Must Haves off 405/110 for Road Trip?

[OCAnn]

Mr OCAnn & I will be travelling up the 405 or 110 from the South Bay (to the 5 and points north) this weekend. We live & eat in OC and are not familiar w/hidden fast food gems off either freeway. Are there any places we should go to?

Please keep in mind that we're trying to make time, so we are looking for food to eat in the car. We eat anything.

Thank you!

[slacker]

How about some potato tacos from El Atacor No. 11. in Cypress Park. Crispy fried outside, fluffy potatoes inside, mm so good. Exit on the left (I think the sign says ave. 26 exit) off the 110 immediately after the 5 north turnoff. Turn right at the stop sign (Figueroa), go pass ave. 26, and it's on your right. Then hop back on to the 5.

[jaymor]

try 'the local place'......owned by king's hawiian .....good food and reasonable prices from bkfst to lunch to dinner....takeout as well

[swimfin]

I''ve seen both appreciation and disdain for Tito's Tacos on this board, but I love it. I love the bean and cheese burrito and the tacos are good, AND you could hit it with a beer can from the 405, AND I've been going for more than 30 years. Culver City -. www.tito's tacos.com. Don't forget to get some of both the green and the red salsas. Go to the order window inside, it's faster.

[OCAnn]

Thanks guys for the options! Can't wait to try one of those. =D

[bulavinaka]

Pann's is the epitome of googie coffeehouse culture, both in architecture and food. You might feel something familiar when you approach the door - Pulp Fiction among other shows shot some great scenes at this place. Hit them off of the 405 exit to (I think it's) La Cienega. Chicken wings & waffles, patty melts, milkshakes, fried chicken, split pea soup and some of their daily specials like their bouillabaisse (dinner special on fridays) are always great eats. The service is quick, efficient and friendly as well. The trick is getting into their parking lot. Pann's is surrounded by La Cienega, La Tijera, and Centinela - basically an island in the middle of a strange intersection. Going south on La Cienega, turn left on Centinela, right on La Tijera, and turn right into the parking lot - I hope other hounds can confirm these directions from the Northbound 405 to La Cienega route...

Dinah's is a more sheepish version of Pann's - they're quasi-googie in architecture, the food isn't as good in general, but their German apple pancake (as in size of a skillet) is great. Call ahead with an ETA if you're ordering this one - it usually takes about 20 minutes. 405 exit to Howard Hughes Parkway, to Sepulveda. Right on to Sepulveda, left into Dinah's parking lot before the Centinela intersection.

Empanada's Place on Sawtelle just south of Venice Blvd serves up dozens of types of deep-fried empanadas as well as alfajores (great dolce de leche-stuffed shortbread-type cookies that go killer with coffee). Exit at Venice blvd, turn left on to Venice, turn left at Sawtelle, park in front or off the alley. Order ahead as it can take 10 minutes, or buy a clamshell of alfajores and a cuppajoe, and relax while your order is fried up for your long trip. To get back on the 405 North, go in reverse direction back to where you exited, and turn right on to the 405 North off of Sepulveda.

Primo's Donuts is just off the National Blvd exit off the 405 (just before the 10 interchange, going north), on the east side of Sawtelle, just north of National blvd. Best darned buttermilk bars off the 405 and parts beyond. Some really like the cinnamon rolls (donut style) as well as the cinnamon rolls (pastry style). I can be a relatively indiscriminate eater so I choose to like most things in their case...

The only trick is getting back on the 405. Continue north on Sawtelle, right on Pico, left on Cotner (signal just beyond the 405 overpass by the Smart & Final) and look for the 405 North onramp, which is right by the Wine House and Upstairs 2. Oh, how convenient - a nice borolo or viognier with your buttermilk bar! If you're not too pressed for time, drop in the Wine House, choose your favorite country, and pick a few vintages. Best darned selection of wines (and respectable beer selection) at prices that are fair considering the massive selection. You can easily spend a two to three hours in here if you enjoy wines. If you're staying for at least an hour, grab a debit card and go into their wine tasting room right when you get there. Upstairs is Upstairs 2 - not really quick meal type of place nor carry-out, but if you're passing this area and it's dinner time, it's pretty good - not great - right off the freeway and by the 405 North onramp.

Time to shut up...

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Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop
6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Dinah's
6521 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Empanada's Place
3811 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Primo's
2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Wine House
2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Upstairs 2
2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064

[foh]

How about a stop at JayBee's BQQ for pulled pork sands?
http://www.jaybeesbbq.com
or maybe Five Guys Burgers?
www.fiveguys.com
or maybe Flossie's for some fried chicken and candied yams?
http://www.chow.com/places/9042
Cuban Sandwiches from Havana Sandwich shop in El Segundo?
http://www.chow.com/places/10590