geith

Was thinking of hidden and not-so-hidden gems in L.A. Here are a few:

Heritage Square
Hollywood Heritage Museum
Gamble House
Huntington Library
Silent Movie Theater
Mt. Wilson
Griffith Park
Farmer's Market

Fast Food:
Pink's
In 'N Out Burger
Tommy's

Not so fast food:
Crocodile Cafe
Hamburger Hamlet
Swinger's
Border Grill

Slow food:
Cafe Des Artistes
Chianti
Campanile

x

Are you looking for feedback on this or are you just preparing a list?

In N OU is a chain and can be found nearly everywhere in CA.

Hamburger Hamlet? Really? Do people really still go there? Border Grill ok don't go there at all. Do a text search and you'll hear lots of bad stuff about that place.


A not so hidden gem missing from your list. The Getty.

Cough

Another (actually not so) Hidden Gem........SMOG!!!!!! GASP!!!

Cough

xxx

Hidden Gems and LA? What an oxymoron.

geith

what a bunch of sour grapes. that's what someone gets on this board for sharing ideas? i live in L.A. and was expressing some thoughts for people who might visit here.

FYI: In 'N Out Burger was founded in L.A. It's a treat those unfamiliar to L.A. might enjoy. Yes, Hamburger Hamlet is still good. What's wrong with Border Grill? What's wrong with chains? They are part of the local flavor. In 'N Out gets voted best hamburger by nearly every L.A. publication.

Oh, and the smog is not as bad here as it once was. It's only bad on very hot summer days.

Patrick

I quesion how Pink's can be called FAST FOOD. I went twice. Both times after standing in line for at least 20 minutes and barely moving forward, we left, as both times we were going to the movies nearby and were afraid we'd miss it. Some day I'd like to try it, but not at that rate.

geith

good point, i should have labelled it "cheap eats." you have to go to Pink's on an "off" hour in mid-afternoon. i drive by it all the time and I frequently see no one in line at 6pm!

Patrick

Actually both times were midafternoon -- between 3 and 4, I'd say. We thought that would have been a good time. But from the slowness of everything, I got the impression it was a shift change and no one was working.

Renee

Add Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. After you visit the grounds (it's free), you will recognize the location in TV shows, commercials and films.

xxx

I still really enjoy Hamburger Hamlet. I eat there whenever I'm in the Brentwood area.

In N Out rules!

And when I'm not afraid of heartburn, nothing hits the spot like a chili burger at Tommy's. I also like the chili burgers at Fat Burger.

x

Where is the Beverly Hillbillies Mansion?

x

In N Out gets voted best hamburger whereever they are. Fresh ingredients is the key. Ugh we have a Border Grill. Horrible food.

Geith, it's a forum. Not everyone will agree with you. Be brave and don't take it so personally. I'll allow you to like Border Grill but I'd like the opportunity to express my dislike of that place so visitors will have a variety of views.

Pete

I've eaten at the Border Grill in Pasadena on a few occasions and am very disimpressed. High prices for so-so food. I'd rather eat at a local Mexican joint any day.

Can't beat the Double Double at In N Out for a great burger. Though Fat Burger does come in a close second for me when I have a hankering for Chili.

Thyra

Not so hidden, but my favorite places to take visitors from out of town are:

Yamashiro restaurant in the Hollywood Hills $$$$$ But worth it for the fantastic food and views.

Micheli's in Hollywood great atmosphere! Great old waiters piano bar.

For fast food Oki Dog on Pico, the LA weekly called said it was "to the L.A 70's punk scene, what the Brown Derby was to the 40's movie scene" .. but be sure you aren't flying the next day...lol
Beverly Hot Springs, natural spring spa in the middle of Korea town, simply divine but low thrills.

Huntington Library and gardens in Pasadena.. (technically NOT LA Proper).

Also, in Pasadena the Norton Simon, which has THE best collection in L.A.. but not the hoopla of the Getty.

Also, new Wolfgang Puck restaurant in the Hollywood Highland center, Vert.. $$$ but very good.

Also LuLu's or King's Road cafe, to see and be scene by the Trendy's.. but the Ahi salad at King's road is To die for.


Welcome to LA.

Frida

How about Thai Dishes in Santa Monica on Wilshire? Yummy!

Don't forget Roscoe's (Gower or LaBrea locations) for chicken and waffles. Delicious!

There is also the fish place (can't think of its name) on Central and 5th St. downtown. Great fish. Big portions. Great prices.

Celine

I cannot stand In n'Out Burger! First of all, the fries are not properly fried, they only blanch them, they should be cooked a second time so they become crisp and golden. Secondly, I have never gotten a hamburger where the bun wasn't burnt or very dry.

Being from Ottawa (Canada), I'm used to going to Chip wagons, where you can get properly cooked fast food, and more importantly Poutine!!

Thanks for the hidden gems for LA, I figured that there MUST be a reason why so many people chose to live there

xx

If you hate LA so much, why don't you go back to Canada???

Celine

I don't live in LA, and would never live in LA, but that's just me.

I will go back to Canada someday actually...just trying to get as much money here as we can, so we can go spend it back in Canada.

Rebecca

Give me a Double Double over any of the lousy Canadian meals that I've encountered over the years. I love the diversity of food choices that you can find in the great Los Angeles region.

The Getty is one of my favorite places. I could spend hours roaming around the gardens at the Huntington Library.

Mr. California

The fact that the In'N Out Burger is the highlight of this post, should give you some insight as to the "Hidden Gems" of Los Angeles.

Good (cough, cough) luck.

Mr. California