Every Friday our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here now are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.
For a satisfying breakfast sandwich: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Sometimes I wake up, and the first thing on my mind is a bagel. No matter what I do, I can’t shake the craving, and usually, I just give in. On the days when I’m looking for an easy solution to my early morning needs, I head to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The longstanding bakery is a no-frills spot with classic fresh-baked bagel options available with topping options like cream cheese, bacon, egg, cheese, and lox. Getting there early guarantees the best selection of bagels, which do sell out. The bagels are only $1.85 a piece, and a basic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich can be had for under $10. If in a rush, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery also offers the option to order ahead. 2223 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor
For a margarita that rivals all in Los Angeles: Sabores Oaxaqueños Restaurant
LA’s legendary restaurant Sabores Oaxaqueños is known for many things. First, its moles and barbacoa are otherworldly. Second, the restaurant serves iguana two ways. Three, owners Valentín and Germán Granja serve dishes from their hometown of San Pedro Pochutla. And finally, the margaritas are some of the best in town. In early 2023, this longtime restaurant opened a second location in East Hollywood with parking (something difficult to find at Sabores’ OG Koreatown location), meaning locals and tourists alike can order a round of the house specialty drink: margaritas. The traditional margaritas are always delicious, but the frozen mango variety isn’t too sweet, and the tequila isn’t too strong either. Since the first day of summer has arrived, this type of joyful cocktailing should happen on a hot day in a colorful dining room, followed by always taking a rideshare home. 3337 1/2 W. Eighth Street, Koreatown, CA 90005. — Mona Holmes, reporter
For an amazing kebab feast in Little Armenia: Marouch
Of all the remaining restaurants in Little Armenia, Lebanese Armenian establishment Marouch stands the tallest for its traditional dining room, warm service, and sprawling dining room. Best of all, it’s easy to just walk in compared to the likes of Saffy’s, Bavel, or even Raffi’s Place instead of having to make a reservation. Start off with a few mezze — the baba ganoush is my favorite — then order more kebabs than you need for the table. During a recent lunch, my dining partner and I ordered the silver-platter Mix Grill feast for three, covered with fat-soaked, highly seasoned chicken, lule, and lamb kebabs surrounded by charred vegetables. Beneath, there’s about two pounds of rice pilaf spread around to soak up all the flavors (and yes, we definitely had leftovers). Living in the South Bay, I dream of having access to a restaurant like Marouch, a place that clearly puts all the details into one glorious tray of meat, vegetables, and rice. 4905 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029. — Matthew Kang, lead editor
For a handy pepperoni nightcap in the Valley: Pizza Wagon
Twice this past week, I went to a restaurant, had an incredible multi-course dinner, and then felt hungry afterward. First was at the Resy: The Unapologetic Experience collab at Anajak Thai with New York City Indian restaurant Dhamaka, which afforded thoughtful, wood-grilled dishes and extra-crispy fried chicken dusted with Indian chiles and dried mango powder. Admittedly, we intentionally under-ordered there. The second dinner was at Matsuhisa, where more than $200 of dishes like miso black cod, oil-cooked sashimi, and rock shrimp tempura weren’t enough to fill two bellies. That’s where Pizza Wagon comes into play. The quick, super-affordable New York City-style pizza spot just nails the crispy-bottomed slice that properly melds cheese with tomato sauce. Every pepperoni cups like a blooming flower, pooling together porcine juices that dribble onto the paper plate. There’s no better dessert for the still-hungry than a good pepperoni pizza slice. 14522 1/2 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403. — Matthew Kang, lead editor