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| Photo by Freeimages.com/Nicole Kotschate |
Los Angeles in a hub for Millennial travelers, but the city with its high-end food culture, celebrity sightings, and abundant nightlife can be difficult to navigate. We talked to three Millennial, LA natives (born and raised) that surround themselves with the city's posh culture constantly, from dining at the trendy restaurants to the sipping cocktails at best bars. Read their insider picks now and make sure you spend your time in LA at these hotspots.
Quick Bites
Our LA hipster insider with a knack for graphic design suggests the Kogi BBQ food truck for visitors looking for authentic food. That’s right -- this food truck is a staple in Los Angeles. We suggest ordering the calamari taco or the blackjack quesadilla and enjoying them on the go. In town this weekend? The trucks will at La Brea Ave., Abbot Kinney Blvd., E Whittier Blvd., Ellis Lane, N Tustin St., and Beach Blvd throughout the day. If you're visiting another time, check out the website to track where the four Kogi food trucks will be. kogibbq.com/about-the-trucks/.
For A View
We hear The Perch is the place to go for a view of Downtown Los Angeles, and we trust our LA-native who loves to brunch. This rooftop bistro serves French cuisine, Parisian-inspired cocktails and DJ music in the evening. Best part: Brunch is served until 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. We know it can slightly cool down in LA this time of year, but there are fire pits to huddle around on the 15th- and 16th-floor hangout. Note: Children can relax here, too, but after 9 p.m. it becomes a 21-and-over venue. perchla.com
A Place to Hang Out
For an LA spin on a classic sports bar head to The Parlor. There are more than 50 televisions in this hotspot (which has outdoor seating) along with some classic American comfort food like the "Dirty Bird." This sandwich is made with jidori chicken, turkey Bacon and Fresno pimento cheese (yum). Looking to throw a special event while in town? This spot has more than 10,000 square feet of space, and can host events of any type. theparlorca.com/#home
For the LA Scene
The Bungalow in Santa Monica is a place to be seen. Brent Bolthouse created this lounge, which has ocean views, a secret garden, game room and a back patio. The study is where you can host formal meetings or a private event. It fits 50 people for dinner and 75 for a cocktail event. Coming just for the scene? We suggest showing up in your best LA style and ordering a hand-crafted margarita. Then seek out one of the couches on the patio for the night. www.thebungalowsm.com
Get a Groove On
For a night out with some literal old-fashioned fun, we like the idea of checking out Good Times at Davey Wayne’s (one of our LA insiders who works in advertising claims this is her favorite place for a night out). We hear that this 70s-themed bar only spins vinyl, has a rooftop and a roller-disco show. You enter the bar through a refrigerator. To keep with the fun-time theme, order a "Tiny Dancer" at the bar. It includes a salted grapefruit peel, infused lillet rose, Aperol and sparkling wine. goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com
What's the one big take away one of our insiders says you should remember? It's the age-old advice to avoid tourist traps. Remember: The real LA is found in the small places not always on the map or in the most popular neighborhoods.