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Local Positioning: Loyola Village

A guide to trophies, bowling and food in this college spot

By Adam Gropman

Special to Metromix
December 17, 2008

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(Credit: Adam Gropman)

Of all the institutions of higher learning in Southern California, Loyola Marymount University in Westchester surely possesses one of the best pieces of land. Along with its proximity to the Pacific, LMU boasts panoramic views of the L.A. basin (to the north and east) and the nearby towers of LAX (to the south). The surrounding neighborhood of Loyola Village has always maintained its oddball appeal, though the hip Custom Hotel could suggest a new direction for the area.

Chicago For Ribs

8311 Lincoln Blvd. - Los Angeles

310-670-7427

To a layperson, eating ribs might seem like a lot of work for relatively little meat. But to rib fanatics, the toil makes the barbecued goodness all the more satisfying. CFR, which bills itself as a class rib joint, specializes in baby back ribs but also offers chicken, kielbasa, tri-tip, burgers, salads, sides and more. If its sumptuous, saucy, flame-grilled beast youre after, this is the place.

Trophymasters

8331 Lincoln Ave. - Los Angeles

310-670-6443

As the name suggests, this shop sells trophies and plaques in every shape, size and material imaginable. Trophies start at $4, and custom engraving is available. Even if you dont coach a little league team, you can still pick up some awards as gag gifts or to impress friends and co-workers. (We wont tell anyone your high school football trophy isnt legit.)

Alejo’s Presto Trattoria

8343 Lincoln Ave. - Los Angeles

310-670-0799

Alejos might not be the best place for your first date with that special someonepotential hazards include garlic breath and splattering marinara on your shirtbut once you two have broken the ice, check out the simply decorated Alejos for satisfying Italian comfort food the way nonna used to make: eggplant Parmigiana, three-color cannelloni, linguini pescatore. Buon appetito!

Luigi’s Barbering & Styling

8353 Lincoln Blvd. - Los Angeles

310-641-8234

This place has that old-school, East Coast charm you want in a barbershop. With framed photos of classic movie stars and pop singers, black-and-white tiling, a keyboard, and a couple of microphones set up on the floor (!?), its sort of like a cross between an early Frank Sinatra green room and a goodfellas clubhouse. Owner Tony, who bought out Luigi years ago, is the real deal and makes sure every customer feels like a VIP.

Custom Hotel

8639 Lincoln Boulevard - Los Angeles

310-645-0400

Following the trend of chic hotels with nondescript names (see also: the Standard), the Custom is an excellent redo of the former Furama Hotel. Hopscotch, the mostly outdoor club and lounge area, is a highlight, with a bi-level bar and ultra-mod stadium seating overlooking the pool area below. Expect a hip crowd and kickin’ DJ sets

El Dorado Lanes

8731 Lincoln Blvd. - Los Angeles

310-670-0688

The perfect place for Lebowski enthusiasts, El Dorado is a classic neighborhood bowling alleys. In addition to being spacious, affordable and rarely overcrowded, it has the requisite arcade games, an attached restaurant serving decent pizza, fun lighting and music, and (our favorite) a separate liquor lounge for grown-ups.