In places like New York you can walk down the street, get a hot dog off a cart and be satisfied. LA, on the other hand, is different; most people are not going to buy any food product off the street. Under drunken influence one may buy a Curb Dog in front of the club around 2:15am, but that’s about as far as it goes. If you take a short drive down La Brea on any given day you can see people lined up in front of a small white building, this phenomenon is called PINKs.  Since 1939 Pinks has served Hollywood, and as the hype has grown, you can be sure to wait on line for at least an hour. With a fully loaded menu with all types of food named after different Hollywood icons and events, there is something for everyone. But you will never see me eating a foot long hot dog, my signature meal is the Chili Cheese Chicken Burrito. Two fresh chicken breast, chili and extra cheese, make this burrito something special. Add chili cheese fries and two classic flavored sodas like Bubble Up or Grape Crush and you have a truly elevated meal.

Pinks
709 N La Brea
Hollywood, Ca

I don’t know if it’s because it’s available on every corner in LA, but I could seriously eat Mexican food every day…and probably do, in some form. So this makes me an authority on quality Mexican food (in my mind at least). Nonetheless, when my two girls and I came from getting massages at Chiang Mai a few weeks back, we decided to stop in at La Cantina Taqueria to grab some food. I ordered the Dos Tacos de Pollo–two chicken tacos, for those of you who failed Spanish 1 in high school–and was pleasantly surprised by the crispy goodness that came before me (soft tacos are also available, FYI). From the chips and salsa to the beans and rice, everything was on point.

I also recommend the fish tacos, enchiladas, La Cantina Fajitas, and any of their wide array of alcoholic beverages. Disclaimer: La Cantina–which is owned by the same company that owns Element Nightclub–isn’t necessarily the most authentic Mexican food you’ll come across, so if you’re looking for “hole-in-the-wall,” go to Lucy’s. But if you want to awaken your taste buds and enjoy some drinks with friends, La Cantina will not disappoint.

The taqueria is also open late for your convenience. Call or visit their website for more details.

La Cantina Taqueria
6541 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.871.1363

“CHA CHA CHA” Is a refreshingly authentic Caribbean restaurant off Melrose and Virgil.  Once you step inside you’re immediately drawn to the eclectic décor and inviting ambiance.  After you’ve been seated, make sure you start with their infamous Sangria (don’t worry, they’ll leave a pitcher if you ask).  If you’re trying to impress your date you may want to brush up on your Spanish and order “la paella” or “Empanaditas” to start.  The tapas are by far the best option if you are going with a large party; you can choose from jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, ceviche, or if you’re not big on seafood they’ve got a tasty garlic clove/goat cheese pizza.  Their entrées are pretty generous in size and the service was quick and efficient. Most of the dishes come with fried plantains, black beans and dirty rice, but if you talk to your server they can substitute bread pudding, tortilla soup or homemade guacamole instead.  Street parking isn’t the best in this area so make sure you’re prepared to valet.  After leaving Cha Cha Cha you’ll be glad you chose this Caribbean escape to offset the typical LA eateries you often visit. 

Cha Cha Cha
656 N Virgil (@ Melrose Ave)
Los Angeles

Bella Cucina Italiana has to be one of Hollywood’s best Italian restaurants.  Though the portions aren’t the largest, what the meal lacks in size is made up for in great taste.  The Lobster Ravioli in a creamy pink sauce, coupled with their great drinks–an extensive wine selection and special drinks like the “Blended Bella Bellini”–definitely give this restaurant the status of good eats.  Their menu is full of tasty contemporary and southern Italian cuisine. It’s a step up from a normal dinner spot, so remember you get what you pay for. And quality food and ambiance aren’t cheap. Also, be sure to make reservations.

Bella
1708 N. Las Palmas
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.468.8815

Stationed within walking distance of the LA Times building, I was told this place was once a depressing destination for overworked, perpetually anxious journalists needing a drink and a break from the grind. OK, so, I cannot confirm whether or not this used to be true, but I can confirm that, depressing, it is not.

Surrounding by darkness in the part of downtown that has not yet been affected by overzealous developers, the bright red sign of the Redwood Bar and Grill lures you in for late night eats or drinks. It’s dim and chill inside, decorated like they’re in constant preparation of Halloween, and the large, intimate booths are nice to for large groups are a date.

I’m a big fan of their burgers (turkey, beef, whatever) and their salmon gets the thumbs up from me, as well as the friends that have ordered it! But the last time I went, I noticed they served my favorite inexpensive red wine (Smoking Loon) and I knew this was the laid back, anti-Hollywood back I’ve been looking for.

There’s no rush there. Parking is easy at night. So kick back and enjoy…before the suits turn it into a Cheesecake Factory. (Music and dancing on lower level some nights.)

Redwood Bar and Grill
316 W 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-2600

When I stepped into Falcon, I was immediately drawn in by its ambiance and the architecture of the space. The front entrance opens up to the bar and a cozy lounge area. Around the corner is additional seating that is open to the heated patio downstairs.

This modern, Asian-inspired restaurant / lounge is much more relaxed than the normal club scene. I went on a Monday night—their hip-hop night—and the music was good, drinks were tasty and the vibe was nice. The actual restaurant is open 6 pm to 12 midnight Monday through Friday, and 7 pm to midnight on the weekends. If you stop in early for food and drinks you won’t need to be on the after-hours guest list.

Falcon Hollywood
7213 Sunset Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90046
323.850.5350

Our good friend Reecie from Honorable Media hooked us up with a  guest post  where she shares some great info on another spot for some Good Eats.

The Griddle Cafe is a trendy and always packed hole-in-the-wall spot on Sunset in Hollywood. It’s a blink and you’ll miss it but you won’t miss the loads of people waiting outside to get a taste of one of THE best breakfast spots in town. If you have two hours to kill for a leisurely breakfast or lunch before you get your day in full swing, then this is the place to check out.

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I left the office to run some errands the other day and decided I wanted to do something special for the Mrs. There is this chic little bakery on Wilshire called, Vanilla Bake Shop. I stopped there a few months ago, before they opened because the design geek in me was drawn to the posh sign-age that adorns the storefront. I had a feeling then that I was going to love this place, and I was right! Vanilla is a concept shop with a straight forward product line. They do high-end cakes for weddings and special occasions, but I was there there for their wide range of gourmet cupcakes. Gourmet? Santa Monica? This is gonna hurt my pockets right? Nope! I asked the nice fellow behind the counter to run down the numbers on their gift assortments. The large cupcakes work out to be about $10 for three (which is plenty considering how rich they are). They also have “Cupcake Babies” which are a smaller version of the original that will allow you and your sweetheart to sample everything without feeling too guilty. I opted for a box of three grown-up cupcakes. The spicy carrot and fudgy brownie varieties stood out and went over well with my queen. They bake a different assortment of flavors each day of the week. I think I’ll check back next Sunday and try the mint-chocolate joints.

Over all this spot is definitely elevated. For less then fifteen-bucks you can get a nicely wrapped gift for someone you dig, and a cupcake or two for you to devour on the way home. The next time you are on the west side, drop in for a box and tell Amy (the owner and baker) that Propaganda Champ says hi.

Vanilla Bake Shop

512 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310.458.6644

Where to go after the club? Well you can hit one of the typical spots: Denny’s, IHOP or Norms…or you can venture over to Berri’s Pizza Café. If you get there in a timely matter (before 1:30am), you will be able to walk in with ease, get a table, and get to ordering. But if you like to parking lot pimp, by the time you get to Berri’s you will think you were still at the club; this spot will seem as if you need to be on the guest list to get in. Offering a great assortments of pastas, pizzas and teas, Berri’s is a great place to eat, regardless of the time of day. Go for lunch or for a midnight snack, and try the lobster pizza while you are there.

Berri’s Pizza Café
8412 Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Raw fish? I must admit, I haven’t always been a fan. But Café Sushi on Beverly Boulevard has done its part in making me change my tune. Its casual, friendly atmosphere is a great departure from other stuffy Los Angeles restaurants; and after one bite of their warm Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes (a must), I was completely converted.

Located right down the street from the Beverly Center, this cozy restaurant is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Their service is quick, the fish is fresh, and I’ve never ordered something I didn’t like. I recommend the Crunchy Roll, Baked Cod or their tasty Chicken Teriyaki (for the remaining sushi skeptics out there).

Park in the adjacent lot ($3.50 to valet), as you need a permit to park on the street. I promise, your mouth will thank you.

Café Sushi
8459 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048-3415
Phone: (323) 651-4020

Everyone has that favorite restaurant, bar, or lounge. Well, my current favorite is Katana Robata Grill, located on Sunset Blvd. Since reservations are a must, its not a simple hop out the car favorite. This is a deliberate destination where a little planning wouldn’t hurt.

Nestled between the walls of a large office building you will find Katana, an all-in-one destination for great food, drinks and décor. A variety of seating and menu options can make each trip to Katana a unique experience. For your first visit, select a cocktail of your choice and try the Sukesada Robata Combination; this will give you a great introduction to the Katana menu. More experienced diners should opt for one of their great sushi rolls. Check out the site and make your reservation for Katana.

Katana
8439 W. Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood

LaLa’s Argentine Grill

As I stepped onto a patio dimly lit by candles, it was clear that a relaxing and peaceful meal was in store. A cool summer breeze blowing aromas from the kitchen made LaLa’s seem a little to good to be true. Perfect for a casual dinner date, its cozy yet relaxed atmosphere is sure to ignite romance.

As with most dinners, LaLa’s serves bread; but instead of the conventional butter, Lala’s dishes up Chimichurri, a delicious Argentinian sauce made of olive oil and various spices and herbs. If you aren’t full from the delicious bread and sauce, couple one of their salads with a pasta dish or their specially cooked meats, and you have a great meal. I recommend the Ravioli De Vegetales (Vegetable Ravioli) or the Costilla (Rib Eye Steak)

Combine the ambiance and menu you will not be disappointed with Lala’s Argentine Grill.

Lala’s Argentine Grill
7229 Melrose Ave
Los Angele, Ca. 90046
323.934.6838