Who doesn’t love a cute little restaurant?
By cute, I means simple and fair-priced. And the place could have cute ambiance too, but that’s not necessity.
These joints are all local favorites. So be prepared to wait. But you’ll hanging with LA cool cats so it could be good people watching.
These are my personal top favorites. This is where I go to eat when I’m hungry and pressed for time.
I check and they’re all open for take out during the coronavirus pandemic. If you haven’t tried them, you need to.
Some have curbside pickup.
They are not necessarily in order of importance and none of them are my clients .
1. Apple Pan aka The Pan
(310) 475-3585– 10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
What to order: Hickory Burger with Cheese, Fries Well, Dr. P and don’t forget to ask for a side of sauce. Best hamburger in Los Angeles and the world.
Scene: Counter service and take-out only. Crowded as lunch. Closed Mondays. To go only during the lockdown.
2. Sqirl
(323) 284-8147 — 720 N Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA 90029
What to order: Crispy Disco
Scene: This is the best breakfast you’ll have anywhere. Seriously. The menu is so innovative and brimming with flavor. Always a line but worth the wait. Located in ultra hip Silverlake.
To go only during the lockdown.
3. Langers Deli
(213) 483-8050 — 704 S Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90057
What to order: #19 extra lean and a cream soda (they make their own). Best Jewish deli in Los Angeles.
Scene: Open from 8 to 4pm everyday except Sunday. Old school, kosher-style Jewish deli. Parking lot one block NE. Sketchy neighborhood. NY Times saws they have the best pastrami in the US. Al’s son Norman still runs the place.
4. Sushi Gen
(213) 617-0552 — 422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 9001
What to order: Sashimi Deluxe is a great deal. Best sushi in Los Angeles.
Scene: Modern atmosphere and good service. Get there early and expect to wait. It’s worth it.
5. Palms Thai
(323) 462-5073 — 5900 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
What to order: Fried Shrimp Appetizer, Pad Thai, Garlic Beef, Spicy Shrimp Salad, Holy Basil and Cashew Chicken. They have beer, wine and bobas too. Best Thai food in Los Angeles.
Scene: Simple with lots of tables. It’s a big place but and still gets very crowded during peak hours so keep that in mind. Sarah is our favorite server.
6. Bay Cities Italian Deli
(310) 395-8279– 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
What to order: Godmother Sub. Best Italian deli in Los Angeles.
Scene: Counter service only. Tables outside. Always crowded. If you get there between 11 and 2, expect to wait.
They’re lining people up in the parking lot to allow for social distancing inside.
7. Reddi Chick BBQ
On 26th St. in Brentwood, just South of San Vicente
What to order: Chicken and rib basket. Best rotisserie chicken and fries in Los Angeles.
Scene: Always busy, but not necessarily crowded. Look for the BBQ chicken place (not sure of the name) and get extra seasoning salt on your fries. If you really want enough sauce, tip the guy at the counter. Closed Sunday.
Conclusion
If you want a great meal for a fair price at are willing to wait in line, Los Angeles has some really cute places to try.
If you’re just here for a limited time, and you want to make sure you don’t have any bad meals. This is your essential guide to the best local spots.
