Guidebook for Los Angeles

Brian
Guidebook for Los Angeles

Food Scene

A popular raw food restaurant for those interested in this cuisine. Don't forget to try the kale shake!
52 (рекомендации местных жителей)
SunCafe Organic
10820 Ventura Blvd
52 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A popular raw food restaurant for those interested in this cuisine. Don't forget to try the kale shake!
This is a large store specializing in a LARGE selection of baked goods / desserts, but they also serve some food. They're known for their potato balls (with ground beef) and meat pies. Parking in their lot may be tricky, but there's usually enough street parking nearby.
200 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
3614 Magnolia Blvd
200 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is a large store specializing in a LARGE selection of baked goods / desserts, but they also serve some food. They're known for their potato balls (with ground beef) and meat pies. Parking in their lot may be tricky, but there's usually enough street parking nearby.
This place is known for their "snow cream," which is hard to describe. It's like eating shaved snow, very fluffy and soft. It's texture isn't like shaved ice or ice cream. You can select various toppings, but go with the condensed milk if you like sweets. Also, the Intelligentsia brand coffee is very good.
North Pole Snow Cream
11048 Ventura Boulevard
This place is known for their "snow cream," which is hard to describe. It's like eating shaved snow, very fluffy and soft. It's texture isn't like shaved ice or ice cream. You can select various toppings, but go with the condensed milk if you like sweets. Also, the Intelligentsia brand coffee is very good.
This chain restaurant serves decent ramen and is much closer than the more famous places in LA (on Sawtelle or in Little Tokyo). There also a branch (open slightly later) over in Toluca Lake - a short car / Uber ride away.
85 (рекомендации местных жителей)
JINYA Ramen Bar
11239 Ventura Blvd
85 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This chain restaurant serves decent ramen and is much closer than the more famous places in LA (on Sawtelle or in Little Tokyo). There also a branch (open slightly later) over in Toluca Lake - a short car / Uber ride away.
Great mediterranean food restaurant that makes it's own bread. Obviously, they're known for their falafels, but everything is good.
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Joe's Falafel
3535 Cahuenga Blvd W
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great mediterranean food restaurant that makes it's own bread. Obviously, they're known for their falafels, but everything is good.
If you're dying to try the famous In-N-Out (fast food, burger restaurant) or just crave it from a prior trip, it's right here: a 2 minute drive or a 15 minute walk.
384 (рекомендации местных жителей)
In-N-Out Burger
7009 Sunset Blvd
384 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you're dying to try the famous In-N-Out (fast food, burger restaurant) or just crave it from a prior trip, it's right here: a 2 minute drive or a 15 minute walk.
This is one branch of a local chain. It's simple, but a local favorite: tasty and affordable burritos, tacos, and mexican food plates.
58 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Poquito Mas
3701 Cahuenga Blvd W
58 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is one branch of a local chain. It's simple, but a local favorite: tasty and affordable burritos, tacos, and mexican food plates.
This is actually a Specialty's Bakery shop (with cookies, desserts, and lunch food) combined with a Peet's Coffee shop. It's only open on the weekdays and frequented by employees at NBC / Universal. Not many people know about it.
Specialty's Café & Bakery
111 Universal Hollywood Dr
This is actually a Specialty's Bakery shop (with cookies, desserts, and lunch food) combined with a Peet's Coffee shop. It's only open on the weekdays and frequented by employees at NBC / Universal. Not many people know about it.
This is a large place with a cozy feel. There's outdoor seating all around the main shop, which offers coffee, tea, and pastries. It's a great place to relax / study / work, but doesn't have wi-fi Internet.
223 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Aroma Coffee & Tea Co
4360 Tujunga Ave
223 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is a large place with a cozy feel. There's outdoor seating all around the main shop, which offers coffee, tea, and pastries. It's a great place to relax / study / work, but doesn't have wi-fi Internet.
Great thai food with a modern twist for some dishes. They're known for their mushroom soup, but everything is good. It's a lesser-known hidden gem, quiet with nice decor.
Soo Raa Thai-American
10650 Riverside Dr
Great thai food with a modern twist for some dishes. They're known for their mushroom soup, but everything is good. It's a lesser-known hidden gem, quiet with nice decor.
Just a regular Domino's pizza, but it's open late if you want something simple and quick
86 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Domino's Pizza
9170 W Olympic Blvd
86 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Just a regular Domino's pizza, but it's open late if you want something simple and quick
The food is standard but it's a fairly iconic restaurant, and open 24 hours. On weekends, classic car enthusiasts often hang out in the parking lot and socialize - it's a big event.
87 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bob's Big Boy
4211 W Riverside Dr
87 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The food is standard but it's a fairly iconic restaurant, and open 24 hours. On weekends, classic car enthusiasts often hang out in the parking lot and socialize - it's a big event.
A newer vegan restaurant that opened up. They specialize in foods that are like hearty soul food, even when you might not expect it.
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Vegetable
3711 Cahuenga Blvd
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A newer vegan restaurant that opened up. They specialize in foods that are like hearty soul food, even when you might not expect it.
Just one well-known place among the many sushi restaurants along Ventura Blvd. ("sushi row"). This one serves a number of Japanese dishes besides sushi. It's about in the middle in terms of pricing; I recommend checking Yelp.com to see all of your sushi options in Studio City and the nearby Toluca Lake area.
68 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Sushi Katsu-Ya Studio City
11680 Ventura Blvd
68 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Just one well-known place among the many sushi restaurants along Ventura Blvd. ("sushi row"). This one serves a number of Japanese dishes besides sushi. It's about in the middle in terms of pricing; I recommend checking Yelp.com to see all of your sushi options in Studio City and the nearby Toluca Lake area.
A relatively new place that will satisfy any pho or Vietnamese (banh mi) sandwich craving. Good quality food, though the options are limited and seating is limited.
Feu Pho Kitchen
11310 Ventura Blvd
A relatively new place that will satisfy any pho or Vietnamese (banh mi) sandwich craving. Good quality food, though the options are limited and seating is limited.
LA's best offering of a cronut. Flaky (unlike most other places in LA) and with a creme filling.
34 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kettle Glazed Doughnuts
6211 Franklin Ave
34 (рекомендации местных жителей)
LA's best offering of a cronut. Flaky (unlike most other places in LA) and with a creme filling.
My go-to place for modern Korean BBQ. Good quality food. There can be a long wait at night and on weekends, so be prepared unless you go early. Parking can be tricky before 7pm (when street parking is allowed nearby), so valet is the typical option. (Enter the plaza in the middle of the block on S. Kenmore Ave.)
105 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong
3465 W 6th St
105 (рекомендации местных жителей)
My go-to place for modern Korean BBQ. Good quality food. There can be a long wait at night and on weekends, so be prepared unless you go early. Parking can be tricky before 7pm (when street parking is allowed nearby), so valet is the typical option. (Enter the plaza in the middle of the block on S. Kenmore Ave.)
Nice pho place in downtown Burbank. Really nice ambiance for a simple place. That area has a number of other restaurants, a mall, and movie theaters. It's a relatively quiet city, but has a bit of energy on the weekends.
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Mama Hong's Vietnamese Kitchen
211 N San Fernando Blvd
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nice pho place in downtown Burbank. Really nice ambiance for a simple place. That area has a number of other restaurants, a mall, and movie theaters. It's a relatively quiet city, but has a bit of energy on the weekends.
One of the better pizza places in the local area if you want an upgrade from basic fast food (Domino / Pizza Hut). For weary travelers, it's great that they deliver.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Angelino's Trattoria
4386 Lankershim Blvd
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
One of the better pizza places in the local area if you want an upgrade from basic fast food (Domino / Pizza Hut). For weary travelers, it's great that they deliver.
Great for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. The place specializes in shawarma / shaorma wraps, but is a fun place to just chill and relax.
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Spitz - Studio City
3737 Cahuenga Boulevard
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. The place specializes in shawarma / shaorma wraps, but is a fun place to just chill and relax.
A branch of the famous Portland donut shop along with the also-well-known Stumptown roasters coffee
Voodoo Doughnut
100 Universal City Plaza
A branch of the famous Portland donut shop along with the also-well-known Stumptown roasters coffee
Great ice cream from a company famous in nearby Santa Barbara. (You can pick it up in the local grocery store as well, but of course it's more fun to get it direct from the store!)
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
12073 Ventura Pl
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great ice cream from a company famous in nearby Santa Barbara. (You can pick it up in the local grocery store as well, but of course it's more fun to get it direct from the store!)
For foodies, this new bakery has the original cronut and newer creations. They have a few high end / expensive bakery and pastry items. It is located in The Grove shopping area next to the LA Farmer's Market.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Dominique Ansel Bakery LA
189 The Grove Dr
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
For foodies, this new bakery has the original cronut and newer creations. They have a few high end / expensive bakery and pastry items. It is located in The Grove shopping area next to the LA Farmer's Market.
Fantastic breakfast spot just down the street. Obviously, they specialize in waffles for the breakfast menu (including the popular chicken and waffles combo), but offer other choices as well as lunch options. Closes at 3pm.
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
& Waffles
4141 Lankershim Blvd
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Fantastic breakfast spot just down the street. Obviously, they specialize in waffles for the breakfast menu (including the popular chicken and waffles combo), but offer other choices as well as lunch options. Closes at 3pm.

Entertainment & Activities

CityWalk is the free section of Universal Studios visitors, just outside of the actual theme park (which requires admission). They do charge for parking, but some places validate it. CityWalk offers restaurants, a few regular stores (like ones in a mall), tourist shops, and an AMC Movie Theater. One of the unique activities (paid) is a small wind tunnel called iFLY that mimics skydiving.
516 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Юниверсал-Ситиуолк-Голливуд
100 Universal City Plaza
516 (рекомендации местных жителей)
CityWalk is the free section of Universal Studios visitors, just outside of the actual theme park (which requires admission). They do charge for parking, but some places validate it. CityWalk offers restaurants, a few regular stores (like ones in a mall), tourist shops, and an AMC Movie Theater. One of the unique activities (paid) is a small wind tunnel called iFLY that mimics skydiving.
This arena houses LA's pro basketball and hockey teams, as well as hosts other events like major concerts. The surrounding area has restaurants and nightlife, and is next to the heart of downtown LA. It's a short walk from a Red Line metro stop. (The LA Convention Center is just beyond it.)
1228 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Стейплс-центр
1111 S Figueroa St
1228 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This arena houses LA's pro basketball and hockey teams, as well as hosts other events like major concerts. The surrounding area has restaurants and nightlife, and is next to the heart of downtown LA. It's a short walk from a Red Line metro stop. (The LA Convention Center is just beyond it.)

Drinks & Nightlife

This is just a local bar within walking distance, in the style of an old British Pub. The food isn't great (still OK), but it's a decent place to relax and get a drink, if you want something simple.
46 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Oil Can Harry's
11502 Ventura Blvd
46 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is just a local bar within walking distance, in the style of an old British Pub. The food isn't great (still OK), but it's a decent place to relax and get a drink, if you want something simple.
Live music venue within walking distance
47 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Baked Potato
3787 Cahuenga Blvd
47 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Live music venue within walking distance
Closest bar, just around the block
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Universal Bar and Grill
4093 Lankershim Blvd
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Closest bar, just around the block

Parks & Nature

This is an iconic location for Los Angeles because (1) it has great views of the city and the valley at the top, (2) it has some semi-rigorous hiking trails that will definitely get your heart rate up, and (3) it has a large section that officially allows dogs off-leash. You can park a car at the bottom of the canyon in Hollywood or at the top in a lot with just a few spaces, along the famous Mulholland Drive.
2445 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Парк Раньон-Каньон
2000 N Fuller Ave
2445 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is an iconic location for Los Angeles because (1) it has great views of the city and the valley at the top, (2) it has some semi-rigorous hiking trails that will definitely get your heart rate up, and (3) it has a large section that officially allows dogs off-leash. You can park a car at the bottom of the canyon in Hollywood or at the top in a lot with just a few spaces, along the famous Mulholland Drive.

Arts & Culture

One of the largest and most well-known art centers in Los Angeles. You can get here by taking the 101 "North" (but really going to the West) and then the 405 South. A little further is the Getty Villa in Malibu, a smaller but prettier gallery.
169 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Getty Center Drive
Getty Center Drive
169 (рекомендации местных жителей)
One of the largest and most well-known art centers in Los Angeles. You can get here by taking the 101 "North" (but really going to the West) and then the 405 South. A little further is the Getty Villa in Malibu, a smaller but prettier gallery.
One of LA's newest art museums. It's very nice. The famous exhibit with lights requires getting on a list earlier and then waiting for a while.
1555 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Broad
221 S Grand Ave
1555 (рекомендации местных жителей)
One of LA's newest art museums. It's very nice. The famous exhibit with lights requires getting on a list earlier and then waiting for a while.

Shopping

If you need to find a shopping mall in this part of town, the Americana is a nice area (though a bit pricey) and next to a "regular" style shopping mall across the street that is much larger.
642 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Торговый центр The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
642 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you need to find a shopping mall in this part of town, the Americana is a nice area (though a bit pricey) and next to a "regular" style shopping mall across the street that is much larger.

Essentials

24-hour grocery
336 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ralphs
10901 Ventura Blvd
336 (рекомендации местных жителей)
24-hour grocery
Popular grocery chain
1811 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Trader Joe's
11976 Ventura Blvd
1811 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Popular grocery chain
24-hour convenience store
7-Eleven
1611 W Olive Ave
24-hour convenience store
24-hour pharmacy and store
55 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rite Aid
13333 Riverside Dr
55 (рекомендации местных жителей)
24-hour pharmacy and store
Nearby LA Fitness center
167 (рекомендации местных жителей)
LA Fitness
1628 N El Centro Ave
167 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nearby LA Fitness center