A guide to some of my favorite places around Los Angeles and beyond.
Shiloh Shoes & Accessories
My favorite cheap thrills store. They have a whole wall of shoes under $40 and another entire wall full of accessories. Conveniently located at the Red Line Vermont/Wilshire Metro stop.
Simply Pho You
Open late and they have lots of vegetarian options, which can be difficult to find in Koreatown. I highly recommend the tofu spring rolls and their veggie noodle dishes.
It’s Thai Noodle N’ More
A vegetarian restaurant in Koreatown? Almost. Amazing thai food with veggie meat substitutes available for any dish. I’m a big fan of their brown rice that is pretty much purple!
(KONY) King of New York Pizzeria
Perfect Brooklyn style pizza in the heart of Koreatown. Their garlic knots are to die for. They also make vegan friendly dough which I get to enjoy during Pizza Fridays at work…yeah!
El Cholo
I’ve been to a few and this location on Western, which is the original El Cholo, is the best. My advice is to sit at the bar and ask for either Jerry or Osmond. Be sure to try their guava margarita.
Jerry Seinfeld’s Apartment
Yes, that’s right. Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment – or at least the exterior – is located in Koreatown at 757 S. New Hampshire.
El Chavito/Chavo
I love so many mexican food places in LA but El Chavito is up there in my top 5. El Chavo is the restaurant part and El Chavito is more the side bar but you can still eat and drink there as well. Their daily happy hour with $2 tacos and scratch (yes, made from scratch) margaritas are killer! Part dive bar, part taqueria, what more could you ask for?
Malo
$1 tacos on Mondays with margarita specials. Potato + cheddar, potato + eggplant & soyrizo tacos are all veggie friendly. They also have the best salsas and CHEWY CHIPS (don’t ask, just try!)
The Echo/Echoplex
Hands down favorite venue in all of LA. Mostly independent bands come through and they have weekly dance nights. Hipster heaven for sure.
Bulan Thai
Phenomenal vegan thai food – they even have fake duck and shrimp. Super fresh with an extensive menu.
Vacation Vinyl
Quaint independent record store that sells vinyl records, zines and more.
Sage Organic Vegan Bistro
The food here is beyond amazing. Fresh, local, organic and vegan. Full of flavor and hearty, this is what I call “common man fancy”. The ambiance is perfect – just the right balance between rustic and minimal. Wood tables, water served in refrigerated french style bottles, a tea and coffee list that also includes smoothies and kind kreme shakes…seriously heavenly.
Kind Kreme
Located in the same building as Sage Vegan (okay it’s more like the same place), they have the best vegan ice cream I’ve ever had. It’s actually raw as well, which makes it that much more amazing. Lots of original, unexpected flavors like kale mint lime, but have the classics like chocolate chip.
Total OMG when you walk into this place. One-of-a-kind vintage pieces, emerging indie designers, and art. Reminds me of Chicago…
Griffith Park
Go on a stroll through the park, hike up a trail, or gaze into the mystical universe at the Observatory.
Poo-Bah Records
Possibly my favorite record store in all of LA – well besides Amoeba. I’ve spent hours digging through their $1 bins. Best find? Detroit Grand Pubahs “Sandwiches” on vinyl for 50 cents.
Penny Lane
No, not the Beatles song or that girl in Almost Famous, just a rad record store near the Pasadena City College. Great selection of used vinyl at great prices.
Shojin
Vegan. Organic. Natural. Sushi. Need I say more? You must try their infamous dragon roll. Everything here is delicious.
Paulette Macarons
I’m a sucker for a good french macaron. The sweet wedding almond is my fav. Buy me a dozen and I’ll be your bestie for life.
No. A
Everything a boutique should be. Great selection of independent designers, local brands and I love their clean, minimal merchandising.
All American diner, California style. Vegan options galore. Just the right amount of grease combined with healthy portions of comfort food. Great place for brunch and late night munchies.
Wasteland
Carefully selected gently used designer clothing, vintage and some modern brands. You won’t leave this store without buying something.
Opening Ceremony
Old motel turned casting studio turned retail store. LOVE everything about OC. The clothes, the layout of the store, the separate shoe department, the ACNE room, the parking lot – shopgasm.
Creatures of Comfort
Oh, Creatures. I lusted after this store via the interweb for years when I lived in the Midwest and am still lusting after it now that I live in California. The best of the best brands for the modern, eclectic girl. Hejfina of the West.