Guidebook for Los Angeles
Food Scene
Long-running, family-owned bakery specializing in Mexican breads, cakes & pastries, plus tamales.
La Mascota Bakery
2715 Whittier BlvdLong-running, family-owned bakery specializing in Mexican breads, cakes & pastries, plus tamales.
No-frills taco shack, with outdoor seating, serving burritos, taquitos & fresh salsas since 1966. Highly recommend the burrito de chicharron.
Al & Bea's Mexican Food
2025 1st StNo-frills taco shack, with outdoor seating, serving burritos, taquitos & fresh salsas since 1966. Highly recommend the burrito de chicharron.
Destination dining for Josef Centeno's Spanish-fusion fare, including his trademarked bäco sandwich.
125 locals recommend
Bäco Mercat
408 S Main StDestination dining for Josef Centeno's Spanish-fusion fare, including his trademarked bäco sandwich.
Reimagined cantina features Tex-Mex comfort food with an upmarket twist along with a tequila menu.
89 locals recommend
Bar 107
118 W 4th StReimagined cantina features Tex-Mex comfort food with an upmarket twist along with a tequila menu.
Trendy Italian restaurant from an acclaimed husband-&-wife team highlights creative seasonal fare.
322 locals recommend
Bestia
2121 E 7th PlTrendy Italian restaurant from an acclaimed husband-&-wife team highlights creative seasonal fare.
Pho & other Vietnamese staples served in a bright, modern space, with indoor or sidewalk seating.
61 locals recommend
Blossom Vietnamese restaurant
426 S Main StPho & other Vietnamese staples served in a bright, modern space, with indoor or sidewalk seating.
Casual spot for eclectic Asian-Mexican fare, including Korean BBQ burritos, plus outdoor seating.
11 locals recommend
Cha Cha Chili
4625 Valley BlvdCasual spot for eclectic Asian-Mexican fare, including Korean BBQ burritos, plus outdoor seating.
Rustic-chic bistro serves housemade charcuterie & other French classics, plus creative cocktails.
62 locals recommend
Church & State LA
1850 Industrial StRustic-chic bistro serves housemade charcuterie & other French classics, plus creative cocktails.
Rice bowls & ramen have customers lined out the door at this small, no-frills Japanese restaurant.
122 locals recommend
Daikokuya
327 1st StRice bowls & ramen have customers lined out the door at this small, no-frills Japanese restaurant.
Huge menu of hearty Mexican fare & live mariachi at this festive, family-friendly destination.
13 locals recommend
El Mercadito Mariachi Restaurant
3425 E 1st StHuge menu of hearty Mexican fare & live mariachi at this festive, family-friendly destination.
Unassuming strip-mall restaurant offering traditional Salvadoran dishes in a down-home atmosphere.
El Salsabor Restaurant
522 S Lorena StUnassuming strip-mall restaurant offering traditional Salvadoran dishes in a down-home atmosphere.
Foodies flock to this simple Mexican joint for housemade tortillas stuffed with slow-braised meats.
395 locals recommend
Guisados
1261 Sunset BlvdFoodies flock to this simple Mexican joint for housemade tortillas stuffed with slow-braised meats.
Long-running chain serving fast-food Mexican standards (tacos, tamales) in a no-frills setting.
11 locals recommend
King Taco # 9
2400 East Cesar E Chavez AvenueLong-running chain serving fast-food Mexican standards (tacos, tamales) in a no-frills setting.
La China Poblana
3568 Whittier BlvdNo-frills counter-serve stop for meaty Mexican torta sandwiches plus outdoor seats.
Informal eatery featuring traditional Mexican dishes such as mole poblano, tortas & tacos.
Las Molenderas Restaurant
2635 Gage AveInformal eatery featuring traditional Mexican dishes such as mole poblano, tortas & tacos.
No-frills Mexican food truck offering cold seafood dishes, shucked oysters, cocktails & more.
17 locals recommend
Mariscos Jalisco
3040 E Olympic BlvdNo-frills Mexican food truck offering cold seafood dishes, shucked oysters, cocktails & more.
Unfussy locale for traditional Japanese cuisine such as gyoza, seafood tempura, teriyaki & sushi.
10 locals recommend
Otomisan Restaurant
2506 1/2 E 1st StUnfussy locale for traditional Japanese cuisine such as gyoza, seafood tempura, teriyaki & sushi.
Historic deli serving up signature French dip sandwiches & other comfort fare in busy communal digs.
100 locals recommend
Philippe The Original
1001 N Alameda StHistoric deli serving up signature French dip sandwiches & other comfort fare in busy communal digs.
Locals line up at this simple sushi bar, known for traditional Japanese preparations & lunch deals.
110 locals recommend
Sushi Gen
422 E 2nd StLocals line up at this simple sushi bar, known for traditional Japanese preparations & lunch deals.
Open since 1955, this modest family-run spot serves massive burritos & homestyle Mexican fare.
23 locals recommend
El Tepeyac Café
812 N Evergreen AveOpen since 1955, this modest family-run spot serves massive burritos & homestyle Mexican fare.
Sleek bakery serves up homemade sweet & savory pies, cafe fare & desserts in a minimalist interior.
118 locals recommend
The Pie Hole
714 Traction AveSleek bakery serves up homemade sweet & savory pies, cafe fare & desserts in a minimalist interior.
Snug, colorful eatery crafting Latin American & global dishes with many vegetarian & vegan options.
8 locals recommend
Un Solo Sol
1818 E 1st StSnug, colorful eatery crafting Latin American & global dishes with many vegetarian & vegan options.
Hip & sceney beer hall serves exotic links such as rabbit & snake, plus fries & imported brews.
194 locals recommend
Wurstküche
800 East 3rd StreetHip & sceney beer hall serves exotic links such as rabbit & snake, plus fries & imported brews.
Bustling, casual mainstay specializing in birria, spicy Mexican-style stewed goat, since 1972.
Birrieria De Don Boni
1845 1st StBustling, casual mainstay specializing in birria, spicy Mexican-style stewed goat, since 1972.
Located in the heart of Boyle Heights right next to Mariachi Plaza and Metro Line. Specializing in "hand made" corn tortillas and "Carne en su Jugo".
La 1st. Street Taqueria
1843 1st StreetLocated in the heart of Boyle Heights right next to Mariachi Plaza and Metro Line. Specializing in "hand made" corn tortillas and "Carne en su Jugo".
This popular CA mini-chain offers vegetarian breakfast, lunch & dinner in a laid-back atmosphere.
85 locals recommend
Zinc Cafe & Market and Bar
580 Mateo StreetThis popular CA mini-chain offers vegetarian breakfast, lunch & dinner in a laid-back atmosphere.
Sandwiches, salads & pastries featured at a neighborhood bakery & cafe with a handful of tables.
Arctic Hotspot Cafe & Catering
2509 East 4th StSandwiches, salads & pastries featured at a neighborhood bakery & cafe with a handful of tables.
Drinks & Nightlife
Funky spot with lucha libre posters & velvet wallpaper boasts cabaret nights & DJ-spun dance floor.
17 locals recommend
Eastside Luv Wine Bar
1835 E 1st StFunky spot with lucha libre posters & velvet wallpaper boasts cabaret nights & DJ-spun dance floor.
Landmark saloon known for French dip sandwiches & classic cocktails, plus hidden speakeasy in back.
153 locals recommend
Cole's French Dip
118 E 6th StLandmark saloon known for French dip sandwiches & classic cocktails, plus hidden speakeasy in back.
Artsy bar lures locals with vintage decor & artisanal drinks, plus live music on the outdoor stage.
83 locals recommend
Villains Tavern
1356 Palmetto StreetArtsy bar lures locals with vintage decor & artisanal drinks, plus live music on the outdoor stage.
Chill hangout with wine, craft beer & a rotating menu of elevated snack foods, plus board games.
13 locals recommend
Pour Haus Wine Bar
1820 Industrial StChill hangout with wine, craft beer & a rotating menu of elevated snack foods, plus board games.
Polished cocktail spot with a backlit bar, banquette seating & bar bites from burgers to bao buns.
48 locals recommend
Everson Royce Bar
1936 E 7th StPolished cocktail spot with a backlit bar, banquette seating & bar bites from burgers to bao buns.
This modern take on a classic arcade combines retro video games, pinball machines & craft cocktails.
102 locals recommend
Eightytwo
707 E 4th PlThis modern take on a classic arcade combines retro video games, pinball machines & craft cocktails.
Masculine old-school joint goes hip with craft cocktails & beer plus pool, Ping-Pong & music nights.
41 locals recommend
Tony's Saloon
2017 E 7th StMasculine old-school joint goes hip with craft cocktails & beer plus pool, Ping-Pong & music nights.
Lofty brewhouse for house draft beers, games & specialty hot dogs & burgers.
104 locals recommend
Arts District Brewing Company
828 Traction AveLofty brewhouse for house draft beers, games & specialty hot dogs & burgers.
Mixologists handcraft custom cocktails at this dark, moody speakeasy hidden behind Cole's bar.
109 locals recommend
The Varnish
118 E 6th StMixologists handcraft custom cocktails at this dark, moody speakeasy hidden behind Cole's bar.
Quiet, cozy wine bar pairs unique pours with small plates of French bistro fare, plus happy hour.
26 locals recommend
Mignon
128 E 6th StQuiet, cozy wine bar pairs unique pours with small plates of French bistro fare, plus happy hour.
Stylish Mexican hot spot for a huge menu of mescal, tequila & cocktails.
50 locals recommend
Las Perlas
107 E 6th StStylish Mexican hot spot for a huge menu of mescal, tequila & cocktails.
Sophisticated nightclub with handcrafted cocktails in the basement of a 1920s beaux-arts bank.
26 locals recommend
The Reserve
650 S Spring StSophisticated nightclub with handcrafted cocktails in the basement of a 1920s beaux-arts bank.
A renovated power plant cranks out absinthe & craft cocktails, plus burlesque & live music nights.
241 locals recommend
The Edison
A renovated power plant cranks out absinthe & craft cocktails, plus burlesque & live music nights.
Slick nightspot featuring creative cocktails, DJ mixes & a nostalgic disco with multicolored floors.
32 locals recommend
Honeycut
819 Flower StSlick nightspot featuring creative cocktails, DJ mixes & a nostalgic disco with multicolored floors.
This traditional Latin dance club opens the floor to a young, hip crowd for DJ-driven parties.
44 locals recommend
La Cita
336 S Hill StThis traditional Latin dance club opens the floor to a young, hip crowd for DJ-driven parties.
Sleek penthouse nightclub featuring an open air dance floor, skyline views & plenty of couches.
18 locals recommend
Elevate Lounge
811 Wilshire BlvdSleek penthouse nightclub featuring an open air dance floor, skyline views & plenty of couches.
Stylish hotel bar & lounge features weekday happy hours & bumps it up a notch on weekends with DJs.
Suede
404 South Figueroa StreetStylish hotel bar & lounge features weekday happy hours & bumps it up a notch on weekends with DJs.
Chill spot draws serious jazz fans with a diverse lineup of emerging artists in a spare setting.
32 locals recommend
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka StChill spot draws serious jazz fans with a diverse lineup of emerging artists in a spare setting.
Chill gastropub with American & Asian food, including sushi, plus a large beer selection & a patio.
36 locals recommend
Far Bar
347 1st StreetChill gastropub with American & Asian food, including sushi, plus a large beer selection & a patio.
Arts & Culture
The mission of the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College is to serve as a unique educational resource for the diverse audiences of the college and the community through the exhibition, interpretation, collection, and preservation of works in all media of the visual arts. VPAM provides an environment to encounter a range of aesthetic expressions that illuminate the depth and diversity of artwork produced by people of the world, both contemporary and past.
Vincent Price Art Museum
1301 Avenida Cesar ChavezThe mission of the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College is to serve as a unique educational resource for the diverse audiences of the college and the community through the exhibition, interpretation, collection, and preservation of works in all media of the visual arts. VPAM provides an environment to encounter a range of aesthetic expressions that illuminate the depth and diversity of artwork produced by people of the world, both contemporary and past.
Contemporary museum specializing in architecture & design with exhibits & educational programs.
17 locals recommend
A+D Architecture and Design Museum
170 South La Brea AvenueContemporary museum specializing in architecture & design with exhibits & educational programs.
The African American Fire Fighter Museum is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and sharing the heritage of African American Fire Fighters through collaboration and education.
African American Firefighter Museum
1401 S Central AveThe African American Fire Fighter Museum is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and sharing the heritage of African American Fire Fighters through collaboration and education.
The Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art was an exhibition venue for visual arts that ran between 1974 and 1987 in Los Angeles, California
7 locals recommend
Institute of Contemporary Art
1717 E 7th StThe Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art was an exhibition venue for visual arts that ran between 1974 and 1987 in Los Angeles, California
The California African American Museum is a museum located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California, United States.
64 locals recommend
California African American Museum
600 State DrThe California African American Museum is a museum located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California, United States.
Admission's free to permanent exhibits at this kid-friendly spot, also boasting IMAX & the Endeavor.
442 locals recommend
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park DrAdmission's free to permanent exhibits at this kid-friendly spot, also boasting IMAX & the Endeavor.
Begin your experience in Endeavour Together: Parts & People, a companion exhibit featuring artifacts from space shuttle Endeavour and the external tank. Then see Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion.
24 locals recommend
Space Shuttle Endeavour
700 Exposition Park DrBegin your experience in Endeavour Together: Parts & People, a companion exhibit featuring artifacts from space shuttle Endeavour and the external tank. Then see Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, Its collections include nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts and cover 4.5 billion years of history.
461 locals recommend
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 W Exposition BlvdThe Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, Its collections include nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts and cover 4.5 billion years of history.
Olvera Street is an historic district in downtown Los Angeles, and a part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. It was officially founded in 1781 in Los Angeles, and was renamed to Olvera Street in 1877.
412 locals recommend
Olvera Street
Olvera StreetOlvera Street is an historic district in downtown Los Angeles, and a part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. It was officially founded in 1781 in Los Angeles, and was renamed to Olvera Street in 1877.
Shopping
Upscale grocery store with organic produce & artisanal cheeses, plus select sandwiches & craft beer.
35 locals recommend
Urban Radish
Upscale grocery store with organic produce & artisanal cheeses, plus select sandwiches & craft beer.
Chain offering Hispanic groceries & premade Mexican meals, with banking services at some branches.
11 locals recommend
Northgate Market
425 S Soto StChain offering Hispanic groceries & premade Mexican meals, with banking services at some branches.
Entertainment & Activities
High-tech facility featuring glass pavilions, an art-filled lobby & extensive exhibit hall space.
349 locals recommend
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa StHigh-tech facility featuring glass pavilions, an art-filled lobby & extensive exhibit hall space.
Massive entertainment complex featuring a theater & The Grammy Museum, plus hotels & restaurants.
129 locals recommend
L.A. Live Way
L.A. Live WayMassive entertainment complex featuring a theater & The Grammy Museum, plus hotels & restaurants.
Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.
240 locals recommend
Regal LA Live & 4DX
1000 W Olympic BlvdTheater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.
Massive, modern arena hosts LA teams, the Lakers, Clippers, Kings & Sparks, plus music headliners.
1228 locals recommend
Staples Center
1111 S Figueroa StMassive, modern arena hosts LA teams, the Lakers, Clippers, Kings & Sparks, plus music headliners.
This classic ballpark, one of baseball's oldest, has hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962.
877 locals recommend
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully AveThis classic ballpark, one of baseball's oldest, has hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962.
Open since 1959, this sister venue to the LA Coliseum seats 15,000 & hosts big-name concerts.
173 locals recommend
LA Memorial Coliseum
3911 Figueroa StOpen since 1959, this sister venue to the LA Coliseum seats 15,000 & hosts big-name concerts.
Parks & Nature
This park with lake views offers picnic areas with BBQ pits, basketball courts & a playground.
13 locals recommend
Hollenbeck Park
415 S St Louis StThis park with lake views offers picnic areas with BBQ pits, basketball courts & a playground.
Gathering place featuring an intimate performance area, memorial fountain & wade-able membrane pool.
283 locals recommend
Grand Park
200 N Grand AveGathering place featuring an intimate performance area, memorial fountain & wade-able membrane pool.
Modern park known for its 10-story purple bell tower features summer concerts & community events.
93 locals recommend
Pershing Square
532 S Olive StModern park known for its 10-story purple bell tower features summer concerts & community events.
Lakefront green space with city vistas, walking paths & pedal boats, plus an indoor swimming pool.
1632 Echo Park Ave
1632 Echo Park AvenueLakefront green space with city vistas, walking paths & pedal boats, plus an indoor swimming pool.
Public recreation destination with barbecue pits, a baseball diamond, a playground & picnic tables.
6 locals recommend
Lincoln Park
3501 Valley BlvdPublic recreation destination with barbecue pits, a baseball diamond, a playground & picnic tables.
Getting Around
Opulent train station built in 1939 & still a major rail hub, with shops, eateries & waiting areas.
341 locals recommend
Union Station
800 N Alameda StOpulent train station built in 1939 & still a major rail hub, with shops, eateries & waiting areas.
Soto is a light rail subway station in the Los Angeles County Metro Rail system. It is located at the intersection of First and Soto Streets in the heart of Los Angeles Boyle Heights District. The station is served by the Gold Line.
Soto station
Soto is a light rail subway station in the Los Angeles County Metro Rail system. It is located at the intersection of First and Soto Streets in the heart of Los Angeles Boyle Heights District. The station is served by the Gold Line.