Randy's Guidebook
Supermarkets
Lebanese Kosher supermarket just up the street. Terrific produce, groceries and specialty items from the Middle East, Cheeses you've never seen before. The best market in the city is a 15-minute walk.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Elat Market
8730 W Pico BlvdLebanese Kosher supermarket just up the street. Terrific produce, groceries and specialty items from the Middle East, Cheeses you've never seen before. The best market in the city is a 15-minute walk.
If Elat sounds too exotic (and it shouldn't), then there is always the inexpensive boutique Trader Joe's market. Excellent second choice for groceries.
881 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trader Joe's
6150 Slauson AveIf Elat sounds too exotic (and it shouldn't), then there is always the inexpensive boutique Trader Joe's market. Excellent second choice for groceries.
Traditional supermarket for the traditional grocery shopper.
226 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vons
4030 S Centinela AveTraditional supermarket for the traditional grocery shopper.
Closest to my house, five minute walk. Huge.
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Smart & Final Extra!
604 Lincoln BlvdClosest to my house, five minute walk. Huge.
Target
735 S Figueroa StRight next door to Smart and Final.
Food Scene
Traditional Chinese restaraunt. Eat in, take out, or free delivery. Sit at Liz Taylor's favorite booth. Very friendly staff.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant
8597 W Pico BlvdTraditional Chinese restaraunt. Eat in, take out, or free delivery. Sit at Liz Taylor's favorite booth. Very friendly staff.
Terrific Cuban Restaurant. Highly recommend the roast pork (soaked in garlic) with fried bananas and mixed beans and rice. Roast chicken is also great as is their ox tail.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Versailles
1415 S La Cienega BlvdTerrific Cuban Restaurant. Highly recommend the roast pork (soaked in garlic) with fried bananas and mixed beans and rice. Roast chicken is also great as is their ox tail.
More famous, but not as intimate as Tuk Tuk. But the food is great and the atmosphere is ultra cool.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Natalee Thai
998 S Robertson BlvdMore famous, but not as intimate as Tuk Tuk. But the food is great and the atmosphere is ultra cool.
I just discovered Vien Cafe. Great Vietnamese food. Only the freshest of ingredients and because it is less popular than Thai food, it is more authentic. Great noodle dishes and vegetarian cuisine.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vien Cafe
6118 W Pico BlvdI just discovered Vien Cafe. Great Vietnamese food. Only the freshest of ingredients and because it is less popular than Thai food, it is more authentic. Great noodle dishes and vegetarian cuisine.
Not in my immediate neighborhood, but individual, gourmet pizzas unlike anything else on the planet. Incredibly, indescribably delicious. Reservations in advance a must. To die for. Ask me for a menu.
187 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizzeria Mozza
641 N Highland AveNot in my immediate neighborhood, but individual, gourmet pizzas unlike anything else on the planet. Incredibly, indescribably delicious. Reservations in advance a must. To die for. Ask me for a menu.
LA's FIRST kosher deli! Pastrami on rye or do you prefer corned beef? Motzo ball soup? Knish? Marinated vegetable salads? The whole nine yards.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pico Kosher Deli
8826 W Pico BlvdLA's FIRST kosher deli! Pastrami on rye or do you prefer corned beef? Motzo ball soup? Knish? Marinated vegetable salads? The whole nine yards.
Pricier than Pico Deli, but a much wider menu and fabulous. Like Pico Deli, an LA institution going back decades (1948). Great for breakfast.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Factor's Famous Deli
9420 W Pico BlvdPricier than Pico Deli, but a much wider menu and fabulous. Like Pico Deli, an LA institution going back decades (1948). Great for breakfast.
The best sushi around and very reasonable. Teriaki is great as is the sashimi. Try the OMAKASE menu where the chef chooses the food for you. One of the great, undiscovered treasures of L.A.
Minori
1170 S Robertson BlvdThe best sushi around and very reasonable. Teriaki is great as is the sashimi. Try the OMAKASE menu where the chef chooses the food for you. One of the great, undiscovered treasures of L.A.
No presumptions here. Just great Mexican food surrounded by dozens of photos of Pancho Villa. Recommend the (huge) "macho burrito". Normal people can split it. No frills, no expense, just great food.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Campos Tacos
2639 S Robertson BlvdNo presumptions here. Just great Mexican food surrounded by dozens of photos of Pancho Villa. Recommend the (huge) "macho burrito". Normal people can split it. No frills, no expense, just great food.
Terrific little French bistro with outdoor, vine-covered patio. Just blocks away. To-die-for French onion soup, but many delicacies here. Also gorgeous flowers. A restaurant/florist. How cool!
Le Petit Jardin
1456 S Robertson BlvdTerrific little French bistro with outdoor, vine-covered patio. Just blocks away. To-die-for French onion soup, but many delicacies here. Also gorgeous flowers. A restaurant/florist. How cool!
Soul food and another LA institution. Drink a sunrise (fresh-squeezed orange juice and lemonade). And of course order their (southern-fried) chicken and waffles.
121 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Roscoe's Chicken And Waffles - Pico Blvd.
5006 W Pico BlvdSoul food and another LA institution. Drink a sunrise (fresh-squeezed orange juice and lemonade). And of course order their (southern-fried) chicken and waffles.
Completely frills free and on a terribly ugly stretch of Pico Blvd. But heavenly "Nuevo-Mexican" food. Shrimp or mahi mahi tacos. Fresh grilled vegetables. Open-faced burritos and mango cheescake.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sky's Gourmet Tacos
5303 W Pico BlvdCompletely frills free and on a terribly ugly stretch of Pico Blvd. But heavenly "Nuevo-Mexican" food. Shrimp or mahi mahi tacos. Fresh grilled vegetables. Open-faced burritos and mango cheescake.
The best Ethiopian food in the city. Sit on little mushroom chairs, tear off a wedge of chewy unleavened bread and grab finger-full globs of delicious meat or veggie dishes. The honey wine is a must.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Messob Ethiopian Restaurant
1041 S Fairfax AveThe best Ethiopian food in the city. Sit on little mushroom chairs, tear off a wedge of chewy unleavened bread and grab finger-full globs of delicious meat or veggie dishes. The honey wine is a must.
People drive across the country and then stand in line around the block for a hot dog at Pink's. In business since 1939. You name it, they put it on a hot dog. Watch out for celebrities. No kidding.
297 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pink's Hot Dogs
709 N La Brea AvePeople drive across the country and then stand in line around the block for a hot dog at Pink's. In business since 1939. You name it, they put it on a hot dog. Watch out for celebrities. No kidding.
My favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Stuffed grape leaves. Great kabobs, schwarma. I recommend the vegetarian sampler plate. Scrumptious and very healthy. Extremely healthy. Outdoor garden patio.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gaby's Express
10445 Venice Blvd.My favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Stuffed grape leaves. Great kabobs, schwarma. I recommend the vegetarian sampler plate. Scrumptious and very healthy. Extremely healthy. Outdoor garden patio.
My favorite (Northern) Italian restaurant in the city and in the heart of Beverly Hills. No reservations, so go early. Free parking across the street. Not cheap, nor terribly pricey. Homemade pasta.
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Il Pastaio
400 N Canon DrMy favorite (Northern) Italian restaurant in the city and in the heart of Beverly Hills. No reservations, so go early. Free parking across the street. Not cheap, nor terribly pricey. Homemade pasta.
A dining legend for 75 years in the heart of "Restaurant Row." Classic elegance, exquisite service and a bill to match. Still the best prime rib in the city, Lawry's is an event. Yorkshire pudding!
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lawry's The Prime Rib
100 La Cienega BlvdA dining legend for 75 years in the heart of "Restaurant Row." Classic elegance, exquisite service and a bill to match. Still the best prime rib in the city, Lawry's is an event. Yorkshire pudding!
In the beginning, there was garlic. And God separated the garlic into cloves. And he saw it was good. So God took the garlic and created The Stinking Rose for people to enjoy. He called it Heaven. $$$
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Stinking Rose
55 N La Cienega BlvdIn the beginning, there was garlic. And God separated the garlic into cloves. And he saw it was good. So God took the garlic and created The Stinking Rose for people to enjoy. He called it Heaven. $$$
If money is no object and you want a patio brunch while sitting next to (or perhaps between) Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan, then The Ivy is IT. Pancakes with blueberries? $21.75 Lobster Hash? $35.
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Ivy
113 N Robertson BlvdIf money is no object and you want a patio brunch while sitting next to (or perhaps between) Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan, then The Ivy is IT. Pancakes with blueberries? $21.75 Lobster Hash? $35.
1920's Art Deco elegance mixed with contemporary design elements. 30-foot high gold ceilings.Very pricey Northern Italian food, but if you are downtown there is nothing more elegant and delicious.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cicada Club
617 S Olive St1920's Art Deco elegance mixed with contemporary design elements. 30-foot high gold ceilings.Very pricey Northern Italian food, but if you are downtown there is nothing more elegant and delicious.
Without question the best pizza in the city if not the entire country and just a 15 minute walk from home. OMG-level great.
Pizzeria Sei
8781 West Pico BoulevardWithout question the best pizza in the city if not the entire country and just a 15 minute walk from home. OMG-level great.
My local Italian place is a 10 minute walk. Say hi to Roberto, the ownner!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trattoria Bella Roma SPQR
1509 S Robertson BlvdMy local Italian place is a 10 minute walk. Say hi to Roberto, the ownner!
Bakeries
An institution since 1949. Pumpernikel, Corn Rye, Bagels and the most delicous cakes and danishes. Chocolate Bobkas, to-die-for apple strudle, all kinds of earthly baked delights.
Fred's Bakery & Deli Inc
2831 S Robertson BlvdAn institution since 1949. Pumpernikel, Corn Rye, Bagels and the most delicous cakes and danishes. Chocolate Bobkas, to-die-for apple strudle, all kinds of earthly baked delights.
Arguably the best glazed donuts in the world are about half way between Randy's home (no relation) and LAX airport.
137 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Randy's Donuts
805 W Manchester BlvdArguably the best glazed donuts in the world are about half way between Randy's home (no relation) and LAX airport.
Arts & Culture
If there is anything you've ever wanted to see or hear that was ever on television or radio, it is here in a spectacular building. Anything! Walk one block to Rodeo Dr. Kill two birds with one stone.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paley Center for Media
465 N Beverly DrIf there is anything you've ever wanted to see or hear that was ever on television or radio, it is here in a spectacular building. Anything! Walk one block to Rodeo Dr. Kill two birds with one stone.
Deco nightclub/supperclub LA institution since 1937 has featured Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, through Ben Harper (went to his debut record-release party there), Macy Gray and The Wallflowers.
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Mint
6010 West Pico BoulevardDeco nightclub/supperclub LA institution since 1937 has featured Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, through Ben Harper (went to his debut record-release party there), Macy Gray and The Wallflowers.
The largest art museum in the western United States holding more than 100,000 works from ancient times to the present. In addition to art exhibits, the museum features film and concert series.
3162 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Ángeles
5905 Wilshire BlvdThe largest art museum in the western United States holding more than 100,000 works from ancient times to the present. In addition to art exhibits, the museum features film and concert series.
Newly renovated 317 seat Art Deco theatre: Wide range of productions, including co-productions with other Los Angeles theatre companies, special events, world premieres of new plays and musicals. Go!
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington BlvdNewly renovated 317 seat Art Deco theatre: Wide range of productions, including co-productions with other Los Angeles theatre companies, special events, world premieres of new plays and musicals. Go!
Super-cool concert hall/comedy club and small bar in restored, historic (1947) Coronet Theater. Sarah Silverman, Fiona Apple, Grant-Lee Phillips, Aimee Mann, and Eddie Izzard performed recently.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega BlvdSuper-cool concert hall/comedy club and small bar in restored, historic (1947) Coronet Theater. Sarah Silverman, Fiona Apple, Grant-Lee Phillips, Aimee Mann, and Eddie Izzard performed recently.
My favorite Art Deco (palace) theater in the city. Invent a reason to attend a concert here. You will think you have died and gone to Heaven. As glorious now as in 1931. Heaven. Pure Heaven.
150 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Wiltern
3790 Wilshire BlvdMy favorite Art Deco (palace) theater in the city. Invent a reason to attend a concert here. You will think you have died and gone to Heaven. As glorious now as in 1931. Heaven. Pure Heaven.
Boasting some of the finest views of Los Angeles, Skybar is an open air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above the pool atop the Mondrian Hotel. The hottest nightlife in LA since the day it opened.
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Skybar
8440 Sunset BlvdBoasting some of the finest views of Los Angeles, Skybar is an open air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above the pool atop the Mondrian Hotel. The hottest nightlife in LA since the day it opened.
This multimedia museum (the ed. arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center) is designed to examine racism and prejudice in the United States and the world with a strong focus on the history of the Holocaust.
134 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de la Tolerancia
9786 W Pico BlvdThis multimedia museum (the ed. arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center) is designed to examine racism and prejudice in the United States and the world with a strong focus on the history of the Holocaust.
L.A. finally has a real movie museum (not just tourist traps) and it is both spectacular and close to home.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire BlvdL.A. finally has a real movie museum (not just tourist traps) and it is both spectacular and close to home.
One of our must fun museums includes a batmobile. Across the street from the Oscar museum on Museum Row.
538 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Automóviles Petersen
6060 Wilshire BlvdOne of our must fun museums includes a batmobile. Across the street from the Oscar museum on Museum Row.
Sightseeing
If you visit just one Art Deco temple, make it here. Lovingly restored by Southwestern Law School, Bullocks catered to the 1% in its day: Mae West, Garbo, Clark Gable, Walt Disney. They were the poor.
Bullocks Wilshire Building
3050 Wilshire BlvdIf you visit just one Art Deco temple, make it here. Lovingly restored by Southwestern Law School, Bullocks catered to the 1% in its day: Mae West, Garbo, Clark Gable, Walt Disney. They were the poor.
Light rail and subways in Los Angeles? Who knew? Two-minute bus ride down Roberson and Presto! Easy access to USC, Downtown, Hollywood, San Fernando & San Gabriel Valleys. Long Beach even. Who knew?
154 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Culver City station
8817 Washington BlvdLight rail and subways in Los Angeles? Who knew? Two-minute bus ride down Roberson and Presto! Easy access to USC, Downtown, Hollywood, San Fernando & San Gabriel Valleys. Long Beach even. Who knew?
An easy 10-minute ride from my house takes you to the Ballona Creek Bike Path. Six more miles to the beach! Head north through Venice to the Santa Monica Pier or south to Hermosa and Redondo Beaches.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ballona Creek Bike Path
Ballona Creek Bike PathAn easy 10-minute ride from my house takes you to the Ballona Creek Bike Path. Six more miles to the beach! Head north through Venice to the Santa Monica Pier or south to Hermosa and Redondo Beaches.
The Ballona Creek Bike Path ends here and you can hike, but you can also ride the beach bike paths north (Venice, Santa Monica, Pac. Pallisades) or south (Hermosa and Redondo Beaches, Palos Verdes Peninsula) and back.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ballona Wetlands
The Ballona Creek Bike Path ends here and you can hike, but you can also ride the beach bike paths north (Venice, Santa Monica, Pac. Pallisades) or south (Hermosa and Redondo Beaches, Palos Verdes Peninsula) and back.
Unique in the world and dedicated to researching the tar pits and displaying specimens from the animals that died there. Mammoths, saber-tooth cats, etc. Fun! The Tar Pits are now a registered National Natural Landmark.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Page Museum
5801 Wilshire BlvdUnique in the world and dedicated to researching the tar pits and displaying specimens from the animals that died there. Mammoths, saber-tooth cats, etc. Fun! The Tar Pits are now a registered National Natural Landmark.
One would think this was designed for social media selfies. It wasn't, but that doesn't mean it's not perfect for that.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arte Público "Urban Light"
5905 Wilshire BlvdOne would think this was designed for social media selfies. It wasn't, but that doesn't mean it's not perfect for that.
Drinks & Nightlife
Seasonally-rotating 36 craft beers on tap, esoteric small-producer wines, micro-distilled spirits. Can't choose a beer? Try the sampler to taste many. Hungry? The Office Burger or Organic Beet Salad.
344 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveSeasonally-rotating 36 craft beers on tap, esoteric small-producer wines, micro-distilled spirits. Can't choose a beer? Try the sampler to taste many. Hungry? The Office Burger or Organic Beet Salad.
Where else can you sit and have a beer where The Doors' Jim Morrison urinated on the bar? Where Janis Joplin had drinks the night of her death? Clara Bow? Errol Flynn? Judy Garland? All regulars.
138 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barney's Beanery
1037 Broxton AveWhere else can you sit and have a beer where The Doors' Jim Morrison urinated on the bar? Where Janis Joplin had drinks the night of her death? Clara Bow? Errol Flynn? Judy Garland? All regulars.
My local "watering hole" is also a sports bar.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Founders Ale House
8771 W Pico BlvdMy local "watering hole" is also a sports bar.
Shopping
1,200,000 sq. ft. facility (130 showrooms) for the design community. The Blue Whale is so-called because of its outsize nature relative to surrounding buildings and its brilliant blue glass cladding.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave1,200,000 sq. ft. facility (130 showrooms) for the design community. The Blue Whale is so-called because of its outsize nature relative to surrounding buildings and its brilliant blue glass cladding.
Huge shopping mall, Beverly Hills style. Some 160 distinctive specialty boutiques: Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Diesel, Gucci, Prada, The Ferrari Store, Fendi, Hugo Boss.
1266 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beverly Center
8500 Beverly BlvdHuge shopping mall, Beverly Hills style. Some 160 distinctive specialty boutiques: Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Diesel, Gucci, Prada, The Ferrari Store, Fendi, Hugo Boss.
If you wish to explore the fabled Sunset Strip, start here. Perhaps the city's last great book store yet to be devoured by Amazon. Frequent book signings and literary events. Great Karma. Books too.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Book Soup
8818 Sunset BlvdIf you wish to explore the fabled Sunset Strip, start here. Perhaps the city's last great book store yet to be devoured by Amazon. Frequent book signings and literary events. Great Karma. Books too.