Places to go, with regular Los Angeles visitors

[cjla]

I have two friends coming to visit in two weeks. They've come to LA many times before (from Chicago) and I'm trying to think of where to take them. Here is what I'm trying to work through:

They will be attending the E3, held at the Convention Center. I work in DTLA and take public transport, and can meet up with them after 5:00. They will be divided in their own cars, and are not against hopping on a DASH bus. There might be parties they are invited to--so I'm trying to think of places we can stop and have a drink or a bite, before trooping to the venue. For this point, I'd like to not have to move the car.

For days when they are not tethered to the Convention Center area--we are based in Glendale, and have mutual friends in Highland Park and Los Feliz. I would love to try and think of low and moderately priced restaurants to take them. One of our visitors particularly likes micro beers--I think I've already taken them to The York, and was hoping for gentle pointers in another direction.

And finally, a note about atmosphere--we're all in our late 30s and early 40s. I'd like to go someplace with good food, good drink, and a little bit of atmosphere.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

[cjla]

Thanks everyone for the ideas.

I haven't been to Park's, and don't think we've taken these visitors to KTown. Langer's is an old favorite--and with their lunch crowd hours, I don't know if we'll be able to stop over there after work.

I haven't been to Rivera, Wood Spoon, or Wurstkuche yet--so I'm looking forward to it!

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Wurstkuche
800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wood Spoon
107 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[pley]

Also, for near the Convention Center, there is Bottle Rock. Keep forgetting it's there. I haven't been to this location, but they do have a very good selection of wines; they also have beer but I don't know about the type of selection.

[pley]

A little off your map, but the Far Bar in Jtown serves excellent microbrews from the San Diego area. While you're there, if you all eat raw fish, Toshi Sushi is one of the better sushi places in Jtown.

[burntwater]

In regards to your micro brew friend you should take him/her to the Eagle Rock Brewery one night which is located right next to Glendale in Glassel Park technically. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday but check the their website for exact hours and their location.

They have a food truck after 6 pm on most days.

Clean, great atmosphere and a good crowd of people.

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Eagle Rock Brewery
3056 Roswell St, Los Angeles, CA 90065

[HaroldandMaude]

If you're ready to roll at 5pm every day, I would suggest searching the best Happy Hours. Morton's Steakhouses usually have a good one with some great small-plate choices. I'm sure there are some good ones in the Los Feliz area as well. MappyHour.com is one place to browse.

[Jwsel]

Roy's has a good happy hour as well.

[The Oracle]

I just had a great meal at Wood Spoon (downtown), that I put on my mental list for when some regular LA visitors come to town next.

They were just here in Feb and we hit Wurstkuche (although, I'd suggest going on a weeknight - it was a bit cramped on the weekend) - but they really enjoyed it (great beer selection too)

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Wurstkuche
800 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wood Spoon
107 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[samtron608]

for options near the convention center (walking distance) I suggest Rivera.

[BSW6490]

Great choice

[Ashibi]

We love Rivera as well. A cocktail with beef jerky? Gotta love it! Food is great as well. I do not care for tequila and I admit that I love "girly" cocktails, but their tequila flight is my favorite!

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Rivera Restaurant
1050 S. Flower Street, #102, Los Angeles, CA 90015

[Servorg]

This very recent thread ought to have some suggestions that will work for you: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/784168

[wienermobile]

There are two places not far from Downtown that I love, Park's BBQ in Koreatown for some of the best Korean flavored meat in LA cooked at your table. Wonderful food and open late.
http://www.parksbbq.com/

and 5 minutes from downtown Langer's Deil for the best Pastrami on earth. Open for lunch only till 4pm and closed on Sunday.
http://www.langersdeli.com/

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

Langer's Delicatessen
704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

[bulavinaka]

I know Langer's would never do a food truck or have an outpost say in the Westside, but can you imagine the lines (and the cha-ching) that would come of this? This isn't pastrami by any normal description - this is a prerequisite for passage into Chow heaven. Absolutely the Usain Bolt of pastrami.

[wienermobile]

I 100% agree. Heaven on rye.

[Servorg]

"Heaven on rye."

Reminds me of my first time getting drunk in High School - except that was "Heaving on Scotch" ;-D>