Some of LA’s most exciting meals can be found on the back patio of a wine bar or under an EZ-up on a neighborhood corner. Pop-ups are ingrained in the dining culture of the Southland, whether they’re a preview of a more permanent space or just a one-off. This is a guide to new and ongoing pop-ups around town. Have a pop-up that should be on this list? Email us at [email protected].
Upcoming
On Friday, May 10, chef Wendy Zeng will be popping up at Open Market for dinner service. The menu will feature dishes like a crab tostada with mushroom aioli and fried capers, a stuffed eggplant wrap, and a scallop crudo with passionfruit coulis. The pop-up is first come, first serve. 3339 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010.
Heading to a wine bar for breakfast may not be the first thing that comes to mind. On Saturday, May 11 Pa’s Biscuitisserie will be popping up at Cardinale du Vin from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Georgian drop biscuit specialist will also be introducing a new menu item, a biscuit pain perdu topped with pecan praline ice cream. 8912 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035.
Sonoma Hills Farm and Fruit + Flower Co. are hosting an ice cream social on May 11 to sample different consumption methods of the Pink Jesus strain and offer education about cannabis. Try non-infused ice cream from Humphry Slocombe, plus infused gummies and other options. Tickets are available to purchase in advance. Location released upon purchase of tickets.
New York’s Le Cirque is taking over the restaurant at Sixty Beverly Hills from May 15 to 17. Expect Le Cirque classics on the menu, like Caesar salad with a fried egg, a lobster salad, and creme brulee. Reservations are available through OpenTable. 9360 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.
Ongoing
Every Friday at noon, West Coast Smash sets up in the parking lot of West Coast Customs in Burbank. Head over to the pop-up to try a wagyu smash burger, but just be aware it closes as soon as it sells out. 2101 Empire Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504.
Throughout May, some of LA’s best burger spots will be popping up at Highland Park Brewery. Goldburger, Bub & Grandma’s, Perilla, and Yellow Paper Burger are all bringing burgers into the mix. 1220 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Over the weekend, head to Fiesta Grill in Santa Clarita to find the soul food pop-up Booku Po’Boys. The menu features an array of po’boys, including Cajun shrimp, cheese streak, steak and shrimp, plus fried chicken cracklings, lemon pepper Cajun wings, and more. 24623 Arch Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
For a chilaquiles craving, head to the corner of Vermont and 6th Street in Koreatown where Don Chilaquiles sets up from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except for Monday. Order a platter with salsa verde or rojo and a choice of meats, including carnitas and carna asada, or a chilaquiles burrito stuffed with chips, crema, fried eggs, salsa, and more. 601 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90005.
Chef Debbie Lee’s Korean fried chicken restaurant, Yi Cha, is popping up at the former Bar Moruno space in Silver Lake on Friday nights in advance of its opening in its permanent Highland Park spot this summer. Pull up a seat at the bar for fried chicken, banchan, and beer. 3705 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026.