Patrick's Cafe is what I would call a “healthy” California diner – it has everything a diner has, in generous portions, but without the “greasy spoon” reputation. And they have those reasonable diner prices everyone likes, with entrees averaging about $8.95. They serve breakfast, lunch and brunch.
Fred 62 could possibly be the greatest diner dinning experience in all of Los Angeles. The food, the service, the atmosphere, and the location are all top notch and make for one hell of a meal. As a matter of fact, the only thing bad about “Fred’s” (as my girlfriend calls it), is its lack of a parking lot (but that’s a problem with just about everything in Hollywood). If you’re into diner food, Fred 62 will not disappoint.
Located in the art district known as Los Feliz, Fred 62 is one of the hippest places in the Hollywood area. Its diner image really belies the fact that Fred’s is actually home to some of the best quality food in California. There are many great meals to be had on their expansive menu, but the best thing (and really the only thing I order anymore) is the Juicy Lucy Burger. The Juicy Lucy holds the candle as THE best burger in Los Angeles. Its generous size and high quality meat make good fodder for the brain, and the toasted bun only adds to it. The Juicy Lucy is also topped with thousand island – an essential ingredient for burgers. Of course burgers don’t come alone, and Fred’s fries (or onion rings for that matter) really shine. Oh, and who could forget the milkshakes, another essential part to the whole experience.
In terms of image, Fred 62 carries a somewhat homemade motif, with leather car seats for booths, and pictures on the wall. Even the seats outside offer great scenery and comfort. Another great little thing about Fred’s is the “Sayings” on the back the crew’s t-shirts (such as “Jesus is our Dishwasher”). In fact, the service at Fred’s is some of the best in town. They are very attentive and quite speedy in getting your food (somewhat of a rarity in Los Angeles these days).
All in all, I have nothing bad to say about Fred 62. It’s a genuine landmark in the Hollywood area, and a great place to bring your friends after a late night of partying, or your girlfriend for a quick bite to eat. Fred 62 is all that and more, just see for yourself.
One of my favorite date spots in Los Angeles is Miceli’s – located at the corner of Las Palmas and Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. From beginning to end, you and your date will love the unique atmosphere, absolutely delectable food, incredible fine wines, and their top notch service. I took my here girlfriend for our first anniversary, and the memory of that night will always be with me; Miceli’s is the place to make those kind of memories.
Opened in 1949, Miceli’s is a Hollywood landmark, and a must stop for many tourists. Don’t let this deter you though; the food is one of a kind. My favorite dishes are their world famous lasagna, and the to-die-for Chicken Marsala. My girlfriend prefers the Alfredo, but I think it’s safe to say that everything I’ve had has been absolutely amazing. Miceli’s also offers some of the best diner roles and house wines around (I’d go with the White Zin, but that’s just me). I will say that the only thing on the menu that leaves a little to be desired is the pizza, but I don’t usually go to Miceli’s for pizza.
Once you walk through the front door, you will immediately understand what makes Miceli’s such a great date place. The old world Italian vibe runs deep throughout the restaurant, from the empty wine bottles swinging from the roof to the piano player who entertains ever night. As a matter of fact, the majority of the waiters and waitresses are grade-A singers and grab the mike several times throughout the night, belting the standards to roaring applause.
With better food than Musso an Frank’s, and a slightly better atmosphere than the Pig and Whistle, Miceli’s really stands out as one of the more unique food landmarks of the city. One can’t help but feel the history in the place. It’s almost like walking into the Godfather movies and having dinner with the Corleone’s!
Please note there is a Miceli’s located on Cahuenga in North Hollywood, but I would not recommend stopping. Their service is not nearly as good, and it’s busy (which doesn’t make much sense, but what does?). If you’re coming from the valley, don’t be tempted, drive the extra mile. The service alone is worth it.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your significant, or even your first date, Miceli’s is just the spot. So hop in the car and head to Hollywood, tonight’s your lucky night!
A local favorite that makes midtown Long Beach the place to be on a cold winter night. Located at the corner of Junipero and 4th St, Portfolio is the traditional coffeehouse you grew up with. In a world surrounded by franchise monsters like Starbucks and Coffee Bean, it’s nice to see a small place like this (though it is not necessarily small) thriving within the community.
On the visual side of things, Portfolio offers a fantastic indoor and outdoor atmosphere. Outside the doors there are plenty of places for you and your significant other to sit, sip, and feed off of each other’s warmth. There are also a wide variety of shops within walking distance, making late night that much more fun.
Once through the doors your eyes will typically be greeted by people and laptop computers. Portfolio’s free wireless internet, and limited amount of noise make it a Mecca for writers, and college students alike. There is hardly a person inside whose eyes aren’t glued to their screens, which makes for little, or no conversation (besides laptops, iPod’s are very popular here as well). I would say that there is a feeling that whatever conversation you have inside should be hushed and quiet.
If you are just popping in by yourself, it is a perfect atmosphere to get some thinking done. The walls are adorned with an interesting array of paintings, which I would assume are from local artists. They also sport a wide variety of magazines for sale (consisting of mainly music magazines, Rolling Stone, Mojo, Etc).
When you reach the counter, portfolio offers you typical coffee house fare. There’s coffee, mocha, tea’s, etc, all of which is good, and worth you four dollars. I would recommend anything from the mocha category, as well as the teas. For those who’ll be spending an extended amount of time there, Portfolio also offers a pretty extensive lunch menu.
Things then change on Friday and Saturday nights when Portfolio’s back room becomes a hot spot for weekend entertainment. At around nine o’clock, you should make your way to the back room where you can see the cream of the crop of local singer songwriters performing the best they got. I think that’s what really makes this place feel like the traditional coffeehouse I grew up. They are grooming house for the best talent that Los Angeles has to offer. To top that, amateur talent can show their stuff on Wednesday nights Open Mic, also starting at nine.
Portfolio is only a hop, skip, and a jump from my house, so I spend a good amount of time there. It’s a fantastic atmosphere that serves many purposes. So, whatever you’re feeling, Portfolio Coffeehouse is a good place to go to think about it, or not think about it.
Located in the fashionable part of the valley, Mexacali Cocina Cantina has a reputation for being a trendy spot to have lunch or diner. With that reputation comes both the good and the bad. Dark wood tables, soft lighting and tightly packed tables gives Mexacali a very comfortable feeling. Perhaps known for their very attractive waiter staff, almost all of whom are aspiring actors, and the celebrities that frequent the restaurant (Jessica Simpson most notable) as much as for there food, Mexacali continues to be a chic spot for those looking to see and be seen.
The Food
Don't come here expecting to get authentic Mexican food. The name says it all. The food is a standard mixture of everything you would find in a traditional Mexican restaurant, but done with a California sensibility. Flour over corn tortillas and esoteric spices such as saffron and cilantro are just a few of the differences. Some of the more popular dishes are the Tortilla soup, the shrimp fajitas and the Shrimp and Crab burritos. If you are looking for some drinks with your meal try their signature drink, the Margatini. It's as potent as it is tasty, packing enough licker to get most people buzzed with the first glass.
The Service
The service here is what you would expect from a trendy restaurant with an actor heavy staff. You get pleasant chit chat, your meal and a couple of refills on chips and drinks. If you come for diner expect a long wait. On some nights the wait can reach forty-five minutes as the place gets packed. Lunch is usually easier to get in without a wait or reservation.
Parking
Parking is perhaps the best I have seen at any restaurant. They share an adjacent lot with the surrounding business so there is plenty of it.
When you step from Hillhurst Avenue up the garden path to the Alcove, you are entering a small Los Angeles dining adventure. But don't worry - it's a good one. Located in the colorful respite of Los Feliz in an old brick bungalow, the Alcove is true to its name, but with L.A.'s youthful energy, too.
First you walk through a well-seated grassy courtyard filled with shady umbrellas, café tables and chairs. Then, get in line, because this place is popular, and often packed. However the wait doesn't feel long, for you're too busy perusing the extensive menu of gourmet egg dishes (from the old-fashioned country breakfast to the shrimp and lobster omelette), monster salads (such as classic Cobb, Asian, or grilled vegetable), and a variety of panini sandwiches, burgers and wraps. From the colorfully illustrated giant chalkboard you pick your potion - whether it be an exotic hot coffee, ice blended, or stronger libation. As you bump along the curve of the counter towards the congested ordering area, glass windows display tantalizing tarts and pastries, fluffy iced cupcakes with sprinkles, and enormous marshmallow treats. While the Alcove prices are a bit higher than average, you'll find generous portions here.
Ah, you've made it to the front of the line. You order, you pay, you get your drink, and a number to put on your table. Now to find a place to sit: a few tables can be found inside, oddly surrounded by strange religious wall murals, artifacts, and antique photos (you get the vague feeling this was once the site of turn-of-the-century religious cult) - which might explain why the most popular seating is outside. I tend to go for more privacy, settling in the quaint side patio with its creative, antique lawn furniture (a chair made from a country door is one of my favorites). Greek statues surrounded by trees invite small birds to join you, and add to the overall calming effect in this section. But the busy front courtyard has much to offer as well. My friend and I once became so thoroughly engrossed in the Hollywood dating dramas of two women talking at the courtyard table beside us, we barely said a word to each other the entire meal. When we left, we shared commentary as though we had just been to a movie!
Once you sit, you can sip your drink, chat, and relax. You feel a little like a frat initiate who just made it through the Haze (okay, that's an exaggeration - maybe that's just the lingering cult vibe from inside); actually it's more like coming home after a hectic drive in traffic. Whatever. When the food arrives the "traffic" is quickly forgotten. You find the offerings deserving of inclusion in the local mag "best ofs," such as Angeleno's "Hot List," or Sunset's "Best Coffeehouses in LA." You eat, and you feel good that you have discovered this crazy little retreat – more accurately, that you survived a little "crazy" to get to the "retreat."
In LA I think we enjoy going through a little drama to get to something good. The Alcove dining experience is no different, for not only do you get a good meal, but a sense of accomplishment, too. Which I suppose is why, despite my complaints about the crowds, I keep going back.
Raffallo's Pizza is by far the best I've tasted on the West Coast. Philadelphia's pizza beats them all but this ain't Philly baby.
Raffallo's has amazing sandwiches too. To be completely honest, I never went there for the food. I mean don't get me wrong, the food rocks. There is this waitress who works there that I had a HUGE crush on. She had beautiful long brown hair, nice tan skin and I was taller then her. This is very important because I'm only 5'9. Can you see a trend here? Hey, I'm in my late 20's, what else am I going to think about?
I went to Raffallo's with my 2-year old niece. She's a cutie. Yes, I'm one of those guys who will use my brother's kid to pick up women. Whatever works right? Anyway, I went back, asked her out and she said "No". It's a little depressing but I ordered a large pie that lifted my spirits. After that day I was too embarrassed to go back. I only order delivery now. Speaking of which, their delivery service is top notch and VERY quick, usually under a half an hour.
I actually sent her a card. YES! I'm a huge geek. Maybe she'll read this, call the site and ask for my phone number? Probably not...but it sure won't keep me from ordering that fantastic pizza.
If you go, I recommend getting the Raffallo's Super Sub. It's awesome and very filling. I can't even finish the Super Sub myself and I eat like a horse. Raffallo's is also a great for Football Sunday. GO EAGLES!
The parking situation can be a little tough. There are only about 5 total spots so delivery is the way to go.
Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills on Franklin Avenue, Birds is perched in the middle of a unique block between Tamarind and Bronson Streets, where Hollywood wannabes and stars alike flock to the sunny sidewalk cafes to hang out, talk industry, and see-or-be seen.
Bird's diverse and delicious menu is a one of the draws that keeps the locals landing. The featured entrée is rotisserie chicken, glazed in an original marinade and served with your choice of sides (steamed veggies, BBQ beans, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, Spanish rice, etc.). But if you're not a big eater, they also have lighter fare in the form of California fusion "roll-up" sandwiches, chicken tacos, and their famous curly Q fries. Beef lovers will enjoy the old-fashioned burgers and sloppy joes. For even lighter eaters, salads come in half order sizes, (Caesar, Chinese Chicken, Mediterranean, etc.) and even these are meal-size portions.
While the other restaurants and shops on this block exude a young Hollywood vibe, Birds is hip retro: it's name an homage to Alfred Hitchcock's famous horror film "The Birds," with decor that features giant photos and posters of the suspense master showing off his whimsical reserve and portly charm. Like the cinematic world of Hitchcock, the atmosphere inside Birds is dark, but only in terms of the lighting. The music is upbeat and the friendly wait staff provides excellent service.
After dining at Birds, there is plenty to see or do in just one short block. The Daily Planet newsstand and novelty shop, the Bourgeois Pig Café, the Tamarind Theatre (featuring the Upright Citizens Brigade), Harmony Gallery, and Counterpoint Records and Books are among the cool places here to check out.
Whether you want the "comfort food" of a full on BBQ chicken meal, or fresh lavash "roll-up" sandwiches with a California spin, Birds of Hollywood offers an affordable selection for a variety of tastes, in a breezy, off-the-beaten path locale.
"Man o man" this place rocks! I love the Cheebo on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. This is the perfect spot for a first date...or any other type of date for that matter. I recently took a girl here for our first meeting. I actually met her on-line. Big mistake! We'll get to that later though.
The atmosphere of Cheebo reminded me of the show "Cheers". A quiet neighborhood bar where everyone meets for happy hour to plan out the rest of the night. Every time someone walked in, the bartender, Pat from Texas, addressed that person by name. It reminded me of my hometown, Philadelphia. As for attire, you can role out of bed in your PJ's or dress like Don Johnson from Miami Vice, both equally accepted.
The place is reasonably priced and you can feel very confident that you won't kill your wallet. Trust me, I’m a busboy, I can barely afford dollar store tuna. The bartender was awesome and hooked me up with 3 free beers and he gave my date a free glass of wine. She eventually dumped me for a muscle bound, 6'4, 230 pound gargantuan body builder with a fake tan.
As for online dating, screw that! It's a waste of time, well mine anyway, but I ended up having the last laugh. I'll tell you about that later. Cheebo on the other hand is awesome - I highly recommend going there. I give this place a perfect 10. As for my date, well we'll just give her a negative 10.
Everyone knows what raw cuisine is right?
I’m actually kind of ashamed to admit it, but I only learned about raw cuisine a few days ago. A friend was suggesting that we add it to the site and I had no idea what they were talking about. Isn’t that the same thing as Vegan, I asked? Not quite. Well for those you who are like me and don’t know much about it, let me cover some of the basics.
Unlike the traditional vegetarian or vegan dishes, raw cuisine consists of organic foods that are uncooked, unprocessed, and have not been heated above a certain temperature (usually between 95 and 110 degree Fahrenheit). Furthermore, an individual whose diet consists of raw food isn’t necessarily a vegetarian or vegan…many consume raw eggs, fish, and even meat (although the majority of restaurants won’t serve raw meats/fish for health reasons).
The rationality behind consuming uncooked (or raw) food is primarily for the health benefits. Many believe that they are able to prevent and/or cure many common ailments that are derived directly (or indirectly) from the consumption of processed foods. They advocate that eating uncooked food maintains enzymes which aid in digestion (cooking the food destroys these enzyme). In turn, these enzymes allow for enhanced digestion, stimulation of the immune system, and a decrease of toxicity in the body.
For those of you interested in giving raw cuisine a shot, here are some fantastic restaurants around Los Angeles that specialize in raw cuisine:
Los Angeles
Leaf Cuisine
11938 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-390-6005
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Taste of the Goddess Cafe (at the Ona Spa & Hair Salon)
7373 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-933-1400
Hours:
NA
Sherman Oaks
Leaf Cuisine
14318 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-907-8779
Hours:
Open daily from 10am to 9pm
Silver Lake
Cru
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-667-1551
Hours:
Wednesday-Monday: 12pm to 10pm
Closed Tuesday
West Hollywood
Leaf Cuisine
8365 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hours:
Open daily from 9am to 9pm
Taste of the Goddess Cafe
7253 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
310-874-7700
Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 6pm
