This is my mid-move update to remind myself of cute places I've been, and also to serve as a guide to anyone visiting LA in the near future!
Warning: I've been a lot of places :)
Father's Office Santa Monica/Culver City : Pretty good! Great beer selection. Straight forward with the menu, no substitutions or changes. We unfortunately were a little intoxicated and don't know if it was the burgers or alcohol that made us sick afterwards. Probably a combo of both considering we aren't eating much red meat these days. Good place, slightly over-rated, probably won't rush to go back.
Figtree's Cafe Venice : SO cute! Mae had a Groupon, so the pre-paid portion of the bill probably made it even cuter. We went for brunch. A+ on all of our meals.
The Whaler Venice : Great place for happy hour on a pretty day! Oceanside, beautiful sunset viewing potential. Great pitcher specials, food was decent but not that important compared to the rooftop view!
Pink's Hollywood : Historical Hotdogs! One of LA's most known restaurants. Damn good hotdog. Don't expect to ever go and not wait in a line. Worth it, at least once.
MiSoFishy Santa Monica : YUM! Repeat offender. Enough said.
Tacos por Favor Santa Monica : Another super YUM. My go to burrito place.
In N Out Burger : Pardon me California, but this is no Five Guys. No thank you.
Bay Cities Deli Santa Monica : Oooh Ms. Parker...Huge Fan. I will be back and definitely taking all visitors to try out their Goddess italian sub. Money!
Cabo Cantina Santa Monica : Eww no thank you. Over crowded, Over cheesy, Over priced, over IT.
Enterprise Fish Co. Santa Monica : Don't remember! But I think it was cute.
Alejo's Culver City BYOAlcohol! Please & Thank You. Food was ok, scene was suuuper weird and not cute if that is what you're going for, but BYOW is always appreciated.
Bigfoot West Culver City A neat place, but the energy was kind of low, so it depends on what setting you're going for. Cozy, unique, nice service, but slightly on the boring side.
Loew's Hotel Santa Monica : Ah! Taking any and everyone back. THE most beautiful place, oceanside (by the Santa Monica Pier), So cute & comfortable. Favorite Happy Hour place so far.
Trip Santa Monica : Hole in the wall neighborhood bar. Had potential, but I've only been once :)
Bravo Santa Monica : Guilty. Delivery only when I don't have time to cook and get home late.
La Grande Orange Santa Monica : Up & Down with this place! Great happy hour prices and cute selections. Good if you can't decide on another place to go.
The Basement Santa Monica : Gnarly! Another place we take our visitors. Cute drink selections and happy hour until 10. Similar to your rich friend's basement you used to chill in during high school. Nice unmatched couches, great drinks, great vibe and privacy.
3 Square Cafe Venice : Adorable!! Perfect for a pre-work brunch with friends before rushing to work on the cutest street in Venice, Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Amazing menu selections, good service, cute atmosphere. Always busy!
The Daily Pint Santa Monica : Ok. At first this place reminded me of Nowhere Bar in Athens. Then, it became more clear that it was like Nowhere bar around 11am-early afternoon crowd. Never got better, definitely was creeped on while trying to enjoy our pints of beer and play a friendly game of Jenga. Might go back because of the beer selection, but during the day. The nighttime brought some unwelcome visitors around.
Bourbon Street Santa Monica : Like most bars named Bourbon Street across the US, I have no recollection of this one. Guess that means I liked it!
The Galley Santa Monica : FUN! Good when you are in a crazy mood. Felt like I was tripping with all of the bright Christmas lights and the people oddly dressed in ship-crew attire. 2 Thumbs Up.
Cha Cha Chicken Santa Monica : THE BEST! Favorite! BYORum & Vodka for the AMAZING Flavored Aqua drinks... need to commit to visiting at least once every other week before I leave California for good.
Peet's Coffee Nothing Special! Good for coffee if you are in the area :)
Novel Cafe Santa Monica AMAZING! Organic Granola, fruit, and yogurt=Perfect breakfast before work.
Pizza Fusion Santa Monica Good! I work there and I'm not tired of it yet. Great for Gluten Free individuals.
Crumb's Bakery BEST CUPCAKE I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. Truth.
Finn McCool's Santa Monica Best Calamari in Santa Monica so far! Trust me, I order Calamari just about everywhere. It was their cocktail sauce that made it!
Panini Pizza West Hollywood Rumored to be the best pizza in West Hollywood. Carolina and I ordered delivery when we were staying at The Beverly Hilton. Rumor=All True. Yums.
Cheesecake Factory Hollywood- The Grove QUIT Playing. Perfection! Once a year type place though [Caloriesss]
The Border Grill Santa Monica & Downtown LA SO Cute! Amazing margaritas. They have a section of smaller meals that are the perfect size when you're pairing dinner with Pomegranate & Ginger Margaritas.
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles West La & Hollywood JUST DO IT. Seriously. Another Los Angeles County only place, and a Snoop Dogg favorite. A+++
The Library Alehouse Santa Monica Cute place for happy hour on Main St.! Great beer selection, good app's. Calamari is not so good here, I do remember noting that.
Musso & Frank Grill Hollywood The Oldest restaurant in Hollywood! Reminded me of Sardis in NYC. Very nice ambiance, fun to eat at with my family.
Houston's Beverly Hills Meh. Definitely could pass. I hear the steaks were good, but I was in the mood for something lighter and I wasn't too impressed.
Lemon Moon West LA SO cute! Good when you want a lighter lunch with amazing choices. We went before the Chelsea Lately taping. I can't wait to go back again and try other menu items. The Roasted Chicken Panini and Corn & Green Chile Soup were phenom!
The World Cafe Santa Monica Really neat atmosphere! They offer bottomless Mimosa's, but you have to commit to them to make it worth it. Must order an entree ($25ish-per person) to qualify. Most people don't usually want $25 worth of food that early, but if that's what you are looking for, this is the place! Down the street from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, so it's a great place to stop in before/after on a pretty Sunday :)
El Torito Santa Monica Only consumed 2 shots of Patron here. They were great & not too over priced.
La Cabana Venice The Margaritas=Muy bien...Food=Mas o Menos. Fun when you already have a buzz and want to be loud with friends in a cute, cozy setting.
Dillon's Irish Pub & Grill Hollywood #1 Beer Special Award! Great selection, $3 all day! What! Perfect for a few drinks before enjoying a show at The Pantages Theatre...Beauty & The Beast for us!
Chaya Venice GREAT Happy hour spot! Will be back again. Cheap drinks & apps/sushi.
Hot Dog on a Stick Santa Monica (Pier) If you are on the Santa Monica Pier...Do It! Thanks Kendra Phillips for introducing me.
Pinkberry Santa Monica (Promenade) DELish. If you are wanting yogurt + fresh fruit and unique toppings...stop in after shopping.
Abbot's Habit Venice CUTE place for coffee in Venice on Abbot Kinney.
Sinner's and Saints - Culver City - Dull city. I should give Culver bars another chance, on a night other than a Tuesday. I know there is more potential :)
The Wiltern
The Hotel Cafe
That British Place
Classy Nails
