Where to eat around the Convention Center?

[bad nono]

Hi 'Hounds,

I will be stuck at the LA Convention Center next week for about 3/4 days. Is there anything decent to eat around there at lunch time, preferably within walking distance or maybe within, say 5 or 6 bus stops? Pupusas, tacos, sit-down places, whatever, as long as it can take me out of that place and is, you know, edible.
Also if someone knows where I can get a decent espresso around there, preferably not Starbucks/Peets/Coffee Bean... Danesi would be awesome.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions!

[monku]

There's the new LA Live
Lawry's Carvery is pretty good.
http://www.lalive.com/content.php?sec...

[nosh]

Lawry's Carvery is surprisingly good -- much better than the usual foodcourt fare. They know how to roast meats. But it is a bit pricey -- even the simplest sandwich is going to cost $10 out the door with tax and tip and a prime rib sandwich with a side and beverage is going to cost twice that all-inclusive. And c'mon, would you rather tell the folks back home about that or the journey and experience of making your way to and into El Parian or the wondrous bargain chicken at Dino's? No contest.

[monku]

Back home for the OP is Los Angeles.

[ipsedixit]

Los Paisanos Market
2129 W 8th St (right across the street from Loyola Law School)
[phone]

Get the carne asada burrito with some Mexican coke (in a glass bottle).

[sobriquet]

Langer's is not too far from the Convention Center. ~7th and Alvarado.

[nosh]

Problem is that Langer's is not accessible by the DASH vans, at least to my knowledge. And a bus would require going both west and north. Yes, it is right on a redline stop, but the subway gets a bit expensive on top of the price of a Langer's pastrami, side and beverage. If anyone knows how to get to Langer's simply and cheaply, it is an excellent choice.

[sobriquet]

I'll admit I've never done it in LA - but since the distance is so short, how about a cab? If you shared it with a few other people and all went to lunch, it couldn't be very expensive.

[bad nono]

Just to clarify matters everybody: I live in Los Angeles, but I've never been at the Convention Center.I was going to thank you guys for being so sweet to describe how places look like and what bus to take just for me who lives in LA (and therefore should know about some of the places you're mentioning!).
And then it hit me: hey, this thread can be profitable in eternity to everybody stuck at the Convention Center for 5 days or so!
Thank you so much again, I really appreciate your help and kindness!

So far I think I'll go to El Parian, Clifton's and the Pantry because I really like old-fashioned places, maybe Dino's. I've been to Papa Christos many times, so it's not a necessity I go.
Anyway thanks a lot, I'm going to make a mapped printout of this thread and distribute it to out-of-towners at the convention.

[Foodandwine]

There is a Persian Kabob place walking distance to the CC. I think on Flower closer to 9th it has a waterfall inside, I cant place the exact spot right now but its very good. Been there for lunch a few time but its been a year or two. Very tasty? Anyone know the coodinates??

[nosh]

Get yourself to Pico on the west side of the Convention Center -- there should be tons of buses. Head west. At about Hoover, you will get to El Parian. It will look closed. It will actually be open. Get the carne asada, or if adventurous, the goat. Some think it is the best taqueria in SoCal (my favorite is the Carnitas Michaocan up on No. Broadway above Chinatown).

The next major intersection west is Vermont, and two short blocks further at Berendo on the north (right) side is Dino's, which looks like a burger stand. Very good burgers, huge pastrami sandwiches, a good carne asada plate. But 80 or 90% of the people are ordering one thing, and so should you -- the crazy chicken special. A small half-bird, marinated in a garlicky, vinegary turmeric sauce, then fire-grilled and charred. Served over a huge mound of thin fries, with a cup of cole slaw and tortillas, for about $5. Two lines -- one just inside and one outside the door, identical, hard to tell which will be faster because the person in front of you will invariably order six boxes to take out. One of if not the best lunch deals in L.A.

One stop further at Normandie is C & K Imports, better known as Papa Cristo's, across from the huge Greek Orthodox church. Yet another good place for lunch -- roast chicken, lamb chops, greek salad, spanikopitas and other pastries. A casual little cafe to eat in. A full lunch combo plate will run about $10.

Sorry, I'm not a fan of La Taquiza unless I'm stuck around USC. Small portions, overpriced, not in the same league as El Parian, El Taurino (further up on Hoover), or even one of the King Tacos on Pico.

[MahiMahiFish]

La Taquiza
3009 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90007
[phone]
This is basically 30th & Figueroa, I think the convention center is 12 & Figueroa....I'm not sure if that meets your bus stop requirements, but well worth the trip.

[attran99]

The Original Pantry is nearby. Just take the DASH north for a few blocks. I went there when I was in college...and it was just great!

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Original Pantry Cafe
877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

[monku]

The Pantry is what it is...an LA institution. 80+ years. Some people are going to diss the place, but its survived for some reason.
Great for breakfast too.
Many convention exhibitors will eat there too. It's a 3 block walk from the Convention Center.

Check out their daily lunch special offerings, maybe something will appeal to you.
Warning: Don't order the steaks.
http://www.pantrycafe.com/to-go-menu.pdf

[bad nono]

Thank you! I was wondering if I could also indulge a guilty pleasure and either walk to Clifton's (1.1 mile, doable but I don't know yet how much time I will have) or hop on a bus there.

[monku]

To get to Clifton's take the "F" DASH bus (25 cents) across the street from the Convention Center on Figueroa at Pico Blvd. North to 7th Street.
Get off at 7th Street and walk 6 blocks east to Broadway and you'll be at Clifton's.
There's also the "C" DASH bus 2 blocks east from Figueroa on Hope Street that goes up to 7th Street. Then walk 4 blocks east to Broadway. (It doesn't run as frequently as the "F" Dash which is every 5 minutes)

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WALK 6 BLOCKS TO BROADWAY....
When you get on the DASH ask the driver for a free transfer and where to get the "E" DASH (at 7th Street) to Broadway. Then you won't have to walk over to Broadway. I just looked on a DASH map. http://www.ladottransit.com/dash/routes/downtown/downtown.pdf

http://www.cliftonscafeteria.com/page...

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Clifton's Cafeteria
648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

[monku]

There's a Starbucks in the Convention Center. Nothing like a Danesi close to the Convention Center as far as I know.

1/2 mile away is El Parian for some great Mexican food.

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El Parian
1528 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[bad nono]

El Parian, now that's awesome!
I'd love to avoid Starbucks though.

[ronnie_gaucho]

I second El Parian...King Taco is also on Pico just a few blocks west of El Parian