Visiting LA for CineGear Expo - Good Eats

P

Paul F

Veteran
What is good eats? Looking at the map, it looks like the Oinkster is my kind of place near Paramount. Are there other suggestions; not necessarily by Paramount. I'll be staying an extra day or two to visit the Petersen Auto Museum and maybe some other things. I'm not looking for a tourist list. I lived in L.A. many years ago.

I like the bar at Wolfgang's in Beverly Hills. I get the salad at the bar. I've never been to the bars at the Roosevelt. I thought I might stop there for overpriced drinks just to check it out. Has anybody been there? Should I avoid it or check it out?

A great salad, good vegetarian, Mexican, or American/burgers is my comfort zone. Not sushi, not a cube of bacon with root vegetables,
 
Hey Paul:

The restaurant scene in LA has really come into its own in the past 5-10 years. A little hard to know where to begin.

Roosevelt is a classic spot--the Library Bar was one of the early mixologist bars and I think it's still pretty good. It's a little scene-y, especially at the pool, but there's great history there of course.

The area that will surprise you the most is downtown, which has literally exploded...there are many, many great bars and restaurants. Areas that you would have been leery of even driving through are now vibrant and interesting. Still a certain amount of sketchiness in spots but it changes daily. I'm particularly fond of the old classics that have been lovingly restored down there, like Cole's (for French Dips and great cocktails) and Clifton's (pass on the cafeteria but mulltiple floors of curiousities and bars).
 
Versailles for great Cuban food (there are several around town). In N Out if you've never been for fast food. Zankou Chicken for the best roasted chicken you've ever had (slather it in the garlic sauce). El Compadre has great Mexican food, but you can find good Mexican food about every ten feet in Los Angeles. My absolute favourite meal though is the Lechon Asado (roast pork) at La Cubana in Glendale, but that might be a little out of your way. Also Umami burger for a high end burger.
 
When I lived in LA, I only went downtown for jury duty. How things have changed. Cole's looks like it has a lot of charm.

Cuban food - muy bueno. I've not tried that yet.

El Compadre looks excellent.
 
I'd recommend Grand Central Market if you're going Downtown. Lots of variety of food stalls.

For burgers, I'd recommend Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (several locations across town) or Father's Office (widely regarded as possibly the best burger in LA though you literally need to fight people for seating, which is first come first serve).

So much Mexican food it's hard to recommend a single place. Tito's is one of the most widely liked, but I personally find it overrated. I prefer King Taco or Tacos Por Favor, but any mom and pop location will do.

Other suggestions: Du-Pars Diner at the Grove (great pancakes), Howlin' Rays Nashville Hot Chicken (amazing fried chicken, but limited hours and long lines), Bludso's BBQ (West LA or original Compton location), Meet in Paris (Culver City - all you can eat mussels on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday nights!) or Granville Cafe (great salads, flatbreads and cocktails).

I also love Versailles Cuban, though I don't know if it's worth going to on a trip to LA - maybe for lunch, but not dinner. I do go there regularly, but mainly because I can get two large meals out of a single serving of the #6 Famous Garlic Chicken. The Cubano sandwich is amazing though.


Just do not go to Pink's. Not worth the wait.
 
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agcohn said:
I'd recommend Grand Central Market if you're going Downtown. Lots of variety of food stalls.

For burgers, I'd recommend Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (several locations across town) or Father's Office (widely regarded as possibly the best burger in LA though you literally need to fight people for seating, which is first come first serve).

So much Mexican food it's hard to recommend a single place. Tito's is one of the most widely liked, but I personally find it overrated. I prefer King Taco or Tacos Por Favor, but any mom and pop location will do.

Other suggestions: Du-Pars Diner at the Grove (great pancakes), Howlin' Rays Nashville Hot Chicken (amazing fried chicken, but limited hours and long lines), Bludso's BBQ (West LA or original Compton location), Meet in Paris (Culver City - all you can eat mussels on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday nights!) or Granville Cafe (great salads, flatbreads and cocktails).

I also love Versailles Cuban, though I don't know if it's worth going to on a trip to LA - maybe for lunch, but not dinner. I do go there regularly, but mainly because I can get two large meals out of a single serving of the #6 Famous Garlic Chicken. The Cubano sandwich is amazing though.


Just do not go to Pink's. Not worth the wait.
Click to expand...

Plan Check is so good. But then again ALL of Little Osaka between Olympic and Santa Monica Blvd. on Sawtelle.
 
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