Every Friday, Eater editors share their suggestions
You probably think of the same question every weekend: where should I eat? Well, every week Eater LA will compile a handy dandy set of recommendations right here to answer that very question. Here now, five places to try this weekend in Los Angeles. (And if you need some ideas on where to drink, check out the weekend bar guide):
September 23, 2016:
For a leisurely lunch with a view: Eveleigh
As the weekend rolls around, there's no better way to savor the last vestiges of summer than on Eveleigh's inviting back patio. Sip on an Eveleigh lemonade with chamomile-infused tequila and Combier while sharing a bowl addictive truffle fries and maybe the house cured lox-adorned avocado toast. Paired with that gorgeous view of LA, you won't want to be anywhere else. 8752 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Eveleigh]
For your next must-stop Mexican option: Tlayuda LA
Fantastic Mexican options abound in this city, but sometimes it's the smaller, more intimate shops that surprise you. Case in point: Tlayuda LA, a no-nonsense family-run stop on Santa Monica Boulevard, just east of Western. As the name suggest, the biggest hit on the limited menu is the tlayuda, which comes big and round, loaded down with stringy Oaxacan cheese and lots of meat. It's a meal for two, easy, though you'd be remiss to not also snag a plate of their chorizo and eggs. 5450 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Farley Elliott]
For Filipino favorites done with lots and lots of flavor: Belly & Snout
Koreatown's Belly & Snout has really come into its own as a fantastic place to grab the sort of meal with friends that will have you rolling back out of the place, full to the brim and effortlessly happy. It's their Filipino comfort food, served in abundance and packed with flavor, that keeps teams of fans walking in every night — and swaying their way back out through the door. 974 S. Western Ave., Koreatown. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For some of the city's best açai bowls: Live Right Açai
I remember secretly hating the concept of açai bowls, but I think I was more annoyed with the trendification of something that's actually a little closer to home than I think. My parents grew up in Brazil so I feel like an honorary Brazilian, making me naturally inclined toward açai. The time I had it in Minas Gerais, a state in central Brazil, it was easy going, simple, and served in a small 10 ounce cup. So while I was initially annoyed, I've found myself spending twenty to thirty bucks a week having the bowls as an afternoon snack, and Live Right Açai in Culver City is one of the better bangs for the buck in town. The quality of the açai and guarana mix is terrific, portions are large for the money (around $8), and the toppings are as fresh as you'd expect. Some other spots (I'm looking at you, Amazebowls) dress theirs up with edible flowers that are actually pretty disgusting. For the purist's choice, check out Live Right on Washington Blvd in Culver City. 11030 Washington Blvd, Culver CIty. —Matthew Kang [Photo: Yelp]
For a bustling brunch on the Westside: The Rose
If you don't get there early enough, the waits at The Rose can reach Cheesecake Factory lengths on the weekends. Serving upwards of a thousand people at brunch, the place becomes a hub of Venice life. And it's all thanks to Jason Neroni's approachable California cuisine inflected by farmer's market produce and Italian pastas. The immense BLT comes with a smokey thick-cut slice of bacon while the miso butter spaghetti cacio e pepe is something you'll refuse to share (but you will, because you're a nice person). Soak in that back patio or hang out in the front, which feels more like a relaxed cafe than full on restaurant. Don't forget the cocktails, which are always on point. 220 Rose Ave, Venice. —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
September 16, 2016:
For a weekend excursion with lots of pork: Los Cinco Puntos
Ever been to Los Cinco Puntos on the edge of East LA and Boyle Heights? You should, considering it's one of the city's best places for carnitas. Plus the overall atmosphere can't be beat, as countless locals line up on weekends for their fair share to take home, alongside handmade tortillas being pushed out as fast as possible from a ring of women patting them down behind the counter. 3300 E. Cesar Chavez, Boyle Heights. — Farley Elliott
For a casual weeknight meal you can't miss: Ostrich Farm
In the never-ending quest to create the 'perfect' neighborhood restaurant, some places lean too far in one direction or another, instead of focusing on what's right in front of them. That's not the case at Ostrich Farm, the steady-as-she-goes Echo Park mainstay that has really taken over the hearts and minds of the neighborhood. That's to say nothing of their stomachs either, which leave satisfied with sub-$30 monster plates of steak frites, or copious bites of an array of simple salads. There's something for everyone on the truncated bill of fare to enjoy, including beer, wine, and spirits, so all you've got to do is show up and join the crowd. 1525 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For soul warming tofu soup: BCD
There are many great Korean tofu soup restaurants in Los Angeles like Cho Dang in Torrance and Beverly Soon Tofu in K-Town. I always find myself going to BCD though, whether I'm in the South Bay, Koreatown, or even New York. Maybe it's the reliability that comes with a chain, the whole fried fish that is included in the banchan, or just the deeply satiation, piping hot (in both temperature and taste) soup. Whatever it is, you can find me at one of them weekly. 3575 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser [Photo: Yelp]
For gourmet burgers on the Westside: Pono Burger
Even though it seems like we've reached peak gourmet burger, or perhaps passed it a few years ago, places like Pono Burger in Santa Monica (and now West Hollywood and Venice) continue to churn our reliably good, even creative takes on the upscale burger. I recently went for a late lunch at the Santa Monica for the Paniolo burger, made with crisp onion rings, coffee bourbon barbecue sauce, Niman ranch bacon, and smoked cheddar, and it was possibly the best version of the Carl's Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger I've had, albeit a few times more expensive. These days, I'm happy to pay the premium. 829 Broadway, Santa Monica —Matthew Kang [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For New Haven style pizzas in Los Angeles: URBN Pizzas at Smorgasburg
Back in 2010, I took a ridiculous one day pilgrimage to New Haven, Connecticut that resulted in lunch at Frank Pepe's for white clam pizza and then dinner at Sally's Apizza. Needless to say, I wasn't just stuffed with pizza, but entranced by how great the simple coal fire pies could be. When I saw that San Diego's URBN, a wood-fired homage to New Haven-style pizzas, had arrived at Smorgasburg, replacing the rather ho-hum Pizzanista, I was definitely excited.
I tried the signature white pizza with clams and bacon ($15), and it was maybe the best non-Neapolitan pizza I'd had in a while in LA. I do wish it had a few more clams on it, but that's nitpicking. The crust itself was addictive, with just the right amount of chew, and a hint of that smokey wood fire goodness. I'll probably be back this Sunday at Smorgasburg to try another pie (or two). 785 Bay St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 —Matthew Kang
September 9, 2016:
For your new go-to restaurant for large party dining: Escala
It can be difficult to find a restaurant that matches all the criteria for a large party: tasty, sharable fare, good vibes, and prices that don't break the bank. The often overlooked Escala in Koreatown fits the (well-priced) bill. Colombian-Korean fusion dishes like the kimchi-chorizo K-panada are paired with smooth libations and exceptional tunes to kick off an ideal meal with friends. 3451 W 6th St, Los Angeles —Crystal Coser
For weekend coffee with all the right looks: Go Get Em Tiger Los Feliz
The only recently-opened Go Get Em Tiger in Los Feliz is in a way exactly what you've always wanted from a breakfast and coffee sort of place. There's the full menu of hip favorites to float through casually, the long coffee bar that promises a strong cup of the good stuff, and an olive tree'd patio with sun dappling the ground below. Sounds like a weekend worth waking up for. 4630 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz — Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For dinnertime pasta in a tucked-away place: Colori Kitchen
Longtime Downtowners know Colori Kitchen. The small space on 8th Street has been a haven for those looking to eat well, and on the (relatively) cheap. Housemade pastas and other mains make up the bulk of the Italian menu, while inside brick walls and easy seating means there's never much of a wait for a table. Colori is the kind of neighborhood spot everyone deserves, even if your neighborhood includes tens of thousands of people and is one of the hottest dining destinations in America right now. 429 W. 8th St., Downtown — Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For a Turkish-style brunch in Westwood: Zuma Kitchen
There are times when I crave Turkish food more than anything else. Growing in Glendale, I had plenty of Middle Eastern fare but there's something about Turkish food that's craveable, whether it be doner kebab or the various sides you get along with the meats. What I crave even more is Turkish breakfast, and the only place I've managed to find a decent version is at Zuma Kitchen in Westwood. From 9 a.m. every day, they serve a selection of olives, fried eggs, clotted cream with honey, fresh flatbreads, and Turkish tea to wash it all down. 1942 Westwood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 —Matthew Kang
For old school Italian-American pizza and pasta: Casa Bianca
I grew up nearby this iconic restaurant in Eagle Rock, and the place still draws crowds every night. The waits are worth it, with cracker-like crusts and probably the closest pies to New Haven-style coalfire pizza (though to be honest, these are made in a deck oven). I'm partial to the eggplant and sausage pizza, plus a bowl of aglio e olio spaghetti that'll taste like nonna made it. The vibe? Exactly like it was fifty years ago, which is a fantastic red-checkered table setup. 1650 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 —Matthew Kang
September 2, 2016:
For the last little taste of a seafood summer: Herringbone
Santa Monica's Herringbone is a great place to cry a single tear into a glass of rosé now that summer is coming to a close. The seafood-focused eatery sits not far from the Westside waves, with menu options meant for sharing with friends as the sun goes down. You'll find oysters and salads, octopus and steaks, and just about anything else one might need for a final sunny summer bash by the beach. 1755 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For some Pasadena wine you don't want to miss: Lost at Sea
Pasadena's been in the midst of a mini opening boom lately, with a few solid concepts coming into the city in short succession. Among them is Lost at Sea, the Santos Uy and Tim Carey spot (both of Papilles notoriety) that leans towards the sea but carries a wine list worth mentioning. Uy is a natural at choosing wines to fit any flavor, and his strong glass and by-the-bottle menu represents what fun late summer drinking should be all about — particularly if there's a bite or two of ceviche thrown onto your plate for good measure. 57 E. Holly St., Pasadena. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Farley Elliott]
For your new fast casual go-to in the Valley: Claudine
There can never be enough all-day type spots for a nice, casual meal on the go. Claudine is just that sort of place for Valley denizens, with reliably delicious answers to cravings for a light salad (go for the heirloom tomato and peach caprese) or sandwich (short rib grilled cheese) alongside a great breakfast and brunch menu. Of course, there's that gorgeous pastry counter with everything from housemade pop tarts to that whimsical brown butter rice krispie treat that you'll probably take home "for the kids." 16350 Ventura Blvd., Encino —Crystal Coser [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For the best Italian-American food in LA: Jon & Vinny's
If you haven't had the linguini with aglio e olio at Jon & Vinny's, it's a study in beautiful simplicity. Garlic, cheese, olive oil, house-extruded pasta, a dusting of chopped parsley and red chili pepper flakes. At $10, it's the perfect side dish to the vegetarian (and gluten free) eggplant parmigiana, which comes served almost like a lasagna than a flat array. Everything here is excellent, from the greek salad to the chicken parmesan to the wine list. Just come early to nab a seat at the bar because prime tables are tough to land. 412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For the strangest Korean barbecue you've ever had: Hanjip
Culver City's Korean barbecue destination, Hanjip, has now become a full on all-you-can-eat bonanza, which means carnivores and adventure seekers can now test the limits of what $25 (for dinner) can do for you. With a slew of good quality meats and an Americanized slate of banchan, now's the time to check out Hanjip before crowds descend. How wacky can you make your meal here? Start with a soju cocktail or better yet, the watermelon soju, which comes poured into a half a bowl and spheres of refreshing melon. Make sure you order a bubbling mini bowl of fondue to dip your meat, or better yet ask for a that bone marrow corn cheese (pictured above) or an uni-laden steamed egg. Grilled up some spicy pork belly, but need a different vessel? How about some steamed buns? Finish by dipping fruit into a chocolate fondue on the grill. Is Hanjip taking Korean barbecue to places it's never been? Sure, and that's the best part. 3829 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232 —Matthew Kang [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
August 26, 2016
For strong coffee and an updated menu: Paper or Plastik
Mid-City's Paper or Plastik is coming up on its sixth year anniversary this weekend, but don't dare to suggest the place has fallen into a slump. The extensive coffee options are just as invigorating to morning commuters as ever, and a retooled menu brings new twists on popular lunchtime dishes. You'll also enjoy a more focused dinner menu, with beer and wine on offer as well. 5772 W. Pico Blvd., Mid-City. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For a Hollywood favorite still knocking it out of the park: Birch
Step into Birch in Hollywood on any given night and you'll be transported to a sort of sanctuary, where good food is the norm and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. You'll also probably see the smiling face of Gaby Mlynarczyk behind the bar as she crafts some of the best drinks anywhere in town. It's just that this is right in the thick of Hollywood, and chef Brendan Collins' menu of upturned pub favorites are also available. Sounds like a win all around. 1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Elizabeth Daniels]
For an Orange County day trip that results in a seafood feast: Ways and Means
Have you made it down to Huntington Beach's ritzy new Pacific City yet? The retail complex has some major dining players like Ways and Means, a laid back oyster specialist with views of the Pacific waters. With plenty of reasonably priced seafood-centric small plates like a mango coleslaw-adorned lobster roll and drinks that pack a punch, there is no better way to spend a leisurely afternoon down in the OC. 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy B140, Huntington Beach —Crystal Coser [Photo]
For the best gyros in Los Angeles: Papa Cristo's
Is there a more bizarre and patently LA place than Papa Cristo's? Nestled on the southern throes of Koreatown and taking over an acre or so of real estate, Papa Cristo's is a city legend. The market place has a torrent of Greek food products to take home while the food counter near the front of the store sports some of the best gyros in town. You won't find the industrial, thinly shaved stuff here. Instead your gyro sandwich is hefty, big enough to feed a USC football player, and just under $10 before tax. The only negative? Extra tzaziki costs 55 cents extra, and you're going to need more than one serving. If you're still hungry, opt for the sizzling feta cheese and tomato. 2771 Pico Blvd. —Matthew Kang
The ideal no-frilled Korean barbecue: Soot Bull Jeep
In the world of Korean barbecue, no place is more basic, more elemental, more essential than Soot Bull Jeep, which sports a run down interior and some rather dreary diners. It's not by mistake: the place has no music. No comfort. No accommodations except amazing beef and pork, especially the lightly marinaded pork baby ribs, which garner the right blend of smoky, sweet, charred goodness that you'd expect here. The banchan won't make headlines, the service is adequate but not accommodating, and the chairs feel like they could break any second. But finishing your meal with a still-watery cauldron of daengjang chigae, a fermented soybean stew, placed gently on the grill as the dying coals reduce it to an umami-riddled potion? That's heaven right there. 3136 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005 —Matthew Kang
August 19, 2016:
For some out of town fried chicken, right in the heart of the city: Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Much of the bird-loving world took flight a few weeks back when Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken unceremoniously dropped into their new Crenshaw location. All that ruffling has proven to be exceedingly accurate, as the Southern newcomer (with expanded locations across America) started turning out some of the city's best fried chicken almost immediately. Go see what all the squawking is about. 4157 W. Pico Blvd., Mid-City. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Yelp]
For your new favorite breakfast dishes at all hours of the day: Nighthawk
You may have expected Jeremy Fall's relocated Nighthawk to have made our weekend bar recommendations. It certainly could have, but feels unfair to reduce the space to only a bar with the quality of dishes coming out of chef Greg Schroeppel's kitchen. Do yourself a favor and order the bacon sausage Scotch egg and what is probably the best French toast you've ever had. 417 Washington Boulevard, Venice —Crystal Coser
For a Hollywood dumpling party not to be missed: IXLB Dimsum Eats
Who doesn't love a dumpling or six? That's what makes IXLB such a fun corner spot in Hollywood: the clean, efficient space is meant to get anyone and everyone through the ordering process and onto eating as quickly as possible, complete with quirky standing-room dining and takeaway containers. It's the future of dumplings, writ large. 5900 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. — Farley Elliott [Photo: Wonho Frank Lee]
For great Korean noodles worth the wait: Hangari Bajirak Kalgooksoo
If you're ever waiting in line for Hangari Bajirak, the tiny knife-cut noodle shop on the corner of 6th and Alexandria in Koreatown, you'll realize that most of the folks waiting aren't actually Korean. It could be that some Chinese city guides to LA have finally outed this place, which means if you don't land at an odd hour you're in for a wait. It's worth it, especially for the deeply flavored chicken noodle bowl, with whole ginseng-style chicken bobbing about inside.
The kimchi noodle soup, laden with fresh clams, might have the perfect balance of tang with savory addictiveness. And the housemade dumplings are a must-order, though trying to share them with your table is an exercise in generosity. When you start, don't be mystified by the steamed barley and array of kimchi: you're supposed to make your own little appetizer of mixed barley with kimchi, with a dash of chili sauce to bind it all together. 3470 W 6th St —Matthew Kang
For the best alternative to Trejo's Tacos: Top Round
I'm not sure why places with long lines continue to draw patrons despite (in my opinion) relatively mediocrity. I understand why some people might like the ramen at Daikokuya or Silver Lake Ramen, but the hour long waits? Why? There are better places for ramen. The same goes for Trejo's Tacos, the stylish hangout on La Brea that draws dozens of people in the queue on weekends. To me, Top Round is a much better proposition, and there's almost no wait involved. The roast beef on weck is about $7 and tastes fantastic. It's all of my Arby's dreams come true but with way better quality. You're generally in and out in less than 20 minutes, making this the perfect weekend snack if you're driving through Mid-City. 1000 S. La Brea Ave —Matthew Kang