Essential Los Angeles

1. The Griddle Cafe

8.7
7916 W Sunset Blvd (at Fairfax Ave.), Los Angeles, CA
Breakfast Spot · 447 tips and reviews

Cee . A.Cee . A: Be prepared to wait! And don't hog your table either!

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is one of Essential Los Angeles.

2. Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles

8.8
1514 N Gower St (at Sunset Blvd), Los Angeles, CA
Southern Food Restaurant · 236 tips and reviews

Travel ChannelTravel Channel: Chicken and waffles, an unlikely sounding combination, but apparently they’ve been serving up this Southern curiosity since 1975. – Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations Read more.

Umami Burger is one of Essential Los Angeles.

3. Umami Burger

4655 Hollywood Blvd (at N Vermont Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Burger Joint · Los Feliz · 171 tips and reviews

Bon Appetit MagazineBon Appetit Magazine: In-N-Out may be the iconic L.A. burger, but the SoCal Burger with house-made cheese and caramelized onions at this mini-chain is getting raves, too.

The Counter is one of Essential Los Angeles.

4. The Counter

8.4
5779 Wilshire Blvd (at S Curson Ave.), Los Angeles, CA
Burger Joint · Mid-City West · 85 tips and reviews

Gilt CityGilt City: With four types of patties, 12 types of cheese, 33 toppings, 21 sauces and six types of bun, exactly 312,120 different burgers combos are possible. (House-made guac and tangy tzatziki are two faves.)

In-N-Out Burger is one of Essential Los Angeles.

5. In-N-Out Burger

8.9
7009 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Fast Food Restaurant · Central Hollywood · 405 tips and reviews

ZAGATZAGAT: Recognized as our #1 Bang for the Buck, try customizing this iconic burger by ordering off the “secret” menu, available at www.innout.com. Read more.

The Apple Pan is one of Essential Los Angeles.

6. The Apple Pan

8.6
10801 W Pico Blvd (at Glendon Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Burger Joint · Westside · 333 tips and reviews

EaterEater: A West LA institution: typical diner fare without typical diner taste. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Astro Burger is one of Essential Los Angeles.

7. Astro Burger

7.2
5601 Melrose Ave (at Gower St), Los Angeles, CA
Burger Joint · 50 tips and reviews

Ernie S.Ernie Sahapatanavana: Astroburger w/ cheese and some fries please.

Sanamluang Café is one of Essential Los Angeles.

8. Sanamluang Café

12980 Sherman Way (at Coldwater Canyon Ave), North Hollywood, CA
Thai Restaurant · 64 tips and reviews

Jan G.Jan Ginelsa: Crispy chicken over rice, pad see ewe, crab cakes and thai tea with boba.. No matter which one.. It always hits the spot

Native Foods is one of Essential Los Angeles.

9. Native Foods

8.4
1114 Gayley Ave (at Kinross Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant · Westwood Village · 79 tips and reviews

Eyal D.Eyal Dunkel: Delicious vegan food that even (gulp) a meat eater would enjoy.

El Cholo Restaurant is one of Essential Los Angeles.

10. El Cholo Restaurant

8.3
1121 S Western Ave (at W 11th St), Los Angeles, CA
Mexican Restaurant · 67 tips and reviews

BravoBravo: Guacamole made table side…what else do I need to say…I am drooling :) -Danielle Keene, Top Chef Just Desserts

Sprinkles Beverly Hills Cupcakes is one of Essential Los Angeles.

11. Sprinkles Beverly Hills Cupcakes

8.9
9635 South Santa Monica Boulevard (btwn Bedford & Camden Dr), Beverly Hills, CA
Cupcake Shop · 176 tips and reviews

MazdaMazda: Their cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients such as sweet cream butter, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, and fresh fruits.

Porto's Bakery & Cafe is one of Essential Los Angeles.

12. Porto's Bakery & Cafe

9.2
315 N Brand Blvd (at California Ave), Glendale, CA
Bakery · City Center · 401 tips and reviews

PrintGrass.comPrintGrass.com: Skip the main line and go to the express lane, serves all the goodies as well.. Pastries & Sandwiches Rock but make sure to get some Meat Pies, Potato Balls and Banana Chips with whatever you eat...

Scoops is one of Essential Los Angeles.

13. Scoops

712 N Heliotrope Dr (at Melrose Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Ice Cream Parlor · East Hollywood · 115 tips and reviews

AskMenAskMen: The original Scoops by LACC has not lost its edge since garnering endless praise a few years back for its array of unique vegan ice cream flavors, including wasabi, lavender honey and brown bread.

Philippe The Original is one of Essential Los Angeles.

14. Philippe The Original

8.9
1001 N Alameda St (at Ord St), Los Angeles, CA
Sandwich Spot · Chinatown · 414 tips and reviews

Travel ChannelTravel Channel: Order the signature French dipped sandwich, which Philippe's is said to have created during a very happy culinary accident. --Adam Richman, Man v Food Nation

Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken is one of Essential Los Angeles.

15. Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken

8.0
9537 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA
Fried Chicken Joint · Downtown Culver City · 68 tips and reviews

Vanity Fair AgendaVanity Fair Agenda: Don’t overlook this place because of the bright lights and cheesy-franchise sign. The fried chicken and honey-maple biscuits are divine. Order extra biscuits to go—they make a great morning treat.

Apple The Grove is one of Essential Los Angeles.

16. Apple The Grove

7.6
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Electronics Store · Mid-City West · 93 tips and reviews

Julian N.Julian Nam: Every time I go, there are way too many people having way too much fun here. Be one of them.

Amoeba Music is one of Essential Los Angeles.

17. Amoeba Music

9.3
6200 Hollywood Blvd (Argyle Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Record Store · Central Hollywood · 289 tips and reviews
The Grove is one of Essential Los Angeles.

18. The Grove

9.2
189 The Grove Dr (at W 3rd St), Los Angeles, CA
Shopping Mall · Mid-City West · 658 tips and reviews

KIIS FMKIIS FM: It sounds weird, but one of the best views of LA is from the top of the parking structure here. Grab yr friends & head to Level 8 for a view of the sunset and a 360-degree panorama of the whole city. Read more.

Melrose Avenue is one of Essential Los Angeles.

19. Melrose Avenue

Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Road · Mid-City West · 21 tips and reviews

Alaa "Ally" T.Alaa "Ally" Tatum: Tons of thrift shops, there are some pricy stores and some cheaper ones, nothing you can't find in the Fashion District though. I love all the murals and the graffiti a street back.

Third Street Promenade is one of Essential Los Angeles.

20. Third Street Promenade

9.2
1202 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Shopping Plaza · Downtown Santa Monica · 283 tips and reviews

Let's GoLet's Go: Enjoy 3 ultra-popular pedestrian blocks of mosaic art tiles, fountains, patio restaurants, and trendy shopping ranging from overpriced bikini shops to some of LA’s best specialty bookstores. Read more.

Undefeated is one of Essential Los Angeles.

21. Undefeated

7.7
112 1/2 S LA Brea Ave (at W 1st St), Los Angeles, CA
Shoe Store · Mid-City West · 17 tips and reviews

HighsnobietyHighsnobiety: Probably the best sneaker store in LA. They also produce their own clothing line. Nike, Vans, visvim, Converse, adidas - they are all there along with all the limited edition releases.

Giant Robot Store is one of Essential Los Angeles.

22. Giant Robot Store

8.3
2015 Sawtelle Blvd (La Grange Blvd), Los Angeles, CA
Toy Store · West Los Angeles · 3 tips and reviews

23. The Hundreds

6.2
7909 Rosewood Ave (at N Fairfax Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Men's Store · Mid-City West · 9 tips and reviews

HighsnobietyHighsnobiety: The first flagship store of the LA brand. It carries their clothing, footwear and collaborations. Maybe the one store that started the Fairfax shopping craze.

Dodger Stadium is one of Essential Los Angeles.

24. Dodger Stadium

9.1
1000 Vin Scully Ave (at Stadium Way), Los Angeles, CA
Baseball Stadium · Elysian Park · 581 tips and reviews

ESPNESPN: Try a Doyer Dog (read: “Doyer Dog”, not “Dodger Dog”). This behemoth boasts chili, cheese, tomatoes, onions & jalepenos over a hot dog base. Finish one, then give a Kirk Gibson fist pump to celebrate.

UCLA Pauley Pavilion is one of Essential Los Angeles.

25. UCLA Pauley Pavilion

301 Westwood Plz, Los Angeles, CA
College Stadium · Westwood · 26 tips and reviews

UCLAUCLA: Home of the 11-time NCAA National Champion Men's Basketball Team, it is undergoing a major renovation project that will enhance the overall fan experience, and is scheduled to reopen fall of 2012. Read more.

Crypto.com Arena is one of Essential Los Angeles.

26. Crypto.com Arena

9.2
1111 S Figueroa St (at Chick Hearn Ct), Los Angeles, CA
Basketball Stadium · South Park · 617 tips and reviews

MazdaMazda: You're so LA. You go to the hottest ticket in town. Make sure to wear your purple and gold and cheer on Kobe as he goes for #6!

Angels Flight Railway is one of Essential Los Angeles.

27. Angels Flight Railway

7.7
351 S Hill St (btwn W 3rd & W 4th St), Los Angeles, CA
Train · Financial District · 37 tips and reviews

The StandardThe Standard: LA (See) Old school LA at it's finest and one of the most romantic date spots around. Def worth going for a ride!

Griffith Observatory is one of Essential Los Angeles.

28. Griffith Observatory

9.3
2800 E Observatory Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Observatory · 640 tips and reviews

NASANASA: The 300 seat Oschin Planetarium is one of the finest and most technologically sophisticated in the world. Once a month, Los Angeles astronomy clubs host a free Public Star Party on the lawn. Read more.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of Essential Los Angeles.

29. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

9.3
900 Exposition Blvd (at Vermont Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Museum · South LA · 133 tips and reviews

Los AngelesLos Angeles: The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest natural history museum in the western United States with more than 33 million specimens and artifacts

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is one of Essential Los Angeles.

30. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits

7.5
5801 Wilshire Blvd (at Curson Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Museum · Mid-City West · 75 tips and reviews

The StandardThe Standard: CA (See) - Classic LA museum complete with an animatronic wooly mammoth! Definitely check out the current excavations going on in Pit 91!

Los Angeles Public Library - Central is one of Essential Los Angeles.

31. Los Angeles Public Library - Central

8.7
630 W 5th St (btwn Flower & Grand Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Library · Financial District · 77 tips and reviews

LA WeeklyLA Weekly: Join the late-night talk-show atmosphere that is "This Is Your Library" featuring known and not so well-known Angelenos talking about what they do and how it's done in Los Angeles. Read more.

TCL Chinese Theatre is one of Essential Los Angeles.

32. TCL Chinese Theatre

8.3
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Movie Theater · 240 tips and reviews

HISTORYHISTORY: This theater opened May 18, 1927 with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's film 'The King of Kings'. The Academy Awards were held here in 1944, 1945, & 1946. It was declared a historic landmark in 1968.

J. Paul Getty Museum is one of Essential Los Angeles.

33. J. Paul Getty Museum

9.4
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Art Museum · Brentwood · 503 tips and reviews

Los AngelesLos Angeles: The Getty Center is the world’s most comprehensive arts, conservation and education institution

Santa Monica Pier is one of Essential Los Angeles.

34. Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier (at Ocean Ave), Santa Monica, CA
Pier · Santa Monica · 481 tips and reviews

LIVESTRONG_COMLIVESTRONG_COM: Meet your friends at the iconic Ferris wheel to run, walk or rollerblade up the boardwalk. Bike rentals are abound. Create a bike loop by clicking "More Info." Read more.

Venice Beach Boardwalk is one of Essential Los Angeles.

35. Venice Beach Boardwalk

8.7
Ocean Front Walk (at Windward Ave), Venice, CA
Pedestrian Plaza · Venice Beach · 146 tips and reviews

Malibu Country MartMalibu Country Mart: People watching at it's best, you'll love Venice Boardwalk.

Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park is one of Essential Los Angeles.

36. Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park

7.9
1765 E 107th St (at S Wilmington Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Sculpture Garden · Watts · 47 tips and reviews

HISTORYHISTORY: This collection of 17 interconnected structures were built by Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia over 33 years from 1921 to 1954. They were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

Olvera Street is one of Essential Los Angeles.

37. Olvera Street

8.2
845 N Alameda St (at E Cesar Chavez Ave), Los Angeles, CA
Pedestrian Plaza · Chinatown · 88 tips and reviews

987LA987LA: If you wanna see the old heart of the city, this is it--part of the original brick pueblo that founded Los Angeles. Don’t miss the margaritas & guacamole at La Golondrina! Read more.

ArcLight Cinemas is one of Essential Los Angeles.

38. ArcLight Cinemas

8.9
6360 W Sunset Blvd (btwn Ivar & Vine), Los Angeles, CA
Movie Theater · Central Hollywood · 298 tips and reviews

987LA987LA: The OG of swanktastic movie theatres...lots of premieres, but also great spot for under-the-radar films. After yr movie checkin vis 4sq @ Taco Bell on Vine after 7pm & qualify for Warped Tour tickets! Read more.

Old Town Pasadena is one of Essential Los Angeles.

39. Old Town Pasadena

9.0
Pasadena, CA
Neighborhood · 51 tips and reviews

Gene C.Gene Chuang: A good mix of shopping, dining and hanging out spots

Mulholland Fountain is one of Essential Los Angeles.

40. Mulholland Fountain

8.2
Riverside Dr at Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Fountain · Los Feliz · 8 tips and reviews

Idea Monkey, Inc.Idea Monkey, Inc.: In 1904 Irish immigrant William Mulholland convinced the Los Angeles Board of Water Commissioners to construct the Los Angeles Aqueduct. For a time he lived in a small wooden shack near this fountain.

The Strand is one of Essential Los Angeles.

41. The Strand

8.7
Strand Ave, Manhattan & Hermosa Beach, CA
Hiking Trail · 24 tips and reviews

Mike N.Mike Newman: Go for a run! From here it's 2.6mi round trip to the Manhattan Beach pier and 3.5mi round trip to the Manhattan / Hermosa border (a.k.a. the 90210 house)