The following are some of my favorite spots nestled between the East side and the West side.
The best coffee shops:
Lo/Cal Coffee Fairfax: Located a 15 min walk from the Grove, this cafe offers to-die-for roasts in a prime location. I’m usually a matcha girl, but my favorite order here is the Honey Lavender Iced Coffee. Fairfax is also a super cute spot to walk around and people watch if you decide to take your drink on the road.
Verve DTLA: This cafe is one of my favorite places to do work with lots of open space, a shaded outdoor area, and a raw, industrial feel that could inspire any creative type. It’s also located in one of the cuter parts of DTLA so take a lap or two around the block if you do go.
Cafe Dulce: Dulce is a certified USC staple with multiple locations across LA. I once got to hear the owner speak to my on-campus entrepreneurship club about his journey towards starting the business which gave me an even deeper appreciation an already beloved cafe. Their blueberry matcha is definitely their mainstay and for good reason. Their breakfast burrito is also a must-have.
The best restaurants:
Bacari West Adams: This was my all-time favorite restaurant while I was going to USC. Great prices, spectacular food, and such a cool ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating made to look like a treehouse. Food is family style so go ready to share! Great for everything from a 1:1 date/catch-up ses to a 10 person birthday dinner. I am literally on my knees begging you to get their chicken sliders and house fries. They also have great happy hour sangria deals.
Zinque West Hollywood: I know what you’re thinking and yes, West Hollywood is widely considered to be Mid-City. Now that that’s squared away, Zinque is one of the most iconic LA spots and for good reason. The food is solid and the ambiance is top notch. It also has the vibes of a sit down restaurant, but a little more chill since you can order food at the entrance separately if you’re in a group and can also seat yourself. Great for a Saturday outing mid-day reset.
Catch LA: My friends took me here for one of my birthdays and my goodness was it a good pick. They know me so well. Now, this place is nottttt cheap, but honestly the food is THAT good. It’s mainly seafood and sushi. My top picks would be the Wagyu Tartare Crispy Rice, the Catch Roll, and the King Crab Roll.
Craig’s LA: My friend recommended this place after hearing they had crazy good starter bread. She was right. This place apparently attracts a number of celebrities, so if you’re lucky enough to get seated near the back of the restaurant you may be able to spot some of your faves. We were seated outside so 🤷🏿♀️.
Sassafras Hollywood: My friends and I stumbled into this place after a house party one night and immediately fell in love. It’s built like an old western bar, has live bands playing, a balcony, and an outdoor space to chat. Make sure to go during one of their themed nights or else it can be a little quiet.
Bar Lubitsch: Do not… I repeat…DO NOT go to this bar if you are not 100% committed to DANCING. It has some of the best music in the city. Once you walk in, make sure to go past the entrance bar to a hidden room which is actually where the dance area is. The space is pretty tight but the vibes are worth it.
Melrose Trading Post: Probably the most iconic flea market in LA. You do need tickets to enter, which you can buy both online and on the spot with cash or card. Last time I checked tickets were about $8. It’s honestly worth it just to see how vast the flea is. Now, the clothes you find here aren’t going to be as much of a steal as some other markets, but if you really dig you can find some gems. There are also onsite food trucks if you get hungry!
Melrose Ave: Quite literally one of the most iconic streets in all of Los Angeles and for good reason. It’s such a great place to grab a matcha and just wander, popping into locally owned shops and enjoying the LA sunshine. A gorgeous street and a must-see if you want to feel that prime LA generalist nostalgia.
The best art/cultural centers:
The Grove: Smell that, y’all? It’s capitalism. Welcome to LA’s most iconic mall. There’s even a movie theatre located inside! A great place to spend the day shopping, eating, and people watching. The Grove also has one of my favorite Barnes and Nobles in the country. And don’t forget to check out the food/farmer’s market hidden in the back.
Paramount Pictures: The first time I saw this place in real life I think my jaw actually did touch the floor. One of my friends who was working here at the time was kind enough to invite me and a couple of homies to watch an onsite test screening of ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’ and being able to go probably changed the trajectory of my life. So incredibly cool. Paramount gives routine studio tours so definitely try to check one out.
TCL Chinese Theatre: If you can somehow make it through the warzone that is central Hollywood, this theatre will be the light at the end of the tunnel. I got invited to an Apple TV+ premier of ‘Killers of The Flower Moon’ here last year which was my first time going. This theatre is absolutely breath-taking! You’ve got to see it in person.
Los Angeles, I love you & I’ll see you soon 🫡.
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