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.
The Studio Suite isn't much of a first date spot but it is by far THE BEST LITTLE DIVE BAR IN LOS ANGELES. Yes! I love it baby, as Dick Vitale would say. The drinks are cheap as hell and the music rocks. Actually, since I mentioned music, there is a band that goes by the name of "The Kenzos" who are unbelievable.
These guys are one of the most revolutionary bands I've heard in a long time. The sound is similar to Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Jane's Addiction all wrapped in one tasty burrito. The lead singer, Joe, is crazy on stage, the bass player will crack jokes between songs and the drummer is awesome. Together these guys are an unbelievable talent. I rarely go to a bar to see a band but for these guys I'll make an exception. The Kenzos are the Studio Suites most popular band.
The parking situation is perfect. It's free! You'll always see the bands hanging out front smoking, drinking and having a great time. The types of people you'll find at Studio Suite aren't your typical "Hollywood Crowd," everyone is down to earth and very welcoming. There are pool tables in the back and the place is packed for football Sunday. The food isn't that great…but what bar food is?
Check out the Studio Suite on a Saturday night. This is the best night to go. You'll even see me there cheering on the Kenzos.
Located on the second floor of the Pinz Sports Complex in Studio City, Guy's North is a 10,000 square foot nightclub / lounge that caters to the Valley crowd. The Guy’s North location if pretty new…it celebrated its grand opening on January of 2006 and was only the second Guy’s location in Los Angeles (the original Guy’s Bar is located on Beverly Blvd across from the Beverly Center).
Dancing & More
The dance floor is about average…not too big, but not too small either. There is plenty of room to move and it doesn’t feel too crowded. There is also ample seating to lounge at around the dance floor; the couches are comfy and offer the perfect opportunity to cool down after some spirited dancing.
If you’re a smoker, there is a pretty large outdoor patio facing Ventura Blvd; the only downside is that you can’t bring your drinks out there.
Cost
Cover charge for Guy’s North is $10/person and on most nights, you shouldn’t have a problem getting in. On certain evenings, ladies can get in at no charge as long as you arrive before 10:30pm.
Drink prices are pretty much what you would expect from most Los Angeles Bars and Clubs – expect to shell out about $6 for a beer and $8 for a mixed drink.
Dress Code
Guy’s North isn’t too strict on the dress code, or at least it wasn’t on the night I was there. The ladies were dressed up (which is usually the case), but quite a few of the men were wearing plain t-shirts and one guy was even wearing a velour Puma track suit.
