Guidebook for Los Angeles
Food Scene
Only top 5 James Beard award winning restaurant in LA. Often run a special on weeknights after 9pm to close at the pizza bar for pizza, dessert and glass of beer or wine al for $20
187 locals recommend
Pizzeria Mozza
641 N Highland AveOnly top 5 James Beard award winning restaurant in LA. Often run a special on weeknights after 9pm to close at the pizza bar for pizza, dessert and glass of beer or wine al for $20
Chef Ludo Lefebvre's casual French brasserie, including the best omelette that I've had (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and some also say their Big Mec is the best burger. Often playing French covers of familiar American music.
51 locals recommend
Petit Trois
718 N Highland AveChef Ludo Lefebvre's casual French brasserie, including the best omelette that I've had (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and some also say their Big Mec is the best burger. Often playing French covers of familiar American music.
Often listed as one of the most romantic in all of LA. Go for great LA style Italian meal and definitely try the cedar plank salmon of their Hollywood Bowl picnic baskets.
166 locals recommend
Pace
2100 Laurel Canyon BlvdOften listed as one of the most romantic in all of LA. Go for great LA style Italian meal and definitely try the cedar plank salmon of their Hollywood Bowl picnic baskets.
You'll need a reservation to eat at one of the premier sushi spots in LA. Even more LA, it's in a strip mall. Last time I went, I sat next to E from Entourage.
18 locals recommend
Sushi Park
8539 Sunset BlvdYou'll need a reservation to eat at one of the premier sushi spots in LA. Even more LA, it's in a strip mall. Last time I went, I sat next to E from Entourage.
Looking for a wellness shot, acai bowl or protein shake? They have it all inlcuding coffee, baked goods and sandwiches.
6 locals recommend
Qwench Juice Bar
6848 Sunset BlvdLooking for a wellness shot, acai bowl or protein shake? They have it all inlcuding coffee, baked goods and sandwiches.
Come her for brunch or lunch and try top chef, Marcel's 10K burger. I think it's one of the best in LA. Plus the decor is amazing and menu is super LA.
16 locals recommend
Wolf
7661 Melrose AveCome her for brunch or lunch and try top chef, Marcel's 10K burger. I think it's one of the best in LA. Plus the decor is amazing and menu is super LA.
One of the premiere restaurant's in all of LA and know for it's seafood. Unless your $$$$, I recommend going their anniversary or better yet checking out their bar for excellent cocktails.
83 locals recommend
Providence
5955 Melrose AveOne of the premiere restaurant's in all of LA and know for it's seafood. Unless your $$$$, I recommend going their anniversary or better yet checking out their bar for excellent cocktails.
Folks from our neighborhood walk over to the night market on Thursdays nights to get food, produce or enjoy the killer views.
10 locals recommend
Hollywood Night Market @Yamashiro
1999 N Sycamore AveFolks from our neighborhood walk over to the night market on Thursdays nights to get food, produce or enjoy the killer views.
One of the premiere restaurants in LA with TV chef Ludo. Really cool atmosphere and reservations are a must. The food is not my favorite but you should try it at least once.
29 locals recommend
Trois Mec
716 N Highland AveOne of the premiere restaurants in LA with TV chef Ludo. Really cool atmosphere and reservations are a must. The food is not my favorite but you should try it at least once.
TV chef, Curtis Stone's butcher themed restaurant. I love eating at the bar and getting bites from the bar menu. If you go for the full meal, except to pay $$$$.
21 locals recommend
Gwen
6600 Sunset BlvdTV chef, Curtis Stone's butcher themed restaurant. I love eating at the bar and getting bites from the bar menu. If you go for the full meal, except to pay $$$$.
One of my favorites spots for pasta in all of LA and most people don't know about it. Plus, they do a great job with drinks too.
91 locals recommend
Osteria La Buca
5210 Melrose AveOne of my favorites spots for pasta in all of LA and most people don't know about it. Plus, they do a great job with drinks too.
The fancy sibling to Pizzaria Mozza. Go here for great pasta and cocktails. Check out the Mozzarella bar and expect to pay a premium.
166 locals recommend
Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose AveThe fancy sibling to Pizzaria Mozza. Go here for great pasta and cocktails. Check out the Mozzarella bar and expect to pay a premium.
Kid friendly but high end and a great chef. Check this place out to see how the wealthy show their kids a good time.
Au Fudge
9010 Melrose AvenueKid friendly but high end and a great chef. Check this place out to see how the wealthy show their kids a good time.
Go here because you love the show and are a tourist. You pay a premium and get pretty good food.
86 locals recommend
SUR Restaurant & Lounge
606-614 N Robertson BlvdGo here because you love the show and are a tourist. You pay a premium and get pretty good food.
Come here for the ice cream and yes they even have vegan flavors. The crowd pleaser is their honeycomb ice cream.
50 locals recommend
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
5915 Franklin AveCome here for the ice cream and yes they even have vegan flavors. The crowd pleaser is their honeycomb ice cream.
Shake Shack
8520 Santa Monica BlvdI LOVE their burgers and fries. Plus, LIQUID cheese!!
Arts & Culture
One of the best outdoor Greek ampitheater's in the US that welcomes picnicking and byo wine for non leased events.
1407 locals recommend
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Hollywood Bowl RdOne of the best outdoor Greek ampitheater's in the US that welcomes picnicking and byo wine for non leased events.
Dolby Theatre
6801 Hollywood BlvdHome of the Oscar's and a host of other events.
Some of the biggest and best theater in the nation ends up at the Pantages theater.
539 locals recommend
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood BlvdSome of the biggest and best theater in the nation ends up at the Pantages theater.
Next to the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theater is the second best outdoor concert venue in LA with a great line up.
380 locals recommend
The Greek Theatre
2700 N Vermont AveNext to the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theater is the second best outdoor concert venue in LA with a great line up.
Live stand up comedy and unlike most other Improv's they have a ton of comedians and shorter sets which means more variety for you.
110 locals recommend
Hollywood Improv
8162 Melrose AveLive stand up comedy and unlike most other Improv's they have a ton of comedians and shorter sets which means more variety for you.
Live sketch comedy and improv shows. Go to their prime time weekend show to see their best talent. The Groundlings was a feeder for SNL cast members for a number of years and has great shows but is now the #2 after Upright Citizens Brigade.
87 locals recommend
The Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose AveLive sketch comedy and improv shows. Go to their prime time weekend show to see their best talent. The Groundlings was a feeder for SNL cast members for a number of years and has great shows but is now the #2 after Upright Citizens Brigade.
Laugh Factory
151 S Pine AveIF you want stand up comedy and big names, this is your spot.
Another comedy spot that attracts a ton of big names for stand up comedy.
225 locals recommend
The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset BlvdAnother comedy spot that attracts a ton of big names for stand up comedy.
Entertainment & Activities
Weekly red carpet premiere's are held here for Hollywood's biggest movies during the week. Worth going to see a movie in their IMAX theater or just getting a picture of for the gram.
1423 locals recommend
TCL Chinese Theatres
6925 Hollywood BlvdWeekly red carpet premiere's are held here for Hollywood's biggest movies during the week. Worth going to see a movie in their IMAX theater or just getting a picture of for the gram.
Locals and tourists alike love Harry Potter world.
17 locals recommend
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
100 Universal City PlazaLocals and tourists alike love Harry Potter world.
Walt Disney's flagship movie house with old timey charm and always playing the latest Disney movie.
212 locals recommend
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood BlvdWalt Disney's flagship movie house with old timey charm and always playing the latest Disney movie.
SUPER affordable improv group comedy in the quirky but cool Franklin village. Asssscat is the hero show but they have many other popular ones.
282 locals recommend
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre LA
5919 Franklin AveSUPER affordable improv group comedy in the quirky but cool Franklin village. Asssscat is the hero show but they have many other popular ones.
Super exclusive magician's club with a ton of history, lots of bar, and very fancy dress code. You need to know a magician to get in and have your suit tie with you.
146 locals recommend
The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin AveSuper exclusive magician's club with a ton of history, lots of bar, and very fancy dress code. You need to know a magician to get in and have your suit tie with you.
If you're a Dodger fan or want to go to the occasional concert, this is the spot.
877 locals recommend
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully AveIf you're a Dodger fan or want to go to the occasional concert, this is the spot.
The best BARcade in LA. Great games, fun vibe and a surprisingly good selections of adult beverages.
106 locals recommend
Button Mash
1391 Sunset BlvdThe best BARcade in LA. Great games, fun vibe and a surprisingly good selections of adult beverages.
Check out the nearest zoo and see some elephants or monkeys. Also, keep your eyes peeled for their night time Roaring nights events where they have live bands and silent discos as well.
220 locals recommend
LA Zoo station
Check out the nearest zoo and see some elephants or monkeys. Also, keep your eyes peeled for their night time Roaring nights events where they have live bands and silent discos as well.
Want to try VR in the IMAX flagship venue? This is the spot. It's a fun change of pace, doesn't take too long and isn't too pricey.
IMAX VR Centre
157 South Fairfax AvenueWant to try VR in the IMAX flagship venue? This is the spot. It's a fun change of pace, doesn't take too long and isn't too pricey.
Drinks & Nightlife
Hand's down the best Tiki bar you'll ever go to. Totally upscale tiki décor, great drinks and brought to you by the guys who run Melrose Umbrella Company
13 locals recommend
Lono
6611 Hollywood BoulevardHand's down the best Tiki bar you'll ever go to. Totally upscale tiki décor, great drinks and brought to you by the guys who run Melrose Umbrella Company
You need a reservation to get into the Spare Room bar and game room tucked away in the Roosevelt Hotel. Expect great drinks form a luminary in the bar scene, Yael, as well as upscale wooden board games like jenga, backgammon, and my personal favorite, Connect 4.
34 locals recommend
The Spare Room
7000 Hollywood BlvdYou need a reservation to get into the Spare Room bar and game room tucked away in the Roosevelt Hotel. Expect great drinks form a luminary in the bar scene, Yael, as well as upscale wooden board games like jenga, backgammon, and my personal favorite, Connect 4.
Buy the tickets in advance and check out the magic show as well as get some of the best drinks in town at this Houston Brothers bar.
23 locals recommend
Black Rabbit Rose
1719 N Hudson AveBuy the tickets in advance and check out the magic show as well as get some of the best drinks in town at this Houston Brothers bar.
Historic house and backyard hosting one of LA's best bar's with regular entertainment that has included Burlesque and cover bands. Also home to a number of Vanity Fair parties.
201 locals recommend
No Vacancy
1727 N Hudson AveHistoric house and backyard hosting one of LA's best bar's with regular entertainment that has included Burlesque and cover bands. Also home to a number of Vanity Fair parties.
The Fonda Theatre
6126 Hollywood BlvdGreat venue for concerts with killer upstairs outdoor patio.
If you're looking for cocktails with ingredients straight from the farmer's market, this is your spot and tucked away in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel which is filled with old hollywood charm and lore
121 locals recommend
Library Bar
630 W 6th StIf you're looking for cocktails with ingredients straight from the farmer's market, this is your spot and tucked away in the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel which is filled with old hollywood charm and lore
Epic bar that hosts a band and burlesque show Thur-Sat pm. Also, great bartenders putting together imaginative drinks.
180 locals recommend
Harvard and Stone
5221 Hollywood BlvdEpic bar that hosts a band and burlesque show Thur-Sat pm. Also, great bartenders putting together imaginative drinks.
This NYC transplant is tucked away in a new spot and the food is EXCELLENT. I recommend drinking off menu at the bar and trying to get your hands on the Lavender Mezcal drink.
17 locals recommend
Employees Only
7953 Santa Monica BlvdThis NYC transplant is tucked away in a new spot and the food is EXCELLENT. I recommend drinking off menu at the bar and trying to get your hands on the Lavender Mezcal drink.
This bar makes you feel like you've been transported to Boogie Nights. I love the music and the backyard. Enjoy boozy snow cones and find out in advance if the in house 70's cover band is playing or the roller skaters are performing.
266 locals recommend
Good Times at Davey Wayne's
1611 N El Centro AveThis bar makes you feel like you've been transported to Boogie Nights. I love the music and the backyard. Enjoy boozy snow cones and find out in advance if the in house 70's cover band is playing or the roller skaters are performing.
One of the best wine bars in the nation and a really good spot to get some light snacks as well.
139 locals recommend
Bar Covell
4628 Hollywood BlvdOne of the best wine bars in the nation and a really good spot to get some light snacks as well.
One of the nation's best bars and worth making a reservation for their omakase drinks. It's a tour de force of drinks that always has a story behind it.
8 locals recommend
The Walker Inn
3612 W 6th StOne of the nation's best bars and worth making a reservation for their omakase drinks. It's a tour de force of drinks that always has a story behind it.
This place serves food and isn't bad for brunch, but you come for the cocktails and hanging out on their gorgeous patio. I'm a huge fan of drinks that include unique fresh ingredients like watermelon, bell peppers, or banana. If you're adventurous ask for a buzz button.
407 locals recommend
Laurel Hardware
7984 Santa Monica BlvdThis place serves food and isn't bad for brunch, but you come for the cocktails and hanging out on their gorgeous patio. I'm a huge fan of drinks that include unique fresh ingredients like watermelon, bell peppers, or banana. If you're adventurous ask for a buzz button.
Great intimate venue to see a show, but make sure you're interested in the band. Also, the bar is basic so I hope you like PBR as much as I do.
107 locals recommend
Troubadour
9081 N Santa Monica BlvdGreat intimate venue to see a show, but make sure you're interested in the band. Also, the bar is basic so I hope you like PBR as much as I do.
Shopping
One of the best outdoor malls and permanent farmer's markets in LA.
487 locals recommend
The Grove Drive
The Grove DriveOne of the best outdoor malls and permanent farmer's markets in LA.
Recently renovated and lots of high end and luxury stores to take advantage of here.
1266 locals recommend
Beverly Center
8500 Beverly BlvdRecently renovated and lots of high end and luxury stores to take advantage of here.
One of the best gourmet markets to make a picnic basket for the Hollywood Bowl.
192 locals recommend
The Oaks Gourmet Market
1915 N Bronson AveOne of the best gourmet markets to make a picnic basket for the Hollywood Bowl.
Outdoor shopping mail and restaurants galore. Expect tourists, lots of them.
922 locals recommend
Hollywood & Highland
6801 Hollywood BlvdOutdoor shopping mail and restaurants galore. Expect tourists, lots of them.
If you're fancy and are OK spending $75+ on a t-shirt, you'll love this store or at least like how trendy it is.
99 locals recommend
Fred Segal
8500 Sunset BlvdIf you're fancy and are OK spending $75+ on a t-shirt, you'll love this store or at least like how trendy it is.
Check out the Nordstrom concept store where you make appointments in advance and have a stylist help you out. Even better they have beer, wine, juice and offer free tailoring and manis and pedis if you're into that.
Nordstrom Local Melrose
8401 Melrose PlCheck out the Nordstrom concept store where you make appointments in advance and have a stylist help you out. Even better they have beer, wine, juice and offer free tailoring and manis and pedis if you're into that.
One of the quirkiest stores in LA and where I love to get odds and ends whenever I'm buying gifts.
81 locals recommend
Soap Plant/La Luz de Jesus
4633 Hollywood BlvdOne of the quirkiest stores in LA and where I love to get odds and ends whenever I'm buying gifts.
Sightseeing
It may sound cheesy but it's a great tour often hosted by people from the TMZ show.
16 locals recommend
TMZ Tour
It may sound cheesy but it's a great tour often hosted by people from the TMZ show.
Hollywood Sign
Iconic Hollywood sign.
Great place for a hike, a picnic or maybe even to catch a talk
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdGreat place for a hike, a picnic or maybe even to catch a talk
Go see a taping of Jimmy Kimmel live or one of his summer concerts. Sign up well in advance on 1iota.com
53 locals recommend
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
6840 Hollywood BlvdGo see a taping of Jimmy Kimmel live or one of his summer concerts. Sign up well in advance on 1iota.com
Getting Around
Hollywood / Vine Station
Hollywood BoulevardNearest metro stop
Union Station
800 N Alameda StMajor train station in Downtown LA