Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [136]
Cheebo (Map; 323-850-7070; 7533 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood; mains breakfast/lunch $7-16, dinner $10-23; 8am-11:30pm; wi-fi) Cheap and cheerful, this joint makes heaping salads, bulging sandwiches and organic pizzas with pizzazz. Think lots of mouthwatering toppings, including the divine sausage and fennel combo. Kids love the free paper and crayons and special menu in the afternoons. The name, by the way, is a play on the Italian word for food, spelled cibo.
Blair’s (Map; 323-660-1882; 2903 Rowena Ave, Silver Lake; mains $14-28; 7am-10pm Mon-Thu, 7am-11pm Sat & Sun; ) Despite haphazard service and a too-dark interior, Blair’s upscale comfort food – crab cakes to short ribs – has vaulted this low-key corner restaurant to the top of many a local’s fave list. Water Grill graduate Marshall Blair is at the helm.
Vermont (Map; 323-661-6163; 1714 N Vermont Ave, Los Feliz; mains lunch $10-18, dinner $15-28; 11:30am-3pm Mon-Fri, 5:30-11pm, bar to 1am; ) This is a smart, grown-up spot with a dining room punctuated by pillars and palmetto palms. The American contemporary food is smart and satisfying and reminds you of the simple goodness of slow-cooked pork, seared halibut or braised duck. The bar is a lively meet-and-greet zone.
More great bites:
Village Idiot (Map; 323-655-3331; 7383 Melrose Ave, Hollywood; mains $10-16; 11:30am-midnight Sun-Thu, 11pm-1am Fri & Sat) New falutin’ gastropub with great fish and chips and other comfort food for a smart crowd.
Cafe Stella (Map; 323-666-0265; 3932 W Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake; mains $16-33; 6-11pm Tue-Sat; ) Courtyard-cloistered charmer serves classic French bistro fare to artsy locals.
TOP END
Providence (Map; 323-460-4170; 5955 Melrose Ave, Hollywood; mains lunch $25-38, dinner $35-48; noon-2.30pm Fri, 6pm-10pm Mon-Fri, 5:30-10pm Sat, 5.30-9pm Sun; ) Michael Cimarusti’s gourmet creations will definitely take your tastebuds on a wild ride. Foie-gras parfait? Sea urchin with truffles? To truly sample the master’s talents, sign up for the nine-course tasting menu ($105, with wine $150).
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TOP FIVE BREAKFAST SPOTS
3 Square Café & Bakery (Venice, Click here)
Marston’s (Pasadena, Click here)
Nate ‘n Al’s (Beverly Hills, opposite)
Toast (Mid-City, below)
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House (Manhattan Beach, Click here)
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West Hollywood & Mid-City
BUDGET
Little Next Door (Map; 323-951-1010; 8142 W 3rd St; pastries, salads, sandwiches $3-12; 9am-9pm; ) Bistro tables, staff in sailor outfits and an all-organic menu of homemade croissants, terrines and quiches make this cute café so cliché French, you half expect to see the Eiffel Tower around the corner.
Doughboys (Map; 323-651-4202; 8136 W 3rd St. 7am-midnight) Cream cheese–frosted cupcakes are among the naughty delights served up quickly at this boho-artist redoubt, which also has more sensible soups and sandwiches. Portions are huge.
Swingers (Map; 323-653-5858; 8020 Beverly Blvd; dishes $4-10; 6:30am-4am; ) Americana with a dollop of Hollywood is the ammo of this genuine retro diner where booths are red and servers wear fishnet stockings. Join the kool kids combating hunger pangs or hangovers with juicy burgers, awesome fries and other all-American faves while Little Richard heats up the juke box.
Griddle Café (Map; 323-874-0377; 7916 W Sunset Blvd; dishes $6-9; 7am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat & Sun) If you’ve greeted the day with bloodshot eyes, get back in gear at this tasty breakfast joint favored by Hollywood’s young and tousled. The high-octane coffee, wagon-wheel-sized pancakes and energy-restoring egg dishes might just do the trick.
Toast (Map; 323-655-5018; 8221 W 3rd St; mains $9-13; 7:30am-10pm; ) From sitcom stars to dolly grips, the Hollywood crowd loves its Toast. Not to mention its tasty egg scrambles, luscious sandwiches, crunchy salads and frothy lattes. Avoid the crush on weekend mornings.
The original Farmers Market (Map; 6333