6360 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
(323) 464-1478; www.archlightcinemas.com
RESTAURANT: THE HUNGRY CAT
1535 N. Vine St. Hollywood
(323) 462-2155; www.thehungrycat.com
A friend of mine recommended the Hungry Cat to me some time ago, and it does not disappoint. The restaurant, located off an alleyway between Borders Bookstore on Vine Street and the defunct Schwab’s Restaurant (what a disaster that was!) is now one of my favorite restaurants in town.
The bistro offers delicious salads, unique dishes and succulent drinks. The Hungry Cat is currently going through an expansion while remaining open.
THEATER: AMC CENTURY CITY
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City
(310) 289-4262; www.amctheatres.com
RESTAURANT: CENTURY CITY SHOPPING CENTER FOOD COURT
Newly remodeled, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill food court. With multi-ethnic options, there’s something for all. Just about everyone who goes to this theater mentions it in conjunction, and with good reason.
THEATER: LAEMMLE MONICA 4-PLEX
1332 2nd St., Santa Monica
(310) 394-9741; www.laemmle.com
THEATER: AMC Santa Monica 7
1310 3rd St., Third Street Promenade
(310) 289-4262; www.amctheatres.com
THEATER: MANN CRITERION
1313 3rd St., Santa Monica
(310) 395-1599; www.manntheatres.com
RESTAURANT: THE LOBSTER
1602 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica
(310) 458-9294; www.thelobster.com
Although there are many restaurants on the Third Street Promenade, the Lobster, conveniently located on Ocean Avenue off Broadway, is a true culinary joy. A Santa Monica landmark since 1923, they serve first-rate American seafood. An outdoor seat guarantees you the most romantic view in town.
THEATER: MANN’S CHINESE THEATRE
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
(323) 464-8111; www.manntheatres.com/chinese
THEATER: MANN CHINESE 6
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 464-8111
RESTAURANT: 25 DEGREES AT THE HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
(323) 785-7244; www.25degreesrestaurant.com
This gourmet burger joint in the old Roosevelt Hotel serves a $10 shake that’s simply heavenly. The burgers (beef, turkey, vegetable) are dressed up with a combination of cheeses and special sauces on a tasty bun.
The onion rings and fries are served in Chinese to go containers and taste fantastic, and clever specialty sodas are fun to taste. Get there early as this popular eatery can have you waiting a long time for a table.
THEATER: LAEMMLE’S MUSIC HALL 3
9036 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills
(310) 274-6869; www.laemmle.com
RESTAURANT: KATE MANTILINI
9101 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
(310) 278-3699
This restaurant defines Los Angeles with great food in a stylish atmosphere. You just never know whom you’ll see, from Dave Navarro, Ron Jeremy at the same table with Jon Lovitz, to Danny DeVito with the family.
Kate’s has been one of my favorite restaurants since I moved to town in 1992. My favorite dish is by far the pan-fried frog legs. The House Macaroni and Cheese is topnotch, and the New York Steak and eggs is a power meal at any time of the day.
THEATER: LOS FELIZ 3 CINEMAS
1822 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
(323) 664-2169; www.losfeliz.com
RESTAURANT: FIGARO CAFÉ
1802 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
(323) 662-1587
The atmosphere and food at this fine French Bistro make you feel as if you are dining in Paris instead of on Vermont Boulevard. It caters remarkably well to carnivores and picky vegans, so it’s an all-around culinary delight.
THEATER: LAEMMLE’S SUNSET 5
8000 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood
(323) 848-3500; www.laemmle.com
RESTAURANT: EMPRESS
8264 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood
(323) 656-8377; www.empressrestaurant.com
The eclectic menu at this Asian Fusion restaurant adds to the fun while the exquisite Zen-inspired atmosphere makes this the perfect eatery for couples. Thai specialties add color to the sushi menu, which you can follow up with an unexpected dessert such as the “Empress Stick Churros with Chocolate Pudding.” The place has a more than satisfactory wine and beer selection for imbibing prior to the movie.
THEATER: PACIFIC THEATRES CULVER STADIUM 12
9500 Culver Blvd., Culver City
(310) 360-9565; www.pacifictheatres.com
RESTAURANT: TENDER GREENS
9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City
(310) 842-8300; www.tendergreensfood.com
Locals love this one for the relaxed atmosphere and classic foods that are also eco-friendly. Dishes are organic, and chickens are free-range for the conscious carnivore or veggie alike. And for homemade fare, this restaurant has a reputation for being remarkably fast, just the thing to get you out the door to your show.
THEATER: PACIFIC THEATRES AT THE GROVE
189 The Grove Drive (3rd & Fairfax), Los Angeles
(323) 692-0829; www.pacifictheatres.com
RESTAURANT: THE FARM
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
(323) 525-1699; www.thefarmofbeverlyhills.com
The Farm offers delightful California fare and a well-equipped coffee and tea bar for the infusion connoisseur. Whether it’s a pot pie just like mom used to make or their famous hamburgers that you choose, you can dine leisurely outdoors by the fountain. If you’re in a rush, you can even take your selection into the theater to dine.
THEATER: THE LANDMARK
10850 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
(310) 281-8233; www.landmarktheatres.com
RESTAURANT: THE APPLE PAN
10801 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
(310) 475-3585
Your classic greasy spoon restaurant, this joint is renowned for its burgers and is often packed, but the service is speedy, so don’t be discouraged! Amazingly it’s been open since 1947, surviving the corporate chain surge, and that’s reason enough to trust that they must be doing something right.
THEATER: THE VISTA
4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles
(323) 660-6639; www.losfeliz.com
RESTAURANT: TAIX
1911 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
(213) 484-1265; www.taixfrench.com
What better way to compliment a night at the Egyptian-themed Vista than with a visit to a French restaurant? Seriously though, French country fare is done exceptionally well here with a wide range of specialties du jour and tantalizing dishes. Wine buffs will be pleased with their pickings, but what else would you expect from the French?
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