Food

Astro Family Restaurant is a venerable Los Angeles institution located a hop, skip, and a jump from the beautiful shores of Silver Lake. Astro has graced the glamorous corner Glendale Blvd. and Fletcher Dr. since 1974. Silver Lake has been through many changes over the last thirty years. It went from a neighborhood known for being dingy and overrun with gangs to a neighborhood that is trendy and is overrun with hipsters. Through all of the trials and tribulations, Astro has been there with its hearty menu. more ›

I love the idea of tapas--the leisure of sitting down to a meal, getting a good drink and having someone bring you small yummy things to eat. But somehow, tapas never turns out to be as good as it sounds. In fact, my husband has declared that tapas are “crapas” and refuses to go. So when I get in that mood, we go to Echigo. Echigo’s not for everyone. It’s one of those no salad,... more ›

We couldn't do a proper tribute to Late Night Eats in Los Angeles without a visit to the original Late Night Eats establishment, the one that started it all, the restaurant that embodies the very essence of car-hopping, car-worshiping SoCal burger culture: Bob's Big Boy. The Big Boy Burger was born in Glendale in 1936, the brainchild of Bob Wian (I know, the alliteration is getting a bit much for me too); the Burbank branch... more ›

This Saturday we had the opportunity to check out the sights and eats at the 8th Annual Japanese Food Festival, which was held at the lovely New Otani Hotel in downtown and hosted by the Japanese Restaurant Association (JRA) of Southern California. There were lots of tasty bites to eat, and plenty to drink, as well as crowd pleasing entertainment, like the Sushi Making Contest. We did our best to capture a taste of... more ›

e3rd Steakhouse isn't your average late-night dining spot. Its vibe is less "let's go soak up all that alcohol" and far more "let's have a fabulous meal post-theatre." Located in the growing Arts District downtown, e3rd's premise is promising: a steakhouse owned by the guy who owns Zip Fusion Sushi, the most popular sushi restaurant in the area. When we asked owner Jason Ha why a steakhouse - and why a steakhouse only steps from his famous sushi mecca - he said he's always loved steak prepared differently, but that everytime he put steak dishes on the menu at Zip, no one ever ordered them. (Which makes sense, why order steak when you've come for sushi?) more ›

As California transplants, my family home up north has been a revolving door for visitors ever since we arrived in the Bay Area. While the constant influx of visitors can sometimes get a little tiring, it has had its benefits, primarily that my family has gotten to know NorCal's tourist destinations pretty well, particularly the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. For some reason I always seemed to miss out on wine tasting excursions when... more ›

Every Friday, LAist is taking you on a trip down to Orange County to uncover the unique dining experiences that await adventurous eaters willing to explore beyond the county line. This month, LAist has brought you daily coverage of some of LA’s finest late night dining spots from all over the Southland. So we’d be remiss if we didn’t throw in at least one spot from OC. Some of you readers that have probably... more ›

I ask you, ladies and gentleman, is there anything better than trick or treating? Is there anything more sublime than getting into costume, grabbing a pillowcase and taking to the streets in a search for free candy? I’m going to be bold enough to say that Trick Or Treating is the most joy-inducing, yet wholesome, activity on Earth and one of the great pleasures of being an American. But this pleasure, this delight, this euphoria,... more ›

We weren't kidding when we said we wanted to hear from you about Late Night Eats in our fair city. The following review of Cuban restaurant La Bodeguita de Pico--sometimes serving until 1 in the morning--came to us from an enthusiastic reader. Don't be shy, Los Angeles, LAist likes you! By Jeremy Weinstein Even if you didn’t take note of the Bacardi Mojito billboards strewn throughout the city, you still probably know that the drink’s... more ›

We weren't kidding when we said we wanted to hear from you about Late Night Eats in our fair city. The following review of Cuban restaurant La Bodeguita de Pico--sometimes serving until 1 in the morning--came to us from an enthusiastic reader. Don't be shy, Los Angeles, LAist likes you! By Jeremy Weinstein Even if you didn’t take note of the Bacardi Mojito billboards strewn throughout the city, you still probably know that the drink’s... more ›

The Japanese Food Festival, a one day event being held at The New Otani Hotel, will be occurring this Saturday, October 27 from 11AM to 3PM. Tickets are 50 bucks but that includes all-you-can-eat-sushi as well as all-you-can-drink sake and beer (yay!). more ›

For the fifth year in a row, Liquid Kitty on Pico has won Citysearch's title of Best Martini in LA. Liquid Kitty harkens back to LA's dark, Chandleresque side, with dim lights and strong drinks. It reminds me of both the rat pack martini bar Olive, and a little bit of Yee Mee Loo's, an historic Chinatown bar. The Hollywood speakeasy feel is enhanced by the lack of any kind of sign out front with... more ›

If you are on the Westside and thinking pastrami, you are probably thinking about Johnnie's on Sepulveda. If you are in South Los Angeles and you are thinking pastrami, you are definitely thinking about Johnny's on Adams. That's Johnny's with a "Y". Two blocks East of Crenshaw, Johnny's is conveniently located just a few blocks off the 10 freeway. This neighborhood stand has been serving up giant, monolithic pastrami dips since 1956. more ›

For 55 years there has been once place to go at 2am for good Pastrami. Johnnie's Pastrami is a Culver City landmark. Just around the corner from Titos Tacos you find this 1950's neon clad restaurant. I have lived down the street from it for five years and never seen it empty. It's the hub of the late shift workers, Cops, Teens, Sony employees, and Pastrami aficionados. You can sit inside at the counter and... more ›

For 55 years there has been once place to go at 2am for good Pastrami. Johnnie's Pastrami is a Culver City landmark. Just around the corner from Titos Tacos you find this 1950's neon clad restaurant. I have lived down the street from it for five years and never seen it empty. It's the hub of the late shift workers, Cops, Teens, Sony employees, and Pastrami aficionados. You can sit inside at the counter and... more ›

It is with a heavy heart and a growling stomach that I'm passing along the news that KP's Deli, Silver Lake's best and perhaps only banh mi joint, is closing. KP's homepage made the announcement with this note:Dear Friends, We regret to inform you that KP's Deli will be closing its doors October 27, 2007. It has been wonderful these past three years and everyone's support has been tremendous. Unfortunately, our lease has not been... more ›

Sometimes I think the sign out front ought to read: EL INDIO: PROUDLY HELPING DRUNKS SOAK UP THE ALCOHOL FOR OVER 30 YEARS! 24-hours a day, this Northridge taco stand buzzes with a steady stream of policemen, students, and blue collar joes. But El Indio really starts hopping after the bars close down. Everyone in the valley knows this is the hotspot for post-party tacos. I secretly enjoy eavesdropping on packs of club-hopping young... more ›

Last weekend we were happy to take part in the Harvest Festival, as part of a year-long 90th Anniversary celebration for the historic San Antonio Winery, a place much loved by LAist. The gracious Riboli family hosted the event, which was held at the winery, which has been in its same location on Lamar Street in East Los Angeles since 1917. There was food provided by the winery's onsite Maddalena restaurant, and wine aplenty... more ›

Would you pay $85 for truffle mac n' cheese? Or would you rather enjoy the cheaper, classic versions at Larkin's or Lucky Devil's? The Glutton over at the LA Times samples the goods for you. What do we want? Conservation programs, access to healthy food, and promotion of renewable energy! When do we want it? Whenever the Senate gets around to voting on the Farm Bill. There's still time to make your voice heard.... more ›

Every Friday, LAist is taking you on a trip down to Orange County to uncover the unique dining experiences that await adventurous eaters willing to explore beyond the county line. Every week, we present you with a unique OC dining experience. Sometimes that means excellent food at an underappreciated local spot. Other times that means an interesting atmosphere or eating environment. And then there’s Claws Restaurant. A newly-opened pirate-themed, Vietnamese-run Cajun joint. In the... more ›

When choosing a late night spot to eat, you might factor in a number of elements - Atmosphere, quality of the food, price, service. Is it conveniently located between the bar and your house? Truly, the barometer of a great late night haunt is whether it holds up in the blinding light of day. I’ve eaten many a 3am taco with orgiastic enthusiasm, only to be totally disappointed eating at the same place under more,... more ›

When choosing a late night spot to eat, you might factor in a number of elements - Atmosphere, quality of the food, price, service. Is it conveniently located between the bar and your house? Truly, the barometer of a great late night haunt is whether it holds up in the blinding light of day. I’ve eaten many a 3am taco with orgiastic enthusiasm, only to be totally disappointed eating at the same place under more,... more ›

The last time I ate at Sitton's in NoHo was after a particularly rambunctious and alcoholic visit to the Hollywood Bowl. It seemed like a really great idea to try to balance out the Two Buck Chuck flowing through our systems with a big ol' heaping plate of diner fare at my neighborhood all-night eatery. I have a fuzzy memory of us being "that" table--you know, the ones who think they are really clever... more ›

The last time I ate at Sitton's in NoHo was after a particularly rambunctious and alcoholic visit to the Hollywood Bowl. It seemed like a really great idea to try to balance out the Two Buck Chuck flowing through our systems with a big ol' heaping plate of diner fare at my neighborhood all-night eatery. I have a fuzzy memory of us being "that" table--you know, the ones who think they are really clever... more ›

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Three years ago I moved to LA after spending six years in Boston, a city where the 24 hour convenience store is practically your only option for late night eats. My first weekend here, I took advantage of the fact that I could sit down and be served real food after 2 A.M.. Where did I go to enjoy my first late night meal in LA? None other than the LA late night institution... more ›

Three years ago I moved to LA after spending six years in Boston, a city where the 24 hour convenience store is practically your only option for late night eats. My first weekend here, I took advantage of the fact that I could sit down and be served real food after 2 A.M.. Where did I go to enjoy my first late night meal in LA? None other than the LA late night institution... more ›

Nothing causes more craziness in Culver City these days than a new place to have lunch. You’d think the Beatles had come to town. Those guys at Sony make lines that wrap around the block. In a few months, the lines calm down and then the rest of us can come in. I’ve been to Melt Down a couple of times now. It’s a small place with an open kitchen and mostly outdoor seating,... more ›

I've been living in the NoHo Arts District for about three months now, but it still seems like I run across a new restaurant every day. Magnolia Blvd. is a hotbed for funky, cheap, and authentic places like Coley's Caribbean-American Cuisine, the new North Hollywood outpost of an Inglewood favorite. Every time I drive by the sunny yellow-and-green exterior, I say to myself -- "that's next on the list." I've finally gotten around to... more ›

La Cabana has been one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles almost since the day I arrived four years ago. It's just about perfect for anything you need. more ›

La Cabana has been one of my favorite places to eat in Los Angeles almost since the day I arrived four years ago. It's just about perfect for anything you need. more ›

For 36 years, The Wiener Factory has been serving hot dogs out of their Sherman Oaks stand to loyal and new customers alike. Good for hot dog lovers, bad for residents craving Pinkberry:Officials with Pinkberry, a nonfat frozen-yogurt chain, were expected to tell a Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council panel Monday night that they wanted to raze the small hot-dog restaurant and build another Pinkberry store. "Historically, many things come and go. But we have... more ›

Some are considering it "if you can't beat em - invest in em", but any good judge of fads know that the worst thing that Starbucks could have ever done to Pinkberry is fork over $27.5 million to the local frozen yogurt chain so they can continue to multiply at a rapid pace. Why would Starbucks want people eating a quasi-yogurt treat next summer at Pberry instead of slurping down a freshly made Frappuchino at... more ›

I have an occasional habit of going to get coffee with a friend on weeknights at the 101 Cafe (6145 Franklin Ave, right across from The Hollywood Tower). It's just so darn comfortable. And of course, it's open till around 3am, so it's a perfect Late Night Eats spot. Attached to a mighty fancier than normal, even kind of hip, Best Western hotel, the 101 Cafe has a true retro feel, complete with a... more ›

Daniel Boulud is one star-studded chef: he's got a small pile of Michelin stars and James Beard awards, and his New York restaurants are consistently ranked as the country's best. His TV show "After Hours" is equally star-studded: celebs and famous chefs show up to join Boulud on an intimate tour of kitchens and homes. The new season, which premieres tonight at 9:30 tonight on the HD channel MOJO (if you don't have HD, you can watch the first episode online here), finds Boulud exploring one of the world's capitals of adventurous, robust, modern cuisine: Los Angeles. more ›

Assorted Cupcakes at Crumbs Bakeshop Crumbs Bakeshop, a New York haven of baked goodies, has staked claim to 9465 S. Santa Monica Boulevard. If that address sounds familiar, it is about two blocks east of LA cupcake mecca, Sprinkles. With flavors at Crumbs like Oreo, Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough, Reese's, Heath Bar, and M&M, the difference in style is clear. Crumbs has the warm feeling of an old-time candy store. Nostalgic childhood favorites Twinkie, Hostess... more ›

One of the things I love most about LA is the depth of its cultural diversity. I don’t love the fact that it’s so segregated, but I appreciate the fact that in contrast to the outsider view that LA is simply a vapid, endless string of cookie-cutter communities, every neighborhood has its own character and identity (witness our Neighborhood Projects). Which means that no matter what you’re into, you can find a place that... more ›

One of the things I love most about LA is the depth of its cultural diversity. I don’t love the fact that it’s so segregated, but I appreciate the fact that in contrast to the outsider view that LA is simply a vapid, endless string of cookie-cutter communities, every neighborhood has its own character and identity (witness our Neighborhood Projects). Which means that no matter what you’re into, you can find a place that... more ›

Every Friday, LAist is taking you on a trip down to Orange County to uncover the unique dining experiences that await adventurous eaters willing to explore beyond the county line. As someone who rarely eats red meat (but is not a vegetarian), my options for protein are pretty limited. Consequently, I eat a lot of chicken as well as a fair amount of fish. Chicken obviously is not the most exciting meat to eat,... more ›

We've (finally) had enough of Thai Food: this month, we are checking out all sorts of late-night dining options, from the Valley to Hollywood to Culver City to Venice: Mao's Kitchen, Nak Won House, El Gran Burrito, Little Toni's, Gaby's Mediterranean, Nova Express Cafe, Greco's New York Pizzeria, Cinco de Mayo. Psst! Hey, hey, Mr. Gold? Ix-nay on the owards-hay. Nobody's supposed to know about it. You hearing me? Capisce? Otherwise, feel free to... more ›

Most late-night grub benefits mightily from the drunken torpor we're often in when eating at two in the morning. Let's face it--the places that serve food deep into the night are not usually those we patronize when in full command of our senses. And, yet, there are exceptions. Luckily for me (since it's 50 feet from my apartment), Mao's is one of them. Every dish is prepared a la minute and you can tailor... more ›

It's hard to find a person out there who doesn't like cookies. And it's even harder to find someone who will turn down a free one. So what if I tell you that over the next few days at several Los Angeles-area Whole Foods Markets you can get yourself a free sample of an organic Crummy Brothers Chocolate Chip cookie? I think you just might say "Hell yes!" So what's the deal with Crummy... more ›

As you scan around most bars you see them all - that girl who's too shy to talk to anyone but quietly judges behind her catseye glasses, that girl who's too drunk to realize she's been flashing the whole room, that guy who's got no game but seems to think he does, or that guy who thinks that a pocket full of money can help him get a hot bartender to do whatever he'd like her to do. more ›

Korea Town is a busy place, my friends, let me tell ya. There's bars and clubs galore here in K-town, insanity going on at all hours of the night, and when my Korean brothas and sisters are done drinking for the night, and are ready for something greasy or refreshing -- I could only imagine that they'd hit this house, the house of Nak Won.... more ›

In TV land, Tom Colicchio of Top Chef plays a kinda sorta pompous judge on the popular Bravo show. In real life, he's chef-owner of NYC's Craft (other restaurants include the Gramercy Tavern, Craft, Craftbar, and 'wichcraft in New York, Craftsteak at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and NYC). Gordon Ramsay plays another sorta pompous chef on FOX's Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. In real life, his latest restaurant venture is Gordon Ramsay... more ›

Sometimes it's late and you don't need a full meal, you just want a taste of something, maybe just a little bite of something spicy. Something more for your mouth than for your stomach. more ›

Sometimes it's late and you don't need a full meal, you just want a taste of something, maybe just a little bite of something spicy. Something more for your mouth than for your stomach. more ›

I leaned back in the leather booth and contemplated the great pile of thick mozzarella cheese and meaty red sauce before me. Is this good drunk food? I asked myself. Would the readers of LAist find late-night sustenance in this giant bowl of classic spaghetti-and-marinara? Is this a meal worthy of sopping up the various bitter brews that wreak such havoc on our sobriety and on our mornings after? I looked at the rapidly... more ›

I leaned back in the leather booth and contemplated the great pile of thick mozzarella cheese and meaty red sauce before me. Is this good drunk food? I asked myself. Would the readers of LAist find late-night sustenance in this giant bowl of classic spaghetti-and-marinara? Is this a meal worthy of sopping up the various bitter brews that wreak such havoc on our sobriety and on our mornings after? I looked at the rapidly... more ›

Disneyland in Anaheim may have the exclusive and secret Club 33, but your chances of experiencing it is slim -- you've got to have the money, the "in" and the location (above the Blue Bayou, look for the door with the number 33 on it, then knock, someone might open it up... and yes, when we ate there, it was damn good). That's why Disney World in the "other" Orange County is much better... more ›

There are a lot of places you can go to feel "LA." For most people, it’s a surface thing--to see the glitz and the glamour, maybe eat alongside some celebrities. You can go to Mozza, Katsuya, Geisha House and see the stars and eat great (well, except at Geisha House), but for some of us, Hollywood is a past as well as a present. And for us, Musso & Frank’s perseveres. more ›

Zucchini and other squash are abundant right now at farmer's markets and in home gardens (it's one of the easier vegetables to grow). Making big batches of delicious Italian-style zucchini soup is a good way to transform your bounty, and this dish uses flavors that will please even the most zucchini-fatigued palate. This soup can be a main course for two (put some crusty bread and butter on the side), or an appetizer for... more ›

When your husband is in four bands, you become kind of selective about going to his gigs. But when a show is going to be at Safari Sam's, I always say yes. Because I know I'm going to have a good time and leave well-fed. I really like the club's layout. There is a large hall for watching the bands, and the outdoor smoking area is like being at a cocktail party. My favorite... more ›

Orlando, Florida's Walt Disney World is quite a different ride than our local Anaheim day-tripping Disneyland. For one, the Florida theme park is all about kids and family, family and kids and some more kids, kids, kids (so there is Pleasure Island, but the name is just sort of weird to start with). So other than never growing up, what else is there to remember about a few days at the massive theme park? Food.... more ›

As of last Wednesday, Downtown now has six farmers markets: three on Thursday, two on Wednesday and one on Friday. "It was only back in June that we marveled at the new Bank of America market, but it seems a mere five markets each week wasn't sufficient," writes Eric Richardson at blogdowntown. Find the complete interactive map at Blogdowntown.... more ›

Every Friday, LAist is taking you on a trip down to Orange County to uncover the unique dining experiences that await adventurous eaters willing to explore beyond the county line. Several years ago, I used to work in Downtown. Because I would often work through lunch, I had a certain place (Skew’s at Cal Plaza) that I would grab for takeout at every day. It was the combination of quality food (for a fast-casual... more ›

Gaby's Mediterranean near Venice and Motor is open LATE (until 1 a.m. daily), so you can actually visit at some ungodly hour -- drunk out of your mind -- and never actually get a good look at what came out of the kitchen. But I'm a photographer, yo, so I'm here at golden hour, for the beautiful afternoon light, just so I can present to you some pictures of the food...... more ›

Gaby's Mediterranean near Venice and Motor is open LATE (until 1 a.m. daily), so you can actually visit at some ungodly hour -- drunk out of your mind -- and never actually get a good look at what came out of the kitchen. But I'm a photographer, yo, so I'm here at golden hour, for the beautiful afternoon light, just so I can present to you some pictures of the food...... more ›

Attention space cadets, men in black and intergalactic babes, your resistance to snack attacks of insomnia are not to be heeded. Point your ship towards Fairfax Village and prepare to wine and dine in the alien kitsched, mellowed out, droid welcoming version of the Mos Eisley Cantina at Nova Express Cafe. Open six nights a week (no Mondays) starting at 7 p.m., Nova stays open until 2 a.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, 3.am. on Thursdays... more ›

Top Chef hasn’t suffered from sophomore – okay, junior – slump at all. Bravo’s reality show is turning out to be one of the most consistently entertaining programs on television, thanks to one simple rule that’s all too often overlooked in the reality game: talented people make good television. Unfortunately, not everybody agrees: Regina Schrambling over at the LA Times recently decried the “tentacles” of advertising that have a firm grip on the show’s... more ›

Alright, fine. Maybe I am just another drunk girl stumbling down the street every time that I want to go to Greco’s New York Pizzeria. Maybe the urge for the cheesy goodness, the massive slices, and the dripping grease does only strike when my blood alcohol level rivals that of a bottle of tequila. Maybe that’s true, but that didn’t stop me from giving Greco’s the benefit of the doubt as I walked in,... more ›

Alright, fine. Maybe I am just another drunk girl stumbling down the street every time that I want to go to Greco’s New York Pizzeria. Maybe the urge for the cheesy goodness, the massive slices, and the dripping grease does only strike when my blood alcohol level rivals that of a bottle of tequila. Maybe that’s true, but that didn’t stop me from giving Greco’s the benefit of the doubt as I walked in,... more ›

Those of you living meat-free, rejoice! October is World Vegetarian Awareness Month. Some vegetarians are doing it for the health reasons, some to support animal rights and live cruelty-free, and others to protest the increasing McDonald-ization of the world's food supply. The World Vegetarian Day website is offering a free trip to Vegetarian Summerfest for one lucky winner who contributes a story about what they are doing to celebrate their lifestyle choices this month.... more ›

I love Tito’s Tacos, and you love Tito’s too. The lyrics to their jingle could not be more true. Everyone loves Tito’s, that’s why you always have to wait in line for at least thirty minutes before you can even order. Tito’s is an establishment, a landmark, which is why we deal with all the crowds and chaos when we eat there. But why am I talking about Tito’s Tacos, which closes at 11:30... more ›

A few months ago I came home from work to find one of my roommates sitting on the couch with a glass of wine in hand. From the time I first met this friend, one thing was very clear: he loved wine. In fact, he had a very special relationship with one brand in particular, Charles Shaw. Good ole' Two Buck Chuck was a loyal friend to my roommate all through college. Chuck had... more ›

For me, it started in high school; not because my friends and I were into partying, but because we were the dorks who put on the school plays, or who went religiously to showings of Rocky Horror. We'd be set loose into the night with our babysitting money in our pockets, hungry for some grub at places that didn't mind booths full of boisterous people with cravings for foodstuffs comprised mostly of batter and... more ›

For me, it started in high school; not because my friends and I were into partying, but because we were the dorks who put on the school plays, or who went religiously to showings of Rocky Horror. We'd be set loose into the night with our babysitting money in our pockets, hungry for some grub at places that didn't mind booths full of boisterous people with cravings for foodstuffs comprised mostly of batter and... more ›