Dining and Evening Activities in LA

Los Angeles is host to MANY wonderful restaurants. Tim and I try to eat at different ones as often as possible so that we can truly experience LA dining. Some have been fantastic, some not so much. Anyway, here are a few recommendations of ones that we like, some that we frequent, as well as some fun night life activities that we have enjoyed.

Let's start with family friendly and/or affordable restaurants.

Pink’s Hot Dog- Pink’s is a famous LA spot located on the outskirts of Hollywood. If you can put it on a hotdog, Pink’s offers it. The hotdog’s all have fun celebrity names too. There is usually a line, but don’t worry it moves fast. If you’re crazing hotdogs, this is the place to go.
Carney’s- Carney’s also sells hotdogs, as well as burgers, fries, frozen chocolate covered banana’s and so much more. Carney’s does have a twist. Everything, except the ice cream, comes with chili on top. Carney’s is located in the middle of Sunset Blvd. If you plan on hitting Carney’s, be sure to bring along the Rolaids.
Hamburger Hamlet- Hamburger Hamlet is a chain all around the LA area. Just like their name implies they have great hamburgers. They also have salads, chicken, and a pretty good selection of healthy and non on the menu. Hamburger Hamlet is a family restaurant, and very affordable.
Mariasol- Mariasol is located at the very end of Santa Monica pier. With such a great location, and in my opinion the best Mexican food around, you would expect this place to be packed. However, we have gone on many different day’s of the week, and have never had any trouble getting a table right away. Good Mexican food, kid friend, fabulous location, and reasonable prices. Margarita’s aren’t to shabby either. If you can do it at sunset, the view is amazing.

Maybe you would rather do a little nicer for dinner, we have a few suggestions for that as well.

Carmine’s II- My FAVORITE!!! Carmine’s II is a very small, maybe 10 tables total, Italian restaurant in Century City. The food is great, the have a decent wine list, live music, and Carmine I was a friend to the Rat Pack. The walls are covered in old photos and the singer is the granddaughter of Dean Martin. Everything we have had here has been wonderful. Be sure to call ahead if you want to go, with only 10 tables they run out fast.
Trader Vic’s- Trader Vic’s is located in the Beverly Hilton. Great place for groups, or for 2. Hawaiian food with an Asian flair. They serve drinks in large bowls and bring out straws for the entire table to share. It’s a lot of fun. If they don’t bring out bread, be sure to ask for it. They have a peanut butter spread that is wonderful, even to the non peanut butter fans.
The Standard- Located directly across from Carney’s on Sunset Blvd The Standard is actually a hotel. The hotel has shag carpet, swinging chairs, and ‘The fish bowl’. It’s a really run place to go for dinner. Not a ton of menu options, but everything on the menu is very good. They have a poolside bar that overlooks LA as well. Great spot to have a drink after dinner.
Dan Tana’s- Another Italian restaurant, but also a place to see stars. Just like Carmine’s, Dan Tana’s is VERY small. You have to call ahead if you want to get a table. The restaurant is located in West Hollywood, and is know for feeding the stars. Everytime we have gone we have seen ay least one. The food is really good, service is FABULOUS, price is a little high, but not too bad.
Enterprise Fish- Just like you would guess, seafood. They have some of the best seafood in town. Great prices, lots of selection. Enterprise is located in down town Santa Monica.
Monsoon- I figured I would add at least one sushi spot. Monsoon has good sushi, as well as a full Asian menu. Monsoon also has great drinks, and even sponsor’s salsa dancing a few days a week. Monsoon is located on the North end of the Santa Monica promenade.
Duke’s- Duke’s Barefoot bar in Malibu is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. The bar nacho’s are enough to feed a small family. The drinks are great, and the view is unbeatable. The menu is mainly fish. All types prepared in all fashions. They also have a special Hawaiian dessert that is pretty great. If you are looking for a place to spend some time, have some drinks and just kick back, Duke’s is the place.

Maybe you just want to have some drinks and entertainment.

Laugh Factory- There are a few really good comedy clubs in LA (The Improv, The Comedy Club, etc). The Laugh Factory has a few shows a night. Go to the 10, it’s the best. The 10 often features Dane Cook. He is really funny. We have seen some bad ones in the 12 show, as well as the 8. We have also seen some stinkers at the Comedy Club. The Improv is a little smaller, but it shows some really good comedians as well.
Brass Monkey- The end all of be all in the karaoke market. A small bar that is SOOO much fun to watch people sing, and try to sing. All types will be here. If you get in early enough, you may even get to sing yourself. Be sure to get your name on the list early. Anything after 9:30-10 won’t get in by closing time.
Gotham Hall- Very trendy pool hall located on the promenade. A bunch of tables, so normally everyone gets to play. The have sofas, bar tables and chairs, music, and normally show you a good time.
There are a ton of other places in LA, but these are just a few of our favorites. Hope this helps.