LA next week with kids, where to eat good?

[lakgrs]

DH and I are bringing the kids (8&10) to LA next week and need help! Tried to find best restaurants for kids but mostly found kid menu threads.
Need to know what places are the MUST eats in LA, from casual and cheap to fine dining. Include it all; breakfast, lunch, dinner and even best snacks.
We are adventurous, the kids not so much, but just want the whole LA experience. Basically looking for fantastic memories AND meals!
(Staying at Sunset Marquis on Sunset Blvd, but have a car.)
Thanks CH'ers, can't wait!
lakgrs

[goodcookin]

If you plan on visiting the La Brea Tar Pits a whole bunch of different Food trucks line that area of Wilshire Blvd every day beginning around 11:30 It's fun to get different stuff from the trucks and eat in the park next to the museum. Angeli Cafe http://www.angelicaffe.com/ is really good and super kid friendly - a great choice if you are planning to check out Melrose. Ask for some dough for your kids to play with and if they're not to busy they'll cook it up for them. Mozza is not to be missed LA and great for kids especially if you ask to sit at the counter so they can watch the pizzas being made. It's probably hard to get a rez there now but if you can show up around 3pm you can usually get a seat. Hope you have a great time!

[J.L.]

Fosselman's Ice Cream (Alhambra) - Really spectacular flavors, and thick shakes.

Cafe 50s (West L.A.): Tableside magic show on the weekends. www.cafe50s.com

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Cafe 50's
11623 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

[GroovinGourmet]

While it's a local chain, Islands is a good hang with really good burgers and an atmosphere that is definitely kid friendly.

And with wheels, you should seriously consider Brent's Deli in Northridge. Blows away any of the name delis in LA proper, and also kid-appropriate.

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Brent's Deli
19565 Parthenia St, Northridge, CA 91324

[paprkutr]

I don't think it is worth driving all the way to Brents if they are going to be in the city. Fosselmans is good, but if you are going to go there, go someplace to eat out there. You can get good ice cream and sodas, etc, at Milk on Beverly Blvd.
I don't if all you want to eat is hamburgers, I would skip Islands. There are so many places to try. How about some of the food trucks, would the kids like that?

[lakgrs]

The Beverly Boulevard location~ my husband got txts for American Idol, thus the kids, thus the help from CH! The funny part is that the kids could probably care less where or what they eat, so you're right, driving far for a deli (when they don't even love deli sandwiches- just bagels) isn't worth it, but so appreciate the help everyone.
Have so many great suggestions to eat all our meals because of this board and think they will all be terrific AND family friendly which equals a fun trip for all of us.
Thanks and will let you know how next week works out!

[mc michael]

The Original Farmer's Market is at Fairfax & Beverly.
Definitely skip Islands.

[monku]

Fairfax & 3rd
http://www.farmersmarketla.com/

Bennett's ice cream and Bob's Donuts are great.

[paprkutr]

Don't know where you are coming from, so that could make a difference. You might want to do mexican, east side, chinese, etc. Definitely go to Carney's as it so close to you. Can have anything from chili dogs to vegetarian.
Farmers Market is also a definite, it is not like you thnk of a farmers market to be, but it is the original one in la and they have a lot to choose from, where you don't all have to eat at the same place.
Definitely go to MILK on Beverly Blvd. They make their own pastries and ice cream, and the kids can get what they want.
If you go to the Griddle, know that the pancake orders are huge and you can easily share them, probably amongst the family.
You might want to try some of the food trucks, if you have never done it.
If you don't have good Mexican food, you might want to try some, let us know.
I have never been to Parks, but it has great reviews here, and Soot Bull Jeep is good too. Just know that you are going to come out smelling like charcoal, but it is a lot of fun.
Lawry's is good if you all like prime rib, but that has never been my favorite restaurant.
I like Neptunes Net, but realize it is about 40-45 miles, if you go take the drive down Sunset Blvd all the way to the beach, it is a beautiful ride.

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Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

[lakgrs]

Paprkutr,
Love your bottom line approach and might just print your thread, take it with me and be done trying when the kids could probably care less! (Oh the problems of being a foodie!)
Must back up, we are from Atlanta, oops for not mentioning earlier.
Think I can start to put down some sure things:
1. Original Farmer's Market (I'm the most excited about this one!)
2. In-N-Out (good news is DH will pull over as we leave LAX so won't be a destination spot)
3. Carney's
4. Parks BBQ
5. Spago's? (will have to wait to hear from iOnLa and others if this is best bet)
6. Pizzeria Mozza

Couple of maybe's~
1. Hirozen (we all love sushi except for my boy, will try to push him)
2. Griddle Cafe or House of Blues? (Haven't been to a gospel brunch with kids, hmmm?)
3. A day in Malibu

We will be at CBS Studio Wednesday & Thursday right before dinner time, any of these yummy suggestions close by? Anything near CBS Studio I should know about?
Thanks for your help already CH in LA, y'all really help!

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Hirozen
8385 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

House of Blues
1530 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[wienermobile]

CBS Television City Hollywood or CBS Radford Studio City?

[paprkutr]

First, what are you doing at CBS? I just saw someone post which one. If you are going to the one on Beverly and Fairfax my suggestions stand. My husband went yesterday for Price is Right. The Original Farmers Market is right next door, so you could eat there one day. Across the street is an old Thai restaurant, Krung Chao? Two blocks away is Canter's an old fasioned jewish deli. I like it, but I grew up there, some like it some don't, but it is good. There's golden state up the street that has good hamburgers that the kids might like. If you don't mind something old, no frills, there is Andres Italian Food, cafeteria across the street from the Farmers Market. Just inexpensive spaghetti, pizza, veal etc. Their salad dressing is good, and it is very inexpensive.
I happen to really like El Tepyac, which again gets mixed reviews for mexican food. The cool thing is if you go there, you could drive through Olivera Street, and Chinatown. We love their machaca all meat burrito, but they have some of the biggest burritos that you could almost share with the whole family.

[iOnLa]

If you're heading out to Malibu w/ 2 kids, I don't think Neptune's Net or even Malibu Seafood are good bets. I'd head to Cross Creek, grab salads/sandwiches/smoothies at John's Garden or Malibu Country Kitchen, do some shopping and some celeb-spotting, cross PCH and head to the beach and maybe round off the afternoon on the pier or touring Adamson House. Tra di Noi is also a great place for lunch near the playground there.

Another beach experience is the Santa Monica farmer's market on Sunday at Ocean Park and Main. Then head down to the Venice Boardwalk and end the day on Abbot Kinney at Gjelina with its communal table.

Lawry's is a great prime rib "event" dinner but not sure it's THE one. My 11-year-old daughter has always been treated royally at Spago.

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Venice Boardwalk
517 Ocean Front Walk Frnt, Venice, CA 90291

Country Kitchen
21239 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

John's Garden
3835 Cross Creek Rd, WV 25033

[lakgrs]

iOnLa,
So glad you mentioned Spago's. Was a little afraid to ask if its still great after all these years. Gosh, it was such a big deal when it opened and I wish I could tell you I remembered what I had, but I don't, I just know I thought it was THE biggest deal to even get a reservation!
What I do remember is that it was such an LA experience and would love to take the kids there!
Also plan to bike Venice to Santa Monica for a real family afternoon, thanks for suggesting.
As for Malibu, will need a new thread for this day but apprehensive since there aren't restrooms. Not much to do in Malibu as it is, was really hoping for a great food experience. Will look at your suggestions.
Thanks, especially for mentioning Spago's~ is it still dressy?

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[iOnLa]

Spago is consistently good, the outdoor terrace is still gorgeous, and reservations aren't as essential as they once were—the crowds have moved on. It's not super-dressy, more L.A. casual. Jeans are fine but don't walk in in shorts and T shirts.
Not sure I understand your concern about restrooms in Malibu. Cross Creek has public restrooms and restaurants like Tra di Noi have their own facilities. All beaches have plenty of public spots. But a "great" food experience there is indeed unlikely....

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[love2eat]

I believe lakgrs is referring to my comment about how Neptune's Net only has outhouses instead of a traditional bathroom with running water.

[JudiAU]

My kids favorite restaurants in the area are Hirozen (sushi, homestyle Japanese, kid friendly), Farmer's Market (Loteria Mexican, Moishe's Med.), Milk (ice cream on Beverly), Buttercake Bakery (coffee cake, little cupcakes), Golden State (burgers, ice cream, beer), Angeli Cafe (kid friendly Italian, host of "Good Food" owns it), Vitos Pizza, Pizzeria Mozza, La Cienega Kabob House, Hollywood Farmer's Market (on Sunday only).

Korean barbacue would be great at that age.

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Buttercake Bakery
10595 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Hirozen
8385 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

The Golden State
426 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Moishe's Restaurant
6333 W 3rd St Ste 336, Los Angeles, CA 90036

La Cienega Kabob House
444 1/2 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

[Phurstluv]

My kids, same age as OP's loved Park's BBQ, fwiw.

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Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

[lakgrs]

JudiAU,
Too many fantastic rec's for Original Farmer's Market~ can't wait!
(I told my kids about the farmers market tonight and told them they could choose anything they wanted and my son asked if he could choose legos, ugh!)
Pizzeria Mozza is also a big favorite on CH so we are going there.
Milk over Buttercake Bakery?
Couldn't find a website on La Cienega Kabob House.
Thanks for your help!

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Buttercake Bakery
10595 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

La Cienega Kabob House
444 1/2 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

[wienermobile]

If you are taking a drive down the coast towards Malibu you might enjoy Neptune's Net. Just a seafood shack but fun California atmosphere.
http://www.neptunesnet.com/

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Neptune's Net Seafood
42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

[laliz]

Hey! that's what I was gonna su!ggest. Neptune's Net is a GREAT place. They'll know they've been to California for sure!

[lakgrs]

laliz and wienermobile, so excited to stop at Neptune's Net because we are going to Malibu on Saturday and planned on getting help with this next! I think this might be the place I am most excited about, well maybe the farmer's market, no think this one~ maybe?
Thanks for an awesome suggestion!

[love2eat]

Be aware that the restrooms at Neptune's Net do not have running water. They are outhouses and they are disgusting.

[ipsedixit]

Nickel Diner (great donuts and desserts)

Scoops (ice cream)

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Nickel Diner
524 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

[Phurstluv]

Don't think I'd traipse my kids all the way to Nickel Diner for a cheeseburger (which are decent) and a donut (like they really need that) if we weren't in that neighborhood to begin with.

OP will have better luck driving around Hollywood and Vine for sightseeing and burgers. Much more to do around there (Graumann's, Madame Tussaud's, Universal, etc). There is a ton of new burger spots (it's a trend out here) in and around that area. The Hungry Cat is a decent seafood place right there too.

You don't have to travel all the way to San Gabriel Valley or Westminster, when Thai Town is right there just east of Hollywood. Jitlada is a wonderful Thai place in an unassuming strip mall that is arguably the best Thai food in the country. There are also a lot of great Mexican food all over the city, so you may want to search that separately.

[ipsedixit]

Everyone needs a bacon donut.

[Phurstluv]

;-)

[lakgrs]

Phurstiuv,
You are so right, my children certainly don't need another diner or donut, but if we are passing by those...
I really need to map out where we are sightseeing and plug these fantastic recommendations as we go.

[mc michael]

and be on the lookout for food trucks, the most famous of which is Kogi.

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Kogi
Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles, CA

[mc michael]

For huge pancakes, Griddle Cafe. For Chicken N Waffles, Roscoe's House of Chicken. For Italian, Angeli Restaurant. For pretty good pizza, Prizzi's Piazza. For an alternative to In N Out with a good juke box, Fatburger No 115. For a divey spot with a really good juke box, 101 Coffee Shop (featured in "Swingers").

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In-N-Out Burger
7009 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Roscoe's House of Chicken
1518 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

101 Coffee Shop
6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Prizzi's Piazza
5923 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Griddle Cafe
7916 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Fatburger No 115
7450 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Angeli Restaurant
7274 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

[lakgrs]

mc michael,
I don't think I can talk my husband into giving up In-N-Out over Fatburger No 115, and I think Carney's is going to be a hit with the family, and that's about all the burgers I can stand in a couple of days, but thanks.
Griddle Cafe sounds great for breakfast. (We have a chicken & waffles here)
101 Coffee Shop, loved Swinger's!

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101 Coffee Shop
6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Fatburger No 115
7450 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

[chezwhitey]

Most asian places are pretty child friendly, I'd search the threads for chinese restaurants in the SGV and vietnamese in westminister.

[wienermobile]

Some of the favorite dinner places of my kids are Park's BBQ, where you cook prime meats with Korean flavors right at the table,
http://www.parksbbq.com/

Pizzeria Mozza with their wonderful pizzas,
http://www.pizzeriamozza.com/LA/home.cfm

Lawrys The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills very welcoming to kids,
http://www.lawrysonline.com/

and Fogo de Chao's great Brazilian BBQ carved at your table.
http://www.fogodechao.com/home/

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Fogo De Chao
133 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Pizzeria Mozza
6602 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Lawry's Prime Rib
100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

[lakgrs]

Need some help here wienermobile, checked out Parks BBQ & Pizzeria Mozza and think they are both really cool spots with kids. Doesn't hurt I can order a glass of wine! Adding both to my list.
As for Fogo De Chao, we have one in Atlanta so skipping this spot.
Onto Lawry's, if we are to have at least 1 fine dining experience with the kids, is this THE one or just a finer dining option open to kids? Really need some help here, and its not like we have to go out to eat very fancy, but mom and dad wouldn't mind either.

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Fogo De Chao
133 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[wienermobile]

Lawry's is a very nice night out and I have been taking my kids there since they were 5. Salad tossed at the table. Good prime rib carved at your table. Creamed spinach. Hot fudge sundaes. I know it's not the most adventurous dining and I don't know what your kid's will try but for most kids roast beef is an easy upscale dinner. A great introduction to fine dining. I have always enjoyed my family evenings at Lawry's. Great service.

Also for Mozza get an early reservation, I find that's best for the kids.

[monku]

Definitely for one meal is Carney's almost across the street from the Sunet Marquis. You can't miss it, it's a train car.
http://www.carneytrain.com/menu/

[lakgrs]

In a train! Oh my kids are going to flip out! Thanks Monku, perfect suggestion since w/kids its equally about the experience AND the food.
Anything else?
lakgrs

[monku]

There's a Mel's Drive down the street too. Not the most Chow worthy place but kids like it.
http://www.melsdrive-in.com/

[monku]

I remember when I was their age visiting the original Farmers Market on Fairfax and 3rd and really digging the place.

[wienermobile]

A big second vote for The Original Farmers Market. Open everyday with something for everyone from tacos to donuts and everything in between.
http://www.farmersmarketla.com/

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Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[lakgrs]

Monku & wienermobile, I love a farmer's market anyways, and one with lots of neat spots to grab a bite that the kids will enjoy, with something for everyone- sounds perfect for us, thanks!