The Chateau, shot Dec. 11, 2024. Photo credit: Jessie Alcheh/SFGATE.
Location. Location. Location.
While the goddess above was handing out theme-park chips, we were busy complaining to the manager about something. So this is not your hub for links to Universal et al. But we have divvied out some fave neighborhoods in LA, so you can discover which one(s) you love the most. Here are some spots that, even after a decade, we never tire of visiting...
West Hollywood
Truly the beating heart of LA, WeHo is your spot for all things poppin’. Quintessential sites adorned with palm trees, the epicenter of this city serves the ultimate Happy Hour, boutiques for dayz, and restaurants galore.
Truly the beating heart of LA, WeHo is your spot for all things poppin’. Quintessential sites adorned with palm trees, the epicenter of this city serves the ultimate Happy Hour, boutiques for dayz, and restaurants galore.
Ok, bishes, what do we love most about Los Angeles. The Sunset Strip, of course! An LA coordinate so fabulous they named a film after it. Where The Rainbow and Chateau Marmont co-exist in perfect harmony.
Accessorized with Tom Ford and Saint Laurent billboards, The Strip will host you all weekend. Yes, sadly The Standard's glass box of sex may be dead, but there are several other great hotels that will keep you wrapped up, proper. Check out: Andaz ($$), Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza ($$), The London ($$$), Hotel Ziggy ($$).
Possible itinerary: start with cocktails at The Sunset Tower Hotel, then cross the street to catch a famous, or not-so-famous, comedian at the legendary Comedy Store, then get your mechanical-bull riding on at Saddle Ranch Chop House (where Miranda let loose when she and the girls visited LA). And since it’s open very late, finish off your night with some scrumptious tacos from Pinches.
Other popular touristy spots include the Petersen Auto Museum: not just for gearheads, the Petersen building is an absolute a work of art. The Museum offers a Sunday Brunch, and once inside you'll find classic Porsches, Ducatis and film faves, too.
Right next door to Petersen is The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures as well LACMA (you'll recognize the lampposts, one you arrive). And don't forget to hit up the original Erewhon, near the historic Grove at the Farmer’s Market.
You’ll also want to peruse Melrose Avenue: EP & LP for rooftop drinks + tons of restaurants and shopping. What’s not to love about Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith!
From the Back, shot Feb. 24, 2016. Photo Credit: Caleb George.
Hollywood Land
“Climb up the H of the Hollywood sign. Yeah.” Mother Lana Del Rey recalls for us the tale. And while you can’t actually touch any part of the sign, the hike up is not for the faint of heart. Whichever route you find online, puhleeze don't forget your 100-percent-Zinc sunscreen, or you'll look like a radish in your (not-so-Instagrammable) pics. Alternatively, you can drive to Beachwood Canyon and walk around, check out the cafe. Can't miss the sign.
“Climb up the H of the Hollywood sign. Yeah.” Mother Lana Del Rey recalls for us the tale. And while you can’t actually touch any part of the sign, the hike up is not for the faint of heart. Whichever route you find online, puhleeze don't forget your 100-percent-Zinc sunscreen, or you'll look like a radish in your (not-so-Instagrammable) pics. Alternatively, you can drive to Beachwood Canyon and walk around, check out the cafe. Can't miss the sign.
Los Feliz
Home to Billie Eilish, Dax Shepard and Sarah Silverman, Los Feliz (lohs-feel-ez) is home to some of our favorite Spanish architecture, with La La Land’s movie poster serving as the backdrop. Bohemian chic, with hipsters sprinkled throughout, check out: Griffith Observatory, vintage Los Feliz Theater, and for great Italian paired with a cozy, dimly lit n' wood-paneling ambiance, Little Dom’s.
Home to Billie Eilish, Dax Shepard and Sarah Silverman, Los Feliz (lohs-feel-ez) is home to some of our favorite Spanish architecture, with La La Land’s movie poster serving as the backdrop. Bohemian chic, with hipsters sprinkled throughout, check out: Griffith Observatory, vintage Los Feliz Theater, and for great Italian paired with a cozy, dimly lit n' wood-paneling ambiance, Little Dom’s.
Is it late? Are you thirsty? Hovering the border of Los Feliz and Silverlake, is El Cid, LA’s Premier Flamenco Club. Polish that one off and keep your gay going with some late-night dancing at Akbar. (Psst. There’s a big, fairly new, Erewhon just around the corner, and it’s open until 11 p.m. every damn day. You're Welcome.)
Koreatown
Circa “Parts Unknown,” the super-lovely Anthony Bourdain tours K-town with two of our favorite creatives: Roy Choi and David Choe. Lazy hotel viewing: check out Season 1, Episode 2, for the full show.
Circa “Parts Unknown,” the super-lovely Anthony Bourdain tours K-town with two of our favorite creatives: Roy Choi and David Choe. Lazy hotel viewing: check out Season 1, Episode 2, for the full show.
Now, if you happen to drive by a Kogi BBQ truck, stop. Make a U-turn. Drive around the block. Take a hostage. WhAt!EvvvvER you need to do to get your hands wrapped around Korean-Mexican-Love, trust us on this one: once procured, you will now be able to die happy. The trucks are Unicorns around town, though, so if you're desperate, head west and stop into the Alibi Room for short-rib burritos you’ll want served at your wedding!
Beyond that, several fingers point to Park’s, on Vermont, and Ahgassi Gopchang as Korean BBQ winners. Kimchi-fried-rice fans find comfort at Gam Ja Gol, while Bourdain and Choe hit up Myungin Dumplings (handmade fresh, daily) during their tour.
After dinner, feel free to take advantage of K-town’s old-skool, dimly lit bars. The Prince is a very nummy tuck-n-roll bar, famous for its Happy Hours attended by Schmidt, Jess and Nick. Great cocktails. Also in the running is the HMS Bounty, 1st Floor of the Gaylord Hotel, Frank N’ Hank’s, and Monte Carlo.
Just Before Sunrise. Looking North, Over Koreatown, shot July 4, 2009. Photo Credit: Shawn Lipowski.
DTLA
Not big fans of downtown LA. The filth and the danger keep us away. BUT, if you're already there for, say, a conference, there are definitely a couple of jewels worth checking out: almost as good as Griffith, the US Bank Tower’s 71Above is the best view of the city. You can make rezzies and stay for dinner, or just pop in (er, up) for a cocktail with a twist of our million-dollar view.
Not big fans of downtown LA. The filth and the danger keep us away. BUT, if you're already there for, say, a conference, there are definitely a couple of jewels worth checking out: almost as good as Griffith, the US Bank Tower’s 71Above is the best view of the city. You can make rezzies and stay for dinner, or just pop in (er, up) for a cocktail with a twist of our million-dollar view.
The Broad is by far our favorite LA museum. It’s said that Eli and Edythe Broad’s art collection was so grand, that they had to build a massive architectural masterpiece to hold it all. Right next door to Frank Gehry’s radical Walt Disney Concert Hall, you can’t miss it.
After taking in all of that creative-genius, you’ll be hungry so head across the street and hop on the Angels Flight Railway for a historic two minute ride down the hill. At the bottom, you’ll find yourself in front of Grand Central Market, an open market of food on food on food. Yes, there’s a reason this place is famous. (We love Ramen Hood and Eggslut.)
And if it just happens to be after 5 p.m., head next door to La Cita Bar, the dive-iest of dive bars with a little something extra. Walk through the club to the outside patio in the back, where the drinks are poured with a heavy-hand and the music is loud! But if divey on blast isn’t your thing, walk two blocks down the street where you’ll find Perch, a $$$ restaurant, serving fabulous French food, brunch, and a killer rooftop bar.
Arts District
Not downtown, let’s be clear, the Arts District serves UH-maaaazing Michelin-starred food and offers fun day-jaunts, like its artsy-graffiti bike tour.
Not downtown, let’s be clear, the Arts District serves UH-maaaazing Michelin-starred food and offers fun day-jaunts, like its artsy-graffiti bike tour.
Brentwood
The Getty: this LA showpiece once had a William Blake exhibit that was spectacular. You never know who’s going to be on display, but regardless, the tram, the views, the people watching...just go.
The Hammer Museum, near UCLA is always free and always fabulous. Lulu, the Museum’s restaurant, is quintessential LA; led by chef, writer, and cookbook author David Tanis and conceived with legendary chef and food activist Alice Waters (think: Chez Panisse). Lulu sources its ingredients from “farms committed to sustainable, organic, regenerative agriculture.”
Along San Vicente, Brentwood hosts fine dining for days, while Brentwood Country Mart, just up the road, offers even more eateries, coffee shops and boutiques, and is definitely a fun viewing of how the one percent live. Faves: Susie Cakes, Baltaire, Sasabune.
The Getty: this LA showpiece once had a William Blake exhibit that was spectacular. You never know who’s going to be on display, but regardless, the tram, the views, the people watching...just go.
The Hammer Museum, near UCLA is always free and always fabulous. Lulu, the Museum’s restaurant, is quintessential LA; led by chef, writer, and cookbook author David Tanis and conceived with legendary chef and food activist Alice Waters (think: Chez Panisse). Lulu sources its ingredients from “farms committed to sustainable, organic, regenerative agriculture.”
Along San Vicente, Brentwood hosts fine dining for days, while Brentwood Country Mart, just up the road, offers even more eateries, coffee shops and boutiques, and is definitely a fun viewing of how the one percent live. Faves: Susie Cakes, Baltaire, Sasabune.
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