Restaurant/eating establishments talk

Southpaw · 07-23-2008, 01:17 PM

So I see we are set up for a couple group dinners on opening and closing nights which is great and I look forward to seeing everyone and having a great time.
As this will be my first trip to the LA area, the wife and I are looking for some suggestions on places to eat at all times of the day. We are big fans of the show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on Food Network so that should tell you we aren't really interested in the big chains.
Anyone care to offer some hole-in-the-wall options that are preferably on the delicious side and also within a reasonable driving distance from the hotel?

Cameron Yee · 07-23-2008, 02:23 PM

Most likely there will be a group pilgrimage to In-N-Out Burger: IN-N-OUT Burger

It's a regional chain, but definitely a cut above. Plus you can't say you've been to So Cal without having eaten there. Last time people talked about checking out Fat Burger for a comparison, but I don't think we ever made it.

There was also a locally owned steak place several of us went to that was quite good. Can't remember the name, but it was a 10 minute walk from the Beverly Garland.

captgoodguy · 07-23-2008, 03:18 PM

Not sure if you are into this, but we were in Hollywood last year and went to Pink's Hot Dogs because of what we had seen on the Travel Channel. If you can't find one you like there, it doesn't exist. We were there for a late lunch and there were literally people lined around the building waiting to order. We stopped counting how many people after 100. It's been visited by several celebrities. According to the TC, Bruce Willis proposed to Demi Moore there.

Patrick_S · 07-23-2008, 06:48 PM

I really like In-n-Out but they are kind of everywhere in the West so they aren't really a special visit for me.

While in the LA area I'll generally make a run to Tommy’s, also referred to as a “Tommy’s run”. They make a good but messy chili burger. In fact they will spoon chili onto almost any item they sell.

Kristine Ha · 07-23-2008, 08:43 PM

If you dig Cuban food, Versailles is a must. Superlative dishes that can easily be shared and friendly attentive staff. Go and enjoy one of their house specials like their garlic chicken with some plantains and Iron Beer. They also serve beer and fresh fruit licuados if you aren't into Cuban soft drinks. There are several locations but I've only ever patronized the Culver City and La Cienega locations. They have small lots but you might deal with street parking in the neighbourhoods.

If you are into 24 hour places, I can recommend two easy choices. For good deli food, Canter's Deli has been around since the 30s and some of the best matzo ball soup I've ever had. You can get all manner of good food there plus they have a bakery perfect for stocking up on breakfast goodies for your hotel room. One location on Fairfax, parking is free with validation from restaurant but can fill up during peak times.

The other recommendation is Fred 62 over in Los Feliz. Excellent food that's decently priced, complete with hip locals and good music. A perk for patrons are the sassily dressed waitresses sporting short black Dickie's uniforms + lovely fishnetted / Doc Marten'd legs. One location on N. Vermont with cheap parking around the corner or street.

Pink's is a place where excess and hot dogs go hand in hand. There is always a line here but the dogs are good and the people-watching even better. They have a small lot in the back, tables inside and on the patio, and total health food. Yeah, right.

Ye Old King's Head in Santa Monica. I've never called it by its full name but the King's Head is a solid place for liquid refreshment and some fish + chips. I can't recall how long they serve food but it's good and proper British pub fare that goes well with their ales and ciders. They do a proper British breakfast that's oh-so-good. Plentiful paid garage parking within 4 block radius of the pub. Beware of Santa Monica street parking because they ticket plentifully if you let your meter go.

Noma is also in Santa Monica. Check for their hours but they have great bento boxes and excellent sushi. One location on Wilshire, very small lot with street parking as available.

Those are just the ones that popped into my head. More to come as I can think of them.

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RayJr · 07-23-2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southpaw

So I see we are set up for a couple group dinners on opening and closing nights which is great and I look forward to seeing everyone and having a great time.
As this will be my first trip to the LA area, the wife and I are looking for some suggestions on places to eat at all times of the day. We are big fans of the show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on Food Network so that should tell you we aren't really interested in the big chains.
Anyone care to offer some hole-in-the-wall options that are preferably on the delicious side and also within a reasonable driving distance from the hotel?

Jason..I think this is what you are looking for....I work in the general area and can tell you a place with a monster and really good omelettes:
Eat'n Park
2517 W Victory Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
I recommend the hobo omelette..

Now for really good cuban food... there is:
Guantanamera Restaurant
916 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506

Both of these place are around a 1 miile to 1 1/2 miles from the hotel.

For you burger people you have tommys and in-n-out less then 2 miles away from the hotel on Burbank Blvd.

Hope this helps some one out...enjoy

Later
RayJr

Southpaw · 07-24-2008, 08:44 AM

Wow, great suggestions everyone. I appreciate it.
We'll definitely be checking out In-N-Out at least once while we're there. We live in Wisconsin so we don't have them here.
The other suggestions are great too. It's exactly what I'm looking for - some great food that is not too expensive but has a great atmosphere.
If anyone has any more, please post for everyone's benefit.

Thanks!

Bob_L · 07-24-2008, 11:47 AM

I'd second Tommy's. My wife and I eat there with some regularity. The chili burgers are the signature item, but they've added a quesadilla to the menu that was excellent and we're also fans of the gyro sandwich. Yup, it's drive-in fare, but very good.

For Mexican food, I'm an El Cholo enthusiast -- just ate there last night, in fact. Excellent food and some of the best margueritas anywhere. (Only surpassed, in my experience, by Rancho Chimayo in New Mexico.) But you must have them on the rocks, not blended, with salt.

They have locations in Santa Monica, "downtown" L.A. (on Western, north of Pico), and Pasadena.

FilmMixer · 07-24-2008, 10:13 PM

No trip to LA is complete it if you don't visiti Roscoe's Chicken N Waffles.

There is one in Hollywood by Paramount and one in LA close to Fox.

1st post.. but hope to see some of you in LA.

Cameron Yee · 07-24-2008, 10:17 PM

So much food, so little time.

Seriously, with the incredible hospitality shown by the studios and other companies, it left little time for us to have meals "on our own." Y'all might consider staying a couple days longer just to try out all these places.

Frank Ha · 07-26-2008, 07:00 PM

My wife and I like eating at local places when we travel. The places mentioned above sound great. Maybe we could hitch a ride with folks that are driving vehicles to these places.

Jason:
We don't get much U.S. television in Honduras, but last week-end I saw "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" for the first time. I'd never heard of it, but I can say it was right up my alley. I stayed up late watching one episode after another. Oh, the power of food.