This Week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Oct. 15th-21st
Weekend Events: Oct. 19th-21st
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.
The pumpkins are lined by the walkway with care in hopes that Jack Skellington will..sorry wrong holiday. It’s 2 weeks until Halloween. By now you should have figured out your costume and party plans. The last worry you should have is scouring event pages for the best things to do in the weekends leading up. Well, we thought so too and rounded up another segment of this weekends top activities. So no fret, read below and….
Discover your inner Angeleno!
Limited engagements taking place this Oct. 19th-21st.
FRIDAY OCT. 19TH
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Baader Ginsburg
Location: Skirball Cultural Center
Regardless of what side of the aisle your on, we can all mostly agree that RBG(Ruth Bader Ginsburg if your not for the slang) is a political Icon. And as such many works have been created in her likeness. Starting this Friday through Nov. 18th, your invited to explore an original exhibition based on the book of the same title while viewing a range of contemporary art, archives, and more at the Skirball Cultural Center. Each gallery section will also feature a song by another cultural icon–the Notorious BIG showcasing a playful similarity between the two. For more information on the exhibit click here.
Dear Evan Hansen
Location: Ahmanson Theatre, DTLA
The Broadway show everyone’s been talking about finally debuts in L.A. at the Ahmanson Theatre! In this captivating original musical, high school student Evan Hansen is thrust into social relevance after a classmate’s suicide. Benj Pasek and Justin all’s score combine well-crafted lyrics and an exciting pop sound, and Steven Levenson’s book gives all the characters shaded motives.
“Photo Ark”
Location: Annenberg Space for Photography, Century City
Seasoned photographer and author Joel Sartore has contributed to National Geographic magazine for over two decades. Now, Angelenos will have a chance to see a glimpse of his stunning photos of some of the world’s most threatened species with this selection of 100 large-format prints. Sartore’s Photo Ark project has brought him to over 40 countries to capture portraits of 8,000 species in his quest to catalog all of the world’s animals before they disappear. For more information click here.
SATURDAY OCT. 20TH
Harry Potter-Inspired HIGH TEA
Location: HiSocieTea @ The W Hollywood
Suitable for Wizards and Muggles of all ages, the W Hollywood is hosting a HP Inspired High Tea this month only. With three seatings to chose from (12pm, 3pm, and 6pm), be treated with three tiers of Great Hall favorites. Sip on Liquid Luck(for adults) or Triwizard Tea for the wee ones while you enjoy Rock Cakes and themed sweets. Guest are encouraged to dress in their best magical or house pride attire. For adult libations it is $75 pp and $60 pp without. Send your owl to RSVP or click here for more info.
Oktoberfest at Pershing Square
Location: Pershing Square
Don’t miss the 3rd annual Oktoberfest at Pershing Square. Taking place Oct 20-21st, the two event will feature local and Californian brews along with authentic German Ales for tasting and purchase. Of course traditional sausages, pretzels, and more tasty best will be onsite to cater the experience along with live music. General Admission is FREE, with pre-purchase and VIP tickets available here.
Front Porch Cinema Presents: The Addams Family
Location: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They’re altogether ooky, The Addams Family! Now that that’s stuck in your head make your way to the Santa Monica Pier enjoy this film classic under the stars and with the ocean as a backdrop. The event will allow guests to relax on the Pier, with access to all the fun amenities. This is including rides, games, food and more! So grab put on your best Wednesday or Cousin It attire and head to the pier for the ultimate movie night. Just don’t invite Debbie! Click here for more info!
SUNDAY OCT. 21ST
LA CANCER CHALLENGE 5K WALK/RUN
Location: UCLA
October 21, 2018 marks the 21st Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K Walk/Run, the signature fundraising event of the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Held on the beautiful campus of UCLA where much of the foundation’s research is conducted, So Cal’s best Halloween-themed fitness event includes a Fit Family Expo with food & beverage booths, activity tents, a stage with a huge video screen, a Candyland Kids Zone and more. General registration includes a chip-timed event, commemorative t-shirt and custom runner’s bib. For more information and to register click here.
The Beverly Hills Art Show
Location: Beverly Gardens Park
On the final day of the semi-annual BH Art Show, enjoy 4 block of art by over 245 artists from around the nation. The FREE showcase features work in painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawing and printmaking. It doesn’t hurt that the event also features a Beer & Wine Garden along with Top Choice food trucks. Skip the usual Sunday brunch and culture yourself in the 90210! Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Click here for more info.
What Happened When
Location: Atwater Village
It was a dark and stormy night for three siblings—and for audience members gathered around them. Written by Rattlestick Playwright Theater’s Daniel Talbott, this peace is described as part ghost story, part memory play. For more information click here.
Out and About: East L.A. Edition
We know what your thinking, East L.A. edition? Isn’t that a bit broad. And where is East L.A.? Isn’t everything past WEHO just L.A? This edition is for the locals, your where’s where of places to dine, shop, and see as a true Angeleno would care to do.
On the list of up-and-coming neighborhoods you can relocate to, we share with you East L.A.’s most noteworthy stops to the best restaurants in Los Feliz. You’ll wonder why you don’t step outside your zip code more often.
Morning
Swing by the airy Skylight Books and peruse the independent shop’s well-curated staff picks for some morning reading material, then take your paperback of choice up the street to the small patio at caffeine-fix mainstay Bru Coffeebar. If you’re after a decadent breakfast, claim a booth and order up something from the griddle at 24/7 throwback diner Fred 62. Wait out your inevitable food coma with a $6.50 early matinee in the plush, Egyptian-style Vista Theatre.
Afternoon
Work your way down Vermont Avenue and its collection of shops, from radical decor courtesy of queer feminist-owned Otherwild to an indescribable assortment of pop culture at Soap Plant Wacko. Then cross over Hollywood Boulevard and climb up to Barnsdall Art Park for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark, the temple-like Hollyhock House.
Make your way back to the other side of town and into Griffith Park for a sandwich and slice of pie from the Trails Cafe, which overlooks the lovely Fern Dell, a shaded, rustic oasis equally stocked with relaxing strolls and hiking trailheads.
Evening
Feeling intrepid? Hike the two-mile trail up to Griffith Observatory. Otherwise, drive up and settle in for a sunset with shimmery city views from the Art Deco hilltop observatory.
Trek back down for dinner on one of L.A.’s most idyllic patios at Alcove Cafe and Bakery, which serves up large, unfussy plates in its twinkle-lit courtyard, with top-notch whimsical cocktails at the adjoining Big Bar. Afterward, make sure to visit lounge legends Marty and Elayne at the Dresden before swinging by House of Pies for a midnight slice of banana cream pie.
Courtesy of: Time Out L.A.
13 Festive Fall Beverages
Whether your hosting, pot-lucking, or just in the fall spirit-we’ve put together a list of the best beverages to try this October. So skip the generic apple cider and read below for tasty recipes sure to delight even your most ghoulish guest.
Halloween Bloody Mary Shooters
Homemade Bloody Mary mix is topped with a layer of black vodka in these spooky shooters. They’re just the thing for getting a Halloween party started.
Vampire Vodka Cocktail
Fit for Dracula himself! Sweet homemade grenadine serves as the “blood” in this inspired Halloween cocktail.
Click here for prep time and directions.
Plum and Thyme Prosecco Smash
A bubbly balance of fresh fruit and sparkling wine makes this cocktail ideal for day or night.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
These martinis taste like a boozy, bodacious pumpkin pie. This cocktail is smooth, creamy, sweet and rich with nuances of pumpkin and cinnamon.
Click here for prep time and directions.
Blood-Moon Punch
The perfect concoction to serve to even the tiniest of terrors, the Blood Moon punch can be made sans spirits for family gatherings or spiked to appease grown up ghouls.
Click here for prep time an d directions.
Spiced Cider Margaritas
The smokiness of the mezcal perfectly complements the warming spices in the cider, yielding a complex, subtly sweet cocktail that was basically fall coziness in a glass. 100% delightful.
Click here for prep time and directions. (scroll all the way down to skim through the recipe creators cocktail origin story)
Ghost in the Graveyard Cocktail
Serve up a little black magic in the form of a cocktail made with vodka that’s as dark as night — with a scoop of ghostly-white vanilla ice cream floating on top.
Click here for prep-time and directions.
Long Island Apple Iced Tea
A long island classic turned fall inspired with apples and apple cider to enjoy all fall and winter.
Click here for prep time and directions.
The Peddler’s Moon
Its namesake comes from the Stephen King classic “The Dark Tower,” and its flavors are inspired by late summer and early fall.
Click here for prep time and directions.
Apple Bobber Bourbon Punch
This Halloween classic game turned festive libation is sure to please with its blend of crisp apple and soft notes of bourbon.
Click here for prep time and directions.
CANDY CORN MARTINI
Whether your a candy corn lover or hater, nothing screams hallows eve or day quite like candy corn. This trick-or-treat essential turned cocktail is a Halloween must for those opting to sip their treats instead of snack.
Click here for prep time and directions.
Garden-of-Evil Punch
Beckoning jewel-toned fruits are cleverly frozen into a block of ice using a cake pan, then floated atop a Halloween punch spiked with sake and plum wine. Pomegranate juice gives the drink a very apt blood-red hue.
Click here for prep time and directions.
All Hail the “Pumpkin Keg”
If your not one for festive cocktails then no fret! Select your favorite seasonal beer or lager and bring out your inner craftsmen with this how to for the perfect Pumpkin Keg.
Click here for prep time and directions.
WHETHER YOUR ON HOSTING DUTY FOR THE EVENING OR SIMPLY LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT TREAT TO PAIR WITH YOUR FAVORITE SCARY MOVIE, WE HOPE YOU ENJOY OR FESTIVE SUGGESTIONS. REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND MAYBE CUT YOURSELF OFF THE CANDY AFTER A HANDFUL OR SO!
This Week at Rodeo Realty: Westside Newsletter Oct. 8th-14th
L.A. Eats of the Week
With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh worthy eats throughout L.A.
“Breakfast is the most important deal of the day…”
The Gables
331 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Gables is a counter-order, neighborhood restaurant, serving an all-day, market-driven menu of homestyle California cuisine and fresh baked goods by Chef Vicki Fan Matsusaka. We recommend the Bodega Breakfast Sunny, a pairing of busted eggs, nueske’s bacon and American cheese on ciabatta.
Lucky Boy
640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105
The crispy diner-style hashbrowns, loads of melty cheddar, eggs, and bacon make the breakfast burrito at Lucky Boy the absolute platonic ideal. If you only eat one breakfast burrito for the rest of your life, it should be this one.
The Village Bakery
3119 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
The Village Bakery and Cafe is a neighborhood place, located in a real neighborhood: Atwater Village in Los Angeles. All of of their food is prepared right in their kitchen every day from fresh and natural ingredients, including farmer’s market fruits and vegetables. Our go to is the Atwater Special–Grilled polenta cake topped with parmesan cheese, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomatoes and crumbled bacon. Served on a parmesan crisp plate. Morning Perfection!
“Lunch, Brunch 2nd Breakfast!”
Sushi Note
13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
The restaurant is a collaboration between some of LA’s best names in wine and sushi, with an extensive wine selection and food from celebrated chef Kiminobu Saito. Gibbs’ sushi and wine approach is a casual one, as he wants diners to pair anything their hearts desire, even if it’s a delicate piece of snapper with a bold Napa red. Chef Saito has also brought on Takeshi Matsuzaki from Tama Sushi as his second in sliced-fish command.
Milk Bar
7150 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Not exactly lunch but we all need an afternoon pick me up from time to time. Milk Bar is an award-winning bakery led by chef and owner Christina Tosi. They believe in a world of endless possibilities, and create playfully nostalgic desserts that celebrate innovation and quality. Indulge in the seasonal favorite Pumpkin Dulce De Leche- a sweetness overload of vanilla spice cake, milk crumbs, roasted pumpkin ganache, dulce de leche, and roasted pepitas. Your inner fall fanatic will thank us later!
Roberta’s
8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA
Greater Los Angeles’s pizza moment continues with Roberta’s at the Platform project in Culver City. The famed Brooklyn pizza joint that counts Beyonce and Jay-Z as fans fired out their popular East Coast menu. West Coast Roberta’s carries much the same menu as the original, with a lean on blistered pizzas as well as wood-fired vegetables, pasta, and cured meat. There’s room for lots of funky wines as well, and a full bar for cocktails to boot.
“What’s for dinner?”
Simone
449 S Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
The long-awaited restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Jessica Largey is now open in Los Angeles’ Arts District. The multifaceted space features a dining room serving relaxed, produce-driven California fare, with a classic, elevated wine list by Beverage Director Jordan Egan (NoMad), and craft cocktails from Bar Director Iain McPherson (Edinburgh’s Panda and Sons).
Ronan
7315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
This fresh addition to Melrose, called Ronan, is a newcomer project from Daniel Cutler (Sotto and Alimento) and his wife, Caitlin, whose resume includes experience at popular LA spots Hatchet Hall and Huckleberry, Eater Los Angeles reports. On the menu, expect to see shareable dishes such as chicken liver pate; pollen-dusted pork chops; and grilled snapper with fermented green tomato and roasted fennel. Craving pizza? Come try wood-fired specialties like the White Dynamite with ricotta, basil, garlic and Calabrian chili oil; or the Pixxa — a pie topped with mole rosso, squash blossom, Jersey ricotta and coriander flower. (You can check out the dining menu here.)
Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
If you want to understand Asanebo, the sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of Studio City’s sushi bar strip, you could do worse than to look at the tiny dish of chawanmushi there, the inevitable beginning to one of the long, multi-coursed omakase meals that are the restaurant’s reason for being. All Asanebo asks from you is an open mind, plus rather a lot of money. In exchange, you spend an hour or so in an elevated state of being.
Weekend Events: Oct.5th-7th
Do you smell that in the air? Pumpkin season has officially begun. So throw together your witches brew, dig out your favorite fall sweater and take part in all things October kicking off this weekend with a howl.
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 Oct. 5th-7th feature Warner Brothers Festival of Frights to Veuve Clicquots annual Polo Match. Read below for a breakdown of the weekend events.
Friday Oct. 5th, 2018
Warner Bro’ Horror Made Here: A Festival of Frights
Location: Warner Bro. Studios–6510 Forrest LAwn Drive, Los Angles
The WB’s famed backlot studio tour goes for full frights as they transform into haunting square. Brave through a maze inspired by The Conjuring or attempt to tour Freddy vs. Jason’s Camp Crystal Lake and Batman’s Arkham Asylum. Other highlights include horror makeup demos, ephemera from Tim Burton films, and a special screening of select scenes from 1973’s The Exorcist. If your feeling parched, True Blood’s Fangtasia will be serving for all the visiting vamps. And if you happened to miss last years scariest haunted attraction. the IT haunted house returns as a pop-up for the fest.
Adult Swim Festival
Location: Row DTLA
Let your inner kid out out this weekend for Cartoon Networks “Adult Swim” Festival. Taking place over three days at the Row DTLA, the schedule features acts from Thudercat, Zola Jesus, Hannibal Buress and Nick Rutherford. Along with a variety of games, food, drinks, and previews of upcoming shows-Friday is giving a preview of the weekends events before it goes into full swing Saturday and Sunday. With music, comedy, and so much more, it’s the perfect way to jumpstart your weekend. For more info click here.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Location: 10100 Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City
Make your way to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch Opening Ceremony! This family-friendly pumpkin patch-slash-amusement park has been an LA staple for over three decades, not just for great jack-o’-lantern materials, but for bounce houses, straw mazes, and petting zoos. Naturally, it’s open through Halloween proper, and if you have family in town it’s a great place to take them — Mr. Bones is notorious for celeb sightings, too. For more info click here.
Saturday Oct. 6th, 2018
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
Location: Will Roger’s State Park, Pacific Palisades
Pick out the perfect wide-brimmed hat and your daytime finest because Veuve Clicquot returns to Will Rogers State Park. Led by Argentine polo star Nacho Figures, the annual match is a day well spent of sips and sites. The celeb-filled soiree with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore, and Lea Michele kicks off with Champagne bars and Food Trucks at 11am. After you’ve fueled up head to the field to cheer on the teams in the 2pm game. Tickets are sold out on the Veuve site but still available on StubHub.com. For more info click here.
Hammer Museum: Fall Exhibits Opening Ceremony
Location: Hammer Museum, Westwood
Usher in the opening of the Hammer Museum’s fall exhibitions. “Adrian Piper: Concepts and Intuitions, 1965-2016” and “Stones to Stains: The Drawings of Victor Hugo,” opens in the Westwood museum this Saturday. The exhibition includes a free party in the museum’s courtyard, featuring a cash bar, DJ sets and food trucks. Have a little fun and culture yourself! For more info click here.
Street Food Cinema Presents: Beetlejuice in Victory Park
BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! Don’t miss out ton the 30th Anniversary screening of Beetlejuice in Pasadena’s Victory Park. Bring your blankets, chairs, dogs, children, cousins, and make your way to one of L.A.’s favorite outdoor cinema events. Street Food Cinema will also be renting out chairs for those not wanting to BYOS(Bring your own seats). With live music kicking off the night and food trucks on standby, there’s no better way to take in the night under the stars. Tickets vary in price and more information can be found by clicking here.
Sunday Oct. 7th, 2018
COAST Open Streets Festival
Location: Main Street & Ocean Ave, Santa Monica
Explore the city of Santa Monica as this third annual event transforms two miles of streets into a festival for the day. Arrive by bike, bus, train, or walk your way to this free day of fun alongside stilt walkers, DJs, and local bands. Feel the seaside breeze while exploring interactive COAST Zones celebrating arts, culture, sustainability as well as other attractions along the route. Taking place on Main Street and Ocean Ave. For more info click here.
Twilight on the Pier: Finale Concert
Spend the finale of your weekend at Twilight on the Pier’s final performance. In its 34th year, this outdoor music concert in Santa Monica’s famous seaside spot is an evening adventure. Complete with immersive art, food offerings, a beer and spirits garden, games and interactive activations all along the Pier promenade. For more information click here.
Best Date Ideas For Fall In Los Angeles
While those who don’t live in LA may not believe we have seasons, the arrival of heat lamps on patios and the ability to wear more than one layer is reason enough for us Angelenos to celebrate the arrival of autumn. What better way to welcome the season than by planning a brilliant date that offers plenty of opportunities to cozy up with your special someone? From culinary adventures to stunning views from both rooftops and horseback, here are our favorite fall date ideas that we’re totally willing to let you take credit for.
Get cozy over boozy cider and mead
Carson
Take a break from your usual hop-heavy brewery date night, and discover refreshing new flavors together at Honest Abe’s Cider House and Meadery. Located just down the road from the spooky and sour brews of Phantom Carriage Brewery in Carson, this cider house features 15 rotating taps of classic ciders (as well as creative ones like pineapple and pomegranate), plus a variety of meads, wine, and even brandy — perfect for warming up on a chilly fall night. The cozy tasting room has couches and games, plus Taco Thursdays and free pizza and movies on Fridays.
Indulge in a late-night “Burger Bang Bang” at Old Man Bar
Old Man Bar might not be the name that first springs to mind for a date, but the dark and cozy cocktail haven hidden inside Culver City’s Hatchet Hall is prime date territory and not some old fogey hang. They’ve also just launched a new “Late Night Burger Bang Bang” special every Sunday and Monday from 10pm to 1am perfect for an after-hours meetup — complete with ’80s jams on the turntable. Of course, you may need to clarify to your date that the “bang bang” implies a tempting combo of a beer and a shot paired with a juicy burger and beef fat fried potatoes for $25 — but that’s up to you. Also, the burgers are limited each night, so don’t be late.
Maintain those summer vibes into autumn at the Hollywood Bowl
Going to the Bowl is a quintessential summer experience, but it’s the hardcore fans of the iconic outdoor venue who know it’s worth braving the elements when the chill of fall descends. Of course, this is LA, so the most you’ll likely need is a light sweater — but if you’re really on your game, you’ll pack a blanket to cozy up with your date. The season continues into fall with an epic lineup that includes Ozzy Osbourne, Arctic Monkeys, and Willie Nelson. Plus, don’t sleep on the annual Halloween tradition of The Nightmare Before Christmas with Danny Elfman and a live orchestra and choir. You can also impress your date with top-notch eats before and during the show courtesy of James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin, and excellent wines curated by Caroline Styne. Consider booking a pre-show dinner at The Backyard for a wood grill-focused al fresco meal overlooking the Bowl, or treat your date to Supper in Your Seats if you’ve scored a box and have your meal brought to you.
Ride the rails along the coast in style with the Pacific Surfliner
While more adventurous than first or second date material, a day trip by train along the coast aboard the Pacific Surfliner is full of so much romantic California charm, it’s perfect for more advanced date plans. Hop on an early(ish) train on Saturday from Union Station, admire views of the Pacific as you breeze northward, and you’ll be in Santa Barbara by lunchtime, sipping local vintages at tasting rooms like Kunin Winesor artisanal booze at Cutler Spirits, and eating at Funk Zone staples like The Lucky Penny, The Nook, Les Marchands, Helena Avenue Bakery, or the patio at Shalhoob’sfor Tri Tip and burgers. After a leisurely stroll around town, you can hop back on the train, sip craft beer and wine on board, and catch the sunset on the way back home. (Unless things go really well, and you wind up staying the night.)
Find romance in the Upside Down at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Each year there seems to be more spooky haunts to explore around LA come Halloween, but one of the best in town is still Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. What better way to get close to your date than by getting totally freaked out together, making your way through eight movie-caliber mazes including the new Stranger Things, Poltergeist, and Universal Monsters experiences. If you’re looking to really impress your date, consider splurging for the new R.I.P. Tour, which offers a private guided tour with trolley access, unlimited Universal Express line privileges for mazes and available rides, a gourmet buffet dinner and drinks, free valet parking, access to a special Stranger Things-themed lounge, and plenty more VIP perks.
Hotel bar hop at some of Downtown LA’s coolest accommodations
Trying to find romance at a hotel bar is not typically advisable, but bringing a date to some of the coolest bars in town that just so happen to be in beautiful hotels is a solid choice. Consider dropping into the newly restored stunner Hotel Figueroa where you two can sip Spanish-style gin and tonics at Bar Figueroa or drink poolside at Rick’s (and stay tuned for the opening of Bar Alta). Over at the utterly stylish Nomad Hotel, you’ll find craft concoctions at the sleek Giannini Bar just off the main lobby; nearby, the Freehand welcomes you with creative, tea-inspired drinks at Rudolph’s Bar & Teain the lobby, and seasonal sips on the rooftop with Broken Shaker. Other highlights include Metropole Bar at Hotel Indigo, the always-hip Upstairs rooftop bar at Ace Hotel, the Rooftop at The Standard, and Spire 73 on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown — which lays claim to the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere.
Explore with wolves in Los Padres National Forest
Lebec
The thrill of hiking is amplified tenfold when you’ve got two magnificent wolves leading the way. Thanks to IfOnly — a company that peddles one-of-a-kind experiences — you and your date can trek through Los Padres National Forest with ambassador wolves from Project Wildsong. The hands-on experience includes a handler, who will teach you all about the species and answer any questions, lots of lupine licks from the animals, and plentiful selfie opportunities.
Go on a culinary adventure at Smorgasburg
Downtown
Yes, you’ll have to deal with long lines and masses of people taking photos of every bite they eat, but it’s worth it — and now that the weather is cooling (slightly), you won’t melt on the asphalt. Every Sunday, this sprawling food fair hosts vendors with plenty of fall-friendly fare like Katsu Sando with their fried cutlet sandwiches, Filipino brioche from Ensaymada Project, and Brothecary, known for its bloated XLB dumplings. Pro tip: Share one of everything so you can try it all, go as early as possible to avoid the afternoon hordes, and don’t forget to spend some time in the beer garden.
Invite a top chef to cook a meal for you at home
Your kitchen
Some nights you just want to enjoy a home-cooked meal — but if neither of you feels like slaving away in the kitchen, Cozymeal is the answer to “So, what’re we having tonight?” Based on the kind of cuisine you want, Cozymeal will send a top chef — some of whom have worked at Michelin-starred restaurants — to whip up a gourmet feast in your kitchen. You can choose to help mix, chop, and stir, or just sit back with a glass of wine and watch how it’s done.
Golf, gamble, and get pampered at Pechanga Resort & Casino
Temecula
Falling in love is all about taking risks, so take your date to gamble the night away at the West Coast’s largest resort and casino. The two of you can easily make a day trip out of Pechanga, which recently completed a $300 million expansion to add a luxury spa, yoga studio, 4.5-acre pool complex, and over 500 new rooms and suites. Stroll around the massive casino floor and try your hand at everything from blackjack to baccarat, then use your winnings to indulge in some pampering at Spa Pechanga. If getting massaged and moisturized isn’t your cup of tea, hit up the picturesque golf course, or dive into one of the splashy new pools (preferably the one with a swim-up bar serving blackberry mojitos and banana coladas).
Take a retro flight with the Pan Am Experience
Pacoima
While booking a flight with your date might be a bit premature, you can still hop aboard a retro-themed flight with the Pan Am Experience and sip cocktails together in first class. The immersive, five-course dinner experience features an exact replica of the airline’s Boeing 747 done to the last 1970s-era vintage detail. Order martinis from the open bar, feast on chateaubriand carved seat-side by flight attendants in the iconic Pan Am uniforms, and even shop old school items from the duty-free cart. You also tour Air Hollywood studios, where pretty much any film or TV show set on an airplane is filmed. It’s a fun, one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to impress.
Enter a world of pure imagination at Lost Spirits Distillery
Arts District
Unlike any other distillery tour you’ve experienced (and there are some great ones in LA), Lost Spirits Distillery will take you and your date on an immersive Willy Wonka-esque journey that’s half amusement park ride, and half mad scientist laboratory. Along the way, you’ll sample their award-winning rums and peated malt whiskeys, which utilize innovative technology to reverse-engineer the otherwise lengthy aging process within a matter of weeks. The team — which includes founders Bryan Davis and Joanne Haruta, and their autonomous talking computer system TESSA — are happy to geek out with you if you’re a booze enthusiast, but you can also just enjoy the ride, parts of which are inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. Either way, don’t forget to grab a bottle to go, so you can continue the date at home.
Catch a flick under the stars at Rooftop Cinema Club
Hollywood and DTLA
Take your date to new heights with an al fresco screening from Rooftop Cinema Club’s latest season, which includes a mix of classics and recent award winners. Forget lugging your own gear and fending off crowds; they provide cozy deck chairs, blankets, and wireless headphones, plus it’s way less crowded than most other outdoor screenings. At the Hollywood location, the terrace rooftop of NeueHouse, you can also score booze and bar snacks on-site, and at the Downtown location on the rooftop of LEVEL, you’ll find a rotating lineup of food trucks, plus classic movie concessions at both locations. Best of all, you can opt for the standard seating with the option to upgrade to bottomless popcorn, or splurge a few bucks more and cozy up in a double deckchair love seat — this is a date, after all.
Play games and drink brews at breweries in the Arts District
Arts District
Drinking and games have been essential date material since the dawn of time, so you owe it to your ancient ancestors to make good on this tried-and-true combination. One of the best spots to do so is in the Arts District, where it seems like a new game-filled brewery opens weekly. Head to the neighborhood’s OG, Angel City Brewery, where you’ll find darts, cornhole, and on Tuesdays, trivia and tacos — all of which pair excellently with their ever-increasing roster of creative beers. Make it a brewery crawl, and head over to Arts District Brewing Company, where vintage Skee-Ball, pinball machines, and other classic bar games will entertain you both as you sip on a wide range of brews and chow down on eats from Fritzi Coop. Boomtown Breweryfeatures pool, darts, table-top shuffleboard, ping-pong, and cornhole; while Iron Triangle Brewing has foosball, cornhole, plus trivia and board game nights.
Catch a flick at Electric Dusk Drive-In
Glassell Park
Steam up your windows with your date at the only drive-in movie theater left in LA proper. Order food from Electric Dusk Drive-In’s Snack Shack, bring your own hooch, and watch (or don’t, WINK WINK) classic movies up on the big screen from the comfort of your car.
Take a nighttime stroll through Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light
La Cañada Flintridge
This massive botanical garden (over 150 acres!) is a great daytime date destination to wander among the blooms and greenery, but come fall you’ll definitely want to check out the annual Enchanted Forest of Light. Running from November 17 to January 6, the interactive nighttime event features a mile-long walk through illuminated installations, like electric tulips that shimmer in colorful waves and giant oaks that change color as you approach. Hit up the opening night festivities where tickets include delicious eats from Patina, brews from Golden Road, and wine from Cardinal Rule, plus The Flashdance DJs on the ones-and-twos and plenty of surprises.
Grab a drink and get your heart racing on a slide 1,000 feet above DTLA
Downtown
There’s nothing like an exhilarating experience to bring people closer together, which is why you should take your date to OUE Skyspace LA at the top of the U.S. Bank Tower. There, you can zip down a 45-foot glass slide from the 70th floor to the 69th(!) floor on the outside of the building; afterward, soak up spectacular views from California’s tallest open-air observation deck. They also recently debuted the new Skyspace Bar, one of the highest bars in SoCal, where you’ll find LA-inspired craft cocktails, premium California wines, local craft beers from nearby breweries, as well as bites from the new grab-and-go counter. If stretching is your thing, there’s also sunset yoga classes up there the first Tuesday of the month on the observation deck. And if you’re ready to pop the question, they offer a wedding proposal package with a private dinner, string quartet, and a helicopter tour that leaves from the roof. If you’re not quite ready for that, though, just head up to 71Above, one of the most romantic restaurants in town, for a fantastic prix fixe dinner and cocktails. The sunset views up there are so legendary, they even have their own Instagram account.
Tour the secret tunnels beneath the streets of DTLA
Downtown
Venture below street level to discover the hidden tunnels, former speakeasies, and lore of the city’s underbelly with Cartwheel Art’s Underground LA tour. In partnership with Hotel Indigo, the tours will give you and your adventurous date an up-close look at the legendary secret passageways once used to transport booze (and bodies!) during Prohibition, and the clandestine watering holes used by those in the know. Once you’ve seen a side of the city that most haven’t, you’ll likely want to whet your whistle at a modern-day LA speakeasy like The Varnish, The Slipper Clutch, or Jackalope. Also note that Cartwheel Art has several other tours for other options as well, in case secret tunnels aren’t quite the date you had in mind.
Share your creative side with art classes at LACMA
Exploring LACMA’s numerous exhibitions and taking selfies in front of Levitated Mass and the streetlamps of Chris Burden’s Urban Light could constitute a respectable date on its own, but why not kick your creativity up a few notches and sign the two of you up for art classes at the museum? The adult classes include drawing and painting, mixed media printmaking, and more, and not only will you learn about composition, color, and technique together, but you can gift each other your own works of art. Most of the classes are five, once-a-week sessions, so this is really more for advanced dates (if you’re more of an entry-level option with less commitment and the addition of booze, try Paint Nite). Chat about your artistic progress post-class over gourmet farm-to-table bites at Ray’s & Stark Bar (another Patina Group star). Still can’t get enough of your art endeavors? Check out the museum’s new 3D exhibit starting July 15 — which Ray’s & Stark Bar will play off of with a special 3D menu and experience you guys won’t want to miss.
Take a staycation cruise aboard the haunted Queen Mary
Long Beach
Head down to Long Beach to the historic (and haunted) Queen Mary, which offers a multitude of date options in one location. The retired ocean liner, which sailed from 1936 to 1967, hosts numerous historical tours, as well as the Ghosts and Legends tour and paranormal-themed dinners sure to bring you and your date closer together. It also features monthly comedy shows and local band nights at the Observation Bar & Art Deco Lounge, and you can check the calendar for special seasonal events. If things go really well, you can even book one of the stylish staterooms for a luxurious staycation.
Go Hiking
Various locations
Don’t worry, we’re not recommending hiking hiking — the hikes we’re referring to (10 of which we detailed here) are instead easy-breezy short ones that’ll get you to I-think-I-can-see-San-Diego-from-here heights. They’re all ranked from one to five, with a one being a suuuuuper-easy hike, and five being just a little bit not-easier.
Explore a new food neighborhood with Six Taste
Various locations
For both the new transplant in the city, and the longtime local who plainly just loves food, Six Taste’s walking tours hit up five or six different spots in one tour, focusing on the most edible and historical highlights of neighborhoods all over LA.
Make sure your next date can be a romantic dinner in with a Hipcooks class
Multiple locations
Whether you consider yourself a Top Chef or a Boyardee Chef, your cooking game can always use some refining. Hone your skills and get messy together at one of the classes from this fun and affordable cooking school (at the Eastside, Westside, or Woodland Hills locations). You might just learn how to make some dim sum or pasta from scratch. Added bonus: You get a meal (and usually booze!) out of it.
Look fancy with dinner and a show at the Wallis Annenberg Center
Beverly Hills
Stock up on culture cred with your date by checking out a jazz/theater/dance/classical production at the Wallis, the impressive arts center in Beverly Hills (of all places), and enjoy a sweet happy hour at the upscale Italian bistro Cecconi’s before the show. Hungry diners can pop in and get a little tipsy with some wine and cocktails, and soak up all that booze with gourmet bites (including truffle burgers, pizzettas with porchetta, and short rib croquettes) for $3-9, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 3-6pm.
Taste local wine with wild animals
Malibu
Because Sonoma is a bit far to drive for someone who maybe accidentally swiped right, this handy wine tasting room along Mulholland offers you two a chance to sip vino with a view without awkwardly suffering through the smell of cow pies while driving north on the 5. Pack a picnic/stock up at Trader Joe’s and catch some live folksy music on the weekends, or get wild with the Wine Safaris, where you can take a jeep tour to meet and feed zebras, camels, giraffes, and more wild animals on the property (while tasting wine along the way).
Go nighttime bike riding
Various locations
The Passage is a weekly bike ride that starts and ends at a donut shop (score!), and along the way aims to hit unexplored parts of LA — sometimes hitting pool halls, bowling alleys, and karaoke along the way. Is it oddball? Yes. Is it still an awesome date? YES.
Roll a spare at vintage bowling at Highland Park Bowl
Highland Park
Sure, many of LA’s classic and well-worn bowling alleys have that endearing je ne sais quoi (like All Star Lanes’ karaoke stage!), but if you want to really impress a date, Highland Park Bowl is where it’s at. This historic joint has been open since the Prohibition era and was the former home to punk rock venue Mr. T’s Bowl. The revamped alley’s been given a glam makeover that melds the old with the new, like a recovered mural from the 1930s, chandeliers made of vintage pin-setters, and some seriously good wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails. Pro tip: Go to happy hour Monday through Fridays from 5-8pm for discounts on drink and food — like a $10 pizza-and-draft combo or $3 PBRs — and lanes.
Scope out the city’s architecture at Barnsdall Art Park
East Hollywood
Barnsdall Art Park is one of the most underrated spots in LA to get a gorgeous view of the city and some culture under your belt. For the architecture buffs, Frank Lloyd Wright’s first-ever LA project, Hollyhock House, sits on this hilltop and is open for viewing with the purchase of a ticket Thursdays to Sundays. Pack a picnic for a sunset meal for extra bonus points with the date. And check the park’s calendar, as throughout the year it also plays host to wine tasting parties, outdoor movie screenings, gallery openings, and plenty more fun cultural events that are prime date material.
Grab a drink in secret at LA’s best speakeasies
Various locations
The Prohibition era may be long gone, but the idea of sneaking into a speakeasy never gets old. A few years back there were only a scant number of LA bars with secret entrances and special passwords — now, we have so many (not-so-secret anymore)bars that you and your date could even do a bar crawl visiting these watering holes. But shh, you didn’t hear it from us.
Explore the bizarre at the Museum of Jurassic Technology
Culver City
While some people like to have romantic candlelit dinners on dates, others love a good adventure exploring really weird and creepy stuff. Don’t let the name of this place confuse you — it’s not quite a museum like LACMA or MOCA — but rather a bizarre experience exploring art, trinkets, and stuff that will have you giggling and muttering to your date, “What the hell?” We don’t want to spoil it for you, but all we can say is go in with an open mind and just know you’re in for a fun and delightfully unsettling time. An added perk is that you get to end your visit with a trip to the rooftop garden where you can have tea and cookies… because why not?
Lace up your shoes for an urban hike at the secret Beachwood Canyon Stairs
Hollywood Hills
One of the coolest things about LA is its many, many secret sets of stairs. From Silver Lake to Santa Monica, you’ll find hillside neighborhoods with shortcuts dipping up and down random sets of stairs — something Angelenos used to use back in the day, many for the sadly defunct streetcars. Our favorite route is the Beachwood Canyon one that goes through what old Hollywoodland once was. It’s a chill 2.6-mile hike/walk where you and your date can get a little sweaty (that’s sexy, right?) and have fun figuring out the route and discovering some cool views and architecture porn along the way. If the date’s going well, extend it a little further with a bite to eat at nearby Beachwood Cafe, which just so happens to be owned by Chopped winner Patti Peck.
Take advantage of our weather and dine al fresco
Various locations
LA is #blessed with good weather pretty much most of the year, which means we have a plethora of al fresco dining and drinking options. We’ve highlighted 20 of our favorite restaurants with outdoor patios here, from a sweet rooftop bar with Fijian food to poolside dining at a swanky ‘60s-style hotel.
Take a guided tour of the Watts Towers Arts Center
Watts
Watts Towers is unlike anything else you’ll see around LA. Go on a guided tour and walk through the 17 historic art structures made of steel and mosaics. The tallest one is nearly 100 feet high! After you’ve gotten your dose of history and art, do yourself a favor and take your date to Watts Coffee House for soul-food brunch and get some of the best fried chicken wings and waffles in town.
Star Parties in Griffith Park
Los Feliz
Whether you venture up to the Griffith Observatory on a hike or take the easy way by car, it’s always an excellent, starry-eyed date destination offering stunning views of the city. You can, of course, re-enact plenty of movie scenes from Rebel Without a Cause to La La Land — or better yet, take your date to the Star Parties held one Saturday a month, where you two can peer through telescopes to see the real stars of Hollywood. Then head down to date night classic Little Dom’s to get cozy in a booth with a bottle of red and some hearty Italian eats.
Enjoy a magical meal
Hollywood
You’ve probably heard couples talk about how they want to add some magic back into their relationship, so why not add some actual magic to your next date? Surely you know a magician — er, illusionist — who can get you into the legendary, members-only Magic Castle where illusions abound and dinner is actually much better than it used to be. Or, if you don’t, you could impress your date with an intimate show at Black Rabbit Rose, the new magic theatre from the creative Houston brothers (Break Room 86, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, etc). After the show you can grab magic-inspired cocktails and excellent Thai-Chinese from Crying Tiger.
Journey through LA’s historic past
Downtown
There’s nothing like a bit of vintage Los Angeles history to inspire swoons straight from a classic noir romance. Start off with a ride on the newly reopened and restored Angels Flight, the iconic funicular railway that originally opened in 1901. Afterward, head over to Grand Central Market, which celebrates its centennial this year, where you and your date can feast from the myriad of delicious vendors (both new and legacy). Pro tip: The market now stays open for dinner, and offers nightly date-friendly events like Prawn’s trivia night, where you can win prizes and gift cards from GCM vendors every Wednesday until the end of August. You could also head down Broadway to historic Clifton’s and grab a drink at the Pacific Seas tiki bar. Explore even more with Esotouric’s unique and fascinating tours, which take you through the darker corners of LA’s literary, cultural, and true crime past.
Take in a floral-inspired brunch
Flower District
Even if you aren’t a budding botanist yourself, exploring the historic Southern California Flower Market and Original Los Angeles Flower Market is an incredible only-in-LA experience that everyone should check out. Plus, what date wasn’t improved with a bouquet of fresh flowers (especially ones at a fraction of the cost of retail shops). Admission is just $2 per person for the general public, and you two can roam through the fragrant aisles freely, but just be sure to go before noon when most vendors close. There’s also a farmers market between the two flower markets on Saturdays, and you definitely want to grab brunch or lunch at Poppy & Rose. There you’ll find incredibly delicious American classics, including biscuits & gravy and buttermilk-brined fried chicken, as well as salads and egg dishes.
Crafts, brews, and sea life in San Pedro
San Pedro
Venturing down to San Pedro may be unfamiliar territory for some, but the drive is well worth it if you’re looking for a unique date adventure — and possibly even a staycation. Kick off the date at Brouwerij West, the massive brewery specializing in Belgian-inspired brews that use unique grains and ingredients. Grab a bite at the food truck parked outside, and catch live music during the warmer months. Across the way, you and your date can also check out works from local artists at Crafted, and you should definitely visit the Frank Gehry-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, where you can explore exhibits of Southern California’s sea life, or get even more up close during guided tide pool walks or local excursions. While you’re in the area, grab a bite at one of the excellent eateries in nearby Long Beach — like Roe Seafood, which has exquisite seafood spreads and classic cocktails, or modern Southwestern restaurant Panxa Cocina.