WeHo isn’t all rainbow flags and gay bars filled with hot young men (although we do love those). Santa Monica Boulevard near the charming, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Holloway Drive pops with unexpected celebrity hangouts, adorable French restaurants and tiny temples of health.
Established in 1920, Barney’s Beanery is not only the sports bar in L.A., it also harbors some great history. Did you know it’s where Ed Kienholz came up with art ideas and Quentin Tarantino wrote most of Pulp Fiction? Or that Janis Joplin had her last drink here before her death? Crazy, right? So the next time you stop by this boozerific locale, have a drink in honor of the greats.
In its 10 years, Barry’s has become one of the most popular fitness training centers in Hollywood. With a client roster that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Katie Holmes and Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney, the gym seeks to “be the best boot camp in the world.” And it seems to be working—for those willing to endure some pain for their gain, Barry can beef up or slim down any bod.
Feeling a little sore from Barry kicking your butt? Head next door for some relief. Chiropractor Eric Swartz landed in L.A. from Dallas and knew he wanted to specialize in working with the human body to optimize its performance. He now operates as a sports injury specialist focusing on neck and back pain. Barry must come here daily!
This is the ideal place to get your South of France food fix without having to cross the Atlantic. SDP serves Mediterranean-inspired organic salads, crepes, quiche and Parisian sourdough bread baked in a wood-fired brick oven, and you can nosh while reading French magazines and newspapers. Craving dessert? There’s an ice cream counter that’s straight out of Aix-en-Provence.
This little motel tucked away on Santa Monica Boulevard might not be the flashiest in town, but it's perfect for the L.A. tourist seeking lodging that's within walking distance of Boystown and the Strip. Cheapskates, take note: The hotel provides a complimentary continental breakfast. Smokers, beware: All rooms are non-smoking.
After you’ve stumbled out of the bar at 2 a.m., chances are you’ll want an early breakfast (or really late dinner) to soak up all that alcohol. Lucky for you, IHOP is open 24/7 and always has eggs, bacon and pancakes on the griddle. Speaking of which, we hear KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer is a loyal patron, and he hearts IHOP flapjacks.
