Vote for the best Hole-In-The-Wall (Michelin-style)

[SauceSupreme]

Obviously the Michelin guide has a different, more rigorous set of standards. But hole-in-the-wall restaurants are a vital part of the Los Angeles food scene, and deserve just as much recognition as their white-linen cousins. And while I'm sure we would all love to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant every time we go out, chances are we're more likely to hit up something a bit less lofty. Plus, finding these hidden gems are what Chowhound is all about. So I propose we vote for who think are best, in the style of the Michelin guide:

3 stars - Worth making your destination
2 stars - Worth a detour
1 star - Interesting, if you're already the area

Here are my votes for the, uh, Micholein Guide. Don't be afraid to let your neighborhoood bias shine since you probably know your immediate surroundings the best.

THREE STARS -
Musha
Sokongdong
Hungry Cat
Langer's

TWO STARS -
Pie N Burger
Oinkster
Santouka
Beverly Soon Tofu
Pho 79 (San Gabriel)
Vito's Pizza
Porto's

ONE STAR -
Chili My Soul
Scoops
Cactus Taqueria
Doughboys
Pho So 1
Lares
Las Fuentes
Brodard
Village Pizzeria
Furaibo
Father's Office

[westsidegal]

three stars--samosa house
two stars--hungry pocket for falafal sandwiches (across the street from santa monica college)

don't know if they are too fancy to be considered a 'hole-in-the-wall' but rahel for ethiopian food on fairfax--three stars

[Slatty]

I second Samosa House. That place is seriously awesome.

[dtud]

is samosa house on washington in mar vista? is there more than one?

[westsidegal]

there is only one
11510 W Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA, 90066. [phone]

[Diana]

Three Stars
Woodlands Pure Chatsworth
Rahel Veggie Cuisine Little Ethiopia
Leda's Bake Shop
Artisan Cheese Gallery

Two Stars
El Katracho Van Nuys
Alexis Greek Northridge
Follow Your Heart Canoga Park

One Star
Chili My Soul
Lucky Baldwin's
Kyushu Ramen
Studio Yogurt

[goodhealthgourmet]

well, if we're including yogurt places, sno:la gets 3 stars from me.

[westsidegal]

completely concur

[logan]

sno:la? lol what a hilarious name.

[hrhboo]

Michelin does acknowledge outstanding cheaper options in it's Bib Gourmand category. These are usually places you can have a full dinner for under (I think) $25.

Mine would be:
3 Stars - Guelaguetza, Musha, Orris, La Buca
2 Stars - Beechwood, Father's Office, 3 Square, Meals By Genet, Sabor a Mexico
1 Star - Abbot's Pizza, Sakura House, Hinano, Il Tramezzino, J&J, Shamshiri

[Das Ubergeek]

Bib Gourmand is still a place where you're expected to have a French-style three-course meal (entrée, plat, dessert), though.

3 Stars - Santouka, Skaf's, La Huasteca, Porto's, Tony's Little Italy, Tsuruhashi, El Taco Nazo
2 Stars - Raffi's, Shamshiri, Top Falafel (NH), Spumoni, Park's BBQ, Banh Mi Che Cali, Banh Mi Cho Cu
Too many 1 Stars to count

[hrhboo]

Not really. The Bib Gourmand restaurants for LA include Kiriko, Baran, Cholada, Lares, La Serenata, Hide, Monte Alban, Nyala and many others where 3-course meals are not necessarily the norm.

[SauceSupreme]

I can't believe I forgot Monte Alban, Shamshiri and Guelaguetza. I'll give 'em all a star.

La Super Rica gets two stars from me. I don't know if I'd drive to Santa Barbara just for their calabacita, but I'd definitely swing by.

[eatdrinknbmerry]

With you on La Super Rica. expensive, but i love their sunday pozole.

[banquisha]

Shamshiri doesn't really strike me as a hole in the wall place though...

[Das Ubergeek]

It's not a hole in the wall but it's a little hidden restaurant and not exactly the height of elegance, you know?

[FortyDeuce]

shamshiri is good stuff.

I love the beef soltani. But the best deal on the menu there is the shwarma.

[1newyorkguy]

porto's? really? I disagree whole heartedly. There is nothing noteworthy about their food.

[Das Ubergeek]

More for me then -- their pastries, potato balls and cakes are terrific.

[bigtums]

I don't know of any fruit tart better than theirs.

[NeNePie]

Wow, have you tried the pastries? The guava strudel? The meringue frosted cakes? The mango mousse?

[dana_what]

And I've got to give love to their sandwiches. Their medianoche preperada is my ultimate comfort food fix.

[glutton]

3 stars: Monte Alban, Mateo's Paletas, Brent's Deli, Woodlands, La Super Rica, Tacos Baja Ensenada, Sa Rit Gol, Phillippe's

2 stars: Mama's Hot Tamales, 3 Square, Brodard, Skaf's, Mei Long Village

1 star: Antica Pizzeria

Would taco trucks ever make the list? You'd think Michelin of all people would embrace the taco truck...

[ipsedixit]

ONE STAR
Won Won Kitchen
Sin Ba La
Dai Ho
Wood Spoon
Scoops
Pann's
Seafood Village
Yuca's (for the burgers)
Golden Deli

TWO STARS
Sushi Ike
Luscious Dumplings
Julienne
Fosselman's
Chang's Garden

THREE STARS
Sea Harbour
Babita
Park's BBQ

[Will Owen]

Having made numerous detours and something like three full crosstown trips to Pann's, I would give it another star at least. I do agree with your two-star choices, though Julienne qualifies IF you're in the general vicinity and IF your bank balance is healthy. Fosselman's worth a detour? Hey, that's why we patronize the Alhambra Costco!

As for making my own list, I just can't. Whatever place I'm eating in right now is usually my favorite...

[ipsedixit]

"Fosselman's worth a detour? Hey, that's why we patronize the Alhambra Costco!"

Spoken like a true intrepid chowhound. My favorite treat? A Costco churro matched with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream from Fosselman's.

[ns1]

AHHAHAHAHA

ipsedixit, we do that all the time! GO to costco, pick up a churro, and then go to fosselman's

taro/cherry vanilla FTW

[Schweinhaxen]

3 Stars: Monte Alban, Vito's, El Taurino, Newport Seafood (Santa Ana), Langer's
2 Stars: Mei Long Village, Din Tai Fung, Surya, India's Grill
1 Stars: Tuk Tuk, Yabu (La Cienega), Versailles (La Cienega), Chabuya, Absolutely
Phobolous

Guess where I live?

[Ciao Bob]

Near Vito's I would say!

[Schweinhaxen]

Yes, too close for a cannoli.....

[maxzook]

THREE STARS
Caioti
Father’s Office
John O’Groats
Langer’s
La Super Rica

TWO STARS
Casa Bianca
Chili John’s
Oinkster
Swinging Door
Yang Chow

ONE STAR
The Bucket
Fat Jack’s
Fred 62
Gumbo Pot
In-N-Out

[glutton]

I'm surprised to see Fred 62 on this otherwise stellar list. The meals I've had there over the last couple years have been pretty mediocre.

[maxzook]

The definition of one star is "Interesting, if you're already in the area." I live within walking distance of Fred 62 and I have breakfast there four or five times a week. I wouldn't recommend anyone drive from Tustin to go there, that's for sure.

As they say, YMMV. Come to think of it, I was in the area of Encino last night and I had dinner at The Stand, which probably deserves to be on the one-star list as well.

[LaLa Eat]

Always derided Fred 62 based on lunch and dinner, recently had b-fast there and surprised that it was above decent for in the area.
Agree with other post , no Chichen Itza ? 3!
Also not mentioned Marouch, Carousel- 2
Parus, Yuca's for the taco's -1

[roasted138]

Hey Max,

what do you like at Fat Jack's? I've lived a couple blocks from there for a while now but have never been.

[maxzook]

Fat Jack's is the Official Restaurant For After You've Been Kicked Out Of Nozawa For Asking For California Roll.

Triple Fat Jack with everything and steak fries. Here's a menu:

http://www.menupix.com/losangeles/men...

[rameniac]

LAWL Sauce... I'ma upend your rules a little bit, take out the budget criteria, and just make my own dang personal Michelin guide. They're ALL destination places anyway, as far as I'm concerned, depending on what I'm craving at the moment, and if there's any place I've forgotten, chalk it up to... exclusivity! Yeah, that's it!

* * * Manpuku
* * * Mon Land Hot Pot
* * * Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori
* * * Sushi Zo
* * * Tama-en
* * * The Boiling Crab

* * Asa Ramen
* * El Taurino
* * Golden Deli
* * Ichimi-an Honten
* * Little Fat Sheep
* * Mei Long Village
* * Park's BBQ
* * Quality Seafood
* * Ruen Pair
* * Santouka Ramen
* * Torimatsu
* * The Hungry Cat
* * Yu Chun

* 101 Noodle Express
* Albene's
* Bacon-wrapped Hot Dog Guy
* Daikokuya
* Dan Sung Sa
* Gaja
* Gardena Ramen
* Gingergrass
* Hakata Shin-Sen-Gumi
* Han Bat
* Hanaichimonme
* Hoan Kiem
* Honda-ya
* Izakaya Kan Yuzen
* Kiriko
* Kokkekokko
* Kyochon
* Lee's Sandwiches
* Orochon Ramen
* Papa George's Hy-Mart Deli
* Pho 79 (Alhambra)
* Ramen-ya
* Ryo Zan Paku
* So Kong Dong
* Sushi Don Sasabune
* That Taco Stand at Vermont and Venice or was it Pico
* Yabu
* Yakitoriya

oh and uh,

* * * * T-------
(Think the Michelin guys made it in there? "Reservation sil vous plait?" "Eh, to... eh... to... mmm... gomen...")

yeah. i know. i'm super bored at work as our clients are out for the day.

[SauceSupreme]

I really doubt that even the Michelin guys made it to That Secret House On Pico That Shall Not Be Named.

[ipsedixit]

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

Totoraku

Teriyaki House on Pico

[SauceSupreme]

Yeah that's the one. Sssh! Don't tell anyone! They can't get in anyway!

[bigtums]

Wow! Very impressive. Even in alphabetical order.

[eatdrinknbmerry]

Rameniac, we are both pigs I have pretty much the same list but i'll list anyway.

3 Stars
Seafood Village
So Kong Dong
Han Bat Shul-Lung Tang (hangover soup)
Park's BBQ
Mien Nghia
Golden Deli
Shin Sen Gumi - Yakitori and Ramen
Sushi Zo
Yuca's - burger and cochinita pibil
Musha - torrance
Father's Office
Elite Restaurant

2 Stars
Viet Soy Cafe
Corner Place
Pho 79
Savoy
Noodle King
Yun Gui Garden
Dumpling 10053
Kiriko Sushi
Sushi Komasa

1 Star
Terried Sake House
Honda Ya/Kappo Honda
Nem Nuong Khanh Hoa - bun bo hue
Fatburger - with EGG!
Oinkster
Santouka
Sanuki No Sato
Mario's Peruvian

[Das Ubergeek]

Okay, I've passed Mien Nghia on Garvey for YEARS and never stopped in. What's good there?

[rameniac]

mien nghia serves chiuchow style noodles with stuff like fish balls and shredded chicken atop a half egg noodle/half pho noodle concotion. our good buddy edbm mainlines their soups like a fish guzzles water...

http://eatdrinknbmerry.blogspot.com/2...

[eatdrinknbmerry]

haha thanks rameniac.

das ubergeek, seriously, i've been there over 25 times. they know me by name.

if you eat there, i recommend the chinatown location over rosemead/alhambra locations. try out #36 with fresh chicken (from poultry shop around the corner) and fresh fish slices on egg/rice noodles. try with their homemade saute sauce (i bought my own jar for home) and pickled green chiles. their chicken stock is quite flavorful.

[Das Ubergeek]

Mmmmm... you know, I always thought, "Could that be a Chaozhou place?" I will definitely make a point of stopping in when I get out that way at a time that makes sense... perhaps one day I'll deke out of work a bit early and make a C-town detour on my train ride home.

About that poultry shop... they wouldn't happen to carry roosters, would they?

[eatdrinknbmerry]

Uber, i'm sure they have all walks of life in that store haha.

reply back once you try Mien Nghia. Not my favorite Chao Zhou (chiu chow) place, but definitely a solid soup. My favorite Chao Zhou place is in Santa Ana, called Trieu Chau Restaurant on Newhope/1st St.

Straying off topic, i saw your fish taco face-off topic recently. loved it. i had to do my own fish taco taste-off... with Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada, Siete Mares and Tacos Baja Ensenada in East LA. I still have one more to add to the list... El Taco Nazo. posting will be on my blog next week. cheers.

[Das Ubergeek]

Trieu Chau, huh??

Hm... I *am* on my own for dinner tonight... and I live in Anaheim... and I'm home early for once... hard to decide between the "legal crack" pizza of Luigi's D'Italia or driving down to Trieu Chau... hmmmmmmm...

[eatdrinknbmerry]

Yeah, great soup. not sure what you're into, but i always get the beef ball/fried fish cake rice noodles. seafood rice noodles is good too. i think they open from 7am - 5 pm and expect lines and random table mates at your table. they stopped opening at night b/c of gang shootings around the area.

4401 W 1st St
Santa Ana, CA 92703

[Das Ubergeek]

Alas, I am reading this AFTER I went to go check it out. I went to "New Trieu Chau" instead, and it was a crime against food.

I noticed a bunch of random people standing in the shadows as I peeled out of the lot. That's not a good sign in Santa Ana.

[rameniac]

note that edbm didn't put trieu chau oin his quasi-michelin list, despite it being his fave chiuchow place. a simple oversight? or could it be because of a traumatic experience there? dah dah daaaaahahaha...

[fatnoodles]

i keep seeing Park's BBQ. what and where is this?

[Servorg]

It's the board favorite for Korean BBQ and it's located in K town.

Park's BBQ
955 S Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90006
[phone]

[Das Ubergeek]

They make a marinated kalbi -- that is, rib plus a long ribbon of meat about a foot long -- that is the best friggin' piece of meat ever to be associated with the Korean people.

[eatdrinknbmerry]

i must agree with Das... the belt o' beef is truly a beauty. nothing is easier than grilling a long length of beef. only 1 flip and it's ready to be devoured. Park's is also known for its solid and tasty line of ban chan... 11 i counted last time i went.

[rameniac]

the spicy raw crab banchan at park's approaches divinity, as far as spicy raw crab banchans go. whatever that means.

[exilekiss]

Das, EDBM, Rameniac,

Would Park's be your favorite Korean BBQ place of all-time? :) I've been searching...

[rameniac]

i'd have to say so, at least based on my kbbq (not counting yakiniku) experiences in LA - cham sut gol, soot bul jeep, chosun galbi, shurabal, etc. i think the quality of the meat at park's is tops, and if you stick to the salted, non-marinated cuts there, you can't go wrong. some of the other places might have deeper flavor in their marinade, but for an overall kbbq experience, i'd go with park's.

however, there are a billion kbbq places in town so there might be better, but i haven't found anything else yet. ...paging meowmixx!!

[MeowMixx]

I love love love Park's bbq. Best banchan selection. Good service. Great quality meats. The rest of their menu rocks too. It is pricier than other places but it's really good stuff.

My other go-to korean bbq place recently has been Su Won Soot Bull Galbi on Vermont, between 8th and 9th (in the tiny shopping plaza with the laundromat). Meats are about $8-12 cheaper than at Park's. Not as high quality but solid stuff. Not as much banchan either but the ones they do give you are good. And the ladies who work here are REALLY nice.

[fatnoodles]

wow! thanks, i must try. how is it compared to Ma Dang Sae on vermont? it's our current favorite hole in the wall AYCE bbq place in k-town.

[MeowMixx]

I didn't care much for Ma Dang Sae the few times I've been. For AYCE joints, I'd have to go for Soot Bull Gui Rim on 6th and Manhattan (haven't been to Gui Rim 2). It gets smoky as heck inside from the charcoal but service is great and the meat is I think the best around for AYCE.

[Das Ubergeek]

Favourite?? Hmmmm... well, it IS charcoal-fired (though lit by gas), but it depends on my mood. It's not "nice" enough for a nice dinner (that is reserved for Chosun Galbee in K-Town and Sagan in Buena Park); they don't have dduk, like Shik Do Rak.

That said, that "roll o' MEAT" is pretty convincing. It's definitely in my top 5.

[Servorg]

DU you say "though lit by gas" As opposed to what, lighter fluid? What else do they use to light the charcoal at the charcoal places like Soot Bull Jeep, et al?

[rameniac]

park's might have gas fires going underneath the charcoal. as opposed to, say, tama-en in the south bay, which has solid metal pots of moku tan.

[Das Ubergeek]

Exactly... there's gas flame continually on underneath the charcoal at Park's, where at other places they use the gas to light the charcoal and then kill the gas once the coals are lit.

[exilekiss]

Thanks Das.

Do you have a link for your "nice" K-BBQ joints? :) I tried looking here for Chosun Galbee but found nothing.

[Servorg]

http://www.chosungalbee.com/

[Das Ubergeek]

Links below...

[cjla]

Three Stars
Krua Thai-North Hollywood

[SauceSupreme]

D'oh! Forgot about Jitlada (three stars).

[silverlakebodhisattva]

What? No Chichen Itza?

r gould-saltman

no avatar

[VealParmGuy]

***: J&J (SGV), El Parian, Mario's Peruvian, Bay Cities, Sanamluang, Empress Pavillion, Phillipe
**: J&J Burger Shack, Apple Pan, Vivoli, Irv's Burgers, Father's Office
*: Twin Dragon, Vito's, Ro-Ro, El Pollo Brassa, Traktir, Marty's, Sake House, Greenblatt's, Bowery

[banquisha]

I've been by Twin Dragon many times and it doesn't really seem like a hole in the wall at all.

[keaton]

Speaking of hole in the walls, I'm wondering about all the pizza, burger, Greek, etc. places on Hollywood between Vine and, oh, say La Brea. I know Skooby's, but are any of these other places decent? There's so many, and frankly, I've always assumed they were all no good. But maybe some of them are?

[katydid13]

Definitely NOT Miceli's. Worst Italian food I've ever had.

[broncosaurus]

What? No Dino's for the chicken meal?

[westsidegal]

how are you defining "hole-in-the-wall?"

some of the restaurants mentioned in this thread are, to me, mid-priced.

[Emme]

Three...
Jitlada Thai
Monte Alban
Rahel
Nata's
Los Balcones de Peru
Sanam Luang
Urasawa (okay it's SOOOO not hole-in-the-wall)
Bay Cities

Two Stars
Carnival
Eduardo's
Mashti Malone's
Coupa Cafe
Crumbs
Shamshiri
Pann's
Mario's Peruvian
Chocolatt... the Belgian chocolate place on Wilshire near Bundy
Amandine (for a croissant)

One Star
Elysee Bakery
Babalu (can we say banana cream or coconut cream pie!)
Diddy Riese
Eat Well (addicted to the buddha bowl...)
The Yogurt Factory
Aunt Kizzy's
A Cow Jumped Over the Moon
Whole Foods Salad Bar (Santa Monica, El Segundo, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks)
Quality
Toast
Chili My Soul

[glutton]

I'm surprised to see Crumbs... I went there for the first time yesterday and was very underwhelmed. The cupcakes are enormous, big enough that even a pig like me gets a sugar high tummy ache afterwards. They should sell the small cupcakes by the piece so that you could get two or three of them. The cupcake itself wasn't bad -- the frosting was pretty good, the cake was moist and fresh, etc. The flavors seemed entirely targeted at 12 year olds who simply want a sweeter and sweeter cupcake. And I say this as someone who has an enormous sweet tooth (i.e. I'd main-line maple sugar candy if I could).

When will this whole cupcake frenzy just die down so that the cupcake returns to its rightful manifestation -- a small, simple treat that isn't mean to be gussied up. It feels like we're putting lipstick on a pig these days.

[Emme]

i'm convinced that it's so much easier to not be let down when you taste something not knowing the source. i had an idle vanilla cupcake at a party, and really enjoyed it, so i asked the hostess from whence she purchased the yummy miniature. she said, "crumbs." and i walked away thinking "oh really... interesting." i'm certain that if i had gone to crumbs on a cupcake mission of sorts that i would not have enjoyed my cupcake and walked away with the same underwhelmed experience. would i drive there to pick up a dozen or two to bring to an affair? most likely yes, but i wouldn't tell folks where they came from...

[ashlee]

Underwhelmed?!? Try over whelmed!

I completely agree with your analysis. I too have an insatiable sweet tooth...sugar is a food group as far as I am concerned. But, I was literally overwhelmed at the cupcake large enough to be a main course! The caramel apple was screaming out at me...but the overkill of crumble on top coated in caramel and filled with apple chunks left my belly screaming.

Too bad.

[The Chowhound Team]

Hey Folks, let's keep this board focused on where to find great chow in LA. General discussions of holes-in-the-wall and how they are defined belong on the General Topics Board. There is a recent discussion here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/450182

Thanks!

[susancinsf]

Sauce, I don't have a list (yet) but just have to say, this thread seals the deal: I am moving to Los Angeles!

(seriously, in addition to the business trips I now take once a month or so, I will be staying on the west side for about six weeks this spring, and plan to use this as my guide!)

I am presuming and hoping that Cactus Taqueria is not related to the small mediocre chain in the bay area...

[a_and_w]

Welcome to LA LA Land, susancinsf! As far as I know, the Cactus Taqueria mentioned here is no relation to the Bay Area mini-chain (which is a pale shadow of what it used to be).

[Das Ubergeek]

Well, welcome!

I lived in SF and in the East Bay (which everyone knows is just Pig Latin for "beast") for a while -- well, OK, I lived there five days a week.

You're going to have to get out of the Westside for the best of what LA has to offer, which is not the market-directed food so beloved by Bay Areans (and, before all the Angelenos jump down my throat, yes, I *know* we have it, but it's not as institutionalised in the minds of Elayans as it is in those of our brethren in Norcalistan), but rather the mind-boggling number of tiny, cheap, ethnic holes-in-the-wall we have down here... so yes, a good place to start.

There is good food, and great food, on the Westside, but the recently-arrived can't usually afford to live on the Westside, so the truly insanely good Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, etc. is east, north or south of the 310.

[susancinsf]

thanks! I totally agree that the 'holes in the wall' are one of LA's biggest food strengths. If anyone could argue, this thread settles that issue....and yes, it doesn't take much exploring to figure out that some of insanely good Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, etc. (wow...I really can't wait, especially for those three!) is east, north or south....

but since it appears quite likely that my first grandchild will have the privilege of being born in the 310 (my reason for the upcoming extended stay...I really was kidding about moving to LA. I think. :-)) I will start my search for great food in that area code.....though come to think of it; car rides with babies to quiet them down are a trick Grandma knows a thing or two about...

Sigh. My parents were both Angelenos, but I never thought a child (and thus grandchild) of mine would end up as such. Oh well, the food definitely compensates.

As long as she (yes, we know that much already) doesn't become a Dodger's fan......

[Das Ubergeek]

Well, congratulations!! (How is it possible that you are having your first grandchild when you're only 29 years old!!)

There IS perfectly good HITW food on the Westside -- I didn't mean to imply there was none. Just off the top of my head, and I haven't lived on the Westside in the better part of a decade (glerk!), there's a fantastic Oaxacan place called Monte Alban, a great Thai place in Westchester, and even an Ethiopian place, Fassica, on Washington directly across from the Sony lot (watch out for picketers). There's Santouka in the Mitsuwa food court (mmmm, shio ramen and negimeshi!!) and a couple of good pizza places sprinkled here and there, not to mention Musha in Santa Monica.

[susancinsf]

LOL! actually, I only LOOK 29! :-)

Anyway, I am looking forward to trying Monte Alban soon; it has been on my list for awhile. Right now, my favorite Westside restaurant is Sabor a Mexico: based on the guide standards above I'd give it two stars.

Any chance you or anyone remembers the name of the Thai place in Westchester? Thai is my daughter's favorite...

SIL , OTOH, has been bugging me to take him for sushi: he hasn't been able to find any he likes since they moved to LA, but they haven't been to Sushi Zo (nor have I) so that is on our list to try just as soon as daughter can also indulge...

[broncosaurus]

The Tahi place is called Ayara Thai and frankly, I was (contrary to many opinions around here) completely underwhelmed. I posted on my experience and there was no response, so I suppose it may just be me. But I'm well aquainted with Thai food and frequent all those great Hollywood haunts; Ayara doesn't come anywhere near them. It's classic westside mundane thai, toned down for farangs. It has a sparse menu. It's a bit pricey for slightly smallish serving sizes. I really don't see any positive, say it is nicely decorated with images of changs (elephants) everywhere.

It is perhaps slightly superior to the couple of thai-chinese places that have littered Westchester for years, but just a tad. If you want the real stuff, you know where to head. Or perhaps visit Pam's which is somewhat better if they ever get around to serving you.

[hrhboo]

I find Ayara underwhelming too. Thai Boom is not too far away and much tastier.

[susancinsf]

Thanks for the replies. Ok, I have heard of Ayara, I think of it as the place near LAX, (seems like it usually gets recommended in threads on where to eat near the airport) and either it or Thai Boom will probably be on the itinerary for my work trip the end of this month: have a meeting during the day, but want to visit with daughter before catching the last SF flight out....

Will definitely report back if I make it to either one.

[Das Ubergeek]

Let me quite clear, though -- it's tasty but it's not at the level of Thai Nakorn, or any of the Hollywood Thai Town or NoHo Thai Gulch places. That said, it was only a few months ago that I was in the place your kids will be in, and the first Chow trip we made was to Rowland Heights, about as far from us as Thai Town is from the Westside... it did not end well... Ubergeeklette made it halfway through the meal.

I still think Ayara's one of the better ones on the Westside.

[glutton]

How does it compare to Tuk Tuk Thai, which is in the Pico/Robertson area?

[Das Ubergeek]

Dunno. Never been to Tuk Tuk.

[ElissaInPlaya]

I live near Ayara and work near Tuk Tuk. I like Ayara a lot -- the quality of the produce is high, and the cooks will spice things up for a farang like me. I like the chili-encrusted fish (not called that btw) at Tuk Tuk and the rice is good, but I don't like Tuk Tuk as well as Ayara. However, both places will continue to get my cash because of proximity. (I think Ayara was as good as or better than some of the "non-chowish" thai food I just had this month in Bangkok.)

[susancinsf]

I stopped back into Ayara the other day because I needed dinner at four pm before heading out of LAX (love that it is open all afternoon, and that parking is so easy and free: that and the fast service are big bonuses when one is heading to the airport)...the larb I had was good, ginger tofu was only ok, but after I ordered the staff sat down to staff meal, which included some type of roast chicken and about four other dishes, all of which looked wonderful! I found myself wishing I had walked in about 15 minutes later, in which case I probably would have just said, "I'll have what you're having!".

[westsidegal]

imho
the noodle dishes at ayara are superior to those at thai boom
the prik king and the prik pao and the salads at thai boom are much better than those at ayara.

[susancinsf]

westside gal: I have had a chance to eat at both Thai Boom and Ayara the past few weeks, and agree with your assessment: I'd stick to noodle dishes at Ayara, would rather eat at Jitlada than either, but not on a weeknight after sitting in traffic for an hour or more....both are good options on the west side, and Ayara definitely is one the better restaurants I've found within a few blocks of LAX.

Thai Boom is a bit cheaper, but parking is a bit easier at Ayara, (Thai Boom has a small lot that fills up; Ayara has easy street parking and a big parking lot nearby....though the area was closed off for a few days after that explosion nearby, all now appears to be back to more or less normal) and you can get Chang beer at Ayara (no beer or wine at Thai Boom). Service is fine at Ayara but better than fine (friendly, accomodating) at Thai Boom.

[miffy]

I am not sure of the stars but:
-Tokyo 7-11; Nijiya for bento boxes, Big Tomy's (Sawtelle/Pico); Indian Sweets & Spices, Terried Sake House; Spoons (Gardena)

[parantoux]

Three Stars:
Bin8945 www.bin8945.com
Orris
Jinpachi: Santa Monica just west of LaCienaga
Hide Sushi

[maxzook]

Bin 8945 is a hole in the wall? I mean, its small, but so is Urasawa ...

[Servorg]

I believe that they meant Bin 8945 is a hole in the wallet

[maxzook]

Well, if THAT'S the list you want, I got a few ideas!!!

[alexfood]

I know I'm forgetting plenty of places but here's a few...

Three Stars
SoKongDong (Soontofu)
Santouka
Brent's Deli (not exactly a hole-in-the-wall, but far from central L.A.)
Swan Thai
Amandine

Two Stars
Portos
Vito's Pizza
Pazzo Gelato
Soot Bull Jeep
Krua Thai
Jitlada
Koshiji (yakitori-ya in Little Tokyo)
Orochon
Artisan Cheese Gallery (duck confit sandwich!)
Dr. Hogly Woggly's (I know people are divided, but I'm a defender of the brisket)
Kansas City BBQ on Lankershim
Skaf's
NBC Seafood
Soccoro's (Van Nuys) - good handmade tortillas
Phillipe

One Star
Pitfire Pizza Co. (cheap alternative to overhyped Mozza)
Sa Rit Gol
Al Gelato
Sabor a Mexico
Terried Sake House
Apple Pan
Sam Woo (Van Nuys)

[tatertots]

Three Stars:
***Kobawoo
***Yai Thai
***Corner Place

Two Star:
**Bluebird
**Isshin
**Damon & Pythias (Westwood)
**Ramenya

One Star:
*Porky's
*Tacos Por Favor
*Three Flames Mongolian BBQ
*Lamonica's Pizza

[maxzook]

I gotta tell you how much I love when I see a list like this and I realize I've only heard of two places on it.

[writergirl]

I think you may have the wrong Bluebird. From previous posts, I'm pretty sure Tater is referring to the Bluebird in Culver City.

[rancherostyl]

A vastly incomplete list for me, sans stars, has to include:

Phoenix Inn Chinatown for porridge
Texi's (Vermont loc) for pupusas
Matador taco truck at Fountain & Western
Attari for asht & tongue sandwich
Mario's Italian Deli in G-dale (RIP Bebe Jesus Salami)
Elvira's in Eagle Rock
Taylor's Prime Steak (on payday)
El Huarache
Super Tortas (Alvarado location)
Korean Rice cake dessert thingies trailer at California Market on Western(1$! each)
Monte Cristo at The Bounty
TITO'S TACOS!!
Wandering Tamale Guy outside of Shortstop in Echo Park around 1:30 AM
Chung King on San Gabriel
Tarzana Chevron Breakfast Taco Bar on Ventura Blvd.

last but definitely not least, The Talpa on Pico w of Barrington, where apparently my mom went into labor with me - opinions differ (manteca) but obviously a weird emotional pull.

[PommeDeGuerre]

Given that I've dropped over $100 for two at the Hungry Cat, I'm pretty sure that It can't be considered a "hole-in-the-wall." It's also got a zinc bar, serves caviar, and is located on the corner of Sunset and Vine. I'm pretty sure that these are all grounds for not qualifying for this list.

[katydid13]

3 stars: Cafe Verona, Marouch
2 stars: Los Balcones, Mama's Hot Tamales

[smcat]

Pot and Pan Thai on SM and 24th in SM is a great hole in the wall -- but never busy -- terrific Thai.

[Mr Grub]

Great fun to re-read a great thread. Here's a few more.

***
Babita
La Buca

**
Bilal
Maria’s Seafood (Grand Central Market)

*
Chibcha
Ma Dong Gook Su
Lu Din Gee

[susancinsf]

I just had to bump up this thread, because is has been a bit of a bible for me during my recent sojurn in LA...

well, actually, it is mostly an excuse to announce that World's Greatest Grandchild (see my post above) finally arrived, healthy and happpy, and everyone is doing well. Since her arrival Monday I haven't had time for restaurants; my time has been taken up doing Grandma things like cooking tasty meals for sleep deprived new parents and holding Grandchild so they can sleep now and then...

But I am happy to say that I've tried a few of the spots that seem to get mentioned in a few replies, including Jitlada, Babita and Musha...great meals at all three, but despite my love for all things Mexican and tremendous respect for the what the chef is doing at Babita, Musha was my favorite, and one of my favorite dining experiences of the year (yes, I know, only March, but I have a feeling this one will hold up). The rice cracker with mushroom dish was beyond description and one of my 'wow' tastes this year...but then, I dined there the first night after Grandchild showed up (but before she left the hospital), so I have to go back SOON to make sure it wasn't just my elated mood that made the food taste so good..... :-) I am curious about one thing: someone specifically mentions the branch of Musha in Torrance: is there a difference between the two (I ate at Musha Santa Monica)/

Anyway, thanks so much to the LA hounds for ideas for good food and good memories. Have to head back home again tomorrow but I will be back soon, very soon, and looking forward to trying more on these lists...

[whatsfordinner]

Congratulations!!!!

[Dommy]

Congrats Susan!! :D So glad the little one made it safe and sound and you are being fed well! :) The Musha in Torrance is bigger and has more dishes. It's def. worth the trip if you liked the Musha in SM! :)

--Dommy!

[susancinsf]

Thanks Dommy! Once I make it through the list of dishes in SM, I will have to head over to Torrance and check it out!

[Phood]

When GF announced hunger in an unknown part of the valley I bolted into the nearest interesting looking place. Shamshiri Restaurant (19249 ROSCOE BLVD) stuck out from the context of the Mexican places that surrounded it. The menu made no reference to the Westwood Shamshiri Grill.
Not quite a hole-in-the-wall, just a simple mini-mall storefront, yet the quality, tasty food spoke volumes while the environment was relatively quiet.
More downscale, yet compares favorably to the Javan, Darya, Shamshiri westside Persian that I am familiar with. The Koobideh and Barg were juicy, flavorful, and tender. The friendly regulars seated next to us suggested Flame in Westwood as being a step up and meat oriented. I hope to find out soon.

[bogdevotchka]

Stuff in West LA

Three stars:
Thai Taste on Venice for their red curry and crab fried rice
Baja Buds for their Nachos and cheap beer on tap and pickled carrots
Tacomiendo on Pico and Gateway for their Plato de Tacos and Chilequiles
Mitsuwa on Venice and Centinela for their awesome asianness
Tofu-ya on Sawtelle for the waitresses who come over and crack a raw egg in your boiling soup (now thats service), and for their plentiful side dishes
GR/EATS for their eclectic menu choices, and all around good tasting food
Anna's on Pico near the Westside Pavillion has really good specials on I think Monday through Thursday which include a glass of wine wiith your meal, and ice cream and coffee after:)
Cecil's on Pico and Bundy? for awesome all natural ribs!

Two Stars:

India Sweets and Spices on Venice near Motor: You get a lot for your money and they have interesting items in their store
Toi: Kind of hole in the wallish. fun to go to in LA after hours the food is pretty good too.
Habayit: I've been going there since I was very young. They have good pickled beats. They used to have a good red sauce but I think they don't have it anymore:(

One star:

Fassica on Washington and Motor? Definitely a hole in the wall. it is the only Ethiopian place in culver city, so if you are there, and feel like Ethiopian food, you best hit up that place.

Hmmm .....

[Servorg]

Seeing as how your praised Mr. Cecil's on Pico between Centinela and Bundy have you tried Baby Blues on Lincoln for BBQ? The Chow Link below includes a link to their web site:

http://www.chow.com/places/2850

[bogdevotchka]

Thanks for the heads up, Cecil's was the first time I've ever had ribs. They were tasty and organic :P