Meet us at Lou
(Credit: LA Times/Ken Hively)
Navigating: strip mall eats
Rare gems in the concrete jungle
By Jiyeon Yoo, Metromix, and Katherine Spiers, Special to Metromix
February 27, 2008
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Alegria on Sunset
3510 W. Sunset Blvd. - Los Angeles323-913-1422
We all need belly-warming sometimes. At Alegria on Sunset, the Trujillo family makes sure that everyone gets extra-special attention and a hearty Mexican meal. It’s cash-only and BYOB, and a wait is almost certain, but none of these seem to be deal-breakers. While diehards would shed blood in defense of their favorite dish, everyone seems to agree that the guac is stupendous.
El Floridita Restaurant
1253 Vine St. - Los Angeles323-871-8612
Before mojitos were cool, there was El Floridita. This Cuban restaurant/club doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside you'll find one of L.A.'s most happening places for salsa dancing. The intimate atmosphere keeps you close to the action on the dance floor while you partake of Cuban classics. Live entertainment on some nights jacks the usually reasonable prices from $12 to about $25.
Fioretto Trattoria
12740 Culver Blvd. - Los Angeles310-448-4000
A tiny Italian place in a random Westside strip mall, Fioretto is a neighborhood-y kind of place with long communal tables and longer waits on the weekend. The pastas are homemade and the lasagna in particular gets high marks, but the menu is seasonal, so you’ll just have to find a new favorite each time.
Hamasaku
11043 Santa Monica Blvd. - Los Angeles310-479-7636
Don’t expect strip mall prices here; the cuisine is in the way of Matsuhisa or any of Wolfgang Puck’s Asian-fusion ventures. The discreet, tucked-in location suits famous people too: The sushi bar reportedly provided Mary-Kate’s first morsel in months, and both Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston are considered regulars. (Those two have a lot in common, don’t they?)
Hirozen
8385 Beverly Blvd. - West Hollywood323-653-0470
Hirozen’s one drawback is its incredibly tight quarters, but if you're lucky enough to get a seat, you won't be disappointed. Try sitting at the sushi bar for the best cuts of fish and prompt service; if you’re more into tuna burgers and teriyaki, grab a table and leave the bar to the pros. Hey, it’s in a strip mall, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be snobby.
La Provence Patisserie
8950 W. Olympic Blvd. - Beverly Hills310-888-8833
If those popular standalone breakfast spots on 3rd St. or Melrose are too velvet-ropey for your taste, make this patisserie your new go-to. Carb up with perfect waffles, croissants and apple-cinnamon muffins. The macaroons are also award-worthy. In true strip mall form, it’s a small space without a heckuva lot of room, but the traffic always flows, so waits are minimal.
Lou
724 Vine St. - Hollywood323-962-6369
Don't judge a restaurant by its strip mall cover. Lou is nestled in one, yet it takes food so seriously that it flies sausages in from Mario Batali’s dad’s meat factory in Seattle. The pig candy is perennially popular—yes, we know it sounds weird. Just trust us. Portions are small but flavor is big—and owner Lou Amdur has the perfect wine to go with everything.
Marouch
4905 Santa Monica Blvd. - Los Angeles323-662-9325
Hankering for hummus, shawarma or even frog legs? Marouch offers traditional yet adventurous (again, frog legs) Armenian and Lebanese fare with Old World hospitality and reasonable prices. Go with a group: The restaurant is not only spacious and accommodating, but you’ll have reason to order the “meze for six,” with its wide sampling of the kitchen’s best dishes.
Mashti Malone's
1525 N. La Brea Ave. - Los Angeles323-874-6168
This legendary scoop shop offers a diverse selection of Middle Eastern sorbets and ice creams, like the delicately floral orange blossom and saffron flavors, as well an array of standards like peanut butter cup and strawberry. Mashti's also offers non-dairy options like “herbal snow,” an icy, fruity sorbet laced with threads of crunchy rice noodles. It ain't Baskin Robbins—but that’s why we like it.
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave. - Los Angeles213-380-1717
It’s hard to stand out from the legion of Korean barbecue places, even with a blazing yellow signboard. But this relative newcomer quickly developed a following with quality meats and updated grill equipment that diffuses the intense beefy smoke away from one’s hair and clothing. As is usually the case in K-town, strip mall dining doesn’t equal easy parking: Only the north side of the lot is available for Park’s, so be sure to enter the correct driveway.
Sushi Gen
422 E. 2nd St. - Los Angeles213-617-0552
While it sits in a strip mall and carries a distinct fishy bouquet, there's a reason enthusiasts arrive a half hour early for Sushi Gen: the sashimi. Snagging a prime spot at the sushi bar might trim that wait time. Once seated, get busy ordering the uni and the buttery toro. On a budget? Hit this joint up for lunch—same menu, half the cost.
Vito's Pizza
846 N. La Cienega Blvd. - West Hollywood310-652-6859
Vito’s new residence in West Hollywood has been upsetting to its former neighbors in Silverlake, but that hasn’t stopped them from trekking across town for a slice of the Sicilian-style pizza. Fan favorites include a craveable Mediterranean veggie and an unfailing cheese pizza. Take slices to go if kickin’ it in a strip mall isn’t your deal.
Vivoli Café
7994 Sunset Blvd. - Los Angeles323-656-5050
At Vivoli, it’s all about the red sauce. This heavenly incarnation of the tomato drenches everything from the eggplant to ravioli in this cozy Italian restaurant, located in a strip mall across from the now-defunct Virgin Megastore. The exterior may not look much like Italy, but the wine list is formidable, the waiters deploy convincing accents and the tiramisu is homemade.
The Woods
1533 N. La Brea Ave. - Hollywood323-876-6612
Fans of the Lava Lounge were sad to say goodbye to the kitschy tiki-style bar (and it's “Kinky Karaoke” parties), but the owners revamped it into a way-cooler forest-themed lounge. There are chandeliers made out of antlers, tables carved from tree trunks, electric stars gleaming from the ceiling, and strong cocktails to boot. (Plus, Mashti Malone’s is next door!)
Jiyeon Yoo is Restaurants editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
Katherine Spiers is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
Katherine Spiers is a contributing editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
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