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Los Angeles has no shortage of restaurants for al fresco dining—from hotels to rooftops, oceanfront and urban sidewalk cafes. Here are 11 ground floor restaurants, from cozy to casual chic and fine dining, with very special - and mostly hidden - open-air patios.
Wine tastings seem to be the new happy hour, with the addition of trivia and knowledge thrown in for good measure. Tastings can even be found at grocery stores such as select Gelson’s, Whole Foods, and the Trader Joes on La Brea for free or nominal fees. Wine shops like the independent K & L Wine Merchants in Hollywood and The Wine House in West L.A., or corporate spots such as Total Wine also offer tastings. Some of the most interesting tastings are held at small, boutique wine shops, often located in strip malls or hidden in places you least expect, with eclectic food choices that often differ from the basic crackers and cheese.
To mix up your wine game with a new take on tastings, here are wine stores across Los Angeles with a wide range of vibes and personalities, from elegant French, to earthy Mediterranean, to boutique sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and natural wines.
Wine bars in Los Angeles run the gamut from intimate spots to full-service restaurants. Whether you're a novice or a oenophile, there's wine for all tastes and budgets. Menus cross styles as well, from simple cheese and charcuterie to more elaborate cuisine. While there are dozens of wine bars and restaurants from which to choose, check out this sampling of 12 wine bars and restaurants in Los Angeles.
The laid-back, sunny and healthy lifestyle of Australia blends perfectly with Los Angeles, so it only makes sense that Aussie-inspired cafes - mostly serving all-day “brekkie” and lunch menus - is now trending. And there are more on the way, like Roo Coffee from Brisbane ex-pats, Elyse Goyen and Tom and Kate O’Connor.
Coffee isn’t just a drink in Australia, it’s a culture. From meticulous preparation by highly-trained baristas to the manner it is consumed, Aussies enjoy their espresso-based drinks like the flat white and long black while sitting in a casual café. Accompaniments often include pastries, savory pies, egg sandwiches, grilled cheese, healthful bowls of grains or oats—or variations of "toast," including the ubiquitous avocado version that originated in Melbourne. And of course there's Vegemite, a salty spread made from brewer’s yeast that's also indigenous to the "Land Down Under.” There are also sweet specialties like Lamington (chocolate-covered sponge cake rolled in coconut), Tim Tam (two malted biscuits covered in chocolate and filled with cream), and Anzac biscuits made with oatmeal. Check out these eleven L.A. cafes that combine the coastal influences of California and Australia for a sampling of the best coffee and food for a relaxing time-out in your day.
After a hard work week or late night of fun, break bread in one of L.A.’s herbivore-friendly establishments. Sunday is brunch day, as they say—but sometimes Saturday, too.
There’s nothing like adding a little texture to your cup of tea, thanks to a good helping of slightly sweet and gummy tapiocas. While it may not be appropriate to call them “boba” in the tea drink’s native Taiwan due to its translation, that’s predominantly how it’s referred to here in the U.S. Enjoy this Taiwanese treat by pulling each pearl through the oversized straw inserted into every cup.
The chewy treats at the bottom are like a little snack that comes with your drink. The tea shops with the best boba soak their tapiocas every few hours so that they achieve just the right texture - a good gummy bite without any sogginess. Fortunately for L.A., top notch tea shops have recently opened throughout the city, so there are plenty of places where you can quench your thirst with this fun, caffeinated cocktail of whimsy.
If you're wondering where the closest boba near you might be, here’s our list of some great boba tea houses in the L.A. area you can check out.
Los Angeles has no shortage of coffee houses with wifi, especially with the likes of Starbucks and Coffee Bean popping up on seemingly every other corner. But in between are classic old timers, as well as independent and third wave cafes boasting unique beans and brew methods, plus eclectic food menus that fit most every palate. Here are 11 of the best coffee destinations in the Hollywood area that offer diverse vibes and are sure to add fuel in your veins. Most open in the wee morning hours but close at varying times in the late afternoon or early evening, so check their respective time schedules.
When you’re done exploring the world famous Walk of Fame, what else is there to do in Hollywood? Stay outside and play awhile with one of these alfresco adventures.
Hollywood is steeped in history, bounded by nature, and dipped in dreams - there isn't a more romantic place to explore with someone who makes your heart beat faster. Whether you’re on your first date or your hundredth, Hollywood offers ample nooks and crannies for eating, drinking and smooching, providing the backdrop for memories sure to last a lifetime. Here’s our list of good places for a date while out and about in Hollywood
Nightclubs in the "Entertainment Capital of the World" offer something for everyone. From world class DJs rocking massive dance floors in historic buildings, to intimate venues showcasing local talent, here are the top 10 nightclubs in Hollywood.