Guidebook for Los Angeles
Food Scene
This place is open 24 hours, located in hip area of downtown LA, and has the most amazing lobster grilled cheese sandwich (though all of the food here is pretty good!).
137 locals recommend
LA Cafe
639 S Spring StThis place is open 24 hours, located in hip area of downtown LA, and has the most amazing lobster grilled cheese sandwich (though all of the food here is pretty good!).
Amazing Mexican breakfast items and burritos!
From their website:
In 2009, El Tepeyac was nationally featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” where the show featured a long running tradition of the ‘Manuel’s Special BURRITO CHALLENGE’. The challenge is one person eating the entire Manuel’s Special burrito in one sitting! That is, 5lbs of burrito consumed by one person! Many have tried but few have achieved it.
Another of the Travel Channel’s shows, the “101 Best Chowdowns in America” has ranked El Tepeyac at #23 in the entire country! Organization’s such as Yelp.com, CitySearch.com, Wherethelocalseat.com, AOLCityBest.com and others alike have rated El Tepeyac Cafe top stars.
23 locals recommend
El Tepeyac Café
812 N Evergreen AveAmazing Mexican breakfast items and burritos!
From their website:
In 2009, El Tepeyac was nationally featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” where the show featured a long running tradition of the ‘Manuel’s Special BURRITO CHALLENGE’. The challenge is one person eating the entire Manuel’s Special burrito in one sitting! That is, 5lbs of burrito consumed by one person! Many have tried but few have achieved it.
Another of the Travel Channel’s shows, the “101 Best Chowdowns in America” has ranked El Tepeyac at #23 in the entire country! Organization’s such as Yelp.com, CitySearch.com, Wherethelocalseat.com, AOLCityBest.com and others alike have rated El Tepeyac Cafe top stars.
Open early and open late with a decent, affordably priced, diverse menu. They have a drive-thru, walk-up window, and inside dining area. This place never fails me when I'm near my home looking for something quick and easy.
Jim's Burgers
11100 S Inglewood AveOpen early and open late with a decent, affordably priced, diverse menu. They have a drive-thru, walk-up window, and inside dining area. This place never fails me when I'm near my home looking for something quick and easy.
This Mexican food chain is famous in the south and east Los Angeles areas. I happen to live within walking distance of one.
11 locals recommend
King Taco # 9
2400 East Cesar E Chavez AvenueThis Mexican food chain is famous in the south and east Los Angeles areas. I happen to live within walking distance of one.
I love the udon here! Great place to eat late night in Little Tokyo. From their website: Suehiro Cafe, a popular dining spot in the center of Little Tokyo offers home-style dishes that will meet all your cravings for Japanese food. Come visit for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack and choose from a wide-selection of dishes including sushi, ramen, nabe, teriyaki dishes and much more.
7 locals recommend
Suehiro Cafe
337 E 1st StI love the udon here! Great place to eat late night in Little Tokyo. From their website: Suehiro Cafe, a popular dining spot in the center of Little Tokyo offers home-style dishes that will meet all your cravings for Japanese food. Come visit for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack and choose from a wide-selection of dishes including sushi, ramen, nabe, teriyaki dishes and much more.
This place is pretty popular, and I enjoy their pho. From Google: Pho, spring rolls & other casual Vietnamese fare draw diners to this no-frills, cash-only joint.
27 locals recommend
Pho 87
1019 N BroadwayThis place is pretty popular, and I enjoy their pho. From Google: Pho, spring rolls & other casual Vietnamese fare draw diners to this no-frills, cash-only joint.
Famous 24 restaurant near Staples Center/LA Live in downtown LA. Love ordering breakfast here during brunch or late nights. You often see a line outside, but it moves fast. Cash only spot, but there is an ATM inside.
88 locals recommend
The Original Pantry Cafe
877 S Figueroa StFamous 24 restaurant near Staples Center/LA Live in downtown LA. Love ordering breakfast here during brunch or late nights. You often see a line outside, but it moves fast. Cash only spot, but there is an ATM inside.
Just a little taco shack on the corner from my house. Their fish tacos are pretty good, and they are only $1 each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Mariscos Cuyutlan Colima
2270 1st StreetJust a little taco shack on the corner from my house. Their fish tacos are pretty good, and they are only $1 each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
I love coming here for Mexican food. This place is great for breakfast or lunch (I think they're closed for dinner). The decor is super cute, and the food is delicious. Their prices are really cheap, but bring cash because it is cash only. This place is walking distance from my apartment.
Los Antojitos
2122 1st StreetI love coming here for Mexican food. This place is great for breakfast or lunch (I think they're closed for dinner). The decor is super cute, and the food is delicious. Their prices are really cheap, but bring cash because it is cash only. This place is walking distance from my apartment.
Good Latin food spot near my home (next to the Mariahi Plaza train stop). From their website: Latin American, International, and Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly Restaurant. Affordable, homemade, healthy, and eclectic cuisine!
8 locals recommend
Un Solo Sol
1818 E 1st StGood Latin food spot near my home (next to the Mariahi Plaza train stop). From their website: Latin American, International, and Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly Restaurant. Affordable, homemade, healthy, and eclectic cuisine!
I'm not a big coffee person, but I love their specialty coffee drinks! Their baked goods are delicious too. This place is near my house, next to the Mariachi Plaza train stop.
58 locals recommend
La Monarca Bakery
5833 N Figueroa StI'm not a big coffee person, but I love their specialty coffee drinks! Their baked goods are delicious too. This place is near my house, next to the Mariachi Plaza train stop.
Kashira Sushi
766 Wilshire BlvdLove the sushi and ramen here! Located next to the Wilshire/Western train station.
Very famous market and food court in downtown Los Angeles. You can get so many different types of cuisines here. I also recommend this as a good place to visit if you're a tourist looking for interesting, famous spots around the city. Plus, right across the street is Angels Flight.
968 locals recommend
Grand Central Market
317 S BroadwayVery famous market and food court in downtown Los Angeles. You can get so many different types of cuisines here. I also recommend this as a good place to visit if you're a tourist looking for interesting, famous spots around the city. Plus, right across the street is Angels Flight.
My favorite poke bowl place in the whole city so far! Very close to the Little Tokyo/Arts District train station.
Poke Express By Honda-Ya
316 E 2nd StMy favorite poke bowl place in the whole city so far! Very close to the Little Tokyo/Arts District train station.
Great doner kebabs, full bar, and super cool atmosphere in Little Tokyo.
15 locals recommend
Spitz - Little Tokyo
371 East 2nd StreetGreat doner kebabs, full bar, and super cool atmosphere in Little Tokyo.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots. It's not cheap, but the food is amazing, the atmosphere is very cool, and the rooftop bar has great views of downtown LA.
LA Chapter
927 South BroadwayThis is one of my favorite brunch spots. It's not cheap, but the food is amazing, the atmosphere is very cool, and the rooftop bar has great views of downtown LA.
Rooftop restaurant and bar. Great for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks. Beautiful views of downtown Los Angeles here.
786 locals recommend
Perch
448 S Hill StRooftop restaurant and bar. Great for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks. Beautiful views of downtown Los Angeles here.
My favorite $1 Taco Tuesday spot in LA! Unfortunately no restroom, but I usually go across the street to Wild Living Foods afterward for juice or dessert and just use their restroom.
8 locals recommend
Casa La Doña
800 S Main StMy favorite $1 Taco Tuesday spot in LA! Unfortunately no restroom, but I usually go across the street to Wild Living Foods afterward for juice or dessert and just use their restroom.
One of my all-time favorite 24 hour cafe restaurants ever! Their menu is huge, and everything I've ever ordered has been amazing. I'm especially fond of their breakfast sandwiches and French toast.
155 locals recommend
Fred 62
1850 N Vermont AveOne of my all-time favorite 24 hour cafe restaurants ever! Their menu is huge, and everything I've ever ordered has been amazing. I'm especially fond of their breakfast sandwiches and French toast.
Sushi Ippo
3800 Wilshire BlvdAwesome all you can eat sushi spot in Koreatown.
I am more a of a seafood person, but I do like this Korean BBQ place. They are the only one I've ever seen offer a cheese fondue to dip your meats/veggies in. It's great! Place the location is a cool plaza of bars, restaurants, and karaoke.
125 locals recommend
Quarters Korean BBQ
3465 W 6th StI am more a of a seafood person, but I do like this Korean BBQ place. They are the only one I've ever seen offer a cheese fondue to dip your meats/veggies in. It's great! Place the location is a cool plaza of bars, restaurants, and karaoke.
Escala
3451 W 6th StBar and restaurant. Love the food here, which is Korean Columbian fusion!
Good Italian dinner restaurant in Hollywood. Super cute date night or family dinner spot.
31 locals recommend
Miceli's
3655 Cahuenga BlvdGood Italian dinner restaurant in Hollywood. Super cute date night or family dinner spot.
Fisherman's Outlet
529 S Central AveFamous, fresh seafood for lunch in downtown LA, and decently priced.
One of my favorite healthy/vegetarian friendly cafe restaurants. I love everything on their menu here!
280 locals recommend
Cafe Gratitude
639 N Larchmont BlvdOne of my favorite healthy/vegetarian friendly cafe restaurants. I love everything on their menu here!
There are a bunch of In-N-Outs around LA, so you can choose a different location, but if you're a burger and french fries lover, you have to try this California local chain. I highly recommend getting your burger or fries "animal style".
384 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
7009 Sunset BlvdThere are a bunch of In-N-Outs around LA, so you can choose a different location, but if you're a burger and french fries lover, you have to try this California local chain. I highly recommend getting your burger or fries "animal style".
Drinks & Nightlife
If you're a whiskey lover, you have to go here. It's a very famous, second floor whiskey lounge in Los Angeles.
206 locals recommend
Seven Bar Lounge
515 W 7th StIf you're a whiskey lover, you have to go here. It's a very famous, second floor whiskey lounge in Los Angeles.
Very nice bar on Spring Street in downtown. I usually like whatever their specialty cocktail of the day is. The location is good for bar hopping too.
35 locals recommend
The Falls Lounge
626 S Spring StVery nice bar on Spring Street in downtown. I usually like whatever their specialty cocktail of the day is. The location is good for bar hopping too.
Cool, bar! One of my go-to spots. I like their Derby and Pisco Sour cocktails. From Google: Mixologists whip up craft cocktails at this luxe nightlcub with leather couches & a moody vibe.
42 locals recommend
The Association LA
110 E 6th StCool, bar! One of my go-to spots. I like their Derby and Pisco Sour cocktails. From Google: Mixologists whip up craft cocktails at this luxe nightlcub with leather couches & a moody vibe.
Super cute bar in Little Tokyo with an ally-way entrance and outdoor patio area.
36 locals recommend
Far Bar
347 1st StreetSuper cute bar in Little Tokyo with an ally-way entrance and outdoor patio area.
Arts District Brewing Company
828 Traction AveGames, booze, and some bar food. Good, fun spot!
I like going here with groups of friends. Very fun bar! From Google: This modern take on a classic arcade combines retro video games, pinball machines & craft cocktails.
102 locals recommend
Eightytwo
707 E 4th PlI like going here with groups of friends. Very fun bar! From Google: This modern take on a classic arcade combines retro video games, pinball machines & craft cocktails.
One of the hot nightclubs in Hollywood. Good for dancing and catching some big DJs. Typical Hollywood type spot.
34 locals recommend
Le Jardin LA
1430 N Cahuenga BlvdOne of the hot nightclubs in Hollywood. Good for dancing and catching some big DJs. Typical Hollywood type spot.
Very fun nightlife spot in Hollywood. From Google: Funky '70s retro bar with era-appropriate garage sale decor, an Airstream trailer & backyard BBQ.
266 locals recommend
Good Times at Davey Wayne's
1611 N El Centro AveVery fun nightlife spot in Hollywood. From Google: Funky '70s retro bar with era-appropriate garage sale decor, an Airstream trailer & backyard BBQ.
Very cool, hip East LA style wine and beer bar near my house, located next to Mariachi Plaza station.
17 locals recommend
Eastside Luv Wine Bar
1835 E 1st StVery cool, hip East LA style wine and beer bar near my house, located next to Mariachi Plaza station.
One of the best Korean karaoke places in LA. Good for groups because at this style place, you rent a room and order bottle service.
Recital Karaoke
3500 W 6th StOne of the best Korean karaoke places in LA. Good for groups because at this style place, you rent a room and order bottle service.
This is a great karaoke bar located in CityWalk at Universal Studios. Great for a night of drinking with friends and watching people sing, or singing yourself!
7 locals recommend
Howl at the Moon Hollywood
6356 Hollywood BoulevardThis is a great karaoke bar located in CityWalk at Universal Studios. Great for a night of drinking with friends and watching people sing, or singing yourself!
Rooftop bar and pool. Better in summer, but still fun year round.
330 locals recommend
Standard Downtown
550 Flower StRooftop bar and pool. Better in summer, but still fun year round.
Super cool bar with live music performances sometimes, DJ, and an aquarium on the ceiling.
27 locals recommend
Mrs. Fish
448 S Hill StSuper cool bar with live music performances sometimes, DJ, and an aquarium on the ceiling.
Dive bar type of place right in the middle of a hot spot in downtown LA.
32 locals recommend
The Down & Out
501 S Spring StDive bar type of place right in the middle of a hot spot in downtown LA.
The Varnish
118 E 6th StSpeakeasy style bar in the back of Cole's restaurant.
Little Easy
216 W 5th StNew Orleans themed speak easy bar in downtown.
Good Mexican tequila and cocktail place. Go upstairs to Seven Grand for whiskey or pool afterward.
33 locals recommend
Mas Malo
515 West 7th StreetGood Mexican tequila and cocktail place. Go upstairs to Seven Grand for whiskey or pool afterward.
Very cool spot for rum and cigar drinking near Staples Center/LA Live.
19 locals recommend
Caña Rum Bar
714 West Olympic BoulevardVery cool spot for rum and cigar drinking near Staples Center/LA Live.
Restaurant/bar with a huge beer selection, and the location is perfect for tourists checking out Staples Center/LA Live.
75 locals recommend
Yard House
800 W Olympic BlvdRestaurant/bar with a huge beer selection, and the location is perfect for tourists checking out Staples Center/LA Live.
One of the most famous prohibition style lounges in downtown Los Angeles. This place is swanky.
241 locals recommend
The Edison
One of the most famous prohibition style lounges in downtown Los Angeles. This place is swanky.
Sightseeing
Public observatory with amazing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign. Good for hiking too.
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdPublic observatory with amazing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign. Good for hiking too.
Hollywood Wigs
6530 Hollywood BoulevardIt's the famous Hollywood sign!
Here is where the celebrity stars on the sidewalk are. From Google: The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises more than 2,600 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
1913 locals recommend
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
6255 Sunset BlvdHere is where the celebrity stars on the sidewalk are. From Google: The Hollywood Walk of Fame comprises more than 2,600 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
Cute area very near my neighborhood with an adorable Japanese Village area to walk around in for food and shopping.
435 locals recommend
Little Tokyo
Cute area very near my neighborhood with an adorable Japanese Village area to walk around in for food and shopping.
Famous plaza in my neighborhood where there are often farmer's markets, festivals, and live musicians.
14 locals recommend
Mariachi Plaza station
Famous plaza in my neighborhood where there are often farmer's markets, festivals, and live musicians.
Parks & Nature
Runyon Canyon Park
2000 N Fuller AveIn the middle of Hollywood, and very dog friendly.
Huge park next to Dodge Stadium. I go running on the main trail here, which is also a pleasant hike.
273 locals recommend
Elysian Park
835 Academy RdHuge park next to Dodge Stadium. I go running on the main trail here, which is also a pleasant hike.
I go hiking and horseback riding here. From Google: Griffith Park is a large municipal park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The park covers 4,310 acres of land, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America.
898 locals recommend
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs DriveI go hiking and horseback riding here. From Google: Griffith Park is a large municipal park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The park covers 4,310 acres of land, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America.
Closest large park near my house. This place is nice to walk around in the mornings and afternoons. There is a manmade lake, playground, and workout area here. I usually jog here from my apartment.
13 locals recommend
Hollenbeck Park
415 S St Louis StClosest large park near my house. This place is nice to walk around in the mornings and afternoons. There is a manmade lake, playground, and workout area here. I usually jog here from my apartment.
Arts & Culture
Historic area in downtown for Mexican culture, food, and souvenirs. Right across the street from Union Station.
412 locals recommend
Olvera Street
Olvera StreetHistoric area in downtown for Mexican culture, food, and souvenirs. Right across the street from Union Station.
The Broad
221 S Grand AveOne of LA's newest museums.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
250 S Grand AveGood for art lovers.
Japanese American National Museum
100 N Central AveMuseum in Little Tokyo.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdOne of the most famous museums in LA.
From their website:
About Exposition Park
Roses from the Rose Garden
The Rose Garden in Exposition Park
The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park, which is home to a variety of great museums and attractions. It's also a neighbor to the University of Southern California and community gathering place Mercado La Paloma. Events take place in and around Exposition Park all year, so visit often to see what's coming up!
Exposition Park Attractions
California African American Museum
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Rose Garden
EXPO Center
Exposition Park Calendar
60 locals recommend
Exposition Park
700 Exposition Park DrFrom their website:
About Exposition Park
Roses from the Rose Garden
The Rose Garden in Exposition Park
The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park, which is home to a variety of great museums and attractions. It's also a neighbor to the University of Southern California and community gathering place Mercado La Paloma. Events take place in and around Exposition Park all year, so visit often to see what's coming up!
Exposition Park Attractions
California African American Museum
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Rose Garden
EXPO Center
Exposition Park Calendar
Museum of Tolerance
9786 W Pico BlvdHolocaust museum.
Entertainment & Activities
View from one of the tallest buildings in LA and a glass slide you can ride down! From their website: OUE Skyspace LA®, located in the iconic US Bank Tower, brings to life California’s must-see attraction. The Skyspace experience, nearly 1,000 feet above Downtown Los Angeles, boasts entertainment and excitement for audiences of any age. The unobstructed 360-degree view compliments the two open-air observation terraces, showcasing scenic landscapes from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and everything in between. Visitors can experience the thrill of the world’s first ever Skyslide, engage with an array of interactive technology and enjoy the dynamic event space.
130 locals recommend
OUE Skyspace LA
633 W 5th StView from one of the tallest buildings in LA and a glass slide you can ride down! From their website: OUE Skyspace LA®, located in the iconic US Bank Tower, brings to life California’s must-see attraction. The Skyspace experience, nearly 1,000 feet above Downtown Los Angeles, boasts entertainment and excitement for audiences of any age. The unobstructed 360-degree view compliments the two open-air observation terraces, showcasing scenic landscapes from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and everything in between. Visitors can experience the thrill of the world’s first ever Skyslide, engage with an array of interactive technology and enjoy the dynamic event space.
Catch a basketball or hockey game here. This is the home of the Lakers, Clippers, and the Kings.
1228 locals recommend
Staples Center
1111 S Figueroa StCatch a basketball or hockey game here. This is the home of the Lakers, Clippers, and the Kings.
This plaza has restaurants, a movie theater, bars, and the Staples Center Sports arena. Festivals throughout the year and ice skating in the winter are held here.
633 locals recommend
L.A. Live
800 W Olympic BlvdThis plaza has restaurants, a movie theater, bars, and the Staples Center Sports arena. Festivals throughout the year and ice skating in the winter are held here.
From their website: ABOUT THE MONTHLY ART WALK (THE 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH)
Start your evening at the Art Walk Lounge (634 S. Spring St.), the visitor center for the Art Walk. Visitors can pick up maps, view and purchase art from uniquely curated exhibitions featuring local and international artists, support artisans and microbusinesses through the Art Mart, and sample promotional items from our sponsors. The Downtown Art Walk Lounge is open from 6-10PM.
The self-guided public art phenomenon known as The Downtown Art Walk brings art lovers and community members to an ever-evolving Downtown Los Angeles. With exciting and unique offerings around every corner, Downtown celebrates the art
58 locals recommend
Art Walk DTLA
411 S Main StFrom their website: ABOUT THE MONTHLY ART WALK (THE 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH)
Start your evening at the Art Walk Lounge (634 S. Spring St.), the visitor center for the Art Walk. Visitors can pick up maps, view and purchase art from uniquely curated exhibitions featuring local and international artists, support artisans and microbusinesses through the Art Mart, and sample promotional items from our sponsors. The Downtown Art Walk Lounge is open from 6-10PM.
The self-guided public art phenomenon known as The Downtown Art Walk brings art lovers and community members to an ever-evolving Downtown Los Angeles. With exciting and unique offerings around every corner, Downtown celebrates the art
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully AveHome of LA's baseball team, the Dodgers.
Regal LA Live & 4DX
1000 W Olympic BlvdI like going here on Tuesdays when all movies are only $8.
Getting Around
This is the main train and bus station in LA. You can get to and from the airport here via the FlyAway Coach bus. You can also rent cars here.
341 locals recommend
Union Station
800 N Alameda StThis is the main train and bus station in LA. You can get to and from the airport here via the FlyAway Coach bus. You can also rent cars here.