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16 Best Places to Eat in Koreatown For Foodies Who Want to Explore the Neighborhood

February 11, 2015 by Ashley Lyublinsky

A lot of people I know tend to avoid Koreatown like the plague. Is it the lack of parking? The endless noise? The extreme difficulty that is navigating your way on Wilshire Boulevard at any time during the day?

I will tell you what is wasn’t – the restaurants that make all of the above absolutely worth it. The Korean BBQ alone is cause for me to call this neighborhood my home, and it’s no surprise that Thrillist recently named K-Town the #11 food neighborhood in the country.

After looking at this list, you might change your mind as well.

So without further adieu, enjoy the rundown of some of the best places to eat in Koreatown!

POT

Part of The Line Hotel, POT is home to Korean dishes, with an American twist, served in hot pots. You can chalk this up to being another one of Roy Choi’s (who can be seen hanging here on the weekends) culinary stamps on Los Angeles. Also houses a stellar bar and a pretty sweet bakery. Messy eater? Not to worry! POT provides aprons for its patrons who don’t want Kimichi on their shirts.

3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Kang Hodong Baekjeong

Located in the super busy Chapman plaza, this great two-story Korean BBQ is home to what could be one of the most delicious meals of your life. This is a no fuss kind of place, which is perfect if you are just in the mood to eat. Plus the staff is super friendly, for those who are nervous to cook their own meat.

3465 W6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

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KyoChon

Ain’t no thing like a KyoChon chicken wing. After being successful in New York, KyoChon has taken their sweet sauces to Los Angeles. Korean chicken wings are delicious and if you want a different wing experience, definitely check this place out. Wings come with pickled turnips, which are a fun little side treat to cool you down from the heat these wings pack.

3833 W6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

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Belly & Snout

“A Filipino take on classic American fare” is Belly & Snout’s motto. Pork is the signature item served in this fairly new establishment. If you adventure is something you crave, then go ahead and order yourself some Pork Ink or Oxtail Fries. You can also try the Sisig Hot Dog. Don’t worry, for all the chickens out there, they have those type of dishes too.

974 S Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006

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Escala

Making a name for itself in an all Korean neighborhood, this Latin American fusion restaurant does a great job serving up some delicious tapas. Located on the corner of 6th and Kenmore, this duel level eatery offers a great ambiance with outdoor seating which is perfect for enjoying a Los Angeles evening amongst some year round Christmas lights. Another place that is home to a fantastic happy hour and the perfect spot for a Sunday brunch (if you can get parking).

3451 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

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EMC Seafood & Raw Bar

I can’t rave enough about this place. Uni pasta, lobster rolls, calamari, and many more delectable items grace their all seafood menu. What makes this place really take the crab cake is their happy hour menu, which starts at 4pm. $1 oysters people! If that doesn’t get you running, I honestly do not know what will.

3500 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

More information  EMC Seafood Oysters

Beer Belly

Located near the border of Koreatown, I am glad that I am able to include Beer Belly on this list. Aside from being featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, Beer Belly is famous for their duck fat fries, which make your mouth melt with their goodness. This gastro-pub of sorts is a great for late night snack food and a stiff drink.

532 S Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

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Beverly Tofu House

Beverly Tofu house has been in business for almost 30 years, and it was the first Korean restaurant of its kind in Los Angeles, serving a variety of customized, made-to-order soon tofu soup creations. If it’s good enough for Anthony Bourdain, it’s good enough for me.

2717 W. Olympic Blvd., #108 Los Angeles, CA 90006

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Deli-In

A sandwich shop for the locals. This small and easily missed gem is the go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. Featuring Spam Musubi (rice, spam, and eggs rolled up into seaweed), a variety of pupusa’s, and even the more common sandwiches to quench your appetite.

3456 ½ Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Ramen Burger

Who would have thought ramen noodles would make a good bun alternative? Chef Keizo Shimamoto thats who! Once only available in New York has become a cult favorite in Korea Town. The walk up window where you order is located right next to Lock & Key where they share a kitchen. So if you are having a drink inside the speak easy you can also order a ramen burger a win win indeed.

239 S Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004

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California Donuts

Maybe the only 24 hour donut shop with a line. You can’t miss the bright sign driving down 3rd street, just don’t park in the lot its pretty hellish. The line goes quick and there are plenty of cronuts and mind-blowing donut creations to go around. People like the “Panda”- looks like a panda, Maple Bacon Bar and the Chocolate Cinnamon Roll.

3540 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

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California Donuts in Koreatown

Jun Won

You know its good when only Koreans are eating here and the sign to the restaurant is in the BACK parking lot hidden from the busy main street… Oh and it’s in Korean! Eating at Jun Won is like having a Korean mother cook for you. Owner Jung Ye Jun has a talent for cooking some of the tastiest fish dishes in town. Her bachan (tasty side dishes accompanying every Korean meal) selections have become so popular that she now has a store dedicated to her bachan creations on Olympic Boulevard. If you are looking for authentic Korean fare prepared with knowledge passed down from generations and fresh ingredients Jun Won is a must try.

3100 W 8th St ste 101, Los Angeles, CA 90005

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Han Bat Sul Lang Tang

The hard to pronounce name should really just say “Really good kimchi and soup!.” Sul Lang Tang is a soup most Koreans grew up drinking some might say it works wonders for hangovers as well. The beef infused milky white broth comes with your choice of meat from their menu. FYI this place only has two items on the menu the sul lang tang and boiled beef. So come expecting to eat either one or both! Pro tip: Food critic god Johnathan Gold suggests creating a flamingo pink colored broth with the kimchi, onions and salt. The soup comes out a bit bland to allow people to customize the flavors to their own liking.

4163 W 5th st., Los Angeles, CA 90020

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The Bun Shop

If you are a buns person, the edible kind, then The Bun Shop is your place to go. Serving traditional meals in bao buns, this Asian Fusion joint has a variety of fun treats on their menu, like the pork belly bun or fried ice cream bun. As the great Sir-Mix-A-Lot once said, “Don’t want none, unless you got buns, hun.”

151 N Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004

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Holy Crab

Seafood by the pound? Holy Crab is right! Only open for dinner (and late night snacking if you must) Holy crab sells you crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, and any other seafood by the pound for you to eat there or take home in a plastic bag filled with their own garlic butter sauce. They have different levels of spice, depending on how brave you are feeling. Holy Crab is a newer addition to the Koreatown neighborhood, and boasts a much shorter wait time than it’s neighboring restaurant, The Boiling Crab.

3250 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 103, Los Angeles, CA 90010

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Zion Market

Strolling through Koreatown and not quite sure what to do with yourself? Stop in to Zion Market and look around. Tons of different Korean fare is sold in this compact super market. The seafood section is filled with live (and not so alive) fish that is interesting to see in itself. Oh and do yourself a favor and check out the ice cream section here, it is to die for.

3500 W 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

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Obviously there are other restaurants in K-Town to choose from, and these are some of our favorites. Where do you like to chow down? Let us know in the comments below!

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Things To Do

10 Things To Do For Valentines Day in Los Angeles Even If You Happen to Be Single

February 8, 2015 by Ashley Lyublinsky

Yes, it’s that dreaded time of year again when love is in the air and you get the not-so-subtle reminder that you are, in fact still single.

Ugh.

Not to worry! There are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles for those who find themselves in the lonely-hearts club for Valentine’s Day. And NO, that does not mean sit in and watch The Notebook on Netflix with a huge bottle of wine wishing that (insert hot celebrity of your choosing) would bust through your door. Save that for your next Friday night in.

They say one is the loneliest number, but here at We Like L.A., we have come up with a sweet list that will make you forget you’re single and prevent you from turning to your Tindr account for a last minute date.

List starts after this appropriately titled musical interlude. Enjoy!

Puppetzilla: Anti-Valentine’s Day Puppet Slam

What a better way to fight the single blues than with puppets. Seriously, they make everything way better. Performed by The Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry and held at the Bootleg HiFi, this Valentine’s Day bashing might be just what you need to forget that you reactivated your OKCupid account…for the fifth time.

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Mortified L.A. Doomed Valentine’s Day

Do you think you’ve had the worst Valentine’s Day ever? Come share your story with like-minded folks at this live storytelling experience. Held at the King King, where the Drinks are strong so you have the right amount of liquid courage to get you through.

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Anti-Valentine’s Party

Are you one of those people who insist that Valentine’s Day is a holiday invited by Hallmark (but you still buy the half of chocolates the day after)? Should you find yourself wanting to be done with the whole Valentine’s Day concept, come down to Bird’s annual Anti-Valentine’s Day bash. There will be plenty of drinks, voodoo dolls, anti-love songs and a prize for the best/worst “dumped” story.

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My Bitter Valentine

Strictly for “singles or miserable couples” with all black attire encouraged, The Other Door puts on a hell of a anti-valentines day shin dig. They have champagne for one options and hand out dead black roses through out the night. If attending this doesn’t declare your hatred for the holiday, nothing will.

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Dine with Your Dog at Tony’s Darts Away

Over in Burbank at Tony’s Darts Away diners are invited to bring in furry friends to join them for a brunch extravaganza – complete with a Valentine’s Day treat for dogs!  If dogs, great vegan food, and craft beer sound like a winning combination, this could be the perfect way to celebrate the day. 

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Treat Yourself

I make it a mandatory item on my Valentine’s weekend (single or not) to have some sort of spa treatment. It’s nice to feel a little pampered, and you should always TREAT YOURSELF. It could be getting your nails and hair done, or that 90 minute massage Groupon you’ve been eyeing. Doesn’t matter, just go out and do something nice for yourself. Gentlemen. go out and treat yourself to an old fashion shave.

Take a Hike

What better way to get out those pent up feelings about your ex’s than to sweat it out? Check out our 9 Easiest Hikes You Can Do in Los Angeles list to find some awesome trails to blaze and clear your mind from all this love nonsense.

Catch a Flick

Feel like taking the dreaded “going to the movies alone” test? Surprisingly Valentine’s Day weekend is a great time to do so! And what better place to do so than the famous Egyptian Theatre? Films that will be showing that weekend are Brokeback Mountain, Gone With the Wind, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Because nothing says love more than pudding, fire, and Tiffany’s.

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Love Hurts Tour at LACMA

A fun way to see heartbreak throughout the ages is with this self-guided tour. LACMA provides you a tour list to see what works they think best show all the emotions of post-love within the museum. When you are done, be sure to stop by the one of the four food options at LACMA and treat yourself to dinner!

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Join a Meetup Group

Why spend Valentine’s Day alone? Check out the Meetup site and see what cool things are happening on February 14th. What you do doesn’t have to even be V-day oriented, you can just go out and meet some cool new people. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure to join our We Like L.A. Meetup group too 😉

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Got any more ideas for singles to do on Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!

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Cool Spots

The 12 Best Arcades in Los Angeles Where It’s Ok for Adults to Act Like Kids Again

January 22, 2015 by Ashley Lyublinsky

Like many proud children of the 80’s and 90’s, video games were an essential part of my childhood. Countless hours were devoted trying to save princesses, unlock levels, and generally kick the assess of every boss and bad guy who stood in my path.

Fast-forward a couple of years, swap out sodas for IPA’s, and you still have the makings of a very good time.

Lucky for us, Los Angeles has some awesome arcades that will reinvigorate the spirit of your inner child, no matter how long it has been since you last dumped $10 in quarters into beating Street Fighter II.

To that end, if you’re feeling like you need to make friends with your past gamer self, find below an all-inclusive list of some of the best arcades in Los Angeles.

Hopefully the experience of checking one of these out (listed in no particular order) gives you the burst of nostalgia you’re looking for.

Cheers!

Neon Retro Arcade

Credit: Neon Retro Arcade via Instagram

Busby’s

A great warm up to this list, Busby is your classic sports bar. Add a spacious game room area, pool tables, and a few classic arcade games and you have the makings of a good time. With an East and West Los Angeles location, Busby’s is a great place to grab a drink and play a game or two.

East: 5364 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

West: 3110 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Shatto 39 Lanes

Want to add some bowling to your arcade adventures? Look no further than Shatto 39 Lanes. A reasonably priced bowling alley with an awesome selection of video games to play once you are done remembering why you never joined the bowling team in high school. Be sure to check out the Terminator game!

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3255 W 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Blipsy Barcade

Hidden in Koreatown, Blipsy Barcade is a haven for retro video game lovers. After you are greeted at the door by an all too familiar neon ghost from Pac-Man, this cash only bar is a great for grabbing a PBR and showing Donkey Kong who is boss.

369 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

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Playland Arcade

Featured on our 10 Totally Nerdy Places in L.A. to Get in Touch With Your Inner Geek, Playland is the quintessential classic arcade. A great place to get in touch with your video game roots and help Mario save Peach one more time.

350 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90404

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Playland Arcade Santa Monica

Credit: Playland Arcade on Facebook

All Amusement Fun Center

When I was younger, I considered tokens my own special form of child currency. That feeling came rushing back once stepping foot in All Amusement Fun Center. Nuzzled in the Burbank Town Center, this is the perfect spot for both the young and old. Be sure to check out the prize center for some out dated gold.

201 East Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502

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XLanes LA

Adding another fun bowling/arcade venue located in Little Tokyo is XLanes LA. Not only do they have bowling, arcade games, 9 billiard tables and great food – but karaoke is another guest favorite. You know, if you run out of things to do.

333 S Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

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Pins and Needles

For all pinball enthusiasts, go check out Pins and Needles as soon as possible. This small Echo Park bar features over 20 different pinball machines, and also gives you a chance to join the Los Angeles Pinball League. Oh, it’s BYOB as well!

1623 Allesandro Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026

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Ultimate Gaming Center

Attention all LA gaming lovers: THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. Having everything from PlayStation, XBOX, and many other consoles, Ultimate Gaming Center is the holy meca for gamers to come together and do what they do best, play. While not an arcade, still makes sense to mention UGC on this list for their concept alone. They host regular tournaments for anyone to join, which is a great thing to check out.

8551 Vesper Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91402

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Redondo Fun Factory

Calling itself the largest indoor family entertainment center on the West Coast – this family arcade is a Southern California staple. There is a large Tilt-a-whirl located in middle of the arcade (which is only 50 cents when it rains) and tons of games, Redondo Fun Factory is a great stop when in Redondo Beach.

123 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

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EightyTwo

Pinball, vintage arcade games, fully stacked bar — EightyTwo is everything a barcade should be. Located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, EightyTwo has a nightly DJ and over 40 classic pinball and arcade games for patrons to enjoy.

707 E 4th Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90013

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Eight Two Arcade

The One Up

Rather than having individual old-school consoles, The One Up distinguishes itself by using console shells to house emulators that contain hundreds of classic arcade games. The best part is that paying customers can play the games for free (yes!). On that note, be sure to take advantage of their happy hour which is served daily from 4 to 7 p.m. and includes $4 beers and $6 cocktails.

13625 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

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Neon Retro Arcade (COMING SOON)

How about the concept of of a pay-by-the-hour video gaming experience? Well, that’s exactly the business model Neon Retro Arcade wants to use. Located in Old Town Pasadena, they still haven’t opened yet, but all signs point to a early 2015 launch of this new arcade.

When they do open, here’s what they’re proposing: For bargain price of $15, you could get 1.5 hours of play, $20 for 2 hours, and $30 for an all-day pass with in-and-out privileges. Children under five could go in for free as long as they’re accompanied by a parent.Neon feature over 40 classic arcade games and pinball machines including pace Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong…all the greats! Plus they also have video game stations (basically couches and consoles) where you can challenge your friends to some old-school Atari, NES, and Sega as well as some next-gen games.

28 S. Raymond, Pasadena, CA

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Do you have a favorite arcade in Los Angeles that wasn’t included on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Lifestyle

8 Things You Appreciate About Los Angeles While Sitting Home Alone on Your Couch

January 6, 2015 by Ashley Lyublinsky

Having recently been involved in a hiking accident in Malibu (in which I broke my left ankle) I have found myself bed/couch ridden for the foreseeable future. This has made me come to two astonishing confirmations.

One, I obviously no longer need to exercise because nature was clearly trying to tell me something and two, being couch ridden doesn’t have to stop you from experiencing Los Angeles in all its glory.

Since I am still in my healing process, and with limited mobility, I have relied on the basics to get me my L.A. fix. Here is a list of some of my findings from my not-so-comfortable Ikea sofa bed.

[RELATED: 7 Underappreciated Aspects of Los Angeles The Haters Get All Wrong]

elevated: a collective series pt.1

A photo posted by ashley (@ashlyub) on

1. Local TV Isn’t the Worst

During this ‘down time’ I’ve been seeing a lot of my boyfriend, Netflix. But like most serious relationships, we needed a break from each other every now and then. KTLA proved to be a great friend, especially with the recent coverage of all the rain. It’s always good to know what’s going on in your hood.

2. The Noise NEVER Stops

Some would say that this an annoyance, but for me this has kind of been a lifesaver. Being able to hear my neighbors yelling and cars non-stop honking reminds me that the outside world has not stopped. Call me crazy but I would much rather listen to the my wanna be singer neighbor than birds chirping in the woods. Although, come to think of it, the ease at which I’m able to hear everyone who lives within 50 yards of my apartment does kind of beg the question…

Fry Meme Apartment Walls

3. KCRW is Awesome

Patience is hard to come by in our social media infused ADD culture, and I admit it’s hard for me to fully invest in something for more than five minutes at a time.

Yet because of my recent situation, I’ve discovered myself religiously listening to KCRW’s Which Way, L.A.? Award-winning moderator Warren Olney invites interesting discussions that I did not know I cared about being a L.A. citizen. If it’s not on your regularly scheduled listening routine, you ought to add it.

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4. You Can Still See the Sights from Your Living Room

Being able to access Instagram accounts are great ways to still see parts of L.A. you miss most.  Here’s few of my favorite L.A. hashtags that can help you find the best images to fill your heart with glee (even if you can’t be bothered to get off the couch).

#LA4LIFE, #DiscoverLA, #WeOwnTheNightLA, and #LAMasters all give you a glimpse at some of the amazing sights we have in our city.

5. The Beauty of the Traffic Hiatus

Not having to commute, and being able to work from home is a major perk. I’ve had a couple of friends run small errands for me, and while they are happy to help, they always manage to make a comment about parking or traffic they experienced. No L.A. traffic for this gal.

Morpheus L.A. Traffic Meme

6. The Beach is Never Too Far Away

I never realized how much I would take not being able to go to the beach for granted. Luckily for me, I found a site which live streams what’s happening on different beaches in Los Angeles County. Warning: this is considered high on the creep scale, but so worth it if you want to catch some waves. I highly recommend Venice Beach stream.

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7. Los Angeles Has a Killer Music Scene

This is an obvious no brainer, but I made it a mission to become more familiar with some of L.A.’s more unknown artists. Buzzbands.la is a great source for upcoming shows, and features some great artists to check out in the L.A. area. I heartily recommend if you’re looking for more local music and have some time to kill.

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Amoeba Music Hollywood

Neon sign at Amoeba Music. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

8. We Like L.A. is an Awesome Website / Resource

Call this a shameless plug if you will, but the wonderful We Like L.A. site and its fabulous contributors brought most of my daily information to me. Definitely helped in planning what to do when I finally make my escape…I mean recovery. If you’ve never really dug deep into our site, check out this Best of We Like L.A. section that includes some of the most shared, and most useful content.

Any other tips to cope being stuck inside in Los Angeles? Let us know what you’re doing in the comments below! 

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Food

12 Spots for the Best Bloody Marys in Los Angeles Every Breakfast Fanatic Needs to Try

November 29, 2014 by Ashley Lyublinsky

A couple of years ago I was introduced to this magical drink that most referred to as a Bloody Mary. I like to refer to it as life juice, but that’s just me.

Originating back in 1920’s, this delicious cocktail has become a staple in the breakfast and brunch worlds alike. Since there are many claims to who invented this concoction, but no set founder, I will give credit to my sister who introduced me. Also since we are talking history, I am pretty sure that it is written somewhere super important that Bloody Mary’s are mandatory to end the weekend off right. Yes, mandatory.

With that in mind We Like L.A. tasked me with locating the best spots in Los Angeles for fellow Bloody Mary fanatics to flock to, and trust me they did not have to twist my arm.

After many brunches and tasting, here are THE 12 spots to order a rocking Bloody Mary (in no particular order).

[RELATED: 10 Spots for the Best Brunch in Los Angeles]

Bloody Royale from Franklin & Co. Tavern

The Bloody Royale from Franklin & Co. Tavern. Credit: Annabelle Abouab

1. La Cita

While the basic ingredients (vodka & tomato juice) come with standard with most Bloody Marys, a lot of people are pretty picky what other ingredients get put into their drink. La Cita has found a way to please all by having a “build your own” Bloody Mary bar.

336 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
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2. Cole’s

Looking for a good kick with your Bloody Mary? Cole’s uses spices that they rub on their signature meat dishes. To top off your drink, they add a pickled egg that comes from a jar that’s sits on top of their bar.

118 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
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3. Sunny Spot

If you are a fan of Roy Choi (food inspiration behind the hit 2014 movie Chef) then you have probably already checked out this small little haven in Venice. Aside from being delicious, what make Sunny Spot’s Bloody Marys worth the checkout are the prices. $15 unlimited brunch cocktails? Sign me up.

822 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292
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4. FIG

My heart was broken when I found out that there was a ban on foie gras in California, and because of this I would never be able to taste the infamous FIG foie gras Bloody Mary. Alas, I found a new drink to ease the pain, the Bloody Maria that swaps out vodka for Reposado Tequila!

101 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90401
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The FIG Bloody Mary

The Bacon Bloody Mary at Fig

5. Cha-Cha Lounge

Sticking with the reasonably priced cocktails, the Cha-Cha Lounge offers a $6 well Bloody Mary as part of their happy hour special from 5-9pm everyday. They add homegrown marinated green beans in their Bloody Marys, which adds a different flavor.

2375 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039
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6. KTCHN DTLA

If you find yourself wandering the streets of DTLA, in search for a refreshing Bloody Mary come to KTCHN DTLA. While the glass size is a little smaller than others, Bloody Marys here pack a citrus-y punch and really have a knack for curing those hangover blues.

200 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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7. Saint Felix

One of the first Bloody Mary bars I went to upon moving to LA. My decision to come here was greatly inspired by the fact that Saint Felix uses bacon-flavored vodka in their Bloody Marys. BACON + BACON MARY = TRUE LOVE 4EVER.

1602 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
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8. Cecconi’s

Looking to add a little class to your Bloody Mary brunches? Cecconi’s is just the place. While it is a little pricier than traditional standards, you get the VIP Bloody Mary service here. Every thing is a la carte, on a cart. And you have your own personal Bloody Mary maker using Cecconi’s aged tomato juice. This is also one of the only times it is acceptable to sing FANCY out in public.

8764 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069
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Cecconi's Bloody Mary

Credit: Cecconi’s on Instagram

9. Little Fork

Have you met Mary’s not so distant cousin, Larry? Little Fork makes a mean and delicious Bloody Larry (swapping vodka for bourbon). Nothing gets better than sipping on one while slurping down oysters.

1600 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
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10. MESSHALL

Big fan of garlic? MESSHALL in Los Feliz uses a unique blend of garlic and shallots in their Bloody Marys that give it one hell of a flavor while being surprisingly enjoyable. Drinking this is sure to get rid of two things: vampires, and that guy you met last night that does not get the hint.

4500 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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11. The Redwood Bar & Grill

Arhh matey, this be a mighty Bloody Mary! If you read the previous sentence in a pirate accent and crave your cocktail spicy, then you will truly enjoy Redwood Bar & Grill. Infusing their mix with spicy peppers and marinated veggies, this Bloody Mary is just the thing to arouse your senses (if the pirate decor doesn’t do it already).

312 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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12. Franklin & Company

I have saved the best for last (in my humble opinion). This by far has been one of the most unique and unbelievably satisfying Bloody Marys I have ever had, The Bloody Royale (pictured at the top of this article).

Served with a mini slider, olives, pickle, fried onion ring, roasted Brussels sprouts, pepper jack cheese, celery stalk, and bacon wrapper roasted jalapeno you are getting a meal along with your drink. Not to mention the drink itself is pretty great too. So bow down to The Royale, breakfast of champions!

5923 Franklin Ave, Los Angles, CA 90028
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Have a favorite Bloody Mary in L.A. we didn’t mention that you think should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Cool Spots

10 Totally Nerdy Places in L.A. to Get in Touch With Your Inner Geek

September 24, 2014 by Ashley Lyublinsky

Attention all wizards, hobbits, trekkies, whovians, and just about anyone else you can think of in the geek kingdom who is currently residing in Los Angeles, this post is for you!

With the mother of all geek events, Comic Con merely a once-a-year affair, We Like L.A. asked me to conjure up some of the best locations to get your geek on in and around the city of angels that you can access on a year-round basis.

I tried to cover just about every major fandom and provide a wide range of destinations, from clothing shop boutiques to arcades to awesome niche theaters, so geeks of all kind can feel welcomed amongst their own.

That said I hope you find something you like on the list and, as always, live long and prosper. 😉

Whimsic Alley

[Photo Credit: whimsic alley facebook]

1. Whimsic Alley

Are you still awaiting your letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardy? Yeah, me too. Not to fear, make a trip to Whimsic Alley located on Miracle Mile to get your fill of everything Harry Potter related. There is even a replica of the Great Hall that can be rented out for events or celebrating the Tri-Wizard Tournament (RIP CEDRIC).

5464 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
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2. Meltdown Comics

While it would have been super easy to just make this list all comic store related, I only included Meltdown Comics for the sheer fact that it is home to Nerdist Headquarters! Not is there an amazing selection of comics, Meltdown also has comedy shows after dark that air on Comedy Central. Make sure to check the calendar to find all shows and what movie is playing for “Horrible Movie Night”.

7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046
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3. Hollywood Magic Castle

Time to dust off that magic kit you got from Grandma in the second grade, and brush up your magic skills. Built in 1908, this manor has seen some of the greatest magicians walk through its halls. Unfortunetly, it’s invite only, but if you get to go make sure you stay for dinner and a show! Just don’t bring your own saw, that’s creepy no matter what venue you go to.

7001 Franklin Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028
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4. Gallery 1988

Obsessed with pop culture? Perfect. Since opening its doors in 2004, Gallery 1988 has housed some of the coolest pop-culture themed artwork and emerging artists. With two locations (West & East), there are month long shows at both where you can view some totally rad artwork. Bonus for all you Whedonites, throughout the month of September there is a Joss Whedon exhibit at Gallery 1988: West featuring artist renditions from all his movies and television shows.

West: 7308 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
East: 7021 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

5. Playland Arcade

Still bragging about your Galactica score from back in the day? Come to Santa Monica Pier’s Playland Arcade, which is home to tons of old a school arcade game from Super Mario to PacMan. While it can be a pain to find parking and kind of tourist trap, it’s a great place to spend the afternoon after soaking in the rays all day.

350 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90404
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6. Clockwork Couture

Steampunk could not be any bigger than it currently is. Clockwork Couture sells everything from steampunk clothing to home décor. Fellow Whovian? There is also a ton of Doctor Who collectables for sale as well.

Did I mention there is a Tardis replica out front? Wibbley Wobbly Timey Whimey!

707 South Main Street, Burbank, CA 91506
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7. The Nuart Theatre Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show

It’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right. You are now located at Nuart Theatre, home to one of the largest Rocky Horror Picture Show gatherings in Los Angeles County. Every Saturday night the crowd is full of fans dressed as Janet, Magenta, and even our favorite Transsexual Transylvanian. A great place to meet fellow fans while singing and dancing your heart out.

11272 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
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#Mst3k

A photo posted by ashley lyublinsky (@ashlyub) on

8. Hobbit House

Have you ever wanted to visit the Shire? This is as close as you possibly can get, but fair warning The Hobbit House is an actual apartment complex, so there is the whole “trespassing” thing. But look from afar at this replica the Hobbit inspired homes. A true must-see for every Tolkien fan there is.

3819 Dunn Drive, Culver City, CA 90232
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9. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop

The home to all of Jim Henson’s beloved creatures. See Muppets and puppets from The Dark Crystal to the Rainbow Connection. This is also where the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge is filmed for the SyFy network. While they are not generally open to the public, they do have tours of the studio from time to time that you can schedule through their website.

1416 N. La Brea Avenue
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10. El Capitan Theatre

True fact: you will never be too old to enjoy anything Disney related. The El Captain theatre screens everything from old Disney classics, to current favorites like Frozen. Be on the lookout as well at any premieres for some of the most beloved characters in attendance.

6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
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I know we didn’t get them all, so if you have a favorite place to geek out in Los Angeles, let us know in the comments below!

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