LA Restaurant Recommendations

[EddieMoney]

(pretty sure there are threads on this, but not too recently)

Headed to LA with my business partner and his wife next weekend to catch a Clippers and Kings playoff game and would like some restaurant recommendations.

The games are in the afternoon so we have time for good breakfast and dinners so could use a few recommendations.

Already have reservations one night at Animal one night (http://animalrestaurant.com/ ... yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/animal-los-angeles) but looking for a couple other places to try

Staying near the staples center for convenience purposes but willing to venture out of that area.

Thanks in advance

[Jive Turkey]

Wokcano (downtown location) is fantastic. the salmon i had was the best salmon i've ever eaten.

it's a few blocks north of the Staples Center.

http://www.wokcanorestaurant.com/loc...n-los-angeles/

[TOR]

Catch up with Houstonian, get pics of Rocko.
Post pics in 'My Dog Is Awesome' thread.
???
Profit.

[SMUlawUTGRAD]

Philippe's French Dip. Do it.

[Gil Bang]

Bfast at Nate 'n Al in beverly hills

[Gil Bang]

Philippe's French Dip. Do it.

No way. $#@!ers raises their coffee prices.

[EddieMoney]

Bfast at Nate 'n Al in beverly hills

Will try out Saturday morning.

Thanks for the recs, keep them coming

[alphahydro]

This sushi place is really good:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-gen-los-angeles

and it's right downtown. More of a traditional sushi place. Every time I've been there, I've been the only non-Japanese person in the place.

A friend I trust raved about Patina

http://www.yelp.com/biz/patina-los-angeles-2 but I haven't tried it for myself yet.

If you're looking for something cheap, for some reason I love eating at Lucy's. I always eat at the one on La Brea, but I think the one near downtown is owned by the same people. Good place to grab a greasy mexican breakfast. neighborhood is iffy.

There isn't a ton downtown. If you end up on the west side . . .

When I'm in LA, I like to hit Angelini Osteria, mostly because there aren't any good italian restaurants where I live.

If you're looking for something more casual, the burgers at Father's Office (2 locations) are pretty good.

[hornbri]

This blog is a a pretty good one for LA. Lots of recommendations and food porn. His reviews are usually pretty spot on, if you want to look through it.

http://www.kevineats.com

[406W30th]

Father's Office is great. Probably my favorite burger in L.A, but both locations are kind of a hike for you.

Two very good breakfast spots - Salt's Cure and Square One (Salt's Cure might only be open on weekends for brunch). Cole's French Dip is downtown and a great spot for a $#@!tail, particularly their old-fashioned. It's the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles and they have a good happy hour.

For sushi, Sushi Gen is a good rec, but I also like Komasa. Both are close to Staples. Daikokuya is also in Little Tokyo (downtown) and is a badass ramen place.

[alphahydro]

I defer to 406W30th, as I'm not a local. If you haven't tried a good ramen joint, that's definitely something I'd recommend while you're out here. Haven't tried Daikokuya (but will, thanks 406).

I happen to be having ramen for lunch today (csb); good ramen is nothing like the stuff in the bag.

If you end up at Sushi Gen, go early to beat the lines, sit at the bar, and ask for omakase. Not sure about Komasa, as I've never eaten there.

Father's office also gets a line unless you go early. I didn't mention it, so just FYI, it's a bar. Or "upscale pub," as they refer to it. IMO, you want to stick to the burger. The other stuff I tried off the menu isn't as good.

As an aside, it's still odd to me that people would go to LA to catch a clippers game. A couple years ago, you could get clippers seats for $.89 on stubhub the evening of the game. We'd routinely get four seats in Premium for $56, including a parking pass. It was basically a cheap outing with the kids, and we could see an NBA game for the price of a movie. If I wanted those same seats for next weekend's game against the Grizzlies, they'd cost me $800 on stubhub. Oh well, at least I enjoyed it while it lasted.

Have fun in LA.

[Jive Turkey]

I always hit Millie's for breakfast when I'm in LA. It's on Sunset near all the Silver Lake hipsters.

http://www.milliescafe.net/

[EddieMoney]

As an aside, it's still odd to me that people would go to LA to catch a clippers game. A couple years ago, you could get clippers seats for $.89 on stubhub the evening of the game. We'd routinely get four seats in Premium for $56, including a parking pass. It was basically a cheap outing with the kids, and we could see an NBA game for the price of a movie. If I wanted those same seats for next weekend's game against the Grizzlies, they'd cost me $800 on stubhub. Oh well, at least I enjoyed it while it lasted.

Have fun in LA.

Yea, the market dynamics have certainly shifted but there were still plenty of Clippers games this year selling for well below cost... While some may know, I am the co-owner of a sports ticket brokerage and the Clippers and Kings were two of our larger investments this year so we'd like to see these guys on their home ice/court.

[Houstonian]

Steak at Beverly Wilshire is the best cut of meat I've had in CA. You can eat at the Sidebar to avoid the wait.

[Crayon1973]

the griddle for breakfast. It's basically the greatest breakfast place in the world. I'm going there on saturday

[406W30th]

I always hit Millie's for breakfast when I'm in LA. It's on Sunset near all the Silver Lake hipsters.

http://www.milliescafe.net/

Millie's is good for people watching, especially on the weekends, and it's like three blocks from my place, but they've $#@!ed up my poached eggs one too many times for me to go back. Next time you're in the area, you really need to check out Square One. Breakfast there is consistently amazing and they have the best French toast (brioche w/ citrus caramel and bananas) that you'll ever eat.

the griddle for breakfast. It's basically the greatest breakfast place in the world. I'm going there on saturday

Their pancakes are easily the best I've ever had. Thick, but light and fluffy, basically impossible to finish two. Get there early on the weekend if you go. It's madness by 10:30am.

[406W30th]

Also - Father's Office has a really good beer selection on tap. Pretty much everything Russian River puts out is available. The Culver City location has a ton more seating (including outdoor) and is closer to downtown too, so I'd go there instead of the Santa Monica spot, which gets crazy busy and is pretty tiny.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Roscoe's.

[alphahydro]

Yea, the market dynamics have certainly shifted but there were still plenty of Clippers games this year selling for well below cost... While some may know, I am the co-owner of a sports ticket brokerage and the Clippers and Kings were two of our larger investments this year so we'd like to see these guys on their home ice/court.

That's cool & makes sense. Have fun!

[Mr. Peabody]

I would go to the man vs food website and Anthony bourdain's website and look at their recs. I've seen episodes of both of them in LA, and they definitely know where to eat.

[Doc Reeves]

I really dig BLD on Beverly Blvd for brunch. It is north central but great breakfast and solid drinks.

[406W30th]

I really dig BLD on Beverly Blvd for brunch. It is north central but great breakfast and solid drinks.

Good call. Their Cubano sandwich is excellent and their fries are some of my favorite in the city.

[Vasherized]

Son of a Gun - same owners as Animal but I like this joint better.

I still dream about that $#@!ing shrimp sandwich.

[Long Rod Von Hugendong]

It might be touristy, but Pink's makes the best chili dog I've ever had.

[huge]

Good call. Their Cubano sandwich is excellent and their fries are some of my favorite in the city.

I like BLD as well.

I go to the Village Idiot on Melrose every time I am in LA. As much a drinking spot as restaurant, perfect for a later dinner. Or lunch. If you cared about craft beer I would tell you they have a good selection.

[StregaHorn]

Mastro's in Beverly Hills. Crustacean in Beverly Hills. Primitivo in Venice Beach. Matsuhisa on La Cienega. Musso and Franks on Hollywood Blvd. R23 near downtown.

Next time I am in LA, I want to try Ink.

[Jive Turkey]

Millie's is good for people watching, especially on the weekends, and it's like three blocks from my place, but they've $#@!ed up my poached eggs one too many times for me to go back. Next time you're in the area, you really need to check out Square One. Breakfast there is consistently amazing and they have the best French toast (brioche w/ citrus caramel and bananas) that you'll ever eat.



Their pancakes are easily the best I've ever had. Thick, but light and fluffy, basically impossible to finish two. Get there early on the weekend if you go. It's madness by 10:30am.

Thanks for the info.

[utee94]

You should definitely try L'Idiot. I'm not sure you can afford the duck, but you might be able to have the chicken.

[Tex Pete]

Roscoe's.

Seconded. If it's good enough for VY, it should be good enough for you.

[ohchaucer]

Definitely L'Idiot if you can get in... have a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon.

[Party_Taco]

Lots of good stuff here. I'll add the following:

- UMAMIcatessen
- Blue Cow Kitchen
- Bottega Louie (AMAZING breakfast)

[Houstonian]

Anybody know the best veggie place in town?

[Gil Bang]

Anybody know the best veggie place in town?

My hippie friends love "Real Food Daily" in weho

http://www.realfood.com/

[SBBruin]

If you're going to be down by Staples, Fleming's Steakhouse at LA Live is a good damn steak. Roy's down the street is great Hawaaian fusion. If you want to venture, feel free, but there are now a ton of great places downtown: Patina, Water Grill, Cicada, great sushi at Takama (all of these are walking distance- well except Patina).

[406W30th]

Son of a Gun - same owners as Animal but I like this joint better.

I still dream about that $#@!ing shrimp sandwich.

Their shrimp toast is easily the best thing on the menu. It's incredible. I found this copycat recipe and made it awhile back, and it's pretty much spot-on:

SOAG shrimp toast

[alphahydro]

So, where'd you go, and what did you think? Caught a good Clippers game at least, right?

[EddieMoney]

Eating plans were derailed by various other scheduling conflicts so I didn't get much done food wise...

Some feedback
-Caught great Clippers and Kings games, the fans created a great atmosphere
-The Ritz next to the staples center kind of sucks, definitely overpriced
-Didn't really like the downtown 'LA Live' / Staples center area at all, way too commercial but I guess thats what they were going for
-"The Pantry" near the staples center is a really good old school diner with a limited but good menu. Be prepared for a heart attack
-Met up with Gandorf at "Spare Room" at the Roosevelt, very cool bar / vintage bowling alley. A concept that would do well in many places
-Mr. Chows is good for what it is

[5280]

If you're going to be down by Staples, Fleming's Steakhouse at LA Live is a good damn steak. Roy's down the street is great Hawaaian fusion.

what the $#@!. why would anybody go to these when theyre available in austin? i know you may live in california, but you know damn wel that theyre chains

i dont miss an opp to eat korean bbq when in LA. just cant get that quality anywhere else

[Gil Bang]

The Pantry is owned by former Mayor $#@! Riordan.