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Good weather is an added bonus to the otherwise kaleidoscopic, if not overwhelming, array of possibilities—culturally, architecturally, or gastronomically—that await you in this four-million-strong city. The possibilities are endless for those willing to peel back the layers of the city and allow its oddities, contradictions, and soul to guide them.

Los Angeles 

What's The Deal On

Intro

Liam Casey

Cultural History 

The best grub is often tucked in the strip mall

Food & Drink

Unless you want the beach, avoid the westside

Hoods 

Airbnb’s are much more expensive than they used to be

Accomodation

Drugs

L.A. has public transport, but it’s patchy

Local Transport 

Being Queer in LA

Racism exists, but can operate in more subtle ways

Race

If travelling longer distances at night, stick to rideshare 

Solo Travel 

Big-city common sense is the name of the game

Safety 

“To Protect and to Serve” in theory but not in practise 

The Police

Etiquette and Cultural Values

Besides brief, historic uprisings, L.A. is mostly peaceful 

Political Situation 

Spots

Black Owned

Museum 

CAAM (California African American Museum)

Record Store

Music 

Shopping

Music Store

Amoeba 

Underground Museum

Reggae

Nightclub

Los Globos

Science

History

Culture

Education

Modern Art

Museum of Jurassic Technology

The best spots in Los Angeles

Explore Los Angeles

 Where to Eat Out  

The Best Places to Eat Out 

Guides

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Vinyl

Salt Box Records

Tacos

Food

Leo's Taco Truck 

Shoes

Clothing

Undefeated

Designer

FOURTWOFOUR ON FAIRFAX

Restaurant

Bavel

Justice Wears Cool Pants

In LA, there’s really no Caribbean culture. So, the Jerk Spot is one of those places that I go to and it makes me forget that I’m in LA kind of thing. The food’s incredible, the area is like this little small, almost hole-in-the-wall type spot. I’m a big foodie.

In my free time, I’ve been taking photos. I’m like a fake photographer, for me it’s significant because it’s when you create memories and don’t take photos of them, you almost forget about them. So, when I go to that photo lab to develop my photos and I receive them, it almost feels like me reliving these memories.

The taco truck experience feels cultural, it feels like a good place to coagulate, sit on the block. Get some tacos, vibe out. It’s very communal, in like the most street-possible way. LA culture is completely different and i feel like that taco truck adds like a little bit more street-ness to Los Angeles. You gotta do the Carnita tacos with the green sauce.

For me, it’s all about trying to find different flavours in this city because like I said, LA is so spread out that sometimes it’s kinda hard to find pockets of things. But this spot has a very strong Parisian feel. It’s kind of like a little Paris hangout, it feels like you’re in the middle of Paris even though you’re in the middle of LA. And you know the drinks are amazing and the thought process behind that experience, again, like I said, I’m a foodie, so it’s kind of just where I hang out. The crowd there is more creative.

The thing about this spot is that it gives me a clash of culture and creativity. Because everyone that’s selling stuff there or goes there is usually from a lack of funds, it’s not a lot of wealthy people or people that are affluent that really go there. You just get to see what everybody’s taste is and how everyone’s trying to relate what they’re putting forward. It gives me a sense of a melting pot.


Eating in LA with Justice Wears Cool Pants

Miguel

The Short Rib ravioli is insane. Not sure if it's still on the menu, or maybe a special, but I've had an Arrabbiata there before that was fire. It's the best pasta in the game, perfectly cooked noodles, which they make by hand onsite. They also have an excellent bar there and you can order Mescal which is rare at an Italian spot. Great vibes in there all around any night of the week.

This is our favorite weekend spot hands down. The food is so good. If we could eat like THAT every day, it would be our every day spot, but we save it for weekends. I personally LOVE the French toast but everything is bomb. Ask for Jason, he's the Chef. Always takes good care of us.

We love the lamb chops and the whole Branzino fish here. It’s so insane. They use some sort of a sweet peppery marinade on the fish that’s next level. It's in downtown LA Arts District which has a really good energy to it.

It’s right by the airport, so you can hit it as soon as you land. It’s a very low key local legend spot. All the tacos are excellent. Loads of cheese. Can’t go wrong in my opinion.

Miguel and Jeremy Fall Take Us On A Culinary Journey Through LA

Tai Verdes

This beach is a secret hideaway. Less people more waves and sand. That might be cheesy but this beach is still great. There are cliffs overlooking the water where people are constantly taking pictures and even engagement photos. It’s towards Malibu so you also get that nice lil PCH drive towards this beach.

Monty's is a late-night burger place that is all vegan. These burgers vegan or not are some of the best in la. The milkshakes too are the cherry on top. If you want a real introduction of vegan food then go here and have your mind blown.

The sandy dunes in Malibu are kind of jaw-dropping to look at. I used to work out there twice a month when I was training for college basketball. That’s the type of workout you should look forward to when you’re climbing to the top of that sand. The reward is an amazing view of Malibu beach and you get to run down like a maniac.

This is where I get all of my clothes. Okay not all but most. This spot is overrun by people who love fashion. I don’t blame them. So many great vendors come to sell dope shit there. Every time I go there I find another staple of my closet. If you walk into the trading post you will walk out with something.

Where I performed my first show ever. I released my album on the night I played at Winston house. It’s a great venue where great artists come to make memories. I’ll never forget this place. You should definitely check it out if you’re looking more live music in your life.

This hilltop is for Instagram professionals only. You will get some pictures that might be cooler than all the pictures you’ve ever taken in your life. Sometimes if you go at the right time you will see a line of people waiting to snap the perfect shot. I think you should go get in line.

This is a very interesting museum in LA that I go to when people visit me. If you bring someone to this spot you can say that you have taste but your not too boujee. I love the creativity of all the modern art in this spot. Maybe one day I’ll make something that ends up in there.

This wall is iconic in LA. It’s right by the skate park in Venice and artists are always marking it up with amazing unique pieces. I’ve been there a bunch of times and almost every time I’ve seen an artist working on the wall live. I don’t think I could ever be a graffiti artist. Those people are so talented.

Bowl, double black beans, double pinto, a small amount of fajitas, mild salsa, guac, lettuce, orange vinaigrette, with an extra tortilla (NO MEAT). This was my order every single day for a year. The downtown chipotle next to staple centre in Los Angeles. This is the best chipotle in LA. I’ve never had anything stale or had anything missing in my order at this place. When I was going through some hard times the workers there even let me have some free chips because they knew me. This place is golden.

Secret Beaches in Los Angeles with Tai Verdes

Sister's of Sound

Peruvian ceviche and amazing roast chicken.

The best bakery in LA! The Canales and Almond Croissants are a must.

Mom and Pop breakfast spot on York. No frills, just really good hearty breakfast. 

Thousand Layer Pancake egg, cheese, basic and chilli. 

You need to try the Chicken Rice Porridge!

Yonette Alleyne of Caribbean Gourmet’s hot sauce!

Cycle there along the LA river and order the best breakfast in East LA.

Food Joints in LA with Sisters of Sound

Shawn Wasabi

I love this spot, it’s nearby across the street from Boba Guys and Justin is a such a fantastic chef, ultimate comfort food. 

There’s 2 in LA and this is my favorite Boba shop for sure. Andrew and Bin are the best!

LASA [Lasita] is legendary for Filipino food, nothing can or ever will come close

I tried this Filipino supermarket for the first time not too long ago and immediately it just reminded me of home. Super authentic and just feels great to be there

They have these in few spots in LA but it’s my favorite place for udon

Over in east LA, this area is consttttantly switching things up, you can find a lot of new businesses and food popping up so it's always exciting to visit 

Shawn Wasabi's Filipino Neighbourhood Guide to LA

Channel Tres

Some good Mexican food - burritos are what I get

I don’t skate anymore because I gotta look after my ankles - I dance now

This is another place, but near USC. They show a lot of great things here

All things shopping. I go to Goodwill most of the time, but if you're walking down here you'll see a bunch of stores

Los Angeles with Channel Tres

CHAII

This is always the first Persian food place I stop at when in LA, Attari Sandwich shop! It reminds me of Iran, so it’s very special to me since I don't often get to experience that. To start off, you have to try the mouth watering Eggplant dish (Kashke bademjan) then any of their delicious sandwiches - my two favorites are Sausage and Tongue. They have an amazing menu filled with yummy Persian food that you can enjoy in the cute outdoor area. Persian cream puffs (Noon Khamei) is a MUST for dessert.

The name says it all! When you go to Saffron and Rose Ice Cream shop in Westwood you must try the ice cream that the shop is named after, the Saffron ice cream. Mixed with pistachios, I don’t know anyone who could dislike this signature Iranian Ice Cream flavor, it’s a must try.. 

Feeling a little fancy? Then Darya restaurant is the place to go to have an amazing dinner. My favorite dish is Zereshk Polo Morgh (Persian Barberry rice with chicken) OR ANY of the dishes. If you’re new to Persian food then get a few different dishes and share. Some nights there is live music to enjoy while dining at Darya Restaurant.

Iran has such a rich culture and a long history in arts, music and traditions. Stores like Ketabsara (ketab = Book) are much needed to keep the Persian culture alive. I can never get enough of walking in a store that carries that much depth in the art and history.

This is definitely the spot to go for a casual hang out with your friends where you can enjoy Shisha food and board games. Open until 3am most nights and until 5am on weekends this is the perfect place to end up after going out for dinner to the movies etc. I think of this place as somewhere nice and chill and if I lived in LA I imagine i’d become a regular here. Shisha (Ghelyoun) is a big part of Persian culture. In Iran, my family always would have the Ghelyoun going after lunch or dinner over a cup of tea and snacks. It’s not about smoking, it's more the fact it brings everyone together.

I went to Cafe Glace with my cousin and my friends for the first time in 2019 when we were in LA to shoot music videos. Everyone is so lovely here and the food is amazing. I’ve had their gourmet Pizzas and sandwiches. Don’t forget to order some Chai (tea) after your meal. In Persian culture, we drink tea a lot. First thing in the morning, before and after meals tea is something that is always being made and poured into your glass. We also believe that tea is great for the stomach after meals to help with digestion.

If you’re looking for some quality hair products including amazing hair extensions and wigs then look no further, my uncle's store Santee beauty in Downtown LA. I love visiting my family when I'm in LA and my uncle has had so much success at his store in downtown where many celebrities go to get their hair  products from.

Explore Los Angeles' Persian Spots with CHAII

XL Middleton

We're starting at the home base since this is my record store. Located in the heart of Chinatown. It's a tiny spot; tiny like the record stores in Shibuya but I'd like to think it's cozy. We carry everything but with a strong slant towards funk/soul/boogie, modern funk, & Japanese city pop. Google says we're permanently closed but, shows you what they know. We've kept the storefront closed since the pandemic started but we are gearing up to reopen later this year. In the meantime, we do Instagram vinyl drops every Tuesday & Wednesday so you can get a little slice of LA record store culture from anywhere in the world twice a week.

If you're visiting LA and want to dig as soon as you possibly can after stepping off the plane, you can go here, it's just a few blocks away from LAX. Nice selection in all genres and they've been around for quite a while. I love that the shop has that old school, record store dive kind of vibe where it doesn't feel like the wax has been 'overcurated' and compared against every pricing metric on Discogs & eBay. Also you'll be close to the iconic Randy's Donuts - The local secret is that it's not just a famous place to take IG selfies, their donuts are actually great.

This is one of those spots that diggers in LA will hesitate to tell people about because they wanna keep the jewels to themselves. Digs are top notch even in the bargain bins. The guy who runs the shop is another old school dude who doesn't rely on internet prices as a reference, which makes the game fun in a way that it often isn't anymore.

One of the newer shops in the city, and you'll definitely wanna keep up with them on the regular because you never know what they'll come up on next. One day they'll be rolling out a crazy jazz collection, the next it's all heavy Italo 12"s, after that a big stack of 90's R&B & hip hop LPs. If you go there on the right day you might see the homie Randy Ellis (CQQL Records/Hobo Camp) behind the counter.

When you come to LA, you can tell who is new to the city because they refer to parts of town like Echo Park & Silver Lake as the "east side." Nah, come to Sonido Del Valle and check out Boyle Heights, part of the actual east side. It's one of my favorite neighborhoods in town, love the old Victorian houses and the fact that the gentrification hasn't hit as hard here yet. This spot is run by the homie Rene, tell him I sent you when you go! Tons of great taco spots in the area too, take your pick. But after a dig at Sonido I might hit up Otomisan, old school Japanese restaurant right down the street from the days when Boyle Heights also had a big Japanese community.

Speaking of the east side, Record Jungle is located right on Whittier Boulevard just a few miles away from the famous cruising strip. This is a big store, not heavily curated but there's tons to choose from so you never know what you're gonna find. Recommend setting aside many hours to dig here.

Mainly a bookstore as you might've guessed by the name but their record section is no joke. The 7" section is fun to go through. Lotta table space and if you're lucky you can even score a chair to sit down while you go through their boxes. They're one of the better stores in town when it comes to having joints that you don't see in stores too often. You'll definitely also wanna check out the book tunnel, the old bank vault, and the other cool stuff they have to look at on their mezzanine.

Fingerprints, and the spot mentioned below, are both in Long Beach -- which is technically a separate city but still within LA County. It's very much a part of the fabric here, even if it does have its own vibe. Every time I go to Long Beach I always hit both of these stores up. They're kind of polar opposites which makes it fun - Fingerprints has the whole bookstore/record store/coffee shop thing going.

Fingerprints and Bagatelle Records are within walking distance of one another which is rare in LA. Bagatelle is all dusty stacks and tight spaces from floor to ceiling. You'll love the contrast between the two.

We're winding this down in the corner of LA I'm from - Pasadena. Technically its own separate city too but it's a 20 minute drive from downtown LA. When I was growing up, Poo Bah was located in a little converted red house so you'd walk into what was basically the living room and start digging through the bins. They've since moved to a proper storefront a couple miles away. Still got all the hallmarks of a great record store dive - nice prices, deep bargain bins, side shelves with cassettes, VHS tapes, and CD's. In the recent years they've done a lot of events revolving around the beat/producer community. The late Ras G was involved with the store pretty heavily. Dam Funk filmed part of his "Hood Pass Intact" video here too.

Here's a little Pasadena bonus for you to check out while you're in the area. Mainly a bookstore but they have a few bins of records, I recommend checking them out because they seem to carry a lot of weird, off the wall stuff, of all types.

The Ultimate Guide to LA's Record Shops with XL Middleton

Joyce Wrice

One of my favorite Japanese/Korean restaurants located around Palms. Beef tongue, Thai glass noodle, daikon nori nori, shishito peppers, shumai, tom yum ramen and some hot sake will have you in your baaaaaaaaaag

This is a Nigerian restaurant in Inglewood! I really like their okra stew! It's so spicy. I would go here and make sure to have a couple hours to spare because sometimes it takes a while to get your food

This is a Thai restaurant in Gardena! I love savory and spicy burn-your-stomach type of food. Their tom yum soup is my favorite!

This museum is in mid city. It has movie nights in their purple garden and a beautiful bookstore with vinyl, clothing, and candles. You can also just hang out in the garden to read, write, listen to music etc.

This is a really good breakfast, lunch, dinner soul food restaurant in Inglewood and they play great r&b!! I love their pork chops and free mimosas on Sunday I believe ;) Get there early because it gets pretty crowded

Delicious egg bread french toast! Beautiful memorabilia. This space used to be the spot many artists, poets, and black panther party members gathered at to hold open mics at in the 1960s

Joyce Wrice's Guide to LA

Eso Won Books is an independent Black-owned bookstore in Los Angeles, that actively champions African-American authors and has become a safe space for the community.

This is a Nigerian restaurant in Inglewood! Their okra stew! It's so spicy. I would go here and make sure to have a couple hours to spare, because sometimes it takes a while to get your food.

Inspired by thrifted clothing and 90s pop icons, Phlemuns has made waves in the LA fashion scene since its inception. James Flemons ultimately seeks to bring people together through not only his clothes but the creation of community.

ComfortLA started as a late-night, pop-up restaurant taking a clean approach to soul food. They use locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients and healthier cooking methods to create top-notch, Southern cuisine including " Cousin Kina's Mac ‘n’ Cheese," Clean Mean Greens" and their signature "Organic Not Your Average Fried Chicken" with “That Sauce.

Messob, the family-run Ethiopian restaurant on Fairfax. A meal at Messob is like eating at home with your friends, because your mom’s in town and offered to cook.

The best shrimp and grits in Los Angeles.

Jackfruit Cafe is a West Los Angeles vegan restaurant that specializes in Jackfruit offering delicious, healthy bowls, tacos, burritos and salads.

The finest Chai in LA. Enjoy a cup of true bohemian coffee experience, or a quick espresso shot on the go. Any drink can be served ice cold.

Owned by Chace Infinite, this hidden gem of a coffee spot serves a mean matcha latte along with delicious vegan donuts. Hit their IG bio for opening times and services available at the moment.

A chill storefront spot serving Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, oxtail and curry shrimp.

Senegalese entrepreneur, Marianne Ndiaye, takes pride on using only Organic Fair Trade soap and shea butter from Mali and Ghana. These homemade products are made using an old family recipe to soften the shea butter and all scents are natural extracts from fruits and flowers.

An espresso bar with light bites and an adjoining production studio with events. Storefront pick up and limited outdoor seating available.

Found in n the Hyde Park area of South L.A., Kelli Jackson stepped away from a career in art to take over the family business. The market works with partners including the L.A. Food Policy Council, the local arts community, and the national restaurant chain, Sweetgreen, in pursuing a vision that combines healthy food and community empowerment.

Opened in 1984, owned by Percell Keeling and found in the heart of LA, this food spot attracts customers all over for its tasty nutritious food featuring authentic Jamaican fare. They have a strong community value and aim to enhance the quality of life and the health of their neighbours.

A concept shop and creative space curated by Blackness, POC and a few good allies. Founded by LA-native creative director Jazzi McGilbert, who also identifies as queer, she founded the shop as a labour of love, inspired by Jazzi’s best friend/mom, Joyce “Neicie” McGilbert, who passed away in June 2018 at age 57, and her own experience as a young Black creative in Los Angeles.

Founded by Marquise Miller, an LA native, Millersroom shows to be one of the most coveted vintage suppliers in the city. This idea was birthed to fulfill his desire to share his keen eye for fashion, film, art, elevated staples, and everything in between. All garments and objects are sourced from all over the world by himself.

Black-Owned Businesses in Los Angeles

Mori's new sushi spot does the best omakase! Founder Mori is a Michelin starred chef who makes his own plates and ceramics and even grows his own rice. We adore him! The quality and dedication to sushi is seriously present, and every dish from the house tofu, to the soy sauce blends, and rice chosen, shows his legacy.

Market Song is a must hit small, bustling stop for updates on traditional Thai street foods. Go to Jitlada for super authentic best hole in the wall. It's a fun spot.

San Gabriel Valley is a Chinese Neighbourhood with over 100 incredible food spots which are all amazing. But if you had to pick one make sure you hit up Chendu Taste.

Make sure to order the Bento boxes from Hayato. They bang.

K town's KBBQ. The price is right, great food and atmosphere.

Mark & Johnny Houston def fit. Having grown up in L.A.’s Koreatown in the 1980s, brothers Mark and Jonnie Houston have created a time warp that takes guests back a few decades. Expect a quintessential soundtrack as well as live performances and special guest DJs. There are four karaoke suites available for groups of 10-20, a dance floor, and break room-style snacks.

Random store for all things design driven. Go to for cool gifts.

Asian Owned Businesses in LA

Bianca Oblivion

This is a family-owned business that has been around since the 70s, one of the first (if not the first?) Indian grocery stores in Los Angeles. It began as a small storefront between a casket and hardware store, and eventually took over both to become a full restaurant and grocery. When I was in high school, one of the aunties would sell samosas at the register and I’d always buy one while I waited for the bus. Aside from having delicious vegetarian Indian food, they have every Indian spice you could think of and all kinds of imported items.

This market has gone by many names, and through many renovations. It’s our neighborhood market, just a few blocks from my house. It’s got all your Mexican/Latin groceries & meats plus some middle eastern specialty goods. It once had a joyeria where you could buy customized gold chains and rings, but that was replaced by a bakery and tortilleria. While I’m sad to see the gold go, their pan dulce and tortillas are pretty bomb.

Tucked away in a strip mall next to a laundromat is the most colorful ice cream shop you’ve seen thus far. They have a huge selection of tropical flavored sorbets, ice creams, and paletas (Mexican popsicles), as well as juices and smoothies. They even have a tamarind and “smoked milk” flavor.

Before Google, Belkin, and all the other “Silicon Beach” companies landed, along with luxury condos, there was a wide expanse of wetlands in West LA, just a few miles from LAX and Playa Del Rey beaches. While much of it has been paved with condos, there are still a few small trails alongside shallow ponds with cranes, ducks, and frogs. You can take a walk through and feel like you’ve escaped the sprawling metropolis and returned to an era of pre-developed LA.

This is a huge park that straddles Culver City and Baldwin Hills that has peaceful trails, ponds, and playground/grass areas for family gatherings. There is a Japanese Garden hidden away there and scenic overlook with a perfect view of the city. I’ve gone on many hikes and attended kid birthdays with my family here.

This is a Persian/Danish pizza and gyro spot offering a “pizza sandwich” that combines two...and it’s delicious. With its original location in Copenhagen, they somehow found their way to a small corner in Culver City to open up their second location. It also happens to be down the block from the palatial King Fahad Mosque, and you’ll often see crowds of people come in after prayer.

The swap meet of all swap meets with the iconic green paint and orange/red lettering (not West LA but not that far off). All the gold, kicks, knock offs, and airbrushed shirts you could ask for. One jewelry stand in particular sells gold nameplate rings--I’ve gotten “Bianca” and “Oblivion,” one for each hand.

Black-owned and operated health food store and Caribbean/soul restaurant in the View Park-Windsor Hills area (this neighborhood also has some of the most beautiful classic LA Spanish/Mediterranean style homes). They have delicious Jamaican patties, smoothies, fried chicken and cornbread, and on Sundays they have a live jazz band play on the patio for weekend brunch.

One of my favorite breakfast spots with the tastiest honey-infused pancakes, as its name would suggest. Alongside your standard egg, potato, and meat selections, they have a full selection of Salvadoran dishes, including pupusas, pastelitos, sopas, chorizo and more. It’s another family owned business, and I once got into a conversation about music with one of the brothers, who played us some reggaeton tracks he had rapped on.

West LA with Bianca Oblivion

Niia

My favourite late-night chic cocktail spot. Sometimes I'll get up and sing a song if I'm drunk enough.

Los Angeles

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