So here we are. Its been almost a year since we packed up our rental van full of our most precious belongings and headed towards the city of our dreams.
A stable one year mark feels like the right moment to finally be able to call ourselves locals. Yes, I finally said it. (sigh) We are here, and we aren’t going anywhere soon. We have been changed forever. For the good…as we have seen a lot, done a lot, and ate A LOT. And for the bad…because we now compare everything with what LA has to offer.
So here is my list! A compilation of what we have done since Jan. 2018. These our my (our) opinions only. and there is still so much to try. And I promise if you tell me that you won’t come to LA because of the traffic…we can no longer be friends.
I did you a favor and left out the typical things I know you have already done in southern california like Disnelyland, Universal Studios, and the Santa Monica Pier…that’s it right?
Cactus Taqueria #1
What would LA be like without some DIRTY tacos and burritos? We are mexican food snobs and it doesn’t get much more authentic than this. When we find super authentic Mexican street we like to call bean dip. Which is a privileged name that it earned! Don’t expect much from the amenities, but do expect to be full and happy when you leave. If they have an A inspection rating thats all that matters…right?
My personal favorite: California Burrito, or Street tacos with Melted cheese and Carne Asada.
Austin’s favorite: Fajita Burrito with beef.
IMAX VR EXPERIENCE
157 South Fairfax, Los Angeles
Tired of doing the same thing when you come to LA? Check out this IMAX Virtual Reality experience, which is only 1 of 3 locations in the world! Get strapped up in gear from head to toe with your friends and enter a new dimensions while you complete tasks and challenges together as a team. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy this experience. Just about everyone will love tagging along!
To book an experience, click here.
Halo Top Scoop Shop
The Grove Mall, 189 The Grove Dr. Los Angeles
When you are done at the IMAX VR keep your car in valet and head across the street to the grove mall for one of these tasty treats. Halo Top is known for their unrecognizable “healthy” ice cream. The calories are questionably low for how ridiculous this claimed ice cream tastes. They use little sugar and opt for Stevia instead. This is our favorite treat with out the guilt or stomach ache after!
My personal favorite: Soft Serve Vanilla in a Rainbow Cone with Cake Batter bites and rainbow sprinkles!
Sweet Chick
448 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
Look no further for comfort food full of soul. Widely known in NYC at the place to hit for Chicken and Waffles, owner and music artist Nas, opened his first chain location in LA a few years ago. Pop in for Dinner almost any weekday but be sure to make reservations for the weekends and Brunch.
My personal favorite: Biscuits and Mushroom Gravy with Poached Eggs.
Austins favorite: Spicy waffles with spicy chicken.
Runyon Canyon Hike
Whether you need to burn a few calories from all the food, or you just want a good view of LA, take a hike up Runyon Canyon. This 1 mile trek up this paved fire lane shouldn’t challenge your sweat factor much. and the first bench mark will give you a view of the Hollywood Sign, Downtown LA, and Catalina Island on a clear day. Score! The best part for us is the majority of the hike is an off leash area for dogs, so Mako can get his social pup hour in.
Joan’s on Third
8350 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles
Did you work up an appetite yet? Take a 10 minute drive over to a locals favorite lunch spot Joan’s. This casual cafe is similar to a Dean and Deluca concept with Deli walk ups, a bakery and coffee stand, and a full menu. The options are endless so your picky eaters will be satisfied.
My personal favorite: Egg sandwich, Cappuccino, and Banana Bread.
Austin’s Fav: Breakfast Burrito
The Ivy
113 N. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles
Looking for a brunch that a little more boujee? Despite its “overrated” reputation its champagne taste and socialite scene will fulfill your fancy desires. Literally…they serve free mimosas while you wait for your table. We don’t even drink, but I can always appreciate some good hospitality. For the reasonable prices, amazing quality of food, and entertaining scene, we give it a 10/10. Especially when they give you the royal treatment on your birthday.
My personal favorite: Fresh Shelled Crab Benedict with French Fries
Austin’s favorite: Huevos Tamatillos
Melrose District
Looking for the perfect scenery for your LA pictures to make all of your friends at home jealous? Look no further than the Melrose district. Between Fairfax and La Brea are blocks laced with unique urban graffiti that is surely in my book Instagram Worthy backdrops. Put on your best outfit and head over the anything BUT the pink Paul Smith wall.
Within walking distance you’ll find limitless art. All of these photos were taken within yards of each other.
COFAX (coffee shop)
440 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles
People come here from all over LA to get a homemade doughnut and satisfying breakfast burrito. This Dodgers baseball themed cafe is always full for their fresh ingredients are hard to beat combinations.
My personal favorite: Vanilla Doughnut with rainbow sprinkles. (i get one of these at least once a week!)
Austins personal favorite: The Impossible burrito with vegan chorizo.
Pearl’s Finest Teas
523 N Fairfax Lost Angeles
We’ve been coming to this spot since they opened and i am firm on my stance that they have they best boba in LA. But if you aren’t a boba fan they’ve got plenty of other drinks to quench your thirst and your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to grab a punch card if you are local…i’ve already filled at least 5.
My personal Favorite: Orange Yuzu (pictured above) a super refreshing citrus based tea. Or Vietnamese Coffee...tastes like chocolate milk and will give you enough energy to clean your entire house.
Austin’s Favorite: (not on the menu) Mango Coconut Slush blended with Green Tea and boba.
Watermelon Mint drink, blended.
Jon and Vinny’s
412 N Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles
My absolute favorite italian food in the city and i BEG Austin if we can eat there every weekend. And im sure everyone else wants to as well. It’s got a pretty nice reputation so be sure to make reservations. The fresh traditional italain mixed with hip hop music is a cool environment to bring any of your friends to. for a fun experience ask to sit at the bar to watch the chefs cook in front of you.
My personal favorite: Meatballs, Parmesan Garlic Bread, and (if they have it) Mozzarella Sticks
Austins Favorite: Chicken Parm
République
624 South La Brea Ave. Los Angeles
This gorgeous spacey venue with communal seating is always a fun brunch experience. The wait time isn’t long for the amount of people that visit. The menu is tricky, lengthy, and the food comes out with very nice presentation.
My personal favorite: Mushroom toast with egg scramble.
Kelcie’s fav: Breakfast plate with a baguette and fresh jam.
The Getty Villa
Pacific Palisades, CA
Wanna skip the museum crowds? Check out J. Paul Getty’s personal home, where he is currently buried. His entire home was remodeled into a museum in the 70’s and is based on first century italian architecture. With it’s irreplaceable art pieces and artifacts plus the free admission, it can’t beat a relaxing afternoon.
Getty’s prized piece: Hercules (125 AD)
Head up to Malibu Beach after for lunch at Malibu Farms.