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NFT: Things to do in LA

tbonfig : 2/20/2020 11:56 am
Heading to LA this weekend for a wedding for the first time. I have during the day time on Saturday and Sunday available and was curious what would you do if you were in a similar situation?

Going with just the wife, no kids.

Any amazing food spots you would recommend?

Also, the wedding is in Anaheim, is it better to Uber from LA or to rent a car?
i did one of those double-decker  
GiantNatty : 2/20/2020 11:59 am : link
bus tours there a couple months back and thought it was a great way to see a lot of the city. you can hop on and off along the way if you want to spend more time at a specific place
Rent a car...  
Chris in Philly : 2/20/2020 12:09 pm : link
Anaheim is not that close, and anywhere out there a car is going to come in handy. It's so spread out - you will spend a lot of time going from, say, Santa Monica to Hollywood.
It's LA, you need a car  
since1925 : 2/20/2020 12:22 pm : link
What do like? The Universal back lot is very cool if you like movies. The Santa Monica Pier and Promenade is great if you like the ocean and there is pretty good star watching at The Ivy or great sushi at Sushi Roka right across from BOA for steak. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is very upscale shopping with lots of upscale eateries. The Getty Museum is one of the finest in the country. There's a lot in the city, it depends what you like.
If you're gonna be in Anaheim  
Phil in LA : 2/20/2020 12:25 pm : link
Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm are right there. Don't know if you like chicken but they have an old school chicken restaurant at Knotts that I always hit when I go watch the Yankees play the Angels.
Heads up Lyft is much cheaper  
CromartiesKid21 : 2/20/2020 12:28 pm : link
Than Uber over there
I'd go  
feelflows : 2/20/2020 12:37 pm : link
Walking in L.A.
If you get a chance  
montanagiant : 2/20/2020 12:37 pm : link
You have to try Kogi's BBQ Taco food truck. It is somewhat a mesh of Korean and Mexican that is out of this world.

You can see where they will be during your trip on the following link
link - ( New Window )
Few things  
lugnut : 2/20/2020 12:40 pm : link
Chateau Marmont hotel is famous/notorious, w/ good food (but $$). Belushi died there and others spiraled down, holed up in the rooms. Right on/in Hollywood Hills, helluva view coming and going. (I saw Jeff Goldblum there, giving an interview in the lobby.)

Griffith Park is great if you wanna get outside and stretch your legs. Near Hollywood, lots of hills, trails, you can hike up to the observatory for a great view.

I second Santa Monica Pier for a casual stroll and chatting w/ your significant other.

And Getty Museum -- the location and view surpass the artwork inside.

(Wish I'd know about the Ivy or other good spots for star catching. As it was, I saw Goldblum and John Waters w/o even trying.)
RE: I'd go  
rnargi : 2/20/2020 12:46 pm : link
In comment 14814873 feelflows said:
Quote:
Walking in L.A.


Only a nobody walks in L.A.
Live...  
BMac : 2/20/2020 12:55 pm : link
...and die.
Where you're staying factors in  
Hollywood Marc : 2/20/2020 12:58 pm : link
to what I'd recommend for you to do in L.A. If you've never been it's very spread out, so a car is a must, especially if you're going to head all the way to Anaheim for a wedding (should take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour).

Since I don't know where you're staying I would suggest going to Venice Beach to walk around and people watch. YOu can grab lunch or drinks at a rooftop spot on top of the Hotel Erwin. If yoo want to get away from VB another option would be to either head to a street called Abbot Kinney for lunch. Gjelina, Felix, MGN are all popular spots. If you're vegetarian The Butcher's Daughter is a nice option. Or head over to the 3rd street promenade/Santa Monica Pier. That should be a nice time with the wife.

Unfortunately, looks like it actually might rain on Saturday, in which case I wouldn't do anything I suggested :). Enjoy...

You could always  
rnargi : 2/20/2020 1:06 pm : link
bring in a couple of ki's....
I always liked the Gene Autry Western museum  
Greg from LI : 2/20/2020 1:12 pm : link
If you're a car guy, the Peterson Automotive Museum is pretty cool. The Farmers Market is great to wander around and pick out a place for lunch - a lot of variety there.
LaBrea Tar Pits are interesting  
BocaGene : 2/20/2020 2:02 pm : link
if you are into saber tooth tigers.
Griffith Park....  
BillKo : 2/20/2020 2:17 pm : link
...don't go at night and rely on GPS! LOL.......we went in the evening and totally got lost.

But the observatory is definitely worth it.

If you have the time, the tour of Beverly Hills (the rich and famous) was really good, if you like that sorta stuff.

And we did a tour called "The Dearly Departed" that took you to all the sites of famous deaths in Hollywood. Not sure if it's even still around.

In-and-Out Burger of course. Order off the secret menu.
oh and I forgot..  
BillKo : 2/20/2020 2:19 pm : link
..near Dodger Stadium, Phillipe's.

Best French dip sandwich ever.
RE: If you get a chance  
BigBluesman : 2/20/2020 2:27 pm : link
In comment 14814874 montanagiant said:
Quote:
You have to try Kogi's BBQ Taco food truck. It is somewhat a mesh of Korean and Mexican that is out of this world.

You can see where they will be during your trip on the following link link - ( New Window )

Kogi is the bomb! They are constantly in my neighborhood.

A lot of good recommendations here. You probably aren't coming to LA to eat Italian but for us transplants Dan Tana's tastes pretty close to home. And you can usually spot a celebrity or two there. Last time we had to wait for Al Pacino to finish so we could get his table.

For a daytrip the Downtown Arts District is really cool. The streets are filled with old garages and warehouses rehabbed into breweries, art galleries, and shops. Parking is different from the rest of LA, you just have to avoid garage doors for the most part. It's one of my favorite getaways.
Compton  
Sec 103 : 2/20/2020 2:34 pm : link
definitely Compton....
Hit up Stan  
figgy2989 : 2/20/2020 2:35 pm : link
You can probably get a round of golf in with a former mob boss.
RE: RE: If you get a chance  
montanagiant : 2/20/2020 2:54 pm : link
In comment 14814949 BigBluesman said:
Quote:
In comment 14814874 montanagiant said:


Quote:


You have to try Kogi's BBQ Taco food truck. It is somewhat a mesh of Korean and Mexican that is out of this world.

You can see where they will be during your trip on the following link link - ( New Window )


Kogi is the bomb! They are constantly in my neighborhood.

A lot of good recommendations here. You probably aren't coming to LA to eat Italian but for us transplants Dan Tana's tastes pretty close to home. And you can usually spot a celebrity or two there. Last time we had to wait for Al Pacino to finish so we could get his table.

For a daytrip the Downtown Arts District is really cool. The streets are filled with old garages and warehouses rehabbed into breweries, art galleries, and shops. Parking is different from the rest of LA, you just have to avoid garage doors for the most part. It's one of my favorite getaways.

Their Short Rib Burrito is sensational
where will you be and what do you like?  
MM_in_NYC : 2/20/2020 2:55 pm : link
for food. it's a big town and a lot to choose from.
Grab a burger for lunch  
GeneInCal : 2/20/2020 3:06 pm : link
at Tommy's, Beverly and Rampart. They are a So. Cal tradition. Just don't stay in the neighborhood too long, lol.

Most of LA sucks, so don't get your hopes up. If you want a nice day, head up to Malibu or down to Newport Beach.
Link - ( New Window )
I love this site so much  
tbonfig : 2/20/2020 3:20 pm : link
Thank you everyone with your input so far. It is much appreciated. We’re going to see a show at the comedy store in west Hollywood on Friday night. Right now we have a reservation at the Andaz hotel. We’re debating if we should just stay there for the three nights and just go back-and-forth from Anaheim so that were more in the LA area.

I am contemplating spending up for the Chateau Mormont though. Is it worth it for those that have stayed?

I’ll check all your responses soon.

Thanks again.
Anaheim is not that close to L.A. proper.  
81_Great_Dane : 2/20/2020 3:21 pm : link
It's about 75-90 minutes by car if traffic is moving. So Orange County and the Beach Cities are your best bet if don't want that long drive.

The coast from Seal Beach to Laguna Beach is convenient, also from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. There's surfing, beach volleyball, etc. on that part of the coast. Basically use Google and Yelp to find things you might like. It's not hot this time of year, sweater weather -- plan accordingly.

If you are looking for ethnic food, the L.A. area is incredibly diverse. For example, there's a Cambodian community in Long Beach, with Cambodian restaurants. (Sort of like Thai. I have to confess it's not really my thing.) Farther away, east of Los Angeles, Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley have some of the best and most authentic Chinese restaurants in North America. It's not a particularly scenic area, but it's interesting anyway -- it's like a vast suburban Chinatown.

If you do come up to L.A., I recommend Jitlada in Hollywood for Thai food. Google that place -- it was sort of a neighborhood place, I used to go there with my friends for my birthday, then they changed chefs and the place became famous for its unique regional Thai menu. It's pricey by Thai restaurant standards but delicious.

There are great day hikes all around the area if you have time for that.

I find a lot of the regular L.A. touristy things kind of meh -- Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios. If you like that kind of thing, well, you'll probably like that kind of thing.

The cultural scene is on the upswing, especially in L.A. proper. Museums, live music, etc. If there's something you're interested in at Disney Hall in downtown L.A., that might be worth a trip. But if you have a wedding you are likely to be busy.
Tommy's > In-N-Out  
Greg from LI : 2/20/2020 3:25 pm : link
And I like In-N-Out just fine, too. Tommy's is better, though. Chili burgers!
RE: Tommy's > In-N-Out  
BigBluesman : 2/20/2020 3:35 pm : link
In comment 14815010 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
And I like In-N-Out just fine, too. Tommy's is better, though. Chili burgers!

I like Tommy's too but you might always get a dud. In-N-Out is more consistent. The Habit and Fatburger are both worth a trip too. Everyone thinks of LA residents as pencil thin, but burgers are literally the best and most available food here.
Never been  
Gman11 : 2/20/2020 4:12 pm : link
but from I gather most people in LA sit in traffic jams.
Definitely  
Greg from LI : 2/20/2020 4:31 pm : link
Never lacked for a great place to eat when I lived in the LA area.
RE: I love this site so much  
MM_in_NYC : 2/20/2020 5:19 pm : link
In comment 14815003 tbonfig said:
Quote:
Thank you everyone with your input so far. It is much appreciated. We’re going to see a show at the comedy store in west Hollywood on Friday night. Right now we have a reservation at the Andaz hotel. We’re debating if we should just stay there for the three nights and just go back-and-forth from Anaheim so that were more in the LA area.

I am contemplating spending up for the Chateau Mormont though. Is it worth it for those that have stayed?

I’ll check all your responses soon.

Thanks again.


Sushi Park is like across the street i think. some people feel they have best omakase in LA. i think it is pretty good and they have some interesting pieces.

felix as someone mentions above is quite good. a lot of votes for best fresh pasta in america. you'll need to do walk-in since rez's are hard.

i'd recommend strongly jitlada for thai. best i've had not in thailand.

i was super disappointed by phillipe's when i went, the french dip place mentioned above. i took a large crew and we all felt the same.

there's supposed to be a new taco place called something like tacos 1986 that i haven't hit yet but will when there next month - getting crazy pub.

How about  
Beef Wellington : 2/20/2020 5:38 pm : link
Sleeping in the street?
Love walking around Santa Monica promenade  
Mike in NY : 2/20/2020 5:44 pm : link
For food on the weekend I love The Griddle Cafe for breakfast, but lines can be long. Also get the burger from Father's Office.
david chang's...  
only1eli : 2/20/2020 6:56 pm : link
majordōmo is beyond excellent.
Rent yourself a vintage red Buick convertible,  
MOOPS : 2/20/2020 7:05 pm : link
find yourself a big nasty redhead,
crank up the Beachboys and
go cruise Santa Monica Blvd.


Link - ( New Window )
RE: david chang's...  
MM_in_NYC : 2/20/2020 7:14 pm : link
In comment 14815118 only1eli said:
Quote:
majordōmo is beyond excellent.


the sausage stuffed peppers w/buttermilk dressing i had there were awesome, amongst other items, but isn't that a trek from where he is?
Where to start  
Stan in LA : 2/20/2020 8:12 pm : link
Lots of good recs here, LA is the best because there is so much to do and see depending on your mood.

Disney Hall is a must see even if only you do it from the outside. Then walk across the street and see the the Infinity Mirrored Room - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away at the Broad. Unforgettable.

If you have time the Getty is spectacular, but that's a half day thing in itself. In W. Hollywood Barney's Beanery kinky place for lunch and the lines at Pinks are not so bad now-a-days

Stay away from most of the high priced sushi places if you like sushi and go to a hole in the wall Hiko Sushi which simply has the best sushi in town. Sit at the counter and eat until you are done.

Walking Melrose at night is also super cool if you have the time. Stay away from 3rd St. Promenade as it's gone corporate. Sad.

For dinner, if money is no object, for a unique dining experience Vespertine will knock your socks. Just click on the link to see what I mean.

Chateau Marmont is very nice, but unless you're going to spend a lot of time there it's kinna a waste of money.

I mean, I could go on and on having lived here so long. Just depends on your mood and your likes and dislikes. Anaheim is a hellhole and for sure stay in LA/W.Hollywood if possible.
Thanks all  
tbonfig : 2/20/2020 10:24 pm : link
Just finished driving. Will review this thread more in a bit but wanted to add that we are contemplating going to the Clippers game on Sat. Should I just use seatgeek or another site? Any lunch tips prior to the game in the area?
Check out Mo's House of Axe  
Milton : 2/21/2020 12:00 am : link
Quote:
A new axe throwing spot and bar, offering barbecue and more, has made its debut in the neighborhood. Located at 611 S. Western Ave. in Koreatown, the fresh addition is called Mo’s House Of Axe. With a five-star rating out of 13 reviews on Yelp so far, the fresh addition has already made a good impression.

Dora H., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on Feb. 13, wrote, "Mo's House of Axe is literally every hipster's paradise. Everyone wears flannels, the interior looks like a forest, you throw axes for fun and craft beers flow abundantly from the bar's spout. On top of the cool ambiance and nice vibes, you have board games upstairs and delicious ribs by Baby Blues BBQ from Echo Park."
Hipster's paradise?  
GeneInCal : 2/21/2020 10:38 am : link
No thanks.
RE: Thanks all  
Stan in LA : 2/21/2020 5:24 pm : link
In comment 14815222 tbonfig said:
Quote:
Just finished driving. Will review this thread more in a bit but wanted to add that we are contemplating going to the Clippers game on Sat. Should I just use seatgeek or another site? Any lunch tips prior to the game in the area?

The one and only Langer's For the best Pastrami sandwich in the world(sorry NY'ers).
Quick update  
tbonfig : 2/26/2020 4:43 pm : link
Not sure anyone cares but I want to thank everyone for their input. Given wedding activities going on Sat/Sun we had to try and squeeze in certain things. Friday night - show at the Comedy Store. Joe Rogan was hilarious. Dinner at Katana's right next store. Got the omakase and it was one of the better meals I've ever had. Saturday, picked up tickets to the Clippers game which was a fun time (being a Knicks fan it was nice to not have to root for either team winning/losing). Brunch at Norah's on Sunday, which was really good as well, but not Michelin-star worthy IMO.


We also chose to Uber around everywhere which was a great decision in hindsight.

Again, thanks for everyone's input. LA is an interesting city. Not sure I'll feel a need to go back anytime soon but wouldn't hate it if I had to.
So you passed up the opportunity to throw axes!  
Milton : 2/26/2020 6:49 pm : link
And I hear their BBQ is excellent. Oh well....
RE: So you passed up the opportunity to throw axes!  
tbonfig : 2/27/2020 8:48 pm : link
In comment 14820273 Milton said:
Quote:
And I hear their BBQ is excellent. Oh well....
haha next time!
RE: Quick update  
Stan in LA : 3/1/2020 7:34 pm : link
In comment 14820159 tbonfig said:
Quote:
Not sure anyone cares but I want to thank everyone for their input. Given wedding activities going on Sat/Sun we had to try and squeeze in certain things. Friday night - show at the Comedy Store. Joe Rogan was hilarious. Dinner at Katana's right next store. Got the omakase and it was one of the better meals I've ever had. Saturday, picked up tickets to the Clippers game which was a fun time (being a Knicks fan it was nice to not have to root for either team winning/losing). Brunch at Norah's on Sunday, which was really good as well, but not Michelin-star worthy IMO.


We also chose to Uber around everywhere which was a great decision in hindsight.

Again, thanks for everyone's input. LA is an interesting city. Not sure I'll feel a need to go back anytime soon but wouldn't hate it if I had to.


Glad you had a good time, but missing out at Langer's prior to the Clipper game was a big mistake!
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