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 creative smoothie in Los Feliz: The Punchbowl

Farley Elliott

Common LA advice may send those looking for crispy-shelled tacos to Tito’s, but those in the know seek out Chuy Tacos Dorados in the Arts District. A good crispy taco always starts with the shell, and Chuy’s has got it down — gently fried and always golden, the outside of the taco holds up to the fillings without being too overbearing. Filing options include shredded beef, potato, and salty chorizo beans, some tacos are served with a heap of lettuce and cheese on top, while others keep it more minimal with just cheese and onions. The best way to order here is the ten-pack, which you can mix and match to build your own perfect taco combination. 1335 Willow Street A6, Los Angeles, CA 90013. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

For a true European-style hangout with cocktails in Atwater Village: Bar Sinizki

Matthew Kang

It’s hard to fault the ambitions of Bar Sinizki, a place in the very Old World-style area of Atwater Village, a neighborhood of Los Angeles like none other. While Glendale Boulevard isn’t quite Champs-Elysee, the wide street and ample sidewalks lend itself to a place like Bar Sinizki, where a tiny indoor cocktail bar gives way to a boisterous little streetside patio. The menu is predictable, familiar, and easy, like a very cheesy burger with griddled onions and a squishy bun. The pierogis are a little too expensive for what they are, three potato dumplings covered in butter, chives, and cream for $26, but they are indeed tasty. The fries are impeccably crispy and the heirloom tomatoes in the Balkan salad might be a hair underripened. But Bar Sinziki is open every day from early morning until midnight, a feature that only Denny’s or Norm’s can best these days. I’m thankful for that convenience. My only wish, one that won’t be fulfilled, would be if I could enjoy a short, skinny cigar with my morning coffee on the sidewalk, but alas, we’re not actually in Prague. 3147 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039. — Matthew Kang, lead editor

For terrific Tokyo-style tempura: Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr

Cathy Chaplin

Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr, a standout Tokyo-style tempura shop opened by Carlos A. Pinto in 2019 in Torrance, recently expanded to Pasadena and word has traveled surprisingly fast about the newcomer. Waits for a table during peak mealtimes can stretch up to an hour so show up early or late, otherwise, kill some time across the street perusing Vroman’s bookstore. The menu features delicately crisp seafood and vegetables served in a plethora of ways. The menu item that offers the most variety and textures is the $19 small tempura bowl with soba. It comes with steamed rice topped with tempura shrimp, egg, seaweed, and shishito pepper, as well as a tray of buckwheat noodles with a dipping sauce that pairs well with all that’s deep-fried. The temple to tempura is a welcome addition to Pasadena’s slate of casual spots. 694 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101. — Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

For savory Jamaican-style good eats in South LA: Tev’s Kitchen

When planning the weekend, set a timer to ensure an early arrival at Tev’s Kitchen on 48th Street and Gramercy Place. Those who are line averse will appreciate developing a thoughtful strategy to avoid the queue, or, accept that there’s always a wait and that Tev’s soul food and Jamaican eats are always worth it. Tev’s is open six days a week, which means it has six menus per week. Check the Instagram page daily to see what’s cooking; some days bring plantains, while others offer incredibly saucy oxtails, brown stew, curry chicken, peas and rice, cabbage, or mac and cheese. Another menu might include jerk chicken fettuccine, lamb chops with a teriyaki glaze, or grilled salmon. If the sweet, sticky chile wings are on the menu, make sure to put in an order. Tev’s is one of South LA’s most popular spots that started as a pop-up operation. The owner recently moved operations from the sidewalk into a new (temporary) seating area to enjoy all the tasty goods and lively crowd. 1905 W. 48th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90062. — Mona Holmes, reporter