Matt’s guidebook to LaLaLand
Food scene
Salsa & Beer
11669 Sherman WayGreat nearby Mexican eats!
Mastro's Steakhouse
246 N Canon DrBeverly Hills steakhouse. Decadence unrivaled.
Trejo's Coffee & Donuts
6785 Santa Monica BlvdDanny Trejo's. Ask for the "Machete" donut
Tel Aviv Glatt Kosher Grill
17201 Ventura BlvdSome of LA's best Israeli food.
Former SBE chef Danny Elmaleh's refined Mediterranean, I used to work for SBE and this guy knows what he's doin.
10 locals recommend
Mizlala
4515 Sepulveda BlvdFormer SBE chef Danny Elmaleh's refined Mediterranean, I used to work for SBE and this guy knows what he's doin.
Bill's Burgers
14742 Oxnard StOne of the essential LA burger joints
Petit Trois Le Valley
13705 Ventura BoulevardOutstanding French bistro in the Valley
Casa Vega
13301 Ventura BlvdThis is a legendary Sherman Oaks Mexican joint.
Sightseeing
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdCheck out the planetarium shows
Famous Santa Monica vintage bar. Ask for Paul behind the bar, he's probably the friendliest barkeep you've met. If he's not there, ask for Darkness.
525 locals recommend
The Bungalow
101 Wilshire BlvdFamous Santa Monica vintage bar. Ask for Paul behind the bar, he's probably the friendliest barkeep you've met. If he's not there, ask for Darkness.
The Santee Alley
210 E Olympic BlvdWorld famous downtown LA flea market. Deals, deals, deals.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaLook it up.
Venice Beach
1900 Ocean Front WalkPeople watching at the Venice Boardwalk is the business.
Just down the street. Great outdoor spaces, walking trails, and a lake with geese and ducks and swan boats.
7 locals recommend
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
6350 Woodley AveJust down the street. Great outdoor spaces, walking trails, and a lake with geese and ducks and swan boats.
Staples Center
1111 S Figueroa StHome of the Lakers
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully AveHome of the Dodgers
Hollywood Sign
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
6255 Sunset BlvdHeal The Bay Aquarium, underneath the pier, is a great spot to take the kids.
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierHeal The Bay Aquarium, underneath the pier, is a great spot to take the kids.
Probably the finest cocktail bar in the Western U.S. In the back of Cole's diner, downtown LA.
109 locals recommend
The Varnish
118 E 6th StProbably the finest cocktail bar in the Western U.S. In the back of Cole's diner, downtown LA.
Zuma Beach
Great beach in Malibu
Very cool spot if you can get in. It's technically a private members-only club, so you have to be invited by and attended with a member. Also dinner and formal dress code are required. Adults only.
146 locals recommend
The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin AveVery cool spot if you can get in. It's technically a private members-only club, so you have to be invited by and attended with a member. Also dinner and formal dress code are required. Adults only.
This is one of the great kid spots in LA. Highly recommend if you have tikes.
123 locals recommend
Kidspace Children's Museum
480 N Arroyo BlvdThis is one of the great kid spots in LA. Highly recommend if you have tikes.
City/town information
Really rich and really famous. John's Garden in the Malibu Country Mart makes the best local sandwiches for afternoon picnic grub.
580 locals recommend
Malibu
Really rich and really famous. John's Garden in the Malibu Country Mart makes the best local sandwiches for afternoon picnic grub.