Yeah, Ilive in the neighborhood and agree w/SeaUrchin about the King's Head -- didn't mention it because it does cater to tourists in SM, but it does have a local crowd. Been going there for over 35 years -- in the beginning just to hang at the bar, drink and meet the local young English males on a trip abroad having the need for a decent pint! After the marriage and the kid bit, that's when we actually began to eat there and the food IS good, particularly their fish and chips. I always go for the "queen" portion -- eat there about twice a year.

Oh, new local watering hole is the stand out Waterloo on Washington just west of Centinela and east of the Marina del Rey Costco.

A little pricey, but great food and great vibes.

Oooh, looking forward to our 3 months there! Please continue to recommend any of your neighborhood faves, Surfergirl!

We have eaten at Craft w/DS&DDIL and as much as we loved it, it is a splurge, not a go-to kind of spot! :)

Is Cafe Montana still good? I know it has had ups and downs in the past and wondering if it is in an up phase now. If so it is very good and has pleasant local brunchly surroundings.

Here is a new Peruvian place in West LA for those staying Bev Hills /SM with a car. I've been to Peru a few times and tried his dishes at Mo-chica, it is a bit toned down (in terms of flavor and heat, so add salsa) but still excellent.

Oh dear, forgot the link

http://www.piccaperu.com/menu/

Wow, mlgb, that looks so good! Thanks for adding to the list. LA has so many places that look so intriguing but w/o a rec from someone who knows the place and likes it, we are never sure if a place is truly worth trying.

mlgb -- thanks for the heads up on this. We drove by that place a couple days ago, saw the Peruvian flag outside, and were trying to figure out the country -- husband found it googling flags on his iphone.

Piccaperu took over the spot on Pico by Beverly Drive formerly Spark Woodfire, and formerly Orsini Osteria.

Is it too toned down? I like food with lots of spice and flavor, which is probably why we don't go to La Serenata close to our house in WLA. Do you recall if they have Pisco Sours?!? It would be worth a visit just for that!

Another one:
"Out-Take" Cafe for any lunch or dinner, and especially Sunday brunch/lunch...broad, fair priced menu....it's on Ventura Blvd, just a long block east of Laurel Canyon. It was a popular standby in Studio City and moved a few years ago to the east side ot Laurel. They have a bar.
stu

Thanks, stu! Even though our 3 months coming up in January will be spent on the West Side, DS and DDIL live in Studio City, so any tips in those environs are very welcome!

I can add one here as well. Hugo's on Ventura in Studio City and on Santa Monica in West Hollywood are places where *lots* of locals eat. Some of the best breakfasts anywhere!

The Counter in Santa Monica on Ocean Park and in Studio City are both (very casual) great places for burgers with some of the best sweet potato fries I have eaten. (Hmm, surprised, I just looked it up and did not realize it is a bigger chain. Still, though it is good!)

Hi surfer, yes they have Pisco sours as well as a lot of other Pisco cocktails. If you focus on the items with "rocoto" that is the spicier chile. Aji amarillo has flavor but less heat.

Lots of other interesting flavors in Peruvian cooking, not all of them hot.

I would go there (or to Mo Chica) just for the seabass ceviche.

We have been to The Counter in El Segundo and really enjoyed it. The burgers are in the $10 range. I like it because you get to check off your ingredients on a sheet, and can be sure that you order exactly what you want. We find that the half-and-half basket of fries if plenty for four people, with half regular fries and half sweet potato fries.

I want some BBQ from Dr Hogly Wogly's!

Keep your flame throwers in check, please. I'm going to throw in a rec for Marie Callenders for one reason only. The best St. Louis baby-back ribs in the city for a great pice. We tried them a few months ago and have gone back a few times including this early evening (afer watching the grisly flick "Drive" with Ryan Gosling..outstanding acting jobs by Gosling and of all people Albert Brooks...superb in his role)

At Marie's they have been featuring these ribs at $18.99. More than enough for two (which amounts to seven ribs each)..they literally fall off the bone...smacking good..hold the sauce, ask for it on the side and add some yourself. I suppose I've chomped on ribs in at least a dozen places here in L.A...both wife and I rate Marie Callendar's #1, believe it or not. Highly recommend whenever you get the rib urge. IMO Tony Roma's, Cecils, and the other candidates are all behind Marie. Certainly dollar for dollar, no comparison.
stu

Stu, which Marie C's? They vary so much, in one town they can be good and really bad in another.

SeaUrchin

I've only eaten at the Oxnard and the Valley locations. The ribs I rec are at the Valley MC on Ventura Blvd., between Sepulveda and Van Nuys Blvd. We take in Friday late afternoon flicks at the Galleria and MC is very convenient for an early supper on our way home. We live just up the hill at Mulholland and Beverly Glen Blvd.

Whenever I mention it to friends and family I get the "Are you kidding?" response. Those who have tried it come away in amazement.

Thanks to the OP (cferrb) and all who have eagerly responded to this thread. The information has been interesting and meaningful for all of us SoCal denizens. Best wishes to all!

Stu Tower

I should clarify...the MC is in the CVS lot, North Side of Ventura Blvd.

Thanks, tower. I'll keep that one in mind. Some MC's are on my no go list after repeat bad meals. It is all up to the management I guess.

In that area I wonder how La Frite has been doing since the Gordon Ramsey takeover.

As I have said before, the timing of this thread is great for us, as we will be staying in LA for a little over 3 mos, come January.

We will be zipping past your neck of the woods, Stu, as we will be staying just off Beverly Glen in Century City and that is the street we will use to go down to Ventura to see DS and DDIL in Studio City. (Perhaps when I say zipping, I am being optimistic! :) )

In-N-Out Burger is much loved--cause unknown.