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 superb Vietnamese noodles in Pasadena: Nha Trang Vietnamese Cuisine

Cathy Chaplin

One of the more exciting developments in the Pasadena culinary scene in the past decade is the proliferation of San Gabriel Valley stalwarts in the tree-lined suburbs. Lunasia and Boiling Point were two of the first to expand their reach and others have since followed, along with steady crowds of diners eager for regional Asian cooking without having to veer far from home. The latest newcomer is Nha Trang Vietnamese Cuisine, a noodle specialist that opened its first store in San Gabriel in 2010. While the menu is streamlined at this outpost, the compelling flavors remain. Its Central Vietnamese noodle soup bun bo Hue is a main draw and comes with a highly chewable pork trotter. The bun bo xao — stir-fried beef and onions served over cool vermicelli noodles — is also terrific, especially if it’s too warm out for slurping hot broth. 28 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103. — Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

For creative boba concoctions: Bopomofo

Matthew Kang

At the end of most great meals, there comes a moment when the table has to decide if dessert is in the cards. Some diners hem and haw about levels of fullness; others are already carving plans for a post-meal sweet treat. Luckily, Los Angeles has a lot of great after-dinner boba, and Bopomofo stands out in the crowd for the springy texture of its tapioca pearls and not-too-sweet drinks. Signature flavors include the likes of strawberry corn milk, a hojicha and corn latte, and brown sugar pudding milk tea. Green and black teas are also available, plus matcha and coffee. If looking for something a little more filling, try the mapo tofu-topped tots or popcorn chicken. 841 W. Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

For highly creative cocktails at a new school bar: Bar Next Door

Stan Lee

The Sunset Strip can be an intimidating neighborhood to visit. Parking is challenging (just take a rideshare), and the streets can easily get packed by crowds pouring out of longtime spots like the Whisky a Go Go, the Rainbow Room, and the Key Club. Instead, head slightly west of the bustle to find the incredibly charming Bar Next Door. This drinking den makes for the perfect place to settle into a seat and order one of Rossoblu veteran barwoman Brynn Smith’s thoughtful cocktails while listening to the reel-to-reel high-fidelity system. Classic drinks are available, of course, but Smith took time to pay homage to the Strip’s history with names like the Roxy, the Standard, and the refreshing Hustler Hollywood with Don Julio 70 Cristalino Tequila, Soho Lychee Liqueur, banana liqueur, sparkling wine, lemon, and fresh lychee. On any given night, the bartenders get busy preparing intricate drinks with care. The cocktails served here took years of experience and dedication to craft — it’s apparent in the first sip. 9159 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA, 90069. — Mona Holmes, reporter

For an exciting new Mexicali-style taco situation in Inglewood: Asadero Chikali

Matthew Kang

While Los Angeles is rich in tacos, regional styles aren’t always served in every locale. Asadero Chikali has been a popular Mexicali-style taqueria and guisado maker in East LA and Boyle Heights. Recently, it brought its talents to Inglewood just a few blocks away from Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, and SoFi Stadium. The humble storefront is a boon for anyone venturing to the area for a sports game or musical performance, with mesquite-licked carne asada and comforting guisados served on thin, hand-made flour tortillas. The real treat of Asadero Chikali is its salsa service, presented in a dozen or so small bowls that allow each bite to taste different. As a Korean, this banchan-style presentation appeals to my dining soul, and given Asadero Chikali’s proximity to me, it’s instantly one of my favorite new taquerías in Los Angeles. Pro tip: don’t leave without trying the chicharrón guisado, a glorious bite of stewed pork skin that’s best without any salsa or topping. 4233 W. Century Boulevard, #7, Inglewood, CA 90304— Matthew Kang, lead editor