Hi, folks. I work remotely for a school in L.A., and I have been lucky enough to travel out there four times so far, with my first trip of 2025 coming up in a few weeks. I never rent a car on these trips, and I stay and work in Koreatown. This time I fly in on a Sunday morning, and Sunday is my only free day to play tourist. I'll be at work Monday through Thursday afternoon, when I leave for the airport.
Here are places I've already eaten:
Langer's Deli – loved it, but don't need to go back
Philippe the Original – loved it, but don't need to go back
The Prince (Koreatown) – liked it, but don't need to go back
Genghis Cohen – it was okay, but don't need to go back
(I write a food blog, and so far, I've reviewed these four places.)
Grand Central Market three times (eaten at Wexler's Deli, Knead, Ghost Sando, Sarita's Pupuseria, Nonna's Empanadas, and Villa Morellana) – loved everything, but probably won't go back this time
Baar Baar – liked it, but don't need to go back
Musso and Frank Grill – loved it and would go back if anyone else ever wants to
Bay Cities Italian Deli – loved it and would go back if anyone else ever wants to
Hae Jang Chon (my first-ever all-you-can-eat KBBQ experience) – loved it, but don't need to go back
The Magic Castle – food was better than I expected, but really expensive, and I won't be going back anytime soon
Here's Looking at You – liked it, but don't need to go back
Kura Sushi (the conveyor belt place) – liked it, but we have one where I live
A pho place in Koreatown – it was fine, but I live in a city with amazing Vietnamese restaurants
Nick's (Manhattan Beach) – liked it, but don't need to go back
Sizzler (Koreatown; a co-worker goes for lunch every Friday and invited me) – actually loved it, because it filled me with childhood nostalgia, but don't need to go back
Egg Tuck (just for a breakfast sandwich) – it was okay, but don't need to go back
Places I've already been but wouldn't mind going back, if the opportunity comes up:
Open Market (they were only doing breakfast sandwiches at the time, and it was amazing, but I'm definitely going back this time to pick up lunch on a workday)
Canter's Deli
Pann's
Here are some other places I would like to try if I can:
Musso and Frank Grill
Guelaguetza
El Cholo (it's not too far from work, but still too far to walk)
Kobawoo (it's walkable from work and supposed to be good, but I feel so overwhelmed in K-Town, not being a Korean food expert)
Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles (if I return to Amoeba Music)
Norm's (the original on La Cienega — and I'm not expecting greatness, but Tom Waits is my favorite musical artist, and he referred to Norm's patty melts on my favorite of his albums, so I feel obligated to try it)
Bob's Big Boy (also not expecting greatness, but I am a giant David Lynch fan, and he loved it so much, he considered it his office)
The Apple Pan (way out of my way, and I don't expect I'll make it)
Needless to say, I've studied those "Best/Most Essential/Classic" L.A. lists to come up with most of these, and I've been dragged to a few of the others. I LOVE delis and restaurants with lots of history, especially diner-type places. If something has a pop culture connection that appeals to me, I'm always happy to give it a chance. Fine dining is not my thing at all, but I'd make an exception for Musso and Frank Grill.
What do you all think of my itinerary for this trip? Anything I desperately need to add or avoid? Would there be better Mexican choices than Guelaguetza (looks higher-end) or El Cholo (historic) that aren't too far out?
by Saboscrivner