joan of Arc scored by Julia Holteron on Friday. Admission is free! -> More information

20. Downtown Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE (Sept. 29)

Downtown Dark Nights at L.A. LIVE on September 29 will feature $5 food and drink menus, live music, street performers, and a marketplace featuring eclectic goods from local artisans and vendors. -> More information

21. Music Tastes Good Festival in Long Beach (Sept. 30 – Oct. 1)

Music Tastes Good comes to Marina Green Park in Long Beach on September 30 and October 1 for two days of music, food, and art with Peaches, Sleater-Kinney & more. -> More information

Event schedule courtesy of We Like LA. 

Free Shuttle Service Coming To West Hollywood

Starting March 2018, Sunset Strip visitors will be able to get around on the weekends a little bit easier.

The West Hollywood City Council has voted to pilot a free six-month shuttle service for the Sunset Strip area.

The shuttle will go west along Sunset from Fairfax Avenue before turning south on Doheny Drive and heading east along Melrose. The shuttle will turn back north along San Vicente Boulevard to Sunset and continue east until dipping down to Santa Monica Boulevard between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Fairfax–providing better connectivity with popular restaurants such as Laurel Hardware.

The shuttle is expected to run between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. 

The pilot program is meant to promote nightlife around the strip and gives visitors a better option than the $30 parking lots. Aside from that, it will allow people to travel the Strip without worrying about driving while under the influence.

After the six months, the city will assess the program’s effectiveness and to decide whether to continue it further.

 

 

Proposed DTLA Tower Could Become Southern California's Tallest Residential Building

Plans for a 70-story, 810-foot mixed-use development have been revealed for downtown Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood. The tower is currently referred to as 1045 Olive and it will be the tallest residential building in Southern California.

According to Urbanize LA, 1045 Olive will include 794 apartments, and 12,504 sq. ft. of retail space.

The building is being developed by Miami-based Crescent Heights, which also developed Century City’s Ten Thousand tower along Santa Monica Boulevard, and was designed by ODA New York. According to Curbed, no low-income units have been decided on for the building. The Los Angeles Business Journal mentioned Crescent Heights paid $11.5 million for the half-acre site in 2015.

A development timeline has not been revealed.

Where To Find Eclipse Glasses In Los Angeles

Monday will bring a historic, total eclipse of the sun—the first total eclipse to cross the lower 48 U.S. states in 38 years. Here in L.A., we won’t quite reach totality (more like 70%) but it will still be extremely dangerous for your eyes to look directly at the sun.

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun, according to our friends at NASA, is through special-purpose solar filters like “eclipse glasses.” However, as you would imagine, said glasses have become quite the hot commodity as eclipse mania descends.

The glasses were formerly available at REI stores, but according to a Santa Monica REI store employee, that location is sold out—as are the rest of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force-approved REI stores in the city.

To make matters worse, experts have been warning of the potential for counterfeit glasses, which could damage viewers’ eyes. So where can the real deal still be procured?

Libraries
Try your local library. A selection of both city and county libraries across the L.A. area will be having eclipse viewing events on Monday, with free glasses stocked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Important note: the glasses will only be available for participants, during the actual events. The full list of participating county libraries can be found here, and participating city libraries here.

7-Eleven
7-Eleven is another one of the handful of retailers listed on the Task Force’s site. We haven’t had much luck finding anything in stock by calling around, but given the sheer number of 7-Eleven locations in Los Angeles, giving your neighborhood outpost a call is probably worth a shot. Most eclipse viewers are priced at $2 to $3.

Your nearest 7-Eleven store can be found here.

The Stellar Emporium Gift Shop At The Griffith Observatory
The Stellar Emporium gift shop at the Griffith Observatory will be selling a limited number of eclipse glasses (priced at $5) every day until the big event. There was already a line of people waiting outside when the store opened at noon on Thursday, so we recommend getting there early if you want to snag a pair.

The Stellar Emporium is located at 2800 E Observatory Road in Griffith Park. They open at noon on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Warby Parker
As mentioned above, Warby Parker was giving out free glasses—all of which have now been distributed from their Los Angeles locations. However, an employee at the Warby Parker Green Room location in West Hollywood told LAist that there was a chance their L.A. locations might get a few more in over the weekend… So, fingers crossed, it might be worth dropping by your local Warby Parker store on Saturday or Sunday (they say they won’t be giving out store-specific availability information over the phone). There are four Warby Parker stores in Los Angeles: one in Venice, one in the Arts District, one in West Hollywood, and one at the Standard Hollywood (also technically West Hollywood).

Make Your Own Pinhole Projector
Yes, you can prevent eclipse-blindness with a cereal box (and a few other basic supplies). Here’s a NASA tutorial on how to make your own pinhole projector for safe viewing:

Places In Los Angeles To Catch The 'Great American Eclipse'

The “Great American Eclipse” is coming on August 21– the first total eclipse to cross the lower 48 U.S. states in 38 years! What’s a total eclipse you ask? It’s where the moon completely blocks the sun and casts a shadow over the land.

Although Los Angeles lands outside of the total eclipse’s prime zone, Angelenos will still be able to experience an eclipse that takes up just under 70% of the sun’s diameter.

According to E.C. Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory, the moon will start overlapping the sun at around 9:05 a.m. The max overlap will be around 10:20 a.m.  The effect will be done around 11:45 a.m.

If you plan on catching the eclipse, NASA says you will require additional equipment, which includes solar eclipse glasses (not the same as sunglasses), telescopes with solar filters, and pinhole cameras, among other items.

You can definitely catch the “Great American Eclipse” from the comforts of your backyard. If you want to be among other spectators, there are plenty of spots in Los Angeles that will be holding viewings. The National Park Service (NPS) will be hosting some of these events, and will have a limited supply of solar glasses and “Junior Ranger eclipse books” at each spot. All the following events are free unless noted otherwise.

Enjoy!

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Griffith Observatory (Photo by Al Pavangkanan via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

Griffith Observatory

The Observatory will have a public viewing on its front lawn from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is free of admission. According to organizers, personal telescopes won’t be allowed at the event.

The Griffith Observatory is at 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles.

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L.A. State Historic Park (Photo by Annie Lesser/LAist)

L.A. State Historic Park (NPS Event)

Visit this 32-acre parcel of sprawling greens and either join the event directly at the park at 9:30 a.m., or you can meet up with NPS rangers at 8:30 a.m. at the Gateway to Nature Center in El Pueblo. From there, you can hike to the park to catch the eclipse.

L.A. State Historic Park is at 1245 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles. Gateway to Nature is at 130 Paseo de La Plaza, Los Angeles.

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King Gillette Ranch (Photo courtesy of National Park Service)

King Gillette Ranch (NPS Event)

This 588-acre space features a Spanish Colonial Revival style mansion, a large constructed pond, and an abundance of sweeping meadows. According to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, “it offers a rare unspoiled view of California’s rich archeological, cultural, and historic resources, including a Chumash settlement.”

The NPS says that a ranger will be there at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. to speak on the total eclipse. Afterward, guests will be invited to view the partial eclipse from the visitor center grounds.

King Gillette Ranch is located at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

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Rancho Sierra Vista (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa (NPS Event)

At 9:30 a.m., visitors can gather at the park’s Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, where there’ll be children’s activities and presentations of Native American sky stories. You’ll also get to see the eclipse, of course.

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is located at the cross street of Via Goleta and Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks.

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The Hooker Telescope at Mount Wilson. (Photo by Josh Patterson via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

Mount Wilson Observatory

Thomas Meneghini, executive director at Mount Wilson Observatory, tells LAist that the site doesn’t have official plans just yet. Meneghini says that he’s thinking about pointing a 100 mm solar telescope at the sun, and having the image projected in the auditorium that seats about 250 people. If you’re interested, you can follow the observatory on Facebook and/or Twitter to stay up-to-date with developments.

To get to Mount Wilson Observatory: from the 210 take Highway 2 northbound for 14 miles, turn right on Red Box Road. Follow it 5 miles to the top.

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Montebello Library (Via County of Los Angeles Public Library/Facebook)

L.A. Libraries

Many city and county libraries will host eclipse viewings. Within the Los Angeles Public Library system, branches in Little Tokyo, Pacoima, Woodland Hills, and South L.A., among others, will be hosting events. County libraries joining in on the party include branches in San Gabriel, Rosemead, and Norwalk. Many of the libraries will be projecting NASA’s live-stream of the event, and some offer eclipse viewing glasses and will have a solar telescope on hand. Contact the library for information for what, specifically, will be happening.

Here’s a list of LAPL libraries hosting viewing parts, and a list of county libraries hosting viewing parties. All these events are free of charge.

L.A. Restaurants and Bar Openings of July 2017

Sushi Bar
ENCINO

SUSHI|BAR

CULVER CITY
VESPERTINE

 

The Highlight Room
HOLLYWOOD

THE HIGHLIGHT ROOM

MID-WILSHIRE

VESTRY

Gusto 2.0

GUSTO 2.0

DOWNTOWN

18 SOCIAL

Hayden
CULVER CITY

HAYDEN

WEST HOLLYWOOD

WILD BEAST

 

The San Fernando
GLENDALE

THE SAN FERNANDO

LAX AREA

THE PROUD BIRD

Barbara Jean Hush Puppies
WEST HOLLYWOOD

BARBARA JEAN

MALIBU

MALIBU BURGER CO.

SANTA MONICA

MEAT ON OCEAN

Los Angeles' Best Spots For Vintage Finds

Love vintage? For those looking to save money and not break the bank, there are plenty of vintage shops in the city!

Below are some of L.A.’s best spots for vintage finds. Don’t overpay and reflect your unique style with your vintage wardrobe!


(The Left Bank, photo via Facebook
The Left Bank

The Left Bank, 2479 Fletcher Drive in Frogtown. (818) 839-1992

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(Photo by Emma Specter/LAist)

Cannonball & Tilly

Cannonball & Tilly, 1029 S. Fairfax Avenue in Little Ethiopia. (323) 384-2640

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(Photo via Painted Bird’s website)

Painted Bird

Painted Bird, 4208 Santa Monica Blvd. in Silver Lake. (323) 522-3368

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(Photo by Joan S/Yelp)

Gotta Have It

Gotta Have It, 1516 Pacific Avenue in Venice. (310) 392-5949

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(Recollection Vintage, photo via Facebook)

Recollection

Recollection Vintage, 606 N. Hoover Street in Virgil Village.

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(Photo by Collin C/Yelp)

Replay Vintage

Replay Vintage, 1766 N. Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz. (323) 667-9773

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(The Bearded Beagle, via Facebook)

The Bearded Beagle

The Bearded Beagle, 5926 N. Figueroa Street in Highland Park
4646 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Feliz. (323) 258-5898