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Local Positioning: ThaiMenia

A walking guide to Thai Town and Little Armenia

By Jean-Luc Renault, Special to Metromix

April 2, 2008

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Within stumbling distance of the Red Line’s Hollywood/Western stop, Thai Town and Little Armenia intertwine along Hollywood Boulevard, heading east to Normandie. The resulting cultural amalgam has more to offer than just multi-alphabetic signs, however. If you’re a cross-dressing barfly, a grindcore junkie, a keen antique aficionado or perhaps all three, this half-mile stretch is a welcome respite from the usual Hollywood glitz.

The Relax Bar

5511 Hollywood Blvd. , Los Angeles

Sure, the Relax Bar sounds similar to the surrounding massage parlors that sling “happy endings.” It's similar—if you consider bleeding from the ears after head-banging to warp-speed grindcore a happy ending. L.A.’s best-hidden metal venue also offers a nice beer and wine selection.

Ruen Pair Restaurant

5257 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

323-466-0153

Ruen Pair (which means house on the river) is another Thai Town favorite. Renovated and expanded in 2006, its late hours and solid menu make it a stand out. Go for the Tom Yum Koong soup—a delightful mix of shrimp, mushrooms and kaffir lime leaves.

Red Corner Asia Restaurant

5267 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

323-466-6722

This newish Thai restaurant in Thai Town is gaining a following with locals, industry types and the cool kids for its menu and atmosphere. The decor is stylish with plasma screen TVs on the wall and rock music on the radio, while the food infuses a mix of Asian cuisine with Thai, with a heavy dose of Asian BBQ.

Thai Patio

6332 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles

Tucked into the patio between Whole Foods and K-Mart, this inexpensive restaurant serves most traditional Thai dishes with lunch specials for just $3.99.

The Stone Bar

5221 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

323-466-6061

The name is fitting, because the Stone Bar rocks every day of the week. The pan-Asian-styled venue features a different theme each night, including karaoke on Tuesdays, acoustic blues on Wednesday and anything-goes “Asiamania” starring the Go-Go Boys on Fridays.