Los Angeles has quickly became my favorite getaway. It’s only an hour flight away from San Francisco, so it’s hard not to resist escaping there for the weekend. Since my sister moved there, I’ve found myself visiting at least once every other month. With each visit I’m discovering new eateries, cafes, bars, and IG worthy spots. Below I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Los Angeles spots that I’m sure that you’ll fall in love with as well.
Cafes
Alfred Coffee — Alfred Coffee is like Philz Coffee in San Francisco-it’s the locals’ favorite chain. There’s multiple locations in the Los Angeles area, but my favorite one is Alfred in the Alley, which is located right off Melrose Avenue. They’ve got coffee, pastries, matcha, kombucha, and fresh coconut! My go-to is their matcha latte with almond milk.
Carrera Cafe — This cafe curates inspirational quotes and images right into your latte! You can choose from their list of images or you request to have your personal quote put in. Aside from the lattes, they also have sandwiches and salads. The cafe also displays an IG worthy wall on the side of the buidling!
Brunch
Republique — I LOVE this french eatery. The food never disappoints. When coming here, head to the counter to order your meal. But don’t skip out on the pastry display case that you’ll walk by, they make fresh baked goods that are insanely delicious. Once you make your order, they hand you a number and a waiter will bring out your order. If you tend to get hungry and impatient, don’t worry the food comes out fast! My favorite menu items are the croque madame and the mushroom toast. There’s a cremerie as well if you’re looking to grab some ice cream after your meal.
Openaire — Formerly known as the The Commissary, this restaurant takes place in a greenhouse in the Line Hotel. Since it has been picked up by a new owner, the restaurant was given a new name, a new menu, and slightly new interior look. Despite the change, the restaurant still remains aesthetically pleasing, and the menu and cocktails are still very good.
Bottega Louie — This place is heaven for all the macaroon lovers out there! As soon as you walk in, you’ll see a glass display with an array of different flavored macaroons. They also serve amazing pastries and everything on their menu is spectacular. Stop here for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or a quick latte.
The Butcher’s Daughter — This vegan joint is a hit on Venice Beach. I’m not a vegan but I was pleasantly surprised by their food. The interior is super cute too.
Dinner
Catch LA — This roofop restaurant has quickly became one of the most popular spots in LA since it opened. They have locations located in New York, Dubai and Playa del Carmen as well. Their Truffle Sashimi and Crunchy Rice Cakes are the best things I’ve ever tasted. But do keep in mind that this place is PRICEY. Their entrees range from $40-$50.
Beauty & Essex — This speakeasy disguises itself as a pawn shop. Enter a door in the back of the shop and you’ll enter a massive, luxurious restaurant. You need to order the Grilled Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Tomato Soup Dumplings. They are drops of heaven!
Bars
Breakroom 86 — This speakeasy is located in Korea Town, right behind The Line Hotel. In an alley behind the hotel you’ll find an outdoor heater and a bouncer standing next to it. Wait there until the bouncer gives you the ‘okay’ and he’ll walk you through the hallways. He’ll stop you next to what looks like vending machine, but is actually the entrance to a bar you didn’t know you existed! There’s a live DJ playing 80’s-90’s hits, an arcade, karaoke, and a bar that turns into a stage for the go-go dancers to perform on.
No Vacancy — No Vacancy is another great speakeasy that disguises itself as a hotel. Initially, I thought the place looked spooky. The bouncer had a small group of us walk up a flight of stairs that leads into a hallway with three doorways. We opened the last doorway to find it lead to a antique hotel room. A women in a bed awaits you. She gives you instructions and rules and with a press of a button a secret entry way opens and reveals a massive bar. The bar has both indoor and outdoor seating. This bar is a MUST SEE.
Instagram Spots
Paul Smith Pink Wall — 8221 Melrose Ave. — This pink wall is located right across the street from Carrera Cafe. BEWARE: Professional cameras aren’t allowed. Only camera phones are allowed. You will get yelled by the security guard standing in front if they catch you using a DSLR.
Made In LA Wall — 8025 Melrose Ave. — This is another great wall. It’s located on the side of Cisco Home’s building on Melrose. And, just like any LA graffiti wall, it can be flocked by several tourists.
The Last Bookstore — 453 S Spring St. — The best way I can describe it is a “Fantasy World of Books.” Everyone knows the bookstore for it’s photo-op locations: the book tunnel and the circle cut into a pile of books. While these are great spots, please don’t miss out exploring the rest of bookstore while you’re there. There are book vaults, art displays and mini shops. And not to mention the several aisles of books that fills the store. They have a book on every topic under the sun.
Bradbury Building — 304 S Broadway — This historic building is truly an architectural feat. It also has become a landmark for well known movies and music videos. Blade Runner, (500) Days of Summer, and The Artist are few of the films that were filmed in the building.
LACMA — You can’t go to Los Angeles without shooting at the LACMA. You just can’t.
Santa Monica Pier — And, lastly, my favorite side of Los Angeles has to be the Santa Monica/Venice area. It has a whole different vibe from the inner city.
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