Brunch, Happy Hour and A Date: Los Angeles, California
I don't proclaim these three places to be the best in L.A., but they're pretty awesome to me.
“Aye fam, I’m in your city! What’s good?”
It’s the phenomenon that happens when you live in a well-visited metropolis. A rogue text that greets you at any possible hour of the day with little to no notice whatsoever.
My retort to such a message would be filled with glee in my earlier years. An opportunity to be in these streets would be had, champagning and campaigning with my friends and family who were in town for a given number of days. No big deal.
However, in 2022, the way my life is set up…getting out of the house while having a 14-month-old is not quite as easy. So I have to decline more often than I’d prefer.
“No hard feelings. It is what it is. But um, where can a brother get drinks for happy hour? Or, where can me and my girls link up for brunch? Any ideas were me and my boo can wine and dine?”
Say less. I got you.
Brunch: Norah, West Hollywood
I have a thing about having to try too hard to do brunch. As in, I don’t want to try too hard to do brunch. Norah presents chill vibes while still delivering premium options in a fun environment. I’d recommend sitting in the courtyard for the fresh air, photoshoots for the ‘Gram and for quality people-watching. Also, definitely make a reservation so you don’t have to stress about getting there.
As for what you should order:
To drink: Carried Away (It’s the pineapple amaro and smoky mezcal liqueur waging war against bourbon and rye. It’s a delicious fight)
To eat: The pancakes (don’t get distracted by the cornbread and biscuits, which are both fire…but their pancake made us order another round.)
To eat: Breakfast pizza (we ordered three pizzas in our group of 8, and the breakfast pizza was the only one we ordered again)
Happy Hour: Everson Royce Bar, Arts District
Here’s the thing about Everson Royce, I try really hard not to go there. Not because it isn’t amazing, but because their cocktail, spirit and food offerings are super solid. Plus, they have an intimate indoor setting and a sprawling outdoor picnic vibe that makes it good for being loud with friends or being quiet for a date.
As for what you should order:
To drink: If you love whiskey, just ask for their whiskey bible. Places like Seven Grand in Downtown LA have a deserved authority for their ridiculous inventory, but Everson Royce is a simply cooler place to hang out. And that’s no shade to Seven Grand.
To eat: The cheeseburger and fries. They make it ready to order and it always comes out within like five minutes. It’s just a burger bun, meat, cheese and a special sauce. It’s like $13 and it’s delicious, every single time.
Dinner: Castaway, Burbank
Normally, I wouldn’t encourage anyone to take their talents outside of the core areas of Los Angeles. Traffic is too crazy and getting around L.A. can be a traumatizing experience for some.
However, I know how my friends get down and I know what folks who come to visit Los Angeles are looking for. They want to see and be seen. They want to eat and drink good while looking good. They want to go somewhere that is a guaranteed victory.
Castaway ticks nearly every box you could ask for. Great food, great drinks, great views (it sits tucked away in the Burbank Hills), great people watching (I swear it’s an Instagram model haven in there) and great vibes. That last one is important, because at times when you seek out premium you might sacrifice cool. Castaway melds both very well. First pro-tip: make a reservation with a patio view. You’re welcome in advance. Second pro-tip: if you can get into The Green Room between Monday and Wednesday, don’t hesitate. Do it.
As for what you should order:
To drink: Rye whiskey and smoky mezcal paired together? The Rye + Mighty is magnificent. It’s spicy and smoky. It’s got kick with the addition of Thai Chilis, but it’s pleasant.
To drink: You order The El Mariachi for a few reasons. One, it’s served in a see-through canteen. Two, it’s gorgeous. Three, it’s delicious. You will make everyone at the table jealous as soon as it arrives.
To eat: I always order the Zinfandel Braised Short Rib. Well, I didn’t the last time, and I immediately regretted it. It’s cooked to perfection, maintaining peak flavor and juiciness throughout the massive hunk of meat. The onion rings are an adolescent-like touch, which I savor with glee.
Let me know if this is something you’d like to see more of in other cities around the country and the globe. Also, if you have any recommendations I missed, please drop them in the comments section!