So you’re going to Hollywood for the first time. Your first instinct is to visit the Walk of Fame or maybe shop around Hollywood and Highland, right? Let me tell you something… you’ll probably be very very disappointed. These locations are pretty much the definition of a tourist trap and there’s far better places in Hollywood you should visit. I’ve compiled a tailored list of some of the less obvious spots in Hollywood you might want to check out if you want to escape the tourists, vendors, and super hero impersonators…(Hollywood Blvd is full of them). Enjoy the second entry of my “glow-guide” series.
Restaurants
Tao – 6421 Selma Ave. Los Angeles 90028 Chinese Cuisine $$$
Tao is BEAUTIFUL inside, I cannot stress this enough. I’ve been to TAO a couple times in Los Angeles and once in New York and not only is the ambiance incredible, but the food is to DIE for. It’s the sort of place where you order a bunch of dishes and share them family style. Its definitely on the pricey side but if you’re wanting to splurge on some delicious food, this is the place to go.
Must order: tuna pringles, chicken gyoza, ruby red dragon cocktial, the dessert platter (it’s worth it)
Stout Burger – 1544 N Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles, 90028
Burger Restaurant $$
Burgers and beer lovers rejoice! This laid back restaurant has some of the best burgers with a wide range of options. What I love about this place is they have several chicken and veggie burger options for people like me who don’t eat red meat! They also have an array of delicious sauces you can add to your burger (truffle aioli is my fav). I’m not a beer fan but for those of you that are, you’ll love this place because of the large selection of artisanal draft and bottled beers from around the world.
Must order: Loaded Tots
Katusya – 6300 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood 90028
Sushi Restaurant $$$
Sushi sushi!!! I’m a new sushi connoisseur but god am I obsessed! Last I went was on a Friday before a concert at the Hollywood Bowl and we were more than satisfied. A dj comes in on Friday nights and plays music! Great vibes, fun to people watch, and perfectly located to kick off a night-out in Hollywood.
Must order: albacore onion to start with a burning mandarin to drink!
Entertainment/Bars
Dirty Laundry – 1725 N Hudson Ave Los Angeles 90028
Cocktail Bar
Located off Hollywood blvd underneath an apartment building, this gem is not obvious to the eye. My favorite part about this place is the multiple rooms with different genres of music, which means there’s truly something for everyone. It’s one of my favorite places to grab a drink and dance with friends…but not the best place for drinks and conversations since the music is so loud!!
SOUND – 1642 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles 90028
Nightclub
I remember being inside SOUND and feeling like I was partying in Ibiza or another country. It didn’t feel like the traditional club scene in LA and I really enjoyed that aspect. Located in the heart of Hollywood, SOUND plays primarily EDM and house music— so if that’s your jam this is the place to go!
Museum of Death – new location pending!
Okay, this place certainly will not be for everyone. This museum was created to fill the void in death education. The museum displays serial killer memorabilia, mortician instruments, crime scene photos, interviews, taxidermy…basically any aspect relating to death. It is incredibly creepy and morbid (and not for the faint of heart) but so fascinating I couldn’t peel my eyes away. It’s a self guided tour through the museum which I really liked because you can take time on the sections you enjoy and quickly pass through the ones you don’t. The Hollywood location is currently relocating to a bigger space, so continuously check back on their website to see when their new spot opens!!
Pro Tip: No photography of any sort. Not for weak stomachs!
Good Times at Davey Waynes – 1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, 90028
Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar $$
The coolest 70s-themed speakeasy bar in Hollywood! You enter through a refrigerator and are transported into a trendy and quirky ambiance. Inside looks like someone’s house plucked straight from the 70’s, outside is a charing patio where you can order drinks and food.
Pro tip: Lines can get LONG. I recommend getting there right when they open!
Laugh Factory – 8001 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
Comedy Club $$
This legendary comedy club located on the Sunset Strip is one of the greatest places in LA and SoCal as a whole to see some of the best comedians in town. The theater is rather small so you’re guaranteed to always have a pretty good seat. The first time I went we saw Chris D’Elia and could barely breathe from how hard we were laughing.
Pro tip: 2 drink minimum.
Cinespia @ The Hollywood Forever Cemetery – 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles 90038
The thought of watching a movie in a graveyard might seem spooky, but rest assured this is one of the neatest things to do in LA. Located below Santa Monica Blvd, this cemetery is the forever home to many film legends and Hollywood elite. During the summer, this graveyard hosts incredibly fun movie screenings once the sun goes down. You can pack a picnic or purchase snacks and drinks on site. It’s a great place to go with a group of friends and enjoy a warm summer night under the stars. You’ll most likely spot a few celebrities in the crowd as well, I always seem to recognize someone when I’m there!
Mama Shelter – 6500 Selma Ave, Los Angeles 90028
Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
A very trendy place that has beautiful views of Los Angeles. The ambiance is rather tropical and incredibly picturesque which makes for great photos! The lobby you have to wait in before going up to the rooftop is also really cool and makes very yummy drinks. It’s a great place to mingle and chat with new people while enjoying the backdrop of Hollywood.
Pro Tip: lines can get really long for the rooftop bar, I recommend getting their early to put your name in!
The Magic Castle – 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles 90028
While this place is rather exclusive and invite-only, if you can somehow find your way to get your foot in the door you will NOT be disappointed. This is truly a one of a kind experience that you will never forget. The world’s best magicians come to preform here and the castle has a range of shows from up-close magic to mind-blowing on-stage performances. The castle also has an extremely strict dress code and it’s really fun to get all dressed up for a night of magic.
Pro tip: NO photography in the castle! Don’t even try it, you will get caught and that’s never fun, is it?
Lake Hollywood Park – 3160 Canyon Lake Drive, Los Angeles, 90068
The award for best picnic location in Los Angeles goes to…Lake Hollywood Park! This park has a beautiful view and probably the best observation point of the Hollywood Sign. My friends and I have met some of the nicest people while hanging out here. There’s a jungle gym for little ones but honestly just sitting on a blanket with some friends, board games, and yummy snacks is all you need to have a good time. This park is also dog HEAVEN! So many owners let their dogs run around off leash and you are guaranteed to meet several furry friends on your visit here.
Pro tip: No bathrooms and parking can be tricky especially on a weekend.
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