7 Must Stops for Food & Drink in LA

Gabriella Pryor

While the pandemic has stopped the usual way we dine out, that hasn't stopped these spots from continuing to cater to the public. Whether you're a local, traveling for work, or safely escaping your regular quarantine location, these are some places you should definitely check out for a memorable afternoon or evening outing.

EP & LP - West Hollywood

When cruising through busy West Hollywood looking for a multi-versed stop, EP & LP  has you covered. Although Asian Eating House, EP,  is temporarily closed,  that doesn’t stop their outdoor LP rooftop from flourishing 4 pm - 2 am, Monday-Friday and 12 pm-2 pm Saturday & Sunday,  serving refreshing drinks and bites to enjoy a prime view of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Boulevard that will leave you feeling like a local and tourist all in one.

ADRIFT Burger Bar LA - Venice

If milkshakes are your forte, ADRIFT Burger Bar is the stop for you. Featuring Michelin starred David Myers’ burgers to pair them with and the beach just steps away, there isn’t much to be upset about. Open 11:30 am-9 pm Monday-Sunday, the combo options are truly limitless. ADRIFT is just classy enough to make you feel that you're meeting all your aesthetic desires while inducing yourself into a burger and milkshake food coma. 

The Lighthouse Cafe - Hermosa Beach

via Instagram

via Instagram

If you have seen the once Oscar nominee, La La Land, this hot spot probably looks pretty familiar. Established in 1949, The Lighthouse Cafe now offers outdoor dining in addition to their regular space for guests looking to enjoy a variety of food and drink options all while basking in live music anytime after 4 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 12 pm Saturday-Sunday.

Porto's Bakery - Burbank & Glendale

Long-standing bakery and café, Porto’s family business offers multiple locations for pick up and curbside in the Los Angeles area. With freshly made pastries and meal options, the authenticity of this spot will leave your taste buds craving all the carbs and sugar. Open 7:30 am-7:30 pm Monday-Thursday 6:30 am-7:30 pm Friday-Sunday, whether you opt for a cupcake, sandwich, coffee, or pastry, odds are you will be far from disappointed.

Superfine Pizza - Downtown LA

Newly reopened with patio dining and takeout since the pandemic via shared space, Superfine Pizza offers all the pie options you can think of. Unlike New York, good authentic pizza can be a little more challenging to find in LA. Known for their Spicy Honey and rarity of pizza by the slice for the state, the taste far exudes the bare minimum. With the intention to be fully opening mid-April, this spot is one you won't want to miss.

Bao Dim Sum House - West Hollywood

Calling all dumping lovers alike, Bao Dim Sum will leave you struggling with which to pick first. Bao Dim Sum is a hot spot in West Hollywood for those looking for authentic eats with refreshing cocktails to compliment. Handmade food, diverse drink and happy hour menu, what could go wrong? Open 12 pm-8 pm daily and 8:30 pm on the weekends, there’s plenty of time for a fully submerge into a feast exploring the expansive menu. 

The Waterfront Venice - Venice

If heading near the coast and burgers aren’t necessarily your thing, The Waterfront Venice offers an alternate option for dining with a view 5 pm-9 pm Thursday-Friday and 12 pm-9 pm Saturday-Sunday. With fresh food from seafood to American, craft cocktails and waterfront views what could really go wrong?

The Best Wineries in Central Coast CA Wine Country

Gabriella Pryor

With warmer months and the hope of larger gatherings on the forefront of how summer will play out, one thing that is for certain is that the wine season is around the corner. Whether on a road trip down the PCH, or interested in a weekend getaway, Pinot and Chardonnay lovers alike can come together on the central coast tasting hot spots, located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

DAOU 

Paso Robles, CA 10am-5pm Mon-Sun

Offering Virtual Tastings amidst the pandemic, DAOU Vineyards additionally offers an extensive variety of tasting and bottle options for those looking for a winery with a built in estate. Separated by categories of Discovery, Expressions, Reserve and Estate, there is enough variety to go around to even find an option your average vino novice would enjoy. 

Chronic Cellars 

Paso Robles, CA ,10am-5pm Mon-Sun

One of the first things members of Chronic Cellars have to comment on is their fine wine but also graphic flair. Eye catching labels are just one of the many aspects of Chronic Cellars that makes them a tucked away gem. Red variety is the most popular with this local cellar however offer a couple of sweet pours for those out seeking white or rosé. 

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

San Luis Obispo, CA, 12am-5pm Mon-Sun

If the beach is your main priority when visiting this part of California, Kelsey is a quick five minute drive from some of the central coast’s most popular beaches and surf spots. Red and Golden Delicious stand out to locals along with the barrel, coastal homey feel of the tasting area. Always coming up with different variations of wine flavor complexes, Kelsey is worth stopping by. 

Tobin James Cellars

Paso Robles, CA, 10am-6pm Mon-Sun

Sophisticated outside tasting is perfectly matched with knowledgeable pourers having a surplus red, white and dessert wine variety. Located in the North of San Luis Obispo County, long-standing Tobin James and their radiating sun trademark makes the spot notable enough for it to be too hard to walk out without a bottle. 

Chamisal

San Luis Obispo, CA, 10am-5pm Thurs-Sun

Tucked away in the outskirts of San Luis Obispo, Chamisal’s tasting room has a classy upscale view with a strong sense of where the wine is really coming from. Tables featuring placemats with printed outlined glasses pair easily with keeping track of what wine you just sipped. Stunning views that don’t disappoint the further the tasting proceeds, is just one highlight of this rosé favorited vineyard. 

Justin Winery

Paso Robles, CA , 10am-3pm Mon-Sun

Most commercialized of those on this list, Justin is one that can’t be missed if you’re looking for an Instagrammable landscape and tasty pairings to go with. Multiple tasting rooms offer options for regular members wanting to switch up their tasting atmosphere. Wine Club options include 6-12 bottles for those who can't get enough of Justin, but live outside of the Central Coast.

Halter Ranch

Paso Robles, CA, 10am-5pm Thurs-Sun

One most memorable at Halter Ranch can be their large wooden table taking up the stunning tasting room, but another is that each type of wine is suburb. Aesthetically pleasing branding and photo opportunities offer a nice balance for the country and upscale vibes all around.

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