LA, California trip. Need recs!

[Capt Caveman]

Oh, I also was told I should visit Pink's dogs....

I visited Pink's on my way to the airport last time I was in LA. I liked it and if you're in the area, worth a visit.

 

[Bacstar]

Go have a look at the Space Shuttle. I went a few years ago, and it was pretty amazing

Science Center by USC

 

[Imported]

Pending where I am, I try to get carne asada fries everytime I visit SoCal. The ones up here just aren't as good..

 

[SSSnail]

Pending where I am, I try to get carne asada fries everytime I visit SoCal. The ones up here just aren't as good..

You know, a lot of things up there aren't as good, but for whatever reasons people think it is. Just the other day, a colleague told me that Mexican food from Mijita (yes, that Mijita in the Ferry Building), is better than SoCal. I just /facepalm.

 

[Ns1]

LA is king of ethnic low end dining. IDGAF where you're from, our ethnic low end options are better than yours. You cannot beat us at: Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican. Our middle eastern and Japanese games are also very, very strong. Of course, the quality you will find will directly be impacted by your willingness to drive.

If you're starting in WeHo, NIGHT + MARKET is a very good option for thai, but note it's very spicy and you're not going to find an orange-colored pad thai here. You basically want to take SUNSET from WeHo into Hollywood. That's how you'll drive across and take pictures of the major music venues: Roxy, Troubadour, Capital Records, I'm not sure if Whiskey a GoGo is still around. Further into Sunset/Hollywood you'll find Sunset Sound; up the street from Sunset Sound is Sound Factory. Sound Factory and Capital Records are fairly close to each other.

Jimmy Kimmel Live also films in Hollywood and it's easy to get tickets.

Around here there is a great bar called PIANO BAR with live music almost every night. It's the kind of place where you get a double jack and coke and watch the live music. No cover to boot, and a half decent taco truck outside for when you get hungry (half decent meaning cheap and representative of the $1 taco to soap up all that alcohol).

Around the Hollywood area, you'll find great THAI and MIDDLE EASTERN options - Zankou (garlic sauce makes everything better), RoRo's, bunch of others I can't think of right now, yelp will help. Further down sunset past the 101 you get to THAI TOWN.

For late night eats there is RUEN PAIR, open til 3am. Otherwise some really good spots are HOYKA THAI NOODLE and PA ORD NOODLE (in the same plaza as Ruen Pair). To boot, there is a thai dessert shop next to pa ord called BHAN KHANOM THAI. If you prefer to eat some thai food while sipping on Johnny Walker Blue, go to HOLLYWOOD THAI. I'm particularly fond of the duck noodles @ Hoy Ka.

With regards to tacos, I will simply leave this here: http://www.lamag.com/digestblog/tacopedia-a-complete-taco-encyclopedia-of-l-a/

 

[Ns1]

MacArthur Park is located a few miles from DTLA; I'm not sure if you're planning on doing MacArthur Park same day you're doing the Staples Center thing.

For parking, your best bet is to go to LANGER'S (or a red line tour, but that's a whole-day endeavor). They have a private lot and will validate - so basically you go there and park, then walk over to MacArthur Park to take your pics of this bridge (seriously I have no idea where it is), then back to LANGER'S for a pastrami sandwich. You only want the pastrami sandwich - you get the #19 which is the LA version, unless you're a purist and can only stand pastrami with mustard in which case it's some other number. If you've ever been to Katz, we can go back and forth about which pastrami is better but with regards to the bread, there is no question - the bread that they serve at Katz is a crime whereas the bread they serve at Langer's is pure double baked rye awesomeness.

After your Staples Center thing, there will be a million vendors outside selling you danger dogs - contrary to the street vendors in NYC, these vendors are completely illegal. Their rig is a flat pan on top of burners on top of a cart - that way when they get raided by cops they can rebuild for <$100. TBH, I loved these a lot more when I was younger, but if you got enough alcohol in you they're great. Either way, they're an LA institution and represent our culture way better than Pinks.

After Staples Center, our Arts District is going through a major renaissance - the venue you probably want is VILLIAN'S TAVERN. They got cocktails, food, and more importantly live music. There is also a brewery around here that is really popular ARTS DISTRICT BREWING. The Arts District has gotten a ton of great restaurants lately, but I will refer you to the 900 pound gorilla, BESTIA. They are particularly known for their pastas and cocktails (and one super unctuous bone marrow dish that is Instagram famous).

Just around the corner there is LITTLE TOYKO and CHINATOWN - the former already gentrified, the latter undergoing gentrification. In Little Tokyo there are tons of ramen options [these are the ones you want: Daikokuya, Shin Sen Gumi, Men Oh, Marugame Monzo (udon place)]. A pretty cool Japanese bar exists called PINE AND CRANE, specializing in Japanese cocktails. FAR BAR is also not bad and attached to a historic building; just don't eat the food.

 

[Ns1]

HIKING/BEACHES

March is too damn cold for the water (normally), and you're coming in El Nino season so the predictions are wet as fuck. On the Mulholland side I'd actually suggest a super obscure hike called NIKE BASE. Evidently it's a former missile site? Runyon Canyon is probably what everyone will suggest to you, but it's a "see and be seen" kind of hike.

But seriously, you should visit GRIFFITH PARK. Tons of trails, we got the Observatory (which has been in countless movies including Rocketeer), Batcave, and great view of the Hollywood sign. It's a good chance to forget you're actually smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles.

http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/guide-las-griffith-park

 

[Ns1]

The above ^^ is probably a decent start - LA is huge geographically so it's hard to suggest w/o knowing where you'll be. But wait, I got one more for you....

When you go to Palm Springs, hit up PIONEERTOWN. It's kitschy as fuck, but it's also home to an obsure yet famous venue called PAPPY AND HARRIET'S for cheap drinks and live music. You may know this venue from Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations - CA High Desert. Whoever they have as a booking agent is killer. Hell while you're here, just do yourself a favor and drive through JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK afterwards. Ironically, U2's Joshua Tree is @ Death Valley, not JTNP.

P+H:

 

[Imported]

You know, a lot of things up there aren't as good, but for whatever reasons people think it is. Just the other day, a colleague told me that Mexican food from Mijita (yes, that Mijita in the Ferry Building), is better than SoCal. I just /facepalm.

Haha.. Mijita is garbage. I do agree people love to think the food is better up here, and that may be true for the finer dining (I wouldn't know cause I was a broke college student when I lived down there), but cheap eats in SoCal is sooo much better.

That being said, I'm going to Cala next weekend which I'm pretty excited for. Supposed to be one of the better new Mexican restaurants in the country.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Go see the La Brea tar pits - One of the few things in LA we actually found interesting.

While in Santa Clarita - go to Tommy's and get a chili covered tamale - extra pickles & tomato.

Stop by The Red Barn while in Indian Wells for cocktails. Take the tram to the top of the mountain in Palm Springs - http://www.pstramway.com/

 

[CraKaJaX]

LA Farmer's market and the Grove.

Pretty much the microcosm that is LA. Highend shopping boutiques, restaurants and street eateries nestled in the middle of an "expensive ghetto" neighborhood flanked with abhorrent lunatics sitting behind the wheel of bumper-to-bumper traffic at all times of the day.

Noted.

You can drive by the future site of the Ram's stadium. It's a big dirt lot right now but at least you can say you saw it before it was built 😀

This is actually a pretty cool idea... I really might consider it

Pending where I am, I try to get carne asada fries everytime I visit SoCal. The ones up here just aren't as good..

No idea what these are, and after Googling Danger Dog... I'm not sure my stomach will be able to handle much more. 😀

snip

Great stuff Ns. I really appreciate it. You may see a PM or two from me coming soon....

I will say that I am a huge fan of Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, & all sorts of ethnic food.

The bone marrow pic looks delicious, though I've only had it once at some high end restaurant in Manhattan... so my palette may be a bit thrown off for judging what good bone marrow is.

Regarding pastrami, I've been to Katz and Carnegie multiple times. I won't say what I think of them, but I will say that you are dead on accurate about the bread. A sandwich SUCKS if the bread is bad. No exceptions.

It looks like all the bars you suggested have live music. Perfect! I wrote all of them down.

Also, I will only be driving when I'm venturing off on my own.. which won't be much. Depending on who I'm with, they'll be driving since they know the area. Whatever you're suggesting I do together I will probably follow - ie, Langer's Parking, Bridge, back to Langer's.

Of the hikes that you mentioned, how long do these typically take? Is it pack-a-lunch worth and eat at the top? I've heard Griffith Park somewhere before... but I don't recall where.

Regarding Indian Wells - I'm driving there with my aunt and uncle and we're staying at the Esmerelda? Apparently they stay there often for golf tournaments, and it's not far away at all. P+H and the Joshua Tree looks GREAT. I want that corner stool at the bar, can I call to reserve? 😀

Go see the La Brea tar pits - One of the few things in LA we actually found interesting.

While in Santa Clarita - go to Tommy's and get a chili covered tamale - extra pickles & tomato.

Stop by The Red Barn while in Indian Wells for cocktails. Take the tram to the top of the mountain in Palm Springs - http://www.pstramway.com/

Noted. :thumbsup:

I believe this was the Tommy's I referenced in the OP.

I hear Fathers Office has good burgers. True?

Thanks guys! 😎

 

[Ns1]

I love this dear city and I love food, so I am more than happy to answer any ?'s you have via PM.

No idea what these are, and after Googling Danger Dog... I'm not sure my stomach will be able to handle much more

I can refer you to uh, slightly elevated and cleaner versions of these SoCal delicacies if you are so inclined.

Indian is one area where LA is surprisingly weak at; not going to find good Indian w/o a 40 minute drive to the suburbs, and it's definitely no London (I'm actually in Mumbai as we speak).

Of the hikes that you mentioned, how long do these typically take? Is it pack-a-lunch worth and eat at the top? I've heard Griffith Park somewhere before... but I don't recall where.

There's like 50 different hikes in Griffith Park, the one I do is about an hour - two hours long, there's one that's about 8 hours long, and a bunch that are < 30 minute long. LMK what you're looking for and I'll give you some suggestions. There's a great hike for bringing along a picnic, but like I said - the Cafe @ Griffith is surprisingly good.

I would not recommend an out of town'er to Tommy's.

Father's Office is arguably the father of the $15 gourmet burger - I love it. Meat quality is top notch (IIRC dry aged patty). They got a no substitutions/modifications policy which many people hate though; doesn't bother me. Go to the Culver City location if you choose to go there.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I love this dear city and I love food, so I am more than happy to answer any ?'s you have via PM.

:thumbsup:

I can refer you to uh, slightly elevated and cleaner versions of these SoCal delicacies if you are so inclined.

Nah. Of course I'm going to try it. When in Rome... ?

There's like 50 different hikes in Griffith Park, the one I do is about an hour - two hours long, there's one that's about 8 hours long, and a bunch that are < 30 minute long. LMK what you're looking for and I'll give you some suggestions. There's a great hike for bringing along a picnic, but like I said - the Cafe @ Griffith is surprisingly good.

My initial thoughts were are these hikes better to do on a weekend or weekday? I have that entire Saturday (after I return from Palm Springs) to explore. Better to do Morning/Afternoon/Night? If you could suggest a decent hike (~2 hrs each way) in Griffith Park where I'd be able to hit the cafe and catch some views that'd be perfect. I just Google'd the Nike one and that looks pretty cool too - I might want to squeeze both in.

I would not recommend an out of town'er to Tommy's.

Reason being?

Father's Office is arguably the father of the $15 gourmet burger - I love it. Meat quality is top notch (IIRC dry aged patty). They got a no substitutions/modifications policy which many people hate though; doesn't bother me. Go to the Culver City location if you choose to go there.

I have no problems with food. I love all food except 1) liver 2) brussel sprouts. If the burger has this one it, I'll go elsewhere... otherwise I'm all set.

This thread is already making me bloated. I'll definitely have to pack some Tums. 😀

 

[Ns1]

My initial thoughts were are these hikes better to do on a weekend or weekday? I have that entire Saturday (after I return from Palm Springs) to explore. Better to do Morning/Afternoon/Night? If you could suggest a decent hike (~2 hrs each way) in Griffith Park where I'd be able to hit the cafe and catch some views that'd be perfect. I just Google'd the Nike one and that looks pretty cool too - I might want to squeeze both in.

Griffith Park is a giant place and I have not been to all of the trails; of the ones I have been, here are the ones I suggest for you. It's busier on weekends otherwise no difference IMO.

Morning or Afternoon:
Amir's Garden (this is the trail you want if you're packing a picnic)
Taco Peak (this is the internet famous tea house hike)
Old LA Zoo Trail (interesting to see how old zoos were setup)
Batcave (no really, this is the old Adam West batcave)
Glendale Peak (great views of LA)

Night:
Any of the Observatory hikes

Here's the cafe: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-trails-los-angeles (there's a couple of shitty/easy trails around here, I'm not sure where the more advanced stuff is)

Here's a good reference link: http://www.modernhiker.com/area-maps/griffith-park/

Reason being?

There are many reasons to go to Tommy's - "it's a delicious burger that can stand by itself" is not one of them, ESPECIALLY when you compare it to the current burger guys. Having said that, if you must go to Tommy's, you go after DTLA, you go to the one on Rampart, and you go really fucked up so the greasebomb Tommy's burger can soak up the alcohol. At least then you can say you got the Tommy's "experience".

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tommys-original-world-famous-hamburgers-los-angeles-6

I have no problems with food. I love all food except 1) liver 2) brussel sprouts. If the burger has this one it, I'll go elsewhere... otherwise I'm all set.

You're good to go; highly recommend FO (unless you don't like med rare burgers)

 

[Capt Caveman]

I went to Father's Office based on Ns1's recommendation last time I was in LA. :thumbsup:

 

[CraKaJaX]

Griffith Park is a giant place and I have not been to all of the trails; of the ones I have been, here are the ones I suggest for you. It's busier on weekends otherwise no difference IMO.

Morning or Afternoon:
Amir's Garden (this is the trail you want if you're packing a picnic)
Taco Peak (this is the internet famous tea house hike)
Old LA Zoo Trail (interesting to see how old zoos were setup)
Batcave (no really, this is the old Adam West batcave)
Glendale Peak (great views of LA)

Night:
Any of the Observatory hikes

Here's the cafe: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-trails-los-angeles (there's a couple of shitty/easy trails around here, I'm not sure where the more advanced stuff is)

Here's a good reference link: http://www.modernhiker.com/area-maps/griffith-park/



There are many reasons to go to Tommy's - "it's a delicious burger that can stand by itself" is not one of them, ESPECIALLY when you compare it to the current burger guys. Having said that, if you must go to Tommy's, you go after DTLA, you go to the one on Rampart, and you go really fucked up so the greasebomb Tommy's burger can soak up the alcohol. At least then you can say you got the Tommy's "experience".

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tommys-original-world-famous-hamburgers-los-angeles-6




You're good to go; highly recommend FO (unless you don't like med rare burgers)

That's a great hiking reference. With just a quick scan, the Garden and the Peak look great. The peak mentions 'completing the loop' up Hogback to Mount Hollywood. View looks pretty damn nice. Have you done this? I'm guessing this would be an entire day or at least a good portion if I did the entire loop. I would prefer to do a morning/afternoon hike so I can do lunch at the top and then head back down in the afternoon just so I've got all night to do dinner, go out, whatever.

Judging by the Yelp pics from Tommy's ... and your FO pic posted here, it looks like a no brainer. That FO burger looks fucking amazing. :thumbsup:

I'm hungry. 😀

 

[Ns1]

Which peak are you referring to? I haven't been on Taco Peak, I usually do Glendale Peak up to the helipad. Have never done any full loop hikes @ Griffith.

Here's another good one, somewhat related, Med difficulty.

http://www.modernhiker.com/2013/02/28/hiking-to-the-wisdom-tree-and-cahuenga-peak/

 

[CraKaJaX]

That one looks good too. I'm a little confused with that though - at the bottom it mentions:

NOTE: While it&#8217;s technically possible to hike to the Hollywood Sign, it&#8217;s very, very illegal. There are cameras everywhere and usually rangers or police officers are close by enough to catch you. So don&#8217;t do it.

But two pictures above that statement is basically a picture standing directly behind the 'H' of HOLLYWOOD. 😕

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I fucking love Father's Office.

If you are going to head towards OC area, there's a kajillion Thai, Viet, and Chinese restaurants I can recommend.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Which peak are you referring to? I haven't been on Taco Peak, I usually do Glendale Peak up to the helipad. Have never done any full loop hikes @ Griffith.

Here's another good one, somewhat related, Med difficulty.

http://www.modernhiker.com/2013/02/28/hiking-to-the-wisdom-tree-and-cahuenga-peak/

Glendale.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I fucking love Father's Office.

If you are going to head towards OC area, there's a kajillion Thai, Viet, and Chinese restaurants I can recommend.

Please do. I will drive as far as I have to for some good Peking Duck.....

 

[SSSnail]

Please do. I will drive as far as I have to for some good Peking Duck.....

Best Peking duck in the world - R&G Lounge, SF. I'm still trying to find the equivalent in SoCal.

 

[momeNt]

Depending on your physical fitment and looks, you might be able to bag a rich divorcee milf and have her take you out on the town to all the suggested places as her arm candy.

Have fun in LA.

 

[Imported]

Best Peking duck in the world - R&G Lounge, SF. I'm still trying to find the equivalent in SoCal.

Have you had Great China's Peking duck in Berkeley? I like theirs just a bit better but R&G is definitely good too.

 

[SSSnail]

Have you had Great China's Peking duck in Berkeley? I like theirs just a bit better but R&G is definitely good too.

I tried not to cross the bridge at all cost, let alone for food. :biggrin:

But no, haven't had it. A lot of times we went to different places that have great reviews, but we always find some shortcomings to their ducks. Things like might be a bit too greasy, or the buns not of good quality or consistency, or the taste is a bit off, etc...