For the first 18 years of my life I lived in the same small town so naturally I knew exactly where I could get the best burrito, buy a fantastic vintage record or hike to an amazing view so my friends and I could engage in completely legal and ethical activities (cough, cough). But when I moved to Los Angeles two years ago I was completely lost in a sea of chain stores (I honestly asked “who’s that?” when my friends asked if I wanted to go to Ralph’s), knock off designer apparel and freeways with the stipulation “if there’s traffic” to determine how long it would take us to get anywhere.
Little by little I weeded out the genuine from fake, most things falling into the fake category, and found myself actually understanding how to use the public transit system in case I ever wanted to leave the bubble that is the Village. Now when I go out I know to avoid the 405 at all costs and that if I ever want a delicious pizza I can always count on CPK to deliver. So if you too feel a little lost in the big city and want to know where you can look cool buying the best cupcake in town, read on and become familiar with L.A.’s hottest hole-in-the-walls.
BEST LOCAL WATERFALL:
Switzer Falls
Just ten minutes north of La Canada, Switzer Falls hiking trail is truly one of L.A.'s greatest hidden secrets. The hike is fun for any and all who wish to enjoy a scenic hike, including beginners, experienced hikers and families with children. The trail leads through the woods and requires a bit of meandering back and forth across a continuous stream. You’ll know you are headed the right way when you encounter the sheer granite walls, which will lead you to the waterfall. The trail is well maintained and easy to navigate. For more information on Switzer Falls and other great hikes around the area, check out www.localhikes.com. —Simon Kim
From Interstate 210 in La Canada, take Highway 2 north and drive 10 miles to Switzer picnic area on the right. Descend to the parking area outside the campground. You’ll see a footbridge over the stream leading to the trail head.
BEST PLACE TO BUY A CD IN LA: Ameoba Music
So you want to purchase the latest Ryan Cabrera album but you don’t want to feel like a major tool. If you get it from Amoeba, at least people will see the yellow bag and assume you’re into Iron & Wine or something. Located in the heart of Hollywood, Amoeba Records is the non-corporate, hip Wal-Mart of music. The place is huge, and they have all genres of music from TRL’s top ten to the most obscure international folk songs. All the staff members are either musicians themselves or music gurus, so you’ll never have that apathetic roll of the eyes that you get when you go to a local music chain store. You can even buy or sell your used items (don’t bother with Vanilla Ice’s “To the Extreme,” they don’t want it.) But the coolest thing about Amoeba is that they have some kick ass free in store concerts. And free parking.—Arbi Pedrossian
6400 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 245-6400
Open Mon-Sat 10:30 AM- 10 PM, Sun 11 AM- 9 PM
BEST FLEA MARKET: Melrose Trading Post
Due to the state budget cuts, this weekly flea market was created to support the students of Fairfax High School. So not only can you cross off “fix Bush’s problems” from your weekly planner, but you can also get anything from paintings from local artists to your grandpa’s war knives at this kitschy market. You can find things like vintage cowboy boots (I found a pair of Frye’s for $30), handelier earrings and rows of shabby chic furniture. Insider tip: Buy off season. You can find some great leather jackets in the summer. And don’t be afraid to go if it’s raining, better bargains are to be had!.—Amy Yi
7850 Melrose Ave. (Fairfax High Parking Lot) Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 655-7679
Open every Sun. 9 AM-5 PM
BEST PLACE TO BODYBOARD/BODY SURF: The Wedge
Although it’s about a 45-minute drive from LA, The Wedge is the best spot in California and probably the world for bodyboarding and bodysurfing. Situated right in the heartof Newport Beach next to the harbormouth, The Wedge inspires both fear and bravery.The swell runs along the jetty during a good south or west swell, and bends back in upon itself as it nears shore. When the beach slopes almost straight up at the sand, these waves fold in on themselves and peak up around 2 to 3 times larger than the wave breaks a few yards down thebeach. 20-foot waves breaking in 3 feet ofwater can make for a pretty fun show towatch. Warning: Don’t even think aboutgoing out unless you consider yourself an expert. People regularly break their necksand collarbones while hitting the sand, and sometimes even die. —Billy Eagle
The Wedge is at the end of the Balboa Peninsula - follow Balboa Blvd. south from Pacific Coast Highway until you reach a split in the road. Follow the road right and find parking at the end of the street.
BEST HALLOWEEN SPOT: West Hollywood
In college the most exciting part of Halloween is no longer buckets of candy, it’s all about the costumes. Whether you want to wear lingerie in public, or just stare at people who wear lingerie in public—stop by West Hollywood on Halloween. Feel free to enter yourself in any of the contests, but you’ll have some stiff competition. One year there were 9 guys in Ikea jumpsuits walking down Santa Monica holding rugs and lamps and chairs, breaking out into a living room every couple of minutes. The festivities happen between Doheny and La Cienga, and on October 31st this street looks like a circus outbreak. Insider’s Tip: On Halloween all parking restrictions are lifted.
—Kathryn Crostic
Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 1(800) 368-6020
Oct. 31, 2005
BEST IRISH PUB: St. Nicks Pub Restaurant & Bar
This pub has a really relaxed and casual atmosphere, but make sure you go easy on the cheap drinks, or you’ll end up on your fourth Greyhound, lit, standing by the jukebox. Then when someone orders “Take On Me” on the jukebox and everyone’s getting into it and singing along you might figure out where the volume switch is on the jukebox and go turn it up and make it way too loud and people will go from singing along to cringing in pain from the instant headache you’re giving them so you’ll go back to the knobs and maybe then you’ll accidentally turn off the music and everyone in the bar will turn around and know you’re the jackass. Then the bartender might come over and let you know that’s the last time that shit happens because you’re banned for good. Not that I would know. —Shant Parseghian
8450 W Third St Los Angeles, CA 90048-4112
(323) 655-6917
BEST CHICKEN WRAPS: Californa Chicken Cafe
For those of you on the South Beach or Atkins diet, you might not want to stop by California Chicken Café—it has been known to tempt many a calorie-counter into ditching their diet (at least until Monday). The popular chicken combo wrap blends creamy mayo, ranch dressing, crisp lettuce and fresh sprouts along with their signature chicken. While the mayo and ranch give the wrap the good flavor, the lettuce and sprouts ensure that your mouth isn’t host to a mayo-ranch-chicken paste. At $7.00, it might seem like just an expensive burrito but trust me, the moment you bite into this combination of crisp and creamy, you’ll be back for more. —Amy Yi
2005 Westwood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 446-1933
(californiachickencafe.com) Open Mon-Fri 11 AM-10PM, Sat 12 PM-10 PM, Sun –closed.
BEST PERUVIAN FOOD: Mario's Peruvian & Seafood
Devotees of Mario’s deem it the best little spot a food lover might find on the East side. The “B” in the window, 7-11-esque fluorescent lighting, crucifix-decked walls and strip mall location might deter the wimpy, but for those who value content, Mario’s delivers flavor and fire by the forkful. Owned by Mario Tamashiro Mario’s is famous for saltados, (French fries stir fried with purple onion, tomatoes and your choice of meat) and various coastal dishes like whole fried fish and ceviches. Expect to wait for a table and bring a bottle of wine—no corkage fee applies.—Jared Holstein
5786 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323)466-4181 (corner of
Melrose and Vine) Open 11:30 AM-8:00 PM
BEST SUSHI: Sushi Sasabune
This is the Catholic Church of sushi restaurants: you have little say in anything and you must pay a large sum of money to participate. It is definitely not sushi for ye of little faith. However, if you are willing to eat what they serve you, how they serve it, and without criticism, and you have the cash to hand over the $40-$50 per person at the end, you won’t be disappointed. Sasabune provides what even the skeptics must agree is the freshest, best tasting sushi in Los Angeles. And the waiters, with their strict instructions about what to eat and how to eat it, ensure that everyone at their restaurant has an equally divine experience every time. Just don’t criticize their food. —Rachel Hilliard
11300 Nebraska St. West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 268-8380
Mon-Fri 12 PM-2 PM, 5:30 PM-9:30 PM
BEST CUBAN FOOD: Versailles
This isn’t a swank Cuban restaurant on Rodeo, just opened by J.Lo–it’s a no frills restaurant with Formica tables and very little decorating. Aside from the best dish on the menu, the chicken, they have kingfish, which you can order grilled or fried, and for dessert be sure to order cascos de guayaba con queso (guava shells with cream cheese) which will take that garlic taste right out of your mouth. —Greg Damiano
1415 S La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035(310) 289-0392
Open daily 11 AM- 11 PM Five other locations throughout the Los Angeles area
BEST CUPCAKES: Sprinkles Cupcakes
The too-perfect lines of cupcakes behind the glass at Sprinkles might send you back to the days when your grandmother made you take your shoes off to sit on the plastic covered sofa, but rest assured, these treats are not only touchable, they are most definitely edible. The selection varies, as they are baked fresh daily—but you can count on choices like Red Velvet and Chai Latte. At $3.50 a pop, it may seem like a hefty sum for a chunk of fancy bread, but they’ll serve you well if you have a sick friend or an upset girlfriend. —Amy Yi
9635 S. Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 274-7890 Open Mon-Sat 10 AM-7 PM, Sun-closed
BEST CHEAP DATE IN LA: Castle Park
For a mere $13, you can buy a round of golf for you and your date at this haven for big kids/cheap dates. Word to the wise for the ultra-cheapos: if you don’t play the 18th hole, you can play a second game on one of the three other courses for free! Along with golf, they have batting cages (1 round for $2.50) and an arcade where you can fight little kids for a turn at Mortal Kombat. You can also do that thing where you stand behind her and hold her arms to try to teach her how to swing, but you’re really just copping a feel. Pervert. —Arbi Pedrossian
4989 Sepulveda Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (818) 756-9459 Open Sun-Thurs 9 AM-12 AM, Fri-Sat 9 AM-1 AM
BEST PLACE TO HAVE A PICNIC: Will Rogers State Historic Park
Originally a property of the late cowboy-humorist, Will Rogers, this park is now public and it offers a variety of activities. Daily tours of Rogers' house are available, but be sure to pack a picnic and check out the free polo matches held every Saturday and Sunday April through September. However, the most noteworthy thing that this park has to offer are the walking/mountain biking trails
within the estate. Not to mention the great views of the surrounding Pacific Palisades, the greater LA area, and the Pacific Ocean. This is a great place to escape city-life and enjoy a daytime hike or a romantic excursion. Parking is $5 per car. —Kristen Cowley
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-8212 Open daily 8 AM-Sunset
BEST JEWELRY STORE: White Trash Charms
Owner/designer and stylist, Brooke Dulien, has made a name for herself styling celebrities with the likes of Kelly Osbourne and Gwen Stefani. Her quirky and fun pieces include things like the
lightening bolt that Sarah Jessica Parker made famous in “Sex and the City,” hair pick charms a lines like the Han Cholo collection which includes a brass knuckle charm called a “love thy neighbor pendant.” They also produce three art shows a year showcasing local artists and once a month they hold Acoustic Sunday featuring touring bands. Previous bands have been Maroon Five, Ben Lee, and The Start. Dulien’s Los Feliz Boutique also holds other hard-to-find designs such as Hysteric Glamour and Tsubi jeans, Twinkle by Wenlan, Acne Action Jeans and Cosabella intimates. —Amy Yi
1951 Hillhurst Avenue Los Feliz, CA 90027 323-666-9585 Open Mon-Sat 11 AM-7PM, Sun 12 PM-5 PM
BEST STORE ON MELROSE: Barracuda
If you’ve finally realized that Urban Outfitters is NOT the place to go if you want clothes other people don’t own, then check out Barracudas collection of limited lines. From international designers to popular brands like Adidas and Nike, you won’t find the shirt you bought here walking around at the next party you go to. They have a great selection of some offbeat clothing companies like Modern Amusement, Penguin, and Obey. They also have limited edition shoes for sale, as well as toys, prints, and books.
—Shant Parseghian
7600 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 852-7179
BEST PLACE TO BUY COWBOY BOOTS: Kowboyz
It is a fact that living in Southern California, one usually has a beat up pair of flip flops, converse (duh), and great pair of Choos….but what about some boots just made for walking? A little yellow shack on the corner of Beverly and N. Laurel Ave. just across from Swingers, Cowboyz is the place for western wear. The rack of John Wayne inspired gear that hangs outside on the sidewalk is only the bait to lure you in. Once inside you’ll find boot heaven that’s oh-so-much more reasonable than the Chloe stacked alternative. So whether you pair ‘em with a Led Zeppelin shirt or a flannel shirt trot on over to the wildest store west of the Grove and find your inner Calamity Jane. —Liza Kaplan
8050 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048-4518 (323) 653-4444
Open 11 AM-7 PM
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