Poll: What restaurants do you eat in most often?

[PaulF]

This is different than "what's your favorite restaurant?"

It's different than "what's the best restaurant?"

And it's different than "what restaurant would you eat in if money were no object or if you lived in a different neighborhood or if you lived in a different city?"

It's just: What restaurants do you eat in most often?

They are going to be places you like, of course. At least one will most likely be near to where you live. Another might be close to where you work or go to school. Or both or all three.

These are your go-to places for good food, convenience and comfort. The place where they recognize you, perhaps, and that's a good thing. Maybe the place that's quick or the place where they'll let you pay tomorrow if you forgot your wallet.

Here are mine:

Tacomiendo (corner of Inglewood and Culver). I live in a neighborhood with many places to get good tacos and other Mexican dishes. Tacomiendo is not only great food, but it's closest to my house and open late enough to get the nod over some others. I order (not all in the same meal) asada, pollo or carnitas tacos. I love the chile colorado. I like the asada plate. They have great tortillas. I also like their burritos, though sometimes they fall apart. I always grab a cup of the free beans they have next to the salsa bar.

Ronnie's Diner: (Culver Boulevard near the 90 freeway): Love the breakfasts, the omelettes and the breakfast burritos (which they wrap as two separate burritos for easy handling or the taking home of leftovers). I eat the turkey chili and the turkey burgers. Sometimes I go healthy and get egg whites and a steak or chicken breast for the protein. They have soy milk for my coffee. Good sandwiches, too and sometimes I get the dinner specials.

The Slice (Ocean Park Boulevard near 16th): It surprises me that it's on the list, but I have to be honest, I eat there a lot. It's very convenient for me because my kids play sports at the middle school across the street and The Slice is open late enough to eat in after practice. The Slice gets more of my business when its football or baseball season. I don't eat much pizza, but I do like the sub sandwiches. I order the meatball or the sausage and they'll do a combo for me if I ask even though it's not on the menu. It's not as good as Rinaldi's, but I'm not in El Segundo at 8:30 at night. Also, my kids like it a lot and they can get a couple of slices and a salad after practice. I like the hot wings and the boneless wings made out of breast meat. The buffalo chicken sandwich ordered hot if really good to me.

Cinco de Mayo: It's open 24 hours and near my house. I like the taquitos of all things. I like the egg and onion burrito. I like the hard shell tacos. Nothing in CDM is great, but it's pretty consistently tasty. But more than anything else it is fast and open and easy to park. And cheap, too.

Rutt's Hut: Another spot in my 'hood. I like to order the Royale's atkins style. The family likes it for the Hawaiian dishes like Spam Musubi. The fish is good, here, too. Sometimes a hamburger and hash browns hit the spot.

This is a list that will change over time. I went through a Mi Ranchito phase. I work near Westwood, so Falafel King is another spot I go through phases with (though mostly I eat in the caf.) I meat a friend at Duke's coffee shop on Sunset once a month, almost always eat a turkey burger and salad on the side. In a month, this list would change again. But for now, this is it.

If I think of any other places, I'll add to my own thread.

Where do you eat most often?

[Chowpatty]

I thought it was interesting in the thread "Where are you eating this weekend" that so few of the spots named were the typical Chowhound destination spots -- there were a few, but lots of "it's in the neighborhood" or "our friends like it" type of spots.
Anyway, because I have a blog, I don't repeat that often.
But when I do, it's usually
-Nadpob or Mae Ploy for Thai
-Haru Ulala because it's comfy and tasty
-Square One for an indulgent breakfast
- Zankou Chicken because my kids like it (although I've practically reached saturation point)
-the taco truck on Alvarado.
My son usually insists on going to Siete Mares for tacos on Saturday after his karate class. I used to go to Malo a lot but somehow I am craving margaritas less frequently lately, now I'm on a beer kick.
Places I would like to be a regular at, but I would end up spending too much money:
M Cafe de Chaya
Lou
Canele
Saito

[BRIANTHEFOODUDE]

Del Taco, Costco, Arco... I hate em all... but I eat at them a few times each week because they are close :)

[ipsedixit]

SinBaLa

Seafood Village

Sea Harbour (Temple City)

Won Won Kitchen

Wolfe Burger

Sasabune

Matsuhisa

Tony's Pizza

Connal's

Zelo Pizza

Dai Ho Kitchen

Patina

Water Grill

Sushi Ike

Sushi Komatsu

Sushi Gen

R23

Dumpling 10053

Mei Long Village

Cafeteria at the Gas Tower Building (downtown)

Pacific Dining Car (downtown)

Fosselman's Ice Cream

Costco for hot dogs ... does that count?

... apparently I eat out alot, or maybe I just eat alot.

[mc michael]

I'm available for adoption.

[megababedeluxe]

this topic is great and everything, but I have to tell you that I could NOT stop laughing at the I'm available for adoption response - I am LOL right now as I type. And once the outburst subsided after several solid minutes, I scrolled down and read some of the other responses and then remembered this response and again burst into laughter, closing the window in hopes that none of my neighbors thinks I'm nuts. Thanks for making my day.

[Dommy]

Costco for hot dogs does indeed count.. LOL! Thanks for the reminder, we have to bike down there soon... :)

--Dommy!

[greengelato]

- al gelato
- el taurino
- blue marlin
- curry house
- sa rit gol

[jencounter]

In Northridge:

El Taco Llama
Pita Pocket
Hatano

In Reseda:
Pho So 1

Elsewhere (default kid choices):
Fat Burger
In N Out

[slacker]

Crunchy chicken tacos at Campos. I always seem to be craving crunchy chicken tacos and Campos is the most convenient place to get them, and they're good too.

Phoenix, mostly for wonton noodle soup, because it's convenient to get to.

[writergirl]

Which Campos do you recommend, or are they pretty much all the same? I keep meaning to go, but never seem to get around to it.

[Debbie W]

The original at 20th and Pico in Santa Monica. Try the hard shell turkey tacos.

[slacker]

The hard shell chicken tacos at the one on Jefferson, in the mini mall where Target is. I've tried a couple of others in culver city and like this one best.

[Neely_Ohara]

Am I mising something, or are all Campos NOT the same? It seems that there's one mini-"chain" that has a set menu, then there are some other Campos restaurants that have a different menu altogether....

For example, the one on Venice near Motor in Culver City has a different menu than the one on Jefferson (in the shopping center near Ross and Target)

Anybody know what I'm talking about?

[PaulF]

The one in Santa Monica on Pico has turkey tacos that are tasty. You don't see turkey tacos all that often.

[bulavinaka]

The turkey tacos is a carryover from when it used to be Las Palmas back in the 70s...

[slacker]

I don't recall all the menus, but you may be right. One of the campos gave me a ground chicken taco, or maybe it was just ground mystery meat, and the shell tasted a little stale. The one in the Target plaza serves good shredded chicken in fresh shells.

Also, the prices on the board at the target one are lower than the prices on their printed menus. And they have more and different items on the board, plus those special combos, that don't appear on the menu. Maybe there's one set of printed menus for all the Campos, but each of them diverge from it.

[Debbie W]

I'm not really sure, but the entire name of the Campos I like is Campos Famous Burritos. There are a few of those including the original at 20th & Pico. There used to be a branch on Little Santa Monica at Sepulveda in the same center as the Koo Koo Roo, and the restaurant on Venice near Motor is part of that chain also (pretty sure). I think there may also be a mini-chain called Campos Tacos which is different.

[Neely_Ohara]

You're right - one is Campos Famous Burritos, the other is Campos Tacos.

The one I'm more familiar with is the Campos Tacos....

[KayZee]

All the Campo's are owned by various members of the same family. I've been going to them since there was only the one by SMC. The various branches do have variations in what they offer and how certain things are prepared.

Generally I like the one at Motor and Venice. At times the one near TArget seems to do a better job on the food and it's a little easier for me to get to from my corner of CC but they got the order wrong more often and are just too slow.

[WORX4FUDE]

HA HA HA! I'm glad SOMEone realized this. It drives me CRAZY! The one down in Culver City (Jefferson) ROCKS and the one near my work in Santa Monica blows goats. If you haven't yet, try the Shredded Beef tacos..... Amaaaaazing.

[jazzlover]

Almost embarassed to admit that mostly I eat at local places because of convenience. Not always because its the best. In making the list I realized all the places are also the closest!!!

So here goes:

La Cabanita
New Moon
Zeke's
Oinkster
Thai in LA
Hard Times Pizza
Smitty's

Ipsedixit - wish my list was as all-encompassing or as ambitious!!!!

This has been enlightening - maybe I'm in a rut!

[prainer]

Zeke's is great -excellent pulled pork BBQ sandwiches - sweet potatoe fries - good BBQ sauce - wish it was in my neighborhood!

[estone888]

J&J Shanghai
Yai - the new one at Hollywood and Vermont
Canele
Dusty's
888 Seafood
Carnitas Michoacan
SushiGo 55
El Cochinito
Carousel

[Clare K]

Chateau Marmont, on the patio, weekly for business because it's private, quiet and the food and service are very good.

Opus, because it's my boss favorite place and he drags me there often. I do love the food, and the service is always top notch as well. Plus I find the chef innovative and incredibly passionate about his food.

Z's sushi in Alhambra, because my family and I have been going there for several years now, and we love the sushi and the people. Definitely a place where everybody knows your name (at least for us).

Europane in Pasadena for crossaints and their egg salad - because it's fabu and it's very close to my house.

Weiland's Brewery in downtown LA because it's convenient (close to my office) and decent.

Blair's because I can always count on it to be great every single time.

Niko Niko sushi on Vermont in Los Feliz, because, when I'm in the mood for a phat roll with crazy fillings, it's the place. Cheap, too.

Briganti, because it's one of the best Italian restos I've tried and it's close to my house and the waiters are hot and friendly.

Cafe Beaujolais, because it's one of the best French bistros I've tried, and the waiters are hot and friendly.

Clare K.
http://rainydaysandsundays-c.blogspot...

[ElissaInPlaya]

Marina del Rey/Playa del Rey
Singapore Express (take-out)
Tandoor-A-India (take-out)
Tsuji no Hana
James' Beach (brunch)
Viva Fresh
Taqueria Sanchez

El Segundo/South Bay
Second City Bistro
Papillon
Good Stuff
Fritto Misto

Beverly Hills
Il Buco
Natale Thai
Provence Patisserie
Champs Elysees

[slbear]

Downtown area:
Langers
Chichen Itza at Mercado Paloma
El Taurino
Papa Cristo's
Beverly Soon Tofu
Sushi Gen

SVG:
888 Seafood
Mei Long Village
Hat
Tops
Zankou
King Taco in ELA

Elsewhere:
In N Out
Wahoo's
Houston's

[Diana]

Rahel
House of Taka
Woodlands
Alexis Greek
Hugo's
Follow Your Heart
Gelson's Salad Bar
Yogurt Zone
Sushi Delivery

Home!

[SauceSupreme]

I definitely eat out a lot. Life on the road will do that to you.

Doughboys
La Paz
Chili My Soul
Brodard
Pho Bac Ky (subar quality, but great with clients!)
Natalee Thai
Thai Patio
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

[Gohantabeyoka]

McD's
Del Taco
Mitsuwa (Little Tokyo) food concession---udon.

[wilafur]

healthy.... =)

[SauceSupreme]

Oh yeah, forgot to add Santouka (both Torrance and Mar Vista)

[katkoupai]

Love it. Del Taco was a standard when my commute was longer. :)

[wilafur]

souplantation
888 seafood - dim sum
opus - tasting menu
full house (arcadia) - dim sum
banh mi che cali - banh mi
new japan - quick japanese food
soot bul gui rim - koran bbq
don felix - al pastor tacos
rutt's hawaiian - royale or loco moco
midori (sherman oaks) - ayce sushi
big tomy's - after party "sober me up" chili burger
wat thai temple - low budget thai
sasabune - sushi

[ragazza]

We often find ourselves at Fratelli's in Glendale. Its that little bit of Italian comfort food that helps you get through a crazy week. Its family run, the soups are homemade and they use the freshest ingredients and best brands of italian cheeses, etc to perfectly bring everything together.

[budlit]

orris
musha
kiriko
santouka
cholada thai beach
tra da noi
shrimp spring roll from whole foods

[Just One Bite]

Islands (good for salad lunch with girlfriends)
Crocodile Cafe (same reason)
Boston Market (because they have Caffeine Free Diet Coke)

Guess I don't eat out as much as I'd like!

[sariah]

Gaby's
Ramenya & Asahi Ramen
Le Saigon
Spumoni
Orris
The Counter
Chameau
Versailles
Asakuma
VIP Harbor Seafood for dim sum

[scuzm]

i do love to go on a food adventure, but yes, $$ and laziness are key limitations. 1 out of 2 times i go out to eat, if i'm buying myself a meal, it's from one of these places.

fred 62
zankou chicken
langer's

[igj]

Westside-centric - almost a necessity for westsiders I guess when the topic is spots to eat at regularly. In a typical month, I will have eaten at each of these places at least once:

*Thai Boom - once a week for the 6 weeks, although half the time is takeout/delivery. The best Thai I have found on the westside. I love this place - and it beats the trip to NoHo for Sri Siam or Krua Thai.
*Kiriko - my local sushi place and also my favorite, so that works out well for me.
*Tacomiendo - the one in the quirky location of Gateway and Pico. This is both a convenience pick and a quality pick. There are not many decent low-key tacquerias in West LA; this is the best I have found in my hood.
*Annapurna - in Culver City. Very good - but not always excellent - southern Indian food. This place is sometimes my saviour and sometimes my nemesis. The latter is when I feel like having a full, heavy northern Indian meal and I find the options so lackluster on the Westside that I end up eating another dosa at Annapurna - very good, but not exactly what I was jonesing for, y'know?
*Place Yuu or Furaibo - across the street from each other on Sawtelle. Not that these places are really interchangeable, but I eat at either places sort of randomly, taking the wait at Furaibo into account.
*Bay Cities - sandwich for lunch at least once a week.

[notmartha]

Generally the repeats are the local restaurants that are decent. After driving 3 hours a day the last thing we really want to do is to drive out more for food, unless it's a destination restaurant, combined with a shopping trip.

So it's heavy on asian:
Earthern's
Sam Woo BBQ
In-N-Out
Shau May
Happy/Sea Harbour
Jubei
Korean BBQ/tofu joint in Jubei Plaza (don't remember name)
Vietnamess noodle place inside Hong Kong Supermarket Plaza
101 Noodle Express
Thai Basil
IHOP (breakfast - kid)
CPK (kid again)
Red Brick Pizza (kid)

[hungrygirl106]

M Cafe de Chaya and Hirozen (a few times a week)
Hatfield's, BLD, Soot Bull Jeep, Boss Sushi, Tere's (a few times a month)

www.infinitefress.blogspot.com

[Will Owen]

We eat out relatively seldom - relative, that is, to lots of folks on this board - so anyplace we've been to more than twice in a year would qualify, including some (as the PO noted) that aren't even on most people's Favorite Food lists, but are simply pleasant places for a bunch of people to hang out. These would be, near as I can recall:

Kuala Lumpur (now a fond memory)
Fosselman's
Twohey's (dessert, mostly)
888 (dim sum)
Central Park
Amigo's
Tonny's
Chung King (San Gabriel)
Pann's
Pie'n'Burger
Pho 79 (San Gabriel)
Wild Hare (going, going...)
Newport Seafood

[notmartha]

If there's a Fosselman's near my home I will be going there a lot more than 2x a year!

[Amuse Bouches]

The Third Stop - probably the most often. It's a regular Sunday night destination.

Natalee Thai - when we lived in its delivery range, we ordered about once a week.

Le Petit Bistro - another Sunday night staple

Ulysses Voyage in the Farmer's Market - reliably good, pleasant patio, less chaotic than eating in the market itself.

BLD -- seems to be becoming a regular for weekend brunch - it's in walking distance and the menu has a lot of variety.

[PaulF]

I need to add Jamba Juice to the list.

I have lunch there a lot.

[Dommy]

No where. I bring my lunch, cook at home and try to go to different places when we do go out. But I would allow myself too... I would eat more often at Bharat's Bazaar and Sushi Zo. :)

--Dommy!

[esculent]

tawanna thai / tuk tuk thai: i usually end up eating tawanna when it's 8pm and i'm still at the office and i end up eating tuk tuk when it's 8pm and i've just gotten home.

fabrocini's: i've been in the valley a lot lately. i like their pizza bianco and their pesto gnocchi.

melody's: melody's has been a weekly ritual for me for quiet some time. i love their salpicon tostadas in the summer, their chicken hard tacos. recently i've gravitated towards their bean & cheese burritos, which are pure, mushy comfort.

i guess those are my top 3 frequented spots. there are other places too: mulberry street pizzeria, india sweets & spices (i think that's the name...on pico by fairfax) because it's across the street, father's office, doughboys, breadbar and magic carpet

[SauceSupreme]

Re: Fabrocini's

Agoura Hills? That was one of my favorite Italian places, too, back when I worked in Calabasas a lot.

[esculent]

actually, i order from the one in tarzana but i also used to eat at the agoura location when i worked over there.

[calabasas_trafalgar]

Domenico's
Sushi of Naples
Hanashima
Yama
Cheesecake Factory
Yama
Marie Callendar's
Rudy's
Yokohama Kaigenro
Outback
New Kingswood
North Woods Inn
Shaab
The Sushi
Z-Sushi
Round Table Pizza
Young Dong Tofu
Dumpling 10053

I guess I eat out a lot, too.

[ipsedixit]

I totally forgot about The Sushi.

Haven't been in a while ... think it's time to pay a visit ... SOON.

[jenjunum]

on the westside-
Damon & Pythias
Lamonicas
Sandbags (because they deliver)
Cicero's (again, they deliver, but I think the BBQ chicken sand is good, and gooey)
Poquito Mas (close to once/week, on the way home for lazy nights)
Whole Foods (in Westwood) prepared foods
And the truck that pulls up outside my office since it's the only thing within walking distance

[rantsnravesnreviews]

I eat lunch out alot and work in Azusa so my mainstays are:

Youngs Gourmet in Duarte - Good chinese, I especially love their Chicken noodle soup with Ramen.

Golden Spur in Glendora for their french onion soup.

Canyon City BBQ - everything is good here

For dinner I go to Mako Sushi about once a week, the one in Arcadia.

[microtim]

I live in Rowland Heights so I visit these regularly...
- Little Tokyo Shabu (located in Diamond Plaza), highly recommended!
- Souplantation
- Fu Rai Bo
- Curry House
- Capital Seafood (for dim sum)

...and I work in El Segundo...
- Asia House (really a Thai restaurant) is located at the corner of El Segundo and Sepulveda.
- Islands for happy hour.
- McCormick and Schmick's for happy hour.
- Chart House for molten lava cake.

-Tim

[katkoupai]

In December, I was eating a lot at:
Sizzler-- salad bar
Souplantation-- salad bar

Since the New Year, I have been eating a lot at:
Baja Fresh
Phoenix
Saigon Noodle

This last week, I have been fixated on Mediterranean food. Have gone to Pita Pita, Zancou and Mediterranean Cafe, in a few days time.

Common denominator? $10 or less. Fresh. Close to home. :)

[Bob Brooks]

La Fogata in Van Nuys. Their Ranchero Omelette is as good as it gets for breakfast.
The Talpa for lunch. Great chile rellenos/taco combinations.
Echigo for sushi lunch.

[sanangel]

Spago
Urasawa
Mastro's
Melisse
Patina

... Yeah, right.

Closer to the truth:

Zankou
Baja Fresh
Tonny's
CPK
Krua Thai
Pho So 1
Porto's
India Sweets and Spices

[Barbara Ladden]

The French Quarter, Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hollywood
Hirozen, Beverly Blvd., L. A.
CBS Seafood, N. Spring St., Chinatown, L. A.
Natalee Thai, S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills
Talesai, Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills
Langer's Deli, Alvarado St., L. A.
Houston's, Santa Monica Blvd., Century City
Surya India, 3rd St., L. A.
Marix Tex Mex Cafe, Flores St., W. Hollywood
Delphi Greek Cuisine, Westwood Blvd., Westwood
Tayor's Steak House, 8th St., Koreatown

[Quesera]

I love that when it comes down to it, most of us dont eat "regularly" at the places we discuss most often.

You can tell where I live from where I eat:
Belmont
Zen Grill
Real Food Daily
Newsroom
Spanish Kitchen
The Courtyard (though not in a while)
and lately a lot of Yabu, Ajisai and Absolutely Phobulous. I try to mix up the sushi places.

Was also a regular at M Cafe de Chaya when I worked in the Valley, so it was on my way home, and 26 Beach Cafe when my boyfriend lived over near the marina/ venice area.

[westsidegal]

samosa house/bharat bazaar (at least twice a week)
thai boom
ayara thai cuisine
the counter
ibex
rahel
simply wholesome
big wok (mongolian barbeque in manhattan beach)
shamshiri grill
taqueria sanchez
dinah's family restaurant for their german pancakes, baked apple pancake, and chile relleno omlette

[maudies5]

In Brentwood, where I live, I often eat dinner at Toscana and lunch at LaScala.
I used to dine frequently at The Brentwood, but it has gone seriously downhill since the Maitre'd, David left.

[ew84]

Axe in Venice- the best!
Mandrake in Culver City- neihborhood chill out joint, great drinks
Cafe Stella in Silverlake- food is not great, terrible music, cute atmosphere
Joan's on Third- forever cant wait to get some new item on their menu, have had it all
M Cafe- sometimes almost daily, kinda shockingly expensive
Viet Soy/ Vietnamese Soy Cafe in Silverlake- LOVE
Maro's at Fred Segal- not great, close to work, annoying crownd
Petrosian- not for caviar, good lunch spot, always quiet and private and fancy
Paru's- vegetarian indian fun with friends
Four Seasons Hotel- I go a couple times a week, they will make anything you want
Pacific Dining Car (great breakfast for after drinking)
Brite Spot- not so clean late-night diner in echo park
Boule- love sweets, very chic
Prana on Melrose place- its another place to go when I get sick of my other lunch spots
Kate Mantelini's- been going forever
Malibu Kitchen (very rude but yummy none the less)
Al Gelato on Robertson- SO GOOD and SO COMFORTING- they only take cash
a Votre Sante- skinny and satisfying
Cora's in Santa Monica

[prainer]

Cora's is one of the best spots in LA county!

[oakjoan]

Oooh, so Pacific Dining Car still has breakfast and it's still good. Memories flood back. I used to eat breakfast there at least once a week when I lived in Echo Park. Sigh.

Another question: Is their chopped salad still really good? Not for breakfast, of course.

[ew84]

One more spot- Soda Fountain at the Beverly Hills Hotel- best around 3 on a weekday

[Emme]

Whole Foods, Ralphs, and Gelsons Salad Bars
Sisley (chopped salad)
Eat Well (omelettes)
Hugo's (omelettes)
Uncle Chen's (my family is very health-freaky and like no oil, no everything... that said, I do love the garlic eggplant w/ scallops)
Yamato
Tama Sushi
Cal. Chicken Cafe (salads and rotisserie chicken)
Jack'n'Jill's
Mogo's Mongolian BBQ
Fabroccini's (close to the house)
Delmonico's (seared ahi, ceviche, and blackened prawns)
Ruth's Chris (steamed lobster... need the fix)
CPK (salads)

[SIMIHOUND]

Simi Valley-Millie's-great service, quick food, inexpensive. best chain food I have had in a long time.
Indian Hawelli-new discovery-I know just a bit about Indian food but I have never had Tandori chicken this good ever.
SFV-Brent's

[maudies5]

Neiman Marcus 3rd floor Fresh Market. My favorite place for a quick, healthy lunch in BH.

[Ashibi]

Madeo
Mr. Cecil's (on Ventura Blvd.)
Griddle Cafe (breakfast)
Soot Bul Gui Rim #2
Koo Koo Roo (take out after work)
Cheesecase Factory (mother-in-law's favorite)
Ruth's Chris
Sasabune

We do not have a regular Chinese place anymore... Can anyone recommend one for us?

[TastELA]

souplantation
tacos baja ensenada
europane
pie n burger
zankou
casa bianca
ciudad
gumbo pot
tropical bakery
siete mares

[chowbee]

All of these are on the Westside.

The only place I go to at least once a week is Big Tomy's-I think I'm in love with their breakfast burrito and their hot sauce.

Cha Cha Chicken-right near my work, take home in the winter, eat there when it's warmer
Asahi Ramen--cheap, filling, delicious. A meal for two under $10
Taqueria Sanchez--ditto
Tacomiendo--if it's too late or too trafficky to go to TS
Lares--our nicer go to spot
Sasaya--food isn't quite as good as Musha but a better place to hangout with friends
Yuni sushi--cheap, good, and close to work
El Torito--very close, we really only go during happy hour for dollar tacos and cheap margaritas and appetizers
VIP Harbor Seafood--dim sum
The tamale place at the Sunday Main St. SM farmers market

[Debbie W]

Iwata
Pho So 1 (Sepulveda Blvd.)
Oyster House
El Rancho
Calif. Chicken Cafe (Encino)
Weiner Factory
Stanley's
Carney's

Lately I've been having a lot of lunches at The Dressing Room - good salads albeit on the pricey side for what it is.

Actually, I'm cooking at home more often - one week I actually made dinner four times, probably a record!

[BBB]

- Doughboys
- Chabuya
- Maison du Pain
- Cafe du Village
- Joan's on 3rd
- Surfas Cafe
- Provence Patisserie
- L'Oteria in farmers market
- Moishe's in farmers market
- Damiano's when I'm in the mood for calzones

[maudies5]

I love Blue Plate on Montana, Great matzo ball soup. Love the 1/2 sandwich/soup combo

[monkfanatic]

la bettola in yorba linda , it's the best italian ever, we eat there once a week for 8 years , they close on sunday and monday, but they will make anything for you when they open.

[ajbinla]

Downtown-ish:
Pete's (dog friendly is a factor)
Live around the corner, and go often to Zip, Groundwork--Lunch.
Drive to Madame Matisse a lot
Cafe at the Standard
Blue Moon for lunch
Won Kok in Chinatown because its scary--fab chow mein!
Pit Fire Pizza, great crust.

[PseudoNerd]

Alcove
Canele
Clementine
Honey Pig
Mendocino Farms
PalGa SoonDae (usually take out)
Pollo ala brasa (again, I take it to go, but still...)
Wako
Whole Foods (it keeps me from buying random stuff that I normally wouldn't eat)

[hrhboo]

Places I go at least a couple of times a month:

Guelaguetza
Abbot's Pizza
Meditirina
La Vecchia
Tsuji No Hana
Opus
VIP Harbor for dim sum (there's no way I'm driving an hour east on an empty stomach)
James Beach for drinks
Beechwood for burgers
Orris
Musha
Violet
R Bakery
Pinkberry (terrible affliction, this obsession of mine!)
Tajrish
Mao's Kitchen
La Oaxaquena truck
La Playita
Brickhouse Kitchen
Ford's Filling Station
Primitivo

What my list has taught me: I rarely venture from the far west side unless it's an occasion. Boooo.

[tony michaels]

Those 42 day months are really exhausting! ;-D

[slacker]

:)

[hrhboo]

Seriously! Some of them are breakfast/lunch places. And some are dessert places. After re-reading my list I'm a little embarrassed at how often I eat out!

[SauceSupreme]

Don't be, I think it's awesome. I eat out all the time also, but I'm constantly trying out new places (for me), so there isn't much in the way of standby's.

[hrhboo]

I'm pretty bad with the standby's! For me, pizza means Abbot's, Oaxacan means Guelaguetza etc.

I love trying new things but I'm easily tempted by convenience.

I'm planning to break the mold soon following your recent Monte Alban review. I'll be sure to report back!

[nimo]

In N Out
Casa Bianca
Angelini Osteria
Taco stand on Vine betwixt Melrose + S.M.
Kouraku
Mako (B.H.)
Mako (Vermont)
Sanamluang

[yummi]

Taylor's Steakhouse (8th Street in Koreatown)-dark dining room, old school vibe. I feel like I've gone back in time at this place.
The Dresden -Los Feliz-great vibe, love the old school vibe, love the bitchy "mature" hostess.
Vermont-Los Feliz-love the atmosphere.
Mucho Mas -Burbank (Husband loves it cause it's the everybody knows your name kinda place for him)
Blair's -Silverlake- a new favorite. Like the gay, lesbian, artsy vibe. Great lighting, sparse dining room. Great service.
Don Felix- Hollywood- Not anymore. Got tired of dealing with the terrible service and terrible attitude of the owners who sit at the counter and watch T.V.
Sushi place in La Canada- Great sushir, great prices. Bad service, but they will make it up by giving you free stuff, which I am totally o.k. with because food is killer. Won't reveal the name because I don't want all you chowhounders to inundate the place and make the wait longer for me and my man.

[mitch65]

Jumpin Java in Studio City, because it's pretty cheap and their food is so delicious... creative too, considering it's a little hole in the wall. Try the Paris Kiss french toast.

The Kitchen in Silver Lake. I'm not going to say too much about it cause I don't want to have a huge wait next time I go there. But suffice to say: $3 corkage. 'Nuf said.

Don Cuco's in Toluca Lake. Yeah, it's a standard-fare gringo Mexican place, but it's close to home, it's reasonably priced, the food is tasty-cheesy-goodness, and the waiters are always there when I need something but never "hover" or make annoying chit-chat to try to up their tip. I love it.

The Counter in Santa Monica. Soooooo delicious. Build-your-own burgers. Sweet potato fries. It's always packed, but worth the wait.

Cafe Crepes on 3rd street promenade. Bottle beer for less than $3? At a crepe place? I know, it's weird. But the food's good (we always split a panini and a nutella crepe) the drinks are cheap, and it's the only place right on the promenade with decent food and prices that's not obscenely loud and tacky.

[jenjunum]

I really like Cafe Crepes too. I had a yummy cinnamon and sugar crepe not too long ago.

[MarilynFrancis]

loteria grill
banana leaf
campanile
city bakery
tuk tuk thai
jar
boss sushi
xian for chinese soup to go

[mlgb]

Long Beach area

Thai Corner
Dear Heart Thai (not so much since owners changed)
ZPizza
Gallo Giro (South Gate branch usually)
Pollo Loco
Baja Fresh
Souplantation
Annapurna (Artesia)

West LA
Nizam
Zankou

Griffith Park Golf Course snack bar (Korean snacks)

Downtown LA
Olive Branch
Suehiro
Pitfire Pizza (Once, I'll be back!)

[mollyomormon]

Musha (SM)
Pacific Dining Car
El Cholo (sad, but it's just so close for a margarita)
Bloom Cafe
Mercedes Grill (mmm...mojitos)
La Salsa
SF Dining Car (although this has changed now that their burgers are now flat patties...so sad)
Ramen-ya
Gilbert's El Indio
Bay Cities

and because of my crappy corner of downtown:
Corner Bakery (addicted to the bread bowl)
SanSei (for their dumpling soup)
Famima!!
Loose Leaf

[T Squared]

I tend to spend most of my time traversing between the westside, sgv/pasadena, and rowland heights so here goes:

West L.A.
santouka
furaibo
yashima
chabuya
blue marlin
lemon moon (close to my office for lunch)
hurry curry

sgv/pasadena
hi-life burgers
ocean star
nbc
tea station (crappy food but open late)
lee's sandwiches
din tai fung

rowland heights
sinbala
class 302
garden cafe (some more crap food but hey, it's open til 3am)
supreme dragon
happy family
dynasty plaza (for stinky tofu to go)
banana bay/the boat
bcd tofu
genki living
shabu shabu place inside hk plaza

[modernist]

it usually depends on where im working:
sushi gen - at one point i ate here up to 3 times a week (to skip traffic from burbank to westwood)
now i work in beverly hills and ill eat at lucques and sushi sushi at least once a week for lunch.
if im in venice i always have lunch at joe's
angelini osteria
opus (4 times in the last month-slight overkill!!!)
sokongdong
tang song sah
ham ji park
hunans restaurant
chung king
nha trang
seafood village
one of the dim sum joints (most recently liking capital seafood)
i wish i lived in the SGV!
used to go to daikokuya before their total taste implosion. now its santouka which is so much better than the height of daikokuya anyway.
ruen pair
in n out
tacos baja ensenada
taco truck near western and 101 or the one on beaudry or 3rd and western

yup, thats about it for the regular rotation.

[smonkey]

in my neighborhood:

Chi Dynasty (my #1 take-out defult right now)
Mako (little no-name next to Los Feliz cinema)
Los Feliz Cafe
San Sui
Mustard Seed
Simply Thai (phasing it out recently)
The Kitchen
Home (on Hillhurst - not crazy about it but it's often the easiest option)
Agra Cafe
Cafe Tropical
The Pho place by Rambutan, and Rambutan too.
I think that Pinkberry will be a new regular of mine

Venice: Abbot Pizza or French Market Cafe

Hollywood: Village Pizza on Larchmont, Hollywood Farmer's Market, Bossanova

[weebie]

Makkah Halal Tandoori (K-Town)
Pollo a la Brasa (K-Town)
Izayoi (Little Tokyo)
Haru Urara (Little Tokyo)
Sushi Go 55 (Little Tokyo)
Frances Bakery (Little Tokyo)
Anna Maria @ Grand Central Market (Downtown)
Shawarma Kitchen @ Grand Central Market (Downtown)
Pitfire Pizza (Downtown)
Dinner House M (Downtown)
La Taquiza (Downtown/USC)
Torung (Thai Town)
Ichimian (Torrance)
Izakaya Kan (Torrance)
Shin-Sen-Gumi 2Go (Gardena)

[anothernotch]

HIde Sushi - Thursday nights like clock work
Jaiput - great weekend buffet
Gilbert's
Lemon Moon
Tuk Tuk
California Chicken Cafe
Langers
Versailles
Carneys
Banana leaf

[mommycat]

Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose
Chosun Galbi on Olympic
Doughboys on Third
21 Flavors in Pasadena
Zankou Chicken
Ruen Pair Thai on Hollywood
El Cholo

[OCEllen]

In central OC

Zov's
Gabbi's
Citrus City Grille
King's Fish House
Baja Fish tacos
Tulsa Ribs
The Filling Station
Lucca Cafe
Habana
Felix Cafe
Aire
.................. in no particular order.

[HikerGrl63]

Finally - someone from my area! I think King's is pretty overpriced for what you get but I like to sit outside when there aren't any smokers (unfortunately that's not very often!) Tulsa Ribs has the most addicting cottage fries but I've never been too thrilled with their ribs or their BBQ sauce - Katella Grill down the road is much with BBQ and I could drink their BBQ sauce! Jkg LOL Felix's is another great place to eat outside.

[willwork4food]

SGV:
Young Dong Tofu House - #1 BBQ Beef Rib combo with the clam tofu
Jim's Burgers - yum chicken dinner
Wendy's - chili
CPK

will add more later (time to leave work)...=)

[wilp]

Edward Steak House - El Monte - Too close to work to go anywhere else in a squeeze.
Pacific Dinning Car - another business haunt when downtown, atmosphere and service are perfect for it.
J and J - XLB and a pint of the chicken soup is a favorite lunch.
Lees sandies
Joe Josts - Been going there a long, long time. PBR never tasted so good, eggs, special
Long Beach Thai - Best Thai in Long Beach but definitely not "cozy" inside.
Frenchy's - Long Beach - Never a problem. Great French
Curlys - Long Beach - comfortable bar food.
Thisty Isle - Patty Melt!
Coaches - Seal Beach - Halibut Melt!
Tacos Baja Ensenada - Thanks Chowhounds! I think.... I go there a lot now. A LOT.
Moffets Pies - To go, kids love the pies. raw pies freeze well.
Cafe Gazelle - Teeny little Italian place on 2nd in LB - Great Italian.

[holy chow]

Gotta love the special at Joes!

[mermy]

-Curry House
-Matsui
-Sushi Sumo
-Zankou Chicken
-C&O
-Angara
-Szechwan
-Pho Hana
-Seafood Town
-Koraku
-Furaibo

Wish I could eat more often at:
Mastro's
Roy's
Maison Akira

[rameniac]

hmm these days? i've really pared down...

almost religiously, i'll be at:
sushi don sasabune (weekday lunches)
albene (late night weekday dinners)

weekends are when actually "i live a little"

[ElsieDee]

Euopane - breads, pastries, sandwiches
Oinkster - cheeseburger and fries
Fredo's Phillys - cheese steak, occasional char dog
Grandview Palace - take-out semi-Americanized Chinese
Big Momma's and Poppa's - white pizza, veggie pizza/calzone, meatball and sausage subs
Fredo's Pizza - Supreme pizza, Mediterranean pizza, one of the other veggie pizzas
Milano's Deli - sandwiches, falafel plates, wraps, hummus, etc.
Big Mamma's Rib Shack - fried chicken, ribs, Cajun combo
Tony's Pizza - white pizza, veggie pizza, everything pizza, hot subs
Petrillo's Pizza - Pizza Bianca, special pizza
Golden Deli - Cha Gio, Bun, Pho

[Mando]

One of the coolest things I like about this thread is I really get an idea of where other hounds live and like and can see who has similar tastes and live live around me, notb that i didn't have some guesses before. That being said:

Irvine area (near work)
Panera
Native Foods
Wahoo's
Mitsuwa Market ( tend to bounce between Santouka and the place next to it that serves other Japanese food, not sky express)
Bristol farms ( stop by sprinkles or gelatto after)
Nalu's

Pasadena/SGV( Live in Arcadia i love the food up here x 10)

Fredo's
The Hat
Tommy's ( The guys love this place, to me its ok)
Tasty Garden Cafe in Arcadia (its like 2 miles from home thought there's better in SGV)
Los Chiles Locos ( 88 cent tacos after 5pm and open til 2am on fri and sat = win)
dish for breakfast
Jim's
Beantown ( Much closer to me for my fossilmans kick)
Fair Oaks Pharmacy
Porto's

[whatsfordinner]

Musha
Nanbankan
Father's Office
Malibu Seafood

[tatertotsrock]

Used to be Bistro Verdu but just checked out the new place in the same spot (BASHAN) and was there 2x on Sunday...I think this will be my new constant.

CHI DYNASTY on Hillhurst for hangovers
TOMMMYS for hangovers and too much drinking.

GINGERGRASS cuz it's across from Silverlake wine and their porkchop and Bao Sate ROCK.
OLIVA WHen I'm in SHerman Oaks.

CANALE because it's a block away from where I work.

[garvanza girl]

I love posts like this! Here are my rarely-leave-Northeast-LA standbys:

My Taco for tacos dorados or carnitas
China Islamic
Zankou Chicken
El Huarache Azteca
Mae Ploy, about as far west as I'm willing to travel
Chipotle for carnitas burrito bowls
Firefly for work lunches
New Delhi Palace, but if anybody has a better NELA/Pasadena Indian suggestion let's hear it :)

[Kevitivity]

Both Akbar and All India Cafe are much better than New Delhi Palace if you ask me, but neither are as cheep.

[donnival]

It doesn't look like anyone mentioned Nook? I'm here pretty frequently (anywhere from once every two weeks to multiple times a week). Most of the places I eat often at are close to where I live in West LA, so:

Nook Bistro
Tofu-Ya (decent and closer than K-town)
Sofra (food court in Westside Pavilion)
Thai Beer (on Washington)
Tacomiendo
Yabu
Coral Tree Cafe

[cecibean]

After the kiddie table incident I don't know if I'm coming or going.....OK here are the places we eat way too much.

Hirozen
Joan's on Third
3rd Stop
M Cafe de Chaya - everything! especially the "muffaletta"
Buddha's Belly
Zen Grill
Chipotle
Quality - bad side potatoes good side of fruit, easy on cantaloupe
Vito's
Pink Berry...I know haven't tried Ce'Fiore yet
Jerry's Deli - fantastic tuna melt
Dominick's
California Chicken Cafe - what used to be called the Cobb Salad
Loteria!

[neobite]

I'm totally stealing your list...

[mar52]

I love this thread!

Home area, Marina del Rey

Cinco del Mayo
Tito's (eating there since tacos were 25¢ and guacamole was free)
Koo Koo Roo's
Howard's Avocado Burger (eating there since it was Walt's)
Johnnie's Pastrami
Soup Plantation
Costco's hotdogs
Nichol's

Work - Sherman Oaks

Pho #1
Spumoni
Aromi Cafe
Baja Fresh
Coldstone
The Habit
La Fogata
Bronco
The Weiner Factory

[tatertotsrock]

WEINER FACTORY
has become a probelm!
I don't even live near it but I always find a reason to be on that side of town to indulge my chili dog craving...then somehow I wind up driving by Scoops on my way back to Glendale...how does that happen?

[Debbie W]

I'm over at La Reina for lunch all the time too, but eating solely at The Dressing Room. I've become addicted, seriously, I'm there at least twice a week. Often my husband will join me but he will get a couple of chicken tacos at Baja Fresh or a grilled chicken or grilled albacore sandwich at The Habit, then join me at The Dressing Room. Pho So #1 is also on the very regular rotation. What's good to eat at Aromi besides gelato?

[mar52]

Hi Debbie, come in and say hello!

Have you tried the soups at the Dressing Room? Excellent!

I like the Caprese Panini at Aromi. They deliver so it's good for me.

[jojoma]

In W.L.A.:
Chutney's on Barrington & Pico for Indian fast food at really reasonable prices
Yabu at lunch for the chirashi combo with soba and at dinner for the black cod
Sushi Anju for lunch for really affordable bentos
Tlapazola for the tasty fish dishes
Ramenya for the chashu ramen
Mr. Cecil's for the baby back ribs, grilled corn & hushpuppies
Sofra at Westside Pavilion for Turkish fast food
John O' Groats for amazing breakfasts
PInkberry's for frozen crack with mochi & fruit
Red Mango for creamier frozen crack
Falafel King for the chicken shawarma
Papa Beard's for scrumptious cream puffs
Nook Bistro-just discovered it and I'll definitely be eating there more often but I'm not telling
anyone where it is because it's a jewel.....

In Santa Monica:
Bread & Porridge for breakfast and great French press coffee
The Counter for customized burgers and the 50/50 combo of fries & onion rings with sauces

In Culver City:
Kaizuka (try the red snapper sushi)
Tender Greens for the best salads (try the flat-iron steak salad & the ahi nicoise salad)
Culver City Farmer's Market for Mexican BBQ corn, rockenwagner's cheesy bread twists
and Corn Maiden gourmet tamales
Tito's Tacos for the all meat burritos
Johnnie's Pastrami for a heart attack between a roll

In Marina del Rey:
Kaya Sushi (when I've had a memory lapse about the slow service) for creative sushi and
bim bim bop
Tamara's Tamales for gourmet tamales
Wharo's for Korean BBQ on the westside

[WORX4FUDE]

Try the Tan Tan Men at Ramen Ya. Spicy egg drop soup with ground pork. Mmmmmm.

[jocey]

My go to spots are:

La Fuente (Eagle Rock) - when I want a quick and affordable meal.
Cafe Beaujolais - when I'm not in a rush.

[Dave and Stuff]

My SO and I eat at Genghis Cohen about once a week, rain or shine!

[Ogawak]

Vito's for pizza, eggplant parmigiana sandwiches and canolis
California Pizza Kitchen for salads and Neopolitan Pizzas
Any Pinkberry clone for tart frozen yogurt
Sam Woo BBQ in San Gabriel for takeout duck and pork
Kaido in SM for Japanese. $8.00 sushi lunch
TiaJuana in WLA for Mexican. Love those handmade tortillas
Won Kok in Chinatown for noodles and pastries
Glacier in Manhattan Beach for ice cream.
Tops in Pasadena for Kobe burgers
Donut King in SM for boba and fritters (great boba)
Ayara Thai in Westchester for drunken noodles
KJ's in Westchester for breakfast/lunch
El Torito and Coco's in SM. Lots of parking on weekends
Back Home Lahaina in Manhattan Beach for Hawaiian.

Those are the most regular places we go.
Because of this cursed board we have also been driving all over LA trying all these terrific places like Scoops, Kiriko, Sin Bala, etc.

[SauceSupreme]

I've moved since this thread originally started, so my rotation has changed accordingly.

Hungry Cat
Sushi Zo
Sushi Ike
Bossa Nova
Ruen Pair
Scoops

[Me so hungry]

For the past half year, the place BF and I go to most often is:

Pinkberry (all locations): frozen yogurt
Dolci Mango: (redondo beach) frozen yogurt
Jade's Bakery: (Artesia near 99 Ranch Market) super cheap frozen yogurt...we double fist their $1 cone and get two 12 oz. for later
Boba Time (Western and Redondo): frozen yogurt (IMO the best tasting so we go here at least once a day unless we get fro yo somewhere else)
Banh Mi Che Cali (Little Saigon): at least once a week to stock up on Vietnamese yogurt which we take hope and freeze to make....Guess what??
Frozen Yogurt

Come to thing of it, there is not one day that we go without a fro yo fix.
Man, we are addicts.

[Schweinhaxen]

Sushi Zo- Keizo is my man
Tuk Tuk- Ridiculous food for the west side
Versailles- cuban
Vito's- slice of plain and maybe a pep
Hugo's for breakfast
Chosun Galbee
Kiriko
Sharky's- mahi mahi burrito
Houston's- Burger or French Dip
Mr. Cecils- Beef Ribs
Bristol Farms- on Doheny for some quick meals
Rice- for delivery Chinese Food
Triumphal Palace- dim sum
Newport Seafood- Vietnamese Lobster
India's Grill- San Vicente

[WildSwede]

Pho 79
PresidenTwo
The Reyn (for breakfast)
El Matador (for chilaquiles)
My favorite taqueria
Las Fuentes
Cupid's
La Fiesta Grande
Carmine's

[handycrafter77]

This and That Here and There Cafe -Best burgers & breakfast in Pasadena

Gin Sushi -Lobster Special is the greatest sushi ever

Yang Chow -Good Chinese Food and awesome service

Tarantino Pizzeria - Best Pizza in Pasadena, Love their meat sauce

Chipotle -I just can't get enough of their chicken burritos

I work and live in Pasadena so all my weekly eating stops are in Pasadena

[ElsieDee]

Refresh my memory - is This and That Here and There Cafe near Vroman's, on the south side of the street?

[WildSwede]

It is across the street from Target on the south side of the street.

[ElsieDee]

Ah, I was somewhat close. Thanks WildSwede.

[WildSwede]

Yes, very close!

[handycrafter77]

Right in the smack front of Target with a striped red & white awning.

[teach]

Farfalla--I love their fish and their skirt steak.

Porto's for breakfast. I know they have other more interesting things, but I love their criossants (sp?)

Poquitos Mas--It's open a whole hour later than most of the other restaurants in Burbank.

Burning Banzai in Burbank. It's Americanized Chinese, but not in a Panda Express kind of way. They have tasty salt and pepper chicken and many veggie dishes. Also, they have an interesting selection on sake and a few uncommon Japanese beers.

[CynGriff]

Iwata
Koraku
Absolutely Phobulous
Mulberry Street
Barone's
Hugo's
Stanley's
The Habit
La Fogata
Taj Mahal
Nata's
La Frite
Hugo's Tacos
Not very glamorous digs for the weekday rut! We usually cook but on those occasions when cravings or lack of time kick in, who's looking for glamour!

[voodoochild]

Taiko in Brentwood. Noodles and donburi.

Hurry Curry of Tokyo on Sawtelle.

Ramenya on Olympic. The best fried rice.

El Super Taco for great, cheap tacos and a good salsa bar.

17th Street Cafe in Santa Monica.

Yung Dong Tofu House in San Gabriel on Las Tunas. Fabulous tofu hot pots and Korean BBQ.

Mandarin Chateau. The best Chinese food in Chinatown.

[luswei]

gingergrass
ruen pair
red corner asia
asahi ramen
din tai fung
luscious dumplings
haru ulala
cobras & matadors

[aearonso]

Chichen Itza
Swingers
Soleil
Chao Krung
Fat Fish
The Standard
Liberty Grill
King's Road Cafe
Gill's Indian Restaurant

[ashbandicoot]

Honda Ya
Thai Nakorn
Rite-Aid (Thrifty's Ice Cream)
Mas' Islamic Chinese
Souplantation
taco stand in Pomona (next to the drag strip)
Felix Continental Cafe
Sakai Japanese Restaurant

[limaboy]

Shabu Shabu House little tokyo
Yabu for curry chicken Soba and marinated eggplant
fire grilled fish and chicken at Sparks studio City
Pug Burger at Hungry Cat
Lobster Salad at Aroma Cafe Studio City
Iced Green Tea (w/o sugar) at Starbucks new drive-thru ;) in north hollywood
Pantry breakfasts
Breakfast and cobblers at Auntie Em's
Dressing Room salads
Leonors great veggie sandwiches
Killer salads at HealthCa in North Hollywood (weekdays)!!!!
Fish tacos and big shrimp cocktails at Taco Nazo in City of Industry (on the way to taking our dog to drive-in movies...he loves ones with animals in starring roles)
Breakfast burritos at Del Taco, Mustard Seed, Villa Carona and Corner Cottage
Chicken kabobs and lamb soup at Traktir Russian WLA
Hummus at Skaf's N Hollywood
Kobe Burger (sans cheese) at Tops drive thru E Pasadena (on Colorado)
Lox and eggs and rubens at Brent's
Jit Lada, and Yai thai hollywood
White Tuna sushi at Sushi Dan Studio City....
Spicy Tuna roll at Noshi LA

LB

[holy chow]

I've been a local and regular at Pina's Bistro for years. I don't even order for myself any more... Hannah or Felica do it for me.

Haveli - I'm there at least twice a month

Farmer Boys near the office for the Fiesta Fish Burrito, it is on the way to the bank and easy

Von's Anaheim Hills for amazingly good pannini (again, work lunch)

Burrell's BBQ for a little sompin sompin on the way home

[ElJeffe]

In order:

Musha
Malibu Seafood
La Playita (I've eaten lunch there 3 days in a row before)
Bay Cities
Gabi's Mediterranean in Venice
Sushi King
Beechwood
China Beach
Wahoo's
Izzie's
Zankou Chicken
Manhattan Pizza
Lucque

[riceflour]

The BF and I eat at Opus two or three times a month. It's just down the street from us, plus we always have a great experience.

We also go to Hirozen or Mishima whenever we're around the Beverly Center, depending on what we're in the mood for.

For takeout, we typically head to BCD Tofu House on Wilshire--local, easy, cheap, and 24 hours. A real plus, given our post-work hours!

If anyone has any recs for another Korean place with that yummy soup, please let me know. Thanks!

[SauceSupreme]

If you do a search for soon tofu or soon dubu, you'll find two names come up often: Beverly Soon Tofu and Sokongdong. It's really a tossup as to which one is better, but they are arguably the two best renditions of soon dubu in the city.

Of those two, I am at Beverly Soon Tofu more often, as I like the decor and grilled meat there better (they're so close in quality, you have to judge them on things *other* than the tofu).

[riceflour]

Awesome. Thanks, Sauce Supreme!

[nomo_fan]

Great thread.

Mexican: Tacos Baja Ensenada and Uncle Robby's
Korean: Young Dong Tofu House in San Gabriel
Japanese: Musha, Gaja, Kotohira, Shinsengumi, Sushi Gen
Curry House, and (gasp) Tokyo Lobby
Italian: Petrillo's, Di Pilla's, Angelo and Vinci's
American: Golden Bird Fried Chicken at Porky's, Buckboard BBQ,
Johnny Reb's, Lucille's, The Hat, Heroes
Chinese: Happy Family, 101 Noodle Express, Kuan's, Lu Din Gee
Vietnamese: Lee's Sandwiches, Banh Mi Che Cali, Banh Cuon Tay Ho,
Vietnam House
Dessert: Beard Papa, mochi from JJ Bakery, Amy's Pastry, King's
Hawaiian Bakery, Mikawaya Sweet Shop, Porto's
the Donut Man in Glendora.

[treeboy]

I've got a 2 1/2 year old kid, so there's not a ton of restaurant dining these days. Here's my list of standy-by's with comments as necessary:

Quality on Third (best breakfast in LA, great for lunch, too, and very kid friendly)
Sushi Ike - (near the office, great for lunch, esp. on expense account)
Nozawa - (hands down the best, esp. on expense account)
Sasabube (a very close second to above, ditto expense account)
Cafe Angeleno (on Third - great neighborhood Italian)
Angelli Caffe (also great neighborhood Italion - kid (sort of) friendly
Pace
Dan Tana's (for birthday's)
In 'n' Out
Tuscella's Seafood at The Farmer's Market (Third/Fairfax)
Loteria at The Farmer's Market (Third/Fairfax)
Palms Thai (on Hollywood Blvd. near freeway - good for lunch)
101 Diner (esp. on Thursdays for Blue Plate Fried Chicken)
Huston's BBQ (near the offic - a very good pulled pork sandwich)
Magnolia (near the office - good for group lunch and a great spot to meet friends for dinner)
Malibu Seafood (whenever I'm up that way - so fresh and you can't beat the view)
Katsu-ya (Studio City, my wife is mad for the baked crab roll)

[chuckles]

Mae Ploy
The Kitchen
Nicky D's
Z Pizza
Europane
Cheebo
Fred 62
Astro Burger in WeHo
The Habit Grill
Gingergrass
Square One
Cafe Tropical

[ldodb]

Lots of good stuff here everybody.

Home - West LA
Chutneys
Gyu Kaku
Mori Sushi
Joes Pizza
Baja Fresh
Habayit
Fat Burger
Louises
Tacos Plus
The Library Alehouse
Mr Cecils

Work - Studio City
KC BBQ Co.
Skaf's Grill
In N Out
Gelsons Deli
Pizza Land
Pagliaccis
Kung Pao Bistro
Tonys Mexican Grill
Sushi Don Sasabune
Arbys

These places are where I end up most often, Im trying to get around to new places, and it looks like I have got some new Ideas to try.

thanks everyone for the good lists.

[FoodieKat]

These are the places I've frequented more than once:

Maki Zushi, Tustin
Quan Hy, Westminster
Goong, Irvine
Taco Rosa, Tustin
El Gallo Giro, Santa Ana
The Olde Ship, Santa Ana
Zov's Bistro, Tustin
Cha for Tea, Irvine
Wahoo Fish Taco, Irvine
Houston's, Irvine

[rancherostyl]

Hope this has already been said, but the Talpa on Pico at least once a month for 30 years. As an eastsider working on the westside(yikes) Clementine has really saved me almost 3 times a week. Elvira's twice a week on Colorado in Eagle Rock rocks! Blue Hen and/or oinkster once a week, Langer's on the cross city drive, Chung King in San Gabriel, Triumphal Palace when over there. And of course Tito's, TITO'S!!!!!!!!

[silverlakebodhisattva]

Well, other than work lunch chain places, at which I eat entirely too frequently, these'd be:

Pasta Primavera and Bella Cuccina downtown for lunch;
Sushi Gen if we can get out of the office EARLY enough for lunch, or we're both at the courthouse and it's only 11:15;
Chichen Itza on the way home (who'da thought that the Chow-spouse would regard the Pan D' Cazon, with shredded shark, as comfort food?)

which has largely replaced

Taix (now that the sourdough's gone, this is harder for the spouse to sell me) and

Yai (on Vermont; they'll do stir-fries with minimal oil).

[countdeville]

Wahoos
Singapore Banana Leaf
Moishes
Gumbo Pot
Bloom Cafe
Vegan Glory
Boss Sushi
Joy Mart
Bamboo (Culver City -- We always order from here at work. It's the one place I never get sick of)
Maison du Pain
Susina
Chameau (or I would eat here all the time if I had the $)
Ce Fiore
Papa Johns (hate to admit it, but it always satisfies after a long day of snowboarding)
Village Pizzeria if I'm willing to pick it up myself

[mstinawu]

Otafuku in Gardena! A huge menu where EVERYTHING is just delicious. You can't really go wrong. I've probably been there in excess of 50x in the last 3 years that I've lived in this area and known about the restaurant.

[woofer]

baby blues bbq
sunnin
lamonica's
asahi ramen
the counter

[WORX4FUDE]

Hey Woofer.... why not Ramen-ya? Sooooooo much better. I used to go to Asahi, but when I went to Ramen-ya, I never went back to Asahi. Give it a shot. You WON'T be let down. ((PS. Baby Blues.... ridiculously good. Love the place))

[Violetlee]

I order in for delivery Most nights Here's my list:
Bossa Nova (BH)
Ugo Cafe
Fu's Palace
Jacopos (Max's Big Apple is the only thing worth ordering)
Mullberry Street

If I am eating out:
The Rainbow
Canters
Shintaro (Franklin&Highland)
Pacifico's
The Polo Lounge

[BeckyLee]

Kaizuka (Culver City)
California Chicken Cafe (Westwood)
Daphne's Greek (Culver City)
Tender Greens (Culver City)
Subway (Beverly Hills Lunch!)
Starbucks (Greater Los Angeles Area!)
And, I buy tons of stuff to eat for lunch at work from Trader Joes

[WORX4FUDE]

Have you heard of the cookbook called something like "Cooking Trader Joes." It is nothing but recipies that include nothing but things you can find at TJs. Awesome.

[mrhooks]

Shin Sen Gumi, Santouka, Gardena Ramen - sense a trend?

Also Shibucho in Costa Mesa, and Kang Kang in Alhambra.

[Cordsniper]

California Chicken Cafe - my boyfriend loves it and we go up to venice as often as possible
Rice Things
Oki Doki Sushi
Rubios
Whole Foods Prep
Korean BBQ i dont know the name of
Thai Express
Pita Pit
Fritto Misto
Chipotle
El Pollo Inka
Paisanos
C&O's

Thats about it. We need some new stuff in the southbay.

[notmartha]

I queried my handy dandy Quicken, and Quicken doesn't lie.

Surprisingly, it's In-N-Out, Taco Nazo, CPK (to appease the kiddie), No 1 Noodle/Kyochon/CeFiore (same plaza).

Oh - and awful lot of Burger King, but I blame it on Germany...

[LA Buckeye Fan]

I live in Santa Clarita...most of these choices are more about getting a table without an hour wait than the food quality...
Mulligans..sandwhich and cocktails on friday nights
China Palace at least once a week for sizzling rice soup
Panera Bakery for a morning Asiago cheese bagel for the drive to work
Don Cucos for their light chicken tortilla soup.
Karma for their grilled eggplant and garlic naan

work in the San Fernando Valley...lunches
Brent's about once a week...cabbage soup and half turkey sammy
Los Toros on fridays for margarita, bean dip and a chicken taco
The Safari room because it's close...is right out of the 70's and sometimes you want a steak for lunch.
Chi's for their fresh wonton soup and dim sum options
And more often then I'd like to admit...Taco Bell two taco bell grandes with a DIET COKE.

[kaylaeats]

As an eastsider these are my fav spots right now....

Pazzaz Sushi- best sushi in silverlake and cheap. byob
Scoops- icecream sent from the gods.
Flore- Im a vegan (mostly) so this is just heaven. byob. and amazing breakfast.
Il Cappriccio- Italian.
Bulan - Thai ... oh my mock duck curry! delicious. byob.
Cafe 101- Late night diner.
Edendale- Fancy date spot.
The Coffee table- french toast that make me wish I wasnt a vegan.
Tomato Pie- The Pizza Spot.
Alegria- Fresh Mex... so yummy. byob.
The Vegan Spot- Only for the twinkies... nothing else.
Home- used to really enjoy it... not many vegan options... a pretty cute date spot.
Pho- The one across from Cafe Tropical in Silverlake. great noodles. cheap beer.
Cafe Tropical- coffee. pastries. mango shakes.
Cliff's Edge- Best Patio for breakfast and drinks. hidden behind the .99 store on sunset.

...thats all I can think of right now.
ugh now Im hungry.

[queen jord]

i love this thread! im bringing it back.

around brentwood, where i live:
-pitfire pizza – I get half shrimp and half buratta/hazelnut pizza
-barneys burgers – usually the California burger
-cpk – either the avocado eggrolls or the garlic chicken pizza
-chin chin – two orders of steamed chicken dumplings and a side of white rice, my favorite delivery
-montana café – shrimp dumplings to start, lemon linguini
- NY bagel co – everything is great, I come here every weekend
-whole foods – when ive burned everything in the house, I walk here for a sandwich

around miracle mile, where i work:
-izakaya by katsuya – my favorite sushi place in the city hands down. everything is phenomenal.
- trimana – French fries are bomb. I get the chicken tenders
-natalee thai – pad thai or pad see-ew
-roccos – half Caesar with chicken and a slice of mushroom pizza, not my favorite but always fast and right near my office
-newsroom café – avocado/turkey bacon chicken burger with tofu mayo

around encino, where the parental units live:
-kushiyu – carwash roll with no sauce
-stanleys – annies chicken (chicken picatta) with extra sauce!
-rosti – my dads favorite, usually the gnocci or linguini vongole
-hirosuke – lately its going downhill… usually the omigod roll and seafood salad
-amers falafel – schnitzel pita with extra pickles
-the hummus bar – eggplant appetizer, multiple orders of free laffa
-pomodoro – malfadine with whole wheat pasta
-fabrocinis – usually baked mostocholi, the chicken is also great

[liltamby5]

Joans on Third!! One of the most amazing places I have eaten at!! Everything on the menu is just amazing!!

[soniabegonia]

Given all the choices in LA, for me often is 3 or more times a year.

Ruen Pair
Daikokuya
Kagaya
Lamill
Square One
Zankou
In-n-out
Euro Pane
Nanbankan
Pho 87
Milk
Chichen Itza
King Taco/El Taurino
Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada

[schellter]

Paco's Tacos
Titos
Bombay Cafe
La Serenata WLA
Ugo - when it was on Pico the CC location is too crowded and noisy
O'Groats when they were open for dinner
Bit of Scotland (before they closed 26 years ago)

[hobomike]

wow. so I take it most of you don't really cook. :-)

[hungryrunner]

Bamboo Song in Palos Verdes. I get their chicken pho. Every time (which is once a week).

[hungryhyena]

This year I seem to always go to either the Hungry Cat or Pizzeria Mozza. Mainly because I'm craving either oysters or bone marrow.

I also get take out from Gingergrass in Silverlake a lot when I work late.

[panmoi]

Here are a few restaurants in the near UCLA/West LA that I go to regularly

I'm a fan of the japanese restaurants on Sawtelle, but I go to Nanbankan for yakitori on a monthly basis. It is more upscale than Fu Rai Bo, yet still reasonably priced, i.e., $45-60 a couple depending on the items ordered and whether you have alcohol.

Given my schedule, I like going to the following places on a weekly basis to pick up food after working out at the gym. For two people the food is usually around $15-20 and there is usually leftovers.

Sunnin Lebanese Cafe
Talay Thai
California Chicken Cafe

[NAspy]

Great question and glad it keeps getting resurrected...does eat out include ordering in??

OK for eating out near home we go most frequently to places that are convenient to us...

Bloom Cafe
La Dijonaise
Cafe Bella Roma
Beacon (though not much recently)
M Cafe de Chaya (CC branch)
El Brunello Trattoria
Industry Cafe and Jazz (Ethiopian)
Victor Jrs for pizza and subs
Tacos Don Jorge

and we order in from

Lucia's Pizza
Golden China
Fu's
Xotik Chicken

Near my work in Monterey Park frequent lunch choices are

Ciro's
Manny's El Tepeyac
Teresitas
Lovebirds
Corporate Center Cafe
Mandarin Noodle House
Lee Kam Kee
NBC Seafood
Elite
Pho 79
Mr. Baguette
Happy Family
and an Indian place in a mall near old town Alhambra with a decent lunch buffet

[SmokeyDoke]

I don't visit the same places, I'll name some places that I've eaten at more than twice in the past 3 months.

Rock Bottom (during happy hour)
Claim Jumpers
Lee's Sandwiches
Hsin Hsin Shau Mai Deli (in HK plaza, off of Colima)
Lazy Dog Cafe (HB)
Krua Thai (West Covina)

Complete Honesty ( I eat at these places A LOT):
Costco
Burger King (Iced Mocha BK Joe, $2.25) with an order of sliders
Subway ($5 footlongs)
McDonalds (can't beat their $2 iced coffee)
Carl's Jr
Yogurtland

[cinzia]

Animal
Mozza Pizzeria
Ita-Cho
M Cafe de Chaya
Angeli Caffe
Loteria (farmers market)

Order in from Mao's & Angeli pretty often as well.

[travelingmansoul]

Westside:
Nanbankan
Orris
Kiriko
Il Moro
Versailles
Zankou
Hide
Javan
Shamshiri

Silverlake/DT/East
Blairs
Carousel
Cobras & Matadors
Lou

Wahoos/Fish Grill/

[Melvin Surdin]

Zankou Chicken
Versailles
Thai barbeque
Any decent Korean restaurant
Weilers Deli

[argenti44]

Joy Feast Chinese Across from Walt Disney Studios on Alameda Burbank
Mecli's Italian and Pizza by Universal
Johnnies Pizza Santa Monica across from Century City
Sushi Dan Sushi Studio City
Mexicali Mexican Studio City
Patys Breakfast Riverside Dr. Toluca Lake

[tenxtone76]

Zankou, Jitlada, Mario's, In N Out, Daniel's Tacos, Daikokuya, Santouka, Wako, Eastside Deli, Colori, El Pollo Loco, Sapp Coffee, Jongewaards, Calif Chicken Cafe, Omelette and Waffle, La Taquiza

http://www.yelp.com/list/check-ou-the...