I could never live in LA.
Not because I don’t like it. It’s because my addictive personality would turn every weekend wild, each subsequent one more so than the last, and I’d wake up every week wondering how the hell I managed to fit in all the things in just a few days. Because that’s what LA does to you—it kicks all your senses and desires into high gear to match, or at least try and keep up, with the aura of its expansive scene.
But I love Los Angeles, because Los Angeles is something else. In the past few years, the food scene has hit the map, with everybody from Anthony Bourdain to Lucky Peach Magazine (RIP) writing about it. Uber makes getting around to each neighborhood easy and cheap, and of course, it’s a quick flight (or medium distance drive) from SF.
The girl gang and I ventured down south for the weekend to eat/drink/do all the things that make Los Angeles tick. In just three days, we did a lot! Obviously we had to dance our faces off to Labor Drake, a Drake-themed dance party in Hollywood which was essentially the pinnacle of my life on earth. But we did other things too, and I’m sharing some favorite spots (see fav spots from my last LA trip here).
Eat
Gjelina // Venice { This is non-negotiable whenever I visit LA. It’s just so good. Any of their seafood dishes kill it, like the squid with black eyes peas }
Huckleberry // Santa Monica { Another non-negotiable. The pastries and brunch are incredible—as you can see above, we ate everything }
Tacos Tu Madre // Santa Monica { The wall art is great; the tacos are even better. There are multiple locations that serve some delicious tacos }
Milo + Olive // Santa Monica { This has a similar vibe to Huckleberry but with a focus on bread. The garlic knots and pizzas are INSANE }
Laurel Hardware // West Hollywood { The cuisine is a little bit of everything, but they do everything well. We freaked out over duck fried rice, and the drinks are delicious as well. Also, this restaurant is built in a former hardware store, sooooo yeah }
Drink
Broken Shaker // DTLA { This literally JUST opened in DTLA and it’s awesome. It’s the second outpost from the original Miami spot, with great music, drinks, and rooftop views }
Do
Abbot Kinney // Venice { There are so many fun stores to shop and look around in. I love Urbanic, a unique paper and stationary shop. There’s now a Salt & Straw on the street too! }
The beach { Honestly any beach will do. They’ll be crowded, but just find a spot, buy an umbrella from a vendor, and chillax }
Exchange // DTLA { Do you like to dance your face off and feel like you’re in Vegas without spending all that money? This is the spot to go. It’s also open after-hours }
Avalon // Hollywood { This Hollywood club is another super fun place to go dancing at. We went for Labor Drake, so I don’t think any other party will ever be as good ever again tbh }
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