An excursion to L.A.‘s hip and happening Mid-Wilshire area is sure to work up an appetite – and this neighborhood delivers on the food front. Here are the top 10 places to eat in this bustling neighborhood.
If you start feeling hungry after experiencing the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, there are two options for you to choose from: a cafeteria-like cafe, or a more intimate version in the downstairs restaurant. In the upstairs cafe, you are able to grab your food and eat a nice meal by the fountain and enjoy the fresh air. Go for a turkey pesto sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. Downstairs you will be seated, waited on, and have a spectacular view of Chris Burden’s street light installation.
This upbeat restaurant has dancing nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you can even join in on the lessons, dollar taco nights on Wednesday, and happy hours throughout the week. They have an excellent variety of cocktails and Mexican beer on tap. The enchiladas suizas does not disappoint with chicken cooked to perfection and flavorful green salsa.
The variety of food at Spare Tire is overwhelming in a good way. The place has a warm and welcoming vibe, with two happy hours: one from 4 to 7pm and a late night happy hour from 10pm to midnight. Live a little and go for a wood-fired pizza for brunch. The margherita pizza is deliciously crafted with rich marinara sauce, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella. Be warned – you may finish a whole pizza by yourself.
Actor-turned-restauranteur Danny Trejo’s first venture packs a punch. With 10 different taco options on the menu, all made from locally sourced ingredients, Trejo’s Tacos is already a crowd favorite The beef brisket tacos are succulent and authentic, and go up a notch with the addition of Trejo’s signature hot sauce. Pro-tip: go for the taco sampler platter and taste them all.
A local, intimate restaurant that serves happy hour all night on Monday with a variety of American food tends to be a great place for a date night and group parties. Rascals’ house burger is to die for, complete with beer deglazed caramelized onions, arugula, and sharp cheddar cheese. Their food menu and cocktail menu showcase variety and spunkiness, making them a foodie favorite.
Walking into République, you will immediately be awestruck by the charming environment, making it a great place for a date night or for brunch. Order the spectacular pork belly breakfast sandwich with a fried egg on top, and pair with a sharp espresso and chocolate cake for dessert. Or, choose from their decadent treats in the bakery window. Rest assured, every food item is prepared with an attention to detail and flavor – that’s a relief, because it is really hard to choose.
Muse on 8th near La Brea offers vegetarian and vegan options. The environment of this cafe is very homey and friendly, due to their selection of games to play, free wifi, a rotating wall of local artwork, and nighttime events. This is a great place to eat if you are looking for an organic healthy option. Their grilled cheese, with Havarti, Colby jack and cheddar, avocado, and sun-dried tomatoes, is on a whole other level.
The Spot on Pico is quaint in style, but rich in flavor. Customize your own box of amazing, spicy soul food. A supper box comes with crispy fried chicken and a side of your choosing. Complete a meal with their delectable blueberry cobbler. Get it while you can – their opening hours are limited.
The ambience of The Roof on Wilshire will remove you from the hustle and bustle of traffic with 360-degree views of the city, a full bar with crafted cocktails, along with the relaxed vibe of being able to dine in a lounge environment under the stars. Try the moist glazed chicken breast with spinach, capers, and polenta, and the s’mores cheesecake for dessert. Dining this high above the fray will inspire you to treat yourself.
This place on Pico can easily be missed because of the simplicity of the restaurant design, but don’t be fooled – Powerplant is a must-try cafe. Stocked with all the guilty pleasures for gluten-free and organic eaters, they even have juice samples for you to try. Go for vegan happy hour during the week between 4pm and 6pm for juice and and appetizer specials. Their breakfast tostada, slathered in tart hot sauce, is highly recommended and sets the bar high for other healthy restaurants.
