Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAist's Bottom of the Barrel: Restaurant Edition
LAist has noticed lately that all types of publications bend over backwards to tell you about the Best of this and the best of that, and personally, we're getting a little tired of hearing about it. The reality is this -- if you live in Los Angeles there are more "great places" to go (i.e. restaurants, clubs, bars, malls, et al) that you'll probably never have to waste your time in the bad places.
But wouldn't it be nice to know which places to avoid?
Enter LAist's "Bottom of the Barrel" feature -- where we tell you which places suck the big one, and you respond in the comment section with a variety of angry responses as to why you think we're wrong. It's a carefree, joyous fun experience for all to share in.
Support for LAist comes from
This week we center on the 5 Worst Restaurants we can think of -- where things like food poisoning and dirty silverware are just the beginning:
Hirozen Sushi (Beverly Boulevard, East of the Beverly Center): What used to be the best-of-the-best is now the worst-of the sushi strip mall locations. Crammed in the corner of a strip mall and next to a Lamps Plus location -- Hirozen was once packed with the cream of the crop on any given weeknight. But longer wait times and declining quality of sushi slowly took over. Whether it's the over saturated mayo-spicy tuna rolls or the oily crab cakes -- most of the staff has left Hirozen to work at places like Katsu Ya and Nobu over the last 12-18 months. Take it from the staff -- when they leave, you don't come back.
Twain's (Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater): It's been vocalized before here (and among LAist contributors there is an obvious split in opinion) that Twain's has got to be one of the worst diners in all of the San Fernando Valley. Whether it's the fact that their sausage and egg omlettes taste like they cut up old hot dog pieces into it or the fact that they use an old broken down microwave to heat up their frozen biscuits for the breakfast rush -- the whole assembly line mentality (without the cool technologically-advanced assembly line) makes eating there a laborious process. Want diner food? Try Mel's or Jerry's instead.
Jack Sprat's (Pico Boulevard, East of Westside Pavillion): Just because you get a warm pretzel before your meal doesn't have any long-lasting effect on us and our opinion of this over-hyped, under-realized lunchtime haunt. Really, what's so great about this place? The salads are average, as are the sandwiches and for the price, we'd rather go somewhere else.
Miyagi's (Sunset Boulevard, West of Crescent Heights): Sushi, prepared for the masses. Really, that's all you need to say about Miyagi's -- which (in our opinion) was made into a sushi place just so people would come and buy alcohol. The sushi is way average, bordering on bland and unless you're looking for a place where getting drunk hides the flavor or lack-thereof of the sushi, you're better off going to Sushi on Sunset which is a mere few blocks away.
Newsroom Cafe (Santa Monica Blvd in Santa Monica): The original Newsroom over on Robertson is good if you're into the unique meals they prepare. But the Santa Monica edition of this restaurant is all good in the food area, but not-so-great when it comes to space. A tiny little alcove in what must have previously been a shoe-shine stand -- it's just too cramped to even think about meeting three friends for breakfast. Don't get us wrong, the food is fine. But unless you're thinking of swinging by quickly, picking up your food and leaving -- this isn't the place to stop on a Sunday to eat, relax and read. For that, stick with the privacy of your own den.
LAist is sure there are more out there that belong on this list. What's YOUR worst dining experience in Los Angeles?
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist