NEW TO BURBANK, SEEKING STAPLE EATERIES IN THE GREATER BURBANK AREA

A buddy of mine just moved to Burbank from New Hampshire. He is looking for moderate priced places to eat at on a semi-regular basis around his new home. I am not too familiar myself, but threw out Mucho Mas on Burbank and U.S.A. Ribs on Pass Ave (I think). Maybe these aren't even in Burbank. Maybe they're not that good. Those are the only places I know. One thing I am sure of is that I need your help. He's looking for staples. All types of cuisine are welcome. Keep it delicious!

[katieleigh]

Some of the best places I've found so far in and around Burbank are:
Chiba (Japanese)-actually in North Hollywood I think, but well worth the short drive! Really, great food for really, really great prices. I don't know why it doesn't get more attention on these boards.
Joy Feast (Chinese)
San Toros (Subs.)
Osaka Teriyaki (surprisingly good Korean BBQ)
Porto's Bakery (really good Dulce de Leche dessert)
Dino's Pizza (good pizza, but I'll admit I usually go for their antipasti salad, it's simple, tasty and satisfying)
Bravo (It's actually in Glendale. Good Kabobs, I also really like their salads)
EAT (In North Hollywood, but well worth the drive, great breakfasts)

[wyatt3290]

Tony's Italian Deli
1124 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506

Don Cuco's
3911 W. Riverside Dr.
BUrbank, CA 91505

[JackonCrack]

KRUST is a new (awesome) little bakery/cafe on Verdugo.

Coffee, paninis, baked goods, free WiFi... i had an good cinnamon roll here once, and last time my friend and i shared a MASSIVE brownie sundae!

oh, and they had a peanut butter n' banana sandwich on the menu! (peanut butter, sauteed bananas, honey and Nutella chocolate/hazelnut spread)

http://www.krustcafe.com/

[EliseT]

I love the food, but the lady who runs the place gives you a hard time if you ask a question or don't know the menu right away. I took a subtle photo of my own sandwich with no flash in a corner and she chastised me and continued bitching at me all the way back to her station in front of the entire restaurant (there are no signs forbidding photos). My friend heard her complaining about us to the entire kitchen withn earshot of the diners. The bad vibes are so strong I will never be back. Too bad. It was so promising.

[JackonCrack]

wow. very weird. I took some snaps (film camera unfortunately) there and never heard a peep!

[cheesecustard]

I know it's not a "one of a kind" place, but you gotta stop by Bob's Big Boy on Riverside Drive (near Disney Studios). Maybe you'll get lucky and spot a celebrity... The Tallyrand is a little "small town" type restaurant located on W. Olive Ave. Both restaurants serve chilli spaghetti - it's something everyone should try at least once.

I also second Porto's Bakery in Glendale.

[Das Ubergeek]

Bob's Big Boy is across from Warner Brothers, not Disney -- Disney is at Alameda and Buena Vista across from St. Joseph's Hospital.

Tallyrand has some housekeeping issues but they have a hidden gem in that sourdough bread -- it's fantastic.

You know there's a Porto's right in Burbank now, right? On the SE corner of Magnolia and Hollywood. Way easier on the schedule, too -- parking's a @$#%#, but the line moves way, way faster at Burbank.

[EliseT]

Try parking on the N-S running street east of Portos. I can usually get a spot there easily, or in the "small strip lot". The big parking lot is a nightmare.

[skinny malinky]

I'd recommend Viva Cantina at Main & Riverside, right across from the Pickwick Entertainment Compound. It's not-bad Mexican with live, decent country bands on the weekend; it's a fun, divey place. Tapatio, a taqueria at Glen Oaks & Alameda is good too. Chadaka Thai on San Fernando downtown is pretty darn good, with a relaxed, sleek atmosphere. Also on San Fernando downtown, there's Seoul BBQ, which is more of a take out place, but it's family run and has pretty good food for the price.

[corrigan]

Try Michael's on Olive. It's menu is half cajun and half standard american food. I work in the Burbank area, and I often go out to each with people from work and this is one of our favorites. Due to it's mixed menu (cajun/american) it's easy for everyone to find something they like.

From the outside it just looks like a bar, but they have lots of seating and is more restaurant than bar. We like to go on wednesdays because they give free Beignets for the table.

They give discounts to people who work at the studios, and also have coupons on their website.

Michael's Bar and Grill
2825 West Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
www.michaelsonolive.com

[omakase]

Good rec. Corrigan. Michael's has one of the best burgers I've had in L.A. For you burger lovers out there, it's a must try and it's on the menu all day.

One of the best secrets of the Burbank/Glendale area-
the drive thru 31 flavors on Victory just north of Griffith Park.

[carriedushey]

OMG I know! Drive thru ice cream...does it get any better than that. It is so awesome on a hot summer day...don't even have to get out of the air conditioned car.

Boy those waiters at Mucho Mas on Burbank Bl will give you the evil eye if you give them even the slightest bit of aggrivation. I asked for a refill on my coffee a little too petulantly once and the waiter got mad and never came back!

See ya
Steve

I agree completely to stay away from all that Media Center chain garbage. Burbank is about traditional, one of a kind places run by human beings!

If you're looking for delicious, authentic Mexican food I still recommend El Carpintero.

4109 1/2 W. Olive
818-566-4093

They do breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they also do food to go.

Right across from Warner Bros, by the Bank of America and the Pilates place.

Don't let the tiny size and low prices fool you - this is the real deal.

Plus it's owned and operated by a really nice family.

I'll start out by saying I despise the Media Center area... I hate the traffic, I hate the restaurants, and I hate the people that go there. The REAL Burbank is a quiet bedroom community. I like restaurants that cater to that kind of clientele... Here is a list from a local.

Casita Taco: Victory at Magnolia - Ten times better than Poquito Mas. A hundred times better than Acapulco. Really good arroz con pollo

Dino's Pizza: Hollywood Way & Burbank - Best pizza in Los Angeles. Tell them how you like it, and they will make it that way. This is the real thing and lots of fun. Last time I was there the place was jumping with a little league team. Great beer on tap.

Thai Kitchen: Burbank Bl between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista - The best deal in town... all you can eat lunch buffet with incredibly good nam sod and a different curry every day (the best is on Saturday- I don't even know the name of this type of curry but it's a brown curry with ground chicken served over noodles) I eat here at least twice a week.

The Coral: Burbank Bl near Hollywood Way - Great 24 hour coffee shop with a huge menu- great soups and salads. This place has a unique crowd on late nights! Thursday night is the best for people watching- the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society meets there at 10pm. Wow!

Tally Rand: Olive at Verdugo - The best turkey melt in the world. Thursdays are meat loaf night. Nice little neighborhood bar in the back. This is the place to relax when you feel like living like an old codger who knows how to really live it up.

Eat & Park: Their large omelette would feed an army! Great for breakfast. Come hungry.

Bob's Big Boy: Riverside & Rose in Toluca Lake - The Beatles ate there! Their best hamburger is the bacon cheeseburger. If you want a Big Boy, get the Super Big Boy. That's the way the regular Big Boy used to be before downsizing in the 70s.

Alameda Liquor and Deli: Victory at Alameda - The world's biggest hot dog and great pastrami sandwiches. This place is a sleeper... only people in the neighborhood seem to know about it.

Cafe Bravo: Grandview at Glenoaks - Excellent taboule and middle eastern food to go.

Hound Dog Hot Dog Shop: Glenoaks near Penrose in Sun Valley Decent dogs done up well in an old style storefront joint. Car clubs meet there once a month.

Pappoo's Hot Dog Show: Rose & Riverside in Toluca Lake - Comfortable old time burger and dog stand. Featured in the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers!

See ya
Steve

Link: http://www.hotdogspot.com

We had pretty decent chicken club sandwiches at the Hot Dog Show last Saturday afternoon, sided by some tasty, crunchy well-done fries. I like that even though you order at the counter, they bring you your food and they're very nice about it. Really the only weakness was the tomato slice on the sandwich, but it is December so tasteless, mealy tomatoes are to be expected. The fries are steak fries, not thin fries, even though I prefer thin fries these babies were fried to a crisp and were rather addictive especially after being salted generously and dunked in 1000 Island dressing. I have a soft spot for the Hot Dog Show because back in the 60's my grandfather used to take me to the one on Sunset in the Palisades for brown cows.

Some of the places I like to go:

Cafe Elegante in north Burbank: mostly kabobs (the chicken breast kabobs are the best chicken I've ever had...), generally quiet early Saturday evenings

Genio's in central Burbank: Italian food, pleasant Saturday evening atmosphere

El Torito in south Burbank: a Mexican chain, yes, but good food, not as greasy as a lot of others...

The Lotus in downtown Burbank: good inexpensive Chinese food

Octopus in downtown Burbank: fairly good Japanese food

Exotic Thai on San Fernando Blvd: good Thai food

I really don't like Picanha in downtown Burbank. You have to love love love meat and want to pay an expensive price for it. I also don't care much for Macaroni Grill in downtown Burbank... first thing I ordered there tasted like nothing but salt, but the next visit was better...

Tino's in North Hollywood is pretty good Italian food

Dad's donuts on Victory has good donuts

For fast food, Sharky's in shopping area on Empire has good Mexican, but prices are a bit high for fast food, and parking is a headache

I'm upset that Mi Piace is no longer in downtown Burbank. They're the best... but they're still in Pasadena... Also Sushi Zawa has changed to some new place and took my favorite item off the menu.

Definitely second the Dad's donuts -- for some reason, it's head and shoulders above everybody else.

The secret to Picanha is to go on Monday nights, when it's half-price.

Now you've piqued my interest -- I go to China Lites a lot and always wonder about Tino's. Is there anything they do especially well, or is it just time to trust my Chowstinct?

I've ordered several items at Tino's and the gnocci and a chicken special (sorry can't remember specifically what it was) stick in my mind. Once when I went there, they had a large dessert menu that was difficult to choose from, but I think that may vary.

Didn't know Monday was half price at Picanha...that would make it more bearable.

[JackonCrack]

FYI:

A Sharkys is opening up on Riverside near the Koo Koo Roo and Nolans Pub (where TOPS Burgers used to be)

[Das Ubergeek]

Oh, Topz finally closed? They had tasty burgers but disgusting French fries.

[svvw81a]

I fully agree with your recommendation of Cafe Elegante. They have comedy there once a month on a Wednesday night.

Genio's is now a Social Security Office, which means it caters to the same clients as frequented Genio;'s.

Philly's Best has really good cheese steaks.

Try the Riverside Cafe on Riverside near Pickwick. They have some great specials that start on Thursdays. Ask for Matt who will e-mail you the specials. Rated best Chef in Burbank, year after year. Don't be put off by the ambiance, you would pay twice as much on the west side.

PRetty good mexican at
RESTAURANT COSTA AZUL
2001 N BUENA VISTA ST
91504
BURBANK
Buena Vista @ Empire.
Mariscos, etc.

Your friend should check out the stretch of Riverside Dr between Pass and Cahuenga Ave - Paty's coffee shop (love the biscuits and gravy), chez nous, and a bunch of other places. Not really destinations but good neighborhood places.

As well, look on Magnolia from Clybourn to Buena Vista. Pinocchio's Italian Deli is fun and there are a ton of places - let your friend try them out, some discoveries, some horrors, it's part of the fun. Even Yen CHing chinese isn't horrible.

Another place I like (across the street from chili john's)
BUCHANAN ARMS
2013 W BURBANK BLVD
91506
BURBANK

Near the malls on San Fernando Road is another good area to check out. As are Alameda and Riverside near Warner Bros. The smokehouse is fun for happy hour and they do have a good cheese bread (and free hors d'oeuvres for happy hour - nothing great but free is free)
A few other ideas -
Cuban
GUANTANAMERA RESTAURANT
916 W BURBANK BLVD D&E
91506
BURBANK
(Kcrw 15% off)
and just over the line in LA
Colombian at
LA MARIA
10516 VICTORY BLVD
91605
NORTH HOLLYWOOD

Salomi on Lankershim - decent Indian/Subcontinent food.

THere's a jellybean store on HOllywood way that has tons of great candy including the full jelly belly line -
JELLY BEAN FACTORY
927 N HOLLYWOOD WY
91505
BURBANK

ANd last - nearby on Magnolia
ATHEN'S ROYAL GARDEN
11026 MAGNOLIA BLVD
91601
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
borscht and kebaps and you can sit outside.

ALso for shopping check out El cubano on Sherman Way. I think they have a branch on Victory as well. Info may be out of date but here
El Cubano No 1
[phone] • 11350 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

El Cubano No 2
818) 759-9287 • 11357 Sherman Way, Sun Valley, CA 91352

good latin produce - fish (fish king in glendale is close as well) -
This should keep your friend busy.

Now maybe someone can remember the breakfast place in burbank that Huell howser got all gaga about.

Knowing Huell, I'd bet it was the place with the gigonzoid omelets!

Yes, El Cubano on Victory in NoHo is still very much there. Go by it once in a while - never gotten around to stopping in, but now that I have a fridge in the car...

That omelet place is Eat N Park. If the OP's friend values quantity over quality, then maybe give it a shot, but I think the omelettes there are terrible.

Definitely pass on the Eat N Park omelettes. Not sure why they always have to be so greasy and so burnt. I also call "pass" on Chez Nous. I've never been happy there, and there are so many other places to eat.

I would pass on Paty's, as it is the Lamplighter coffee shop under another name, as well as Chez Nous, which used to be good, but in recent times...
Mo's is pretty good for salads and burgers, especially for lunch. Something happens at dinner and it becomes a different place, even though the menu is the same. Obviously fewer people most of the time than at lunch.

Little Toni's Pizza
Lankershim and Vineland (Six Corners)

This is my list for Burbank, Glendale & Eagle Rock area in no particular order.

Auntie Em's Kitchen (Best Cupcakes, try red velvet and coconut cupcakes, breakfast sandwiches, huge salads, soups or lamb shepherd's pie).
4616 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3032
[phone]
Cross Street: Corliss Street

Porto’s (Cakes as they should be)
315 North Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
[phone]

Dinah's Fried Chicken
4106 San Fernando Rd Ste A
Glendale, CA 91204-3818
[phone]

Chili John's
2018 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506-1319
[phone]
[phone] (Fax)
Cross Street: Keystone Street

Taste Chicago (Try the “Combo” Itallian Beef w/ Sausage, also Chicago style Dawgs)
603 N Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505
[phone]
http://www.tastechicago.biz/

Billy's Delicatessen Rstrnt (pastrami, corned beef, rare roast beef
)216 N Orange St
Glendale, CA 91203
[phone]
[phone]

Ben's Deli (Corned Beef on Rye)
271 e Orange Grove
Burbank 818.846.6227
1 blk off Glenoaks near Magnolia.

Dave's Chillin-N-Grillin (meatball sub made from veal, pork and beef that he grinds himself, French dip and Dave's special turkey sandwich (the Pilgrim) & try a smoothie
2152 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles 90041
[phone]
Cross -- Eagle Rock

Brent's Deli (Mushroom barley soup Corned Beef, Pastrami on Rye; Reuben Sandwiches. Breakfast-for-dinner four-decker chocolate cake)
19565 Parthenia St
Northridge, CA 91324-3406
[phone]
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/roundup/38811/losangeles/.html
West of Tampa Ave., N of 101 & W of 405. From 405 exit Roscoe Blvd. West to Tampa, North to Parthenia, West to a strip mall at 19565.

Giamela's Submarine Sandwiches (Subs, Pastrami
)216 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502-1724
[phone]
Just West of the 5 Fry

Santoro's Submarine Sandwich (Must try Subs)
1423 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506-1307
[phone]
Just West of the 5 Fry

Eagle Rock Bakery (A MUST try for The BEST fresh baked Italian sandwich bread rolls and top quality Italian meats and cheese – make your own at home. Try the “Pizza Bread” -- Saturday only, and get a bag of bread sticks)
1726 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
[phone]
Seven blocks East of Eagle Rock Blvd., Across from Tommy’s Burgers

Mario's Italian Market (Subs)
740 E Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205-1150
[phone]
East of Galleria, Cross Glendale Ave.

Dona Maria (Great vegetable soup - really good if you are getting or are sick)
729 Foothill Blvd
LA Canada Fltrdg, CA 91011-3405
[phone]
Off the 210 North of Pasadena

Arnie Mortin’s (Morton's of Chicago, Porterhouse steak, double filet mignon, Sicilian veal chop, whole Maine lobster, and broiled center-cut swordfish)
3400 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
[phone]
(At the 134)

Link to Pasadena and SGV List
http://www.chowhound.com/california/b...

Chili John's?! I work a half block from there, and I still wouldn't eat there. The chili is ordinary and ridiculously overpriced. I don't care for Taste Chicago either.

See ya
Steve

Hi Steve. I like Taste Chicago. The Combo is much da same IMO w/ the Combo at Wrigley' patio and da dawg is like da ones at The Wiener's Circle. Who would you say does a better job in L.A. with Chicago chow?

For natural casing Vienna Beef, the best dog is at Larry's Dog in Burbank. For the toppings, the Stand now has the neon green relish, poppy seed bun and sport peppers. I've had problems with the food and service at both Taste Chicago and QT's Chicago Dogs. I don't plan to return to either of them.

Try Larry's instead of Taste Chicago next time and see what you think. They're up on Burbank Bl just east of Hollywood Way. Larry's makes great taboule too.

See ya
Steve

Link: http://www.hotdogspot.com

Thanks fo da rec Steve. I will give Larry’s a try because my wife loves Chicago Dawgs. I also had a problem one time at Taste Chicago. The first two times I had the frozen custard it was really good. The last time I went four of us tried it and all four of our frozen custard desserts were, – “over frozen?” I decided not to order it again. The owner said they were going to discontinue making it. But they also did not charge us. One of the things I like about the place is when you ask for something different like, “Can you grill my dawg?” they say, “Ya sure. Anything you want.” I think you should reconsider returning because IMO they have the best Itallian sausage sandwich. The quality and taste of the sausage is very much like the sausage topping on the Petrillo's Pizza. A true home made Itallian quality, texture and taste. That sausage sandwich is just as good cold the next day. To me dat is da best test fo food.

Larry’s Chili Dog (try Chicago Dawgs & Taboule) rec by Steve Doggie-Dogg
3122 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA
Phone: [phone]
Severl blocks East of N. Hollywood Way

Taste Chicago (Try the “Combo” Itallian Beef w/ Sausage, also Chicago style Dawgs)
603 N Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505
[phone]
http://www.tastechicago.biz/

Petrillo's Pizza (Restaurant & Take-Out
)833 E Valley Blvd
San Gabriel, CA 91776
[phone]
Chowhouh diiscussion on Petrillo's Pizza
http://www.chowhound.com/california/b...

My main objections to Taste Chicago are that the dogmeat just isn't snappy. They don't use natural casing Vienna Beef... they use the cheaper blubbery variety. Also, the counter help there can be extremely rude. I asked for a dog with mustard and onions and they gave me just mustard. When I asked for onions, the guy told me. "We're all out of onions." I couldn't believe what I was hearing... a hot dog stand with no onions?! So I asked again... "Not a single onion in the whole place?" He told me that they had all been "put away". I asked if he could find one and chop some for me... "Nope."

Larry's Dogs doesn't have the neon relish and the sport peppers, but it has the real Vienna Beef natural casing dog. And they will jump through hoops to give it to you exactly how you want it.

See ya
Steve

[EliseT]

We got our first Taste of Chicago deep-dish and almost broke our teeth. there were numerous hard chunks, like the little stones you pick out of raw beans. I was trying to think what could do that by accident in a pepperoni pizza? Not eggshells, nutshells or seafood. It is still amystery and we are afraid to go back.

[hondo77]

You're in the minority because Chili John's is considered the best chili in L.A in poll after poll.

[Das Ubergeek]

Were they comparing it to Stagg's Chili in a Can? Because, honestly, I'd rather have the Stagg's. Chili John's chili is revolting. I guess I'm in the minority too, as are many people on this board.

I don't often have strong negative reactions to restaurants, but if you offered me Chili John's for free or Chili My Soul and I had to pay, I'd still go to Chili My Soul.

Bad though I think Chili John's is, though, it can't hold a candle to the worst food In Burbank, which is at John's Eat & Park on Victory. Their omelettes ought to be used as birth control.

[hondo77]

I refer you to Jonathan Gold's list of 99 Essential L.A. Restaurants: http://www.laweekly.com/eat+drink/din...

[Das Ubergeek]

...which also recommends Empress Pavilion (disgusting!), The Ivy (overpriced and stuck up for average food) and Pink's (why bother with that line?). Just more evidence that J. Gold's taste is not always mine.

[RaeRenee]

I disagree. If I had to eat an omelette at Eat & Park every day to ward off pregnancy, I'd have had children LONG ago. :)

I thought Chili John's was revolting. I've become a bit of a chili snob, though, since learning how to make it well myself. Chili My Soul is the only place around that I'd go to for chili if I were too lazy to spend the 4 hours to make mine.

And seriously, how OLD is this post?? How did it get revived from the grave?

[carriedushey]

I completely agree...Chili My Soul has the best chili around! I am not a big fan of Chili John's and I think Pink's is completely overrated and their chili is tasteless.

[EliseT]

Thank God I'm not the only one who doesn;t like Chili John's. I love the atmosphere. But I have tried it in every combination, mild and spicy, and even my not-at-all-picky husband won't eat it.

Just a different style I guess.

One of the best pizza places in LA (with very reasonabe prices) is Dino's Pizza:

Dino's Pizza
3520 W. Burbank Bl
Burbank
[phone]

Link: http://www.DinosBurbank.com

[Foodnerds]

I second Dino's...great pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Since moving to San Diego this is the place I miss most in Burbank.

ITYM "Poquito Mas" and "Ribs U.S.A." and both are good.

In addition, there is Tequilas (Mexican), on Magnolia and Clybourn; La Maria (Colombian) on Victory and Clybourn; Pinocchio's (Italian) on Magnolia between Hollywood and Buena Vista; Picanha (Brazilian) on 3rd and Palm; and several very, very good Thai places on Sherman Way between the 170 and Woodman (technically North Hollywood, but well worth the drive).

If your friend likes cupcakes, you might turn him on to a new place specializing in them. It is called Yummy Cupcakes, and is located on Magnolia, with all the details in the link below.
Also, Bistro Provence in the Vons center on Pass Avenue adjacent to the Starbucks is a nice bistro place with entrees fairly priced. Chef/owner is formerly head chef at Pinot Bistro in Studio City. Not sure if they have received their wine license yet, but no corkage if not. 818.840.9050.

Link: http://www.yummycupcakes.com/gallery....

[EliseT]

I second both these places.

The "old school" cupcake and red velvet are to die for.

Bistro Provence does serve wine and champagne now.

Try L'Artiste Patisserie in Encino for salads, sandwiches, omelettes and French toast -- along with great coffee and fresh pastries.

L'Artiste Patisserie
17312-A Ventura Boulevard
Ventura Boulevard, Encino
[phone]

Link: http://www.lartistepatisserie.com