Best of Citysearch is our annual guide to the best in
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more of Los Angeles’ best!
BEST AFTER-WORK BAR
BEST BARBECUE
Blue Room 916 S San Fernando Blvd Burbank (323) 849-2779
The posh neighborhood bar you thought only existed in the movies—or the ‘50s.
Leo’s Bar-B-Cue 2619 Crenshaw Blvd (323) 733-1186
El Coyote 7312 Beverly Blvd (323) 939-2255
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Wash down that plate of nachos with a margarita while waiting for a table
at this Tinseltown landmark.
Gallery Bar 506 S Grand Ave (213) 612-1532
Use the expense account to drink in the most rarefied air (and single malt scotch)
downtown can offer.
It’s the meat, not the sauce, that stands out at this all-takeout Crenshaw
barbecue shack.
Woody’s Bar-B-Que 3446 W Slauson Ave (323) 294-9443
That wafting sweet-smoky smell attracts hordes of barbecue-lovers to this hole-in-thewall takeout shop.
The Pig 612 N La Brea Ave (323) 935-1116
Red Rock 8782 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (310) 854-0710
An explosion of smokin’ down-home barbecue served up with a heapin’ helpin’
of hospitality.
Come for the scenery and stay for the action at this red-hot Sunset Strip party spot.
Mr. Cecil’s California Ribs 12244 W Pico Blvd (310) 442-1550
HMS Bounty 3357 Wilshire Blvd (213) 385-7275
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
A nautical watering hole with some of the city’s best drinks and service—
minus the seasickness.
Get in touch with your inner carnivore.
Phillips Bar-B-Que 4307 Leimert Blvd (323) 292-7613
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
BEST ANTIQUE SHOPPING
Rose Bowl Flea Market
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena (323) 560-7469
California’s most famous flea market is collectible heaven.
La Cienega Antique District
La Cienega and Melrose Ave West Hollywood
Where dealers of Rosenthal china meet connoisseurs of 19th-century
Baroque furniture.
Pasadena City College Flea Market
1570 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena (626)-585-7906
Bargain-hunters and collectors never miss this great monthly market.
La Brea Antiques Wilshire Blvd. to Melrose Ave
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Where high-end interior designers and starving actors come to furnish
their pads.
BEST ATTRACTIONS FOR VISITORS
Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr (310) 440-7300
See what billions buy at this exquisitely modern temple of fine art built by a
tycoon’s fortune.
Mann’s Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 464-6266
Films and footprints leave their mark on Hollywood’s most famous theater.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza Universal City (800) 959-9688
Veteran movie studio/theme park reveals what happens between “Action!” and “Cut!”
Smooth, smoky and soulful, this exclusively take-out joint is the city’s
best barbecue.
Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas Bar-B-Que
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
8136 Sepulveda Blvd Van Nuys (818) 902-9046
Voted Best Barbecue by Citysearch users!
BEST BARGAIN HOTEL
Farmer’s Daughter Motel 115 S Fairfax (323) 937-3930
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Charlize Theron and numerous contestants of “The Price Is Right” have all
stayed at this clean, green Fairfax motel.
Casa Malibu Inn 22752 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 456-2219
This surprisingly affordable beachfront getaway is cherished among travel cognoscenti.
Cadillac Hotel 8 Dudley Ave Venice (310) 399-8876
Perfect for cash-challenged scenesters looking to be in the thick of things.
Venice Beach House Historic Inn
15 30th Ave Venice (310) 823-1966
Charming B&B offers an alternative to cookie-cutter hotels and a glimpse into Venice’s
colorful past.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
The Standard 8300 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 650-9090
Boutique motel that even makes shag carpeting chic.
BEST BEACH
Santa Monica Beach
1642 The Promenade Santa Monica (310) 394-3266
Skip laying out—bike trails, coasters and nearby shopping make for the ultimate
beach outing.
Venice Beach Pacific Coast Hwy Venice
Ocean Front Walk Ocean Front Walk / Venice Blvd
L.A.’s funkiest beach offers silly characters, serious surfers and surprisingly clean water.
Forget the beach, the action’s inland at Venice.
Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach
A sun-kissed mecca of physical exertion for the young, hip and sweaty.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Disneyland 1313 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim (714) 781-4565
After nearly half a century, there’s still magic in the air at the grandaddy
of all theme parks.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach Malibu
Sun-lovers, celebrities and stoners—it’s the L.A. experience encapsulated.
Dutton’s Brentwood Bookstore
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
11975 San Vicente Blvd (310) 476-6263
A friendly, neighborhood bookstore filled with old-fashioned charm.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
6326 E Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach (562)431-2253
Voted Best Bookstore by Citysearch users!
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Zuma Beach Zuma Beach
Sparkly clean seawater lures beachgoers a little further north.
BEST BEACH BAR
Hennessey’s Tavern
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
8 Pier Ave Hermosa Beach (310) 372-5759
Enjoy an unbeatable ocean view with drink in hand among a crowded
house of beautiful, tanned faces.
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 457-2503
This Malibu bar attracts thong-n-sarong natives and local celebs.
Gladstone’s 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy Pacific Palisades (310) 454-3474
Drop anchor at one of L.A.’s best beach bars.
Duke’s Barefoot Bar 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 317-0777
Sip mai tais and watch the sunset from the Malibu sand.
Venice Whaler Bar & Grill
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
All Star Bowling Lanes 4459 Eagle Rock Blvd (323) 254-2579
Automated scoring or air conditioning? No. Karaoke machine and metalheads?
Oh, yeah.
Mar Vista Bowl 12125 Venice Blvd Venice (310) 391-5288
Cosmic decor and ‘60s prices make these bowling lanes a stellar choice.
Jillian’s Hi-Life Lanes
1000 Universal Center Dr Universal City (818) 985-8234
Games for grown-ups and calculated kitsch make this bowling alley the epitome
of CityWalk.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Hollywood Star Lanes
5227 Santa Monica Blvd (323) 665-4111
Hollywood’s only 24-hour alley is almost as famous as its clientele.
BEST BREAKFAST
John O’ Groats 10516 W Pico Blvd (310) 204-0692
This Scottish-sounding restaurant doesn’t serve haggis—and that’s a good thing.
Marston’s 151 E Walnut St Pasadena (626) 796-2459
Make yourself at home in this cozy breakfast nook where the folks are friendly and
the vittles are fresh.
2-10 Washington Blvd Venice (310) 821-8737
Friendly locals gather for cocktails with the crew at the Venice bar with the
best ocean view.
Jinky’s Cafe 14120 Ventura Blvd Ste A-B Sherman Oaks (818) 981-2250
Jinky’s Cafe makes breakfast a dazzling way to start the day.
BEST BIG EVENT
The Griddle Cafe 7916 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 874-0377
With Hollywood hopefuls and whimsical diner fare, this cozy cafe fuels the Industry.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
The one night when Santa Monica Boulevard turns into Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
The usually tawdry Hollywood Boulevard gets a G rating for one night.
Sunset Junction Street Fair
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Joe’s 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd Venice (310) 399-5811
Joe Miller’s innovative Cal-French cuisine won’t break the bank.
Denny’s 8425 Pioneer Blvd Whittier (562) 695-4464
Voted Best Breakfast by Citysearch users!
The little block party that helped change the face of Silver Lake.
BEST BURRITO
Academy Awards
Yuca’s 2056 Hillhurst Ave (323) 662-1214
Oh, what a night: the biggest stars in their finest duds honoring the best in the biz.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Tournament of Roses
Not many century-old traditions are still this much fun.
BEST BOOKSTORE
Bodhi Tree Bookstore 8585 Melrose Ave (310) 659-1733
Trade in Tom Clancy for Karma at this meditative mecca.
Book Soup 8818 W Sunset Blvd (310) 659-3110
A popular meet-and-greet that doesn’t sacrifice personal attention for Sunset
Strip glitter.
Midnight Special Bookstore
Transcendent tacos and burritos from a hole-in-the-wall food stand.
Senor Fish 618 Mission St South Pasadena (626) 403-0145
Down with Rubio’s and other fish taco chains. Viva el Seqor!
Poquito Mas 3701 Cahuenga Blvd, Ste 1 Studio City (818) 760-8226
Crispy-grilled flour tortillas set the stage at this purveyor of tasty California fresh Mex.
Baja Fresh Multiple Locations (877) 225-2373
Healthy burritos eclipse the fish tacos at this stylish Baja chain.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
El Tepeyac 812 N Evergreen Ave (323) 267-8668
Gargantuan, messy burritos and a line that spills out the door.
BEST CHEAP EATS
1318 Third St Promenade Santa Monica (310) 393-2923
Readers of the world unite at this Santa Monica lair of left-leaning literature.
Papa Cristo’s Taverna 2771 W Pico Blvd (323) 737-2970
Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena (626) 449-5320
It may look like Borders, but this 106-year-old bookstore is still hanging on to its indie
literary charm.
Cha Cha Chicken 1906 Ocean Ave Santa Monica (310) 581-1684
Where Caribbean cuisine does a spicy tango with your taste buds.
Where low prices and highly satisfying Greek fare meet.
Zankou Chicken 5065 W Sunset Blvd (323) 665-7842
Armenian roasted chicken that sizzles in the heart of Hollywood.
Jason Lavitt
Ace promoter brings goth, glam and Brit-pop tribes together for a great, big
21st-century love-in.
Christopher Lawrence
This DJ will put a spell on you.
Joseph Brooks
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Hot tramps and gloomy doomsters—this goth-and-glam advocate has kept
‘em swinging for more than 20 years.
BEST COLLEGE BAR/CLUB
The Kitchen 4348 Fountain Ave (323) 664-FOOD
Starving hipsters are eased into the world of fine dining at this Silver Lake haunt.
Neptune’s Net 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 457-3095
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
A seafood shack where “Easy Rider” Americana meets the laissez-faire
spirit of coastal Southern California.
BEST CHEAP SEATS/FREE ART
Friday Nights at the Getty
A worldly mix of free performing arts at the city’s preeminent cultural Mecca.
Friday Night Jazz at LACMA
TGIF gets jazzed up with LACMA’s complimentary jam sessions.
McMurphy’s Tavern 72 N Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena (626) 666-1445
A Pasadena pub with beer and bands for the barely legal.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Madison’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
1037 Broxton Ave (310) 824-6250
The neighborhood bar of choice for UCLA students who have finally reached the legal
drinking age.
Q’s Billiards 11835 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica (310) 477-7550
UCLA’s student bodies do their best to outdo each other in this plush West L.A. pool hall.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Summer Nights at MOCA
Downtown heats up on Thursday nights with a vibrant mix of free jazz and art.
Twilight Dance Series
Free rockin’ block parties on the Santa Monica Pier featuring top-notch bands from
reggae to rockabilly.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Theatre League Alliance 644 S Figueroa St (213) 614-0556
Theater tickets getting too costly? Here’s how to get them at half-price.
BEST CHINESE FOOD
Ocean Seafood 747 N Broadway (213) 687-3088
Chinatown’s beloved Cantonese seafood palace—where live fish, shrimp and crab
swim for your supper.
Yujean Kang’s 8826 Melrose Ave West Hollywood (310) 288-0806
Yujean Kang’s has the most exciting menu this side of Taiwan.
Maloney’s 1000 Gayley Ave Westwood Village (310) 208-1942
A cozy Irish pub, sleek sports bar and Bruin frat party all rolled into one.
Circle Bar 2926 Main St Santa Monica (310) 450-0508
Where the college boys go to meet grown-up girls.
BEST COMFORT FOOD
Ammo 1155 N Highland Ave (323) 871-2666
Have your cake and eat it too: comfort food that’s healthy and savory.
Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
4325 Glencoe Ave Marina Del Rey (310) 578-1005
Have a sit down on the back porch and chow on down-home cooking.
5 Dudley 5 Dudley Ave Venice (310) 399-6678
Finally, a gourmet hangout that doesn’t ignore vegetarians.
The Kitchen 4348 Fountain Ave (323) 664-FOOD
Starving hipsters are eased into the world of fine dining at this Silver Lake haunt.
The House 5750 Melrose Ave (323) 462-4687
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Home cooking is given the gourmet treatment, with quirky renditions of
inspired comfort fare.
Ocean Star 145 N Atlantic Blvd Monterey Park (626) 308-2128
Pairing old standards with innovative creations, this dim sum palace is on par with
Hong Kong’s finest.
BEST CUP OF COFFEE
Din Tai Fung Dumpling House
Starbucks Coffee Multiple Locations
1108 S Baldwin Ave Arcadia (626) 574-7068
Inspired Chinese dumplings from the masters of Taiwan.
Empress Pavilion 988 N Hill St , 2nd Floor (213) 617-9898
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
The royalty of high Chinese cuisine, where Peking duck and shark fin soup
goes head-to-head with dim sum favorites.
P. F. Chang’s China Bistro
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
121 N La Cienega Blvd (310) 854-6467
Voted Best Chinese Food by Citysearch users!
Conveniently located on Every Street Corner, USA, this coffee-drinkers mainstay
rewards high demand with high supply.
City Bean Coffee 10911 Lindbrook Dr (310) 208-0108
For the coffee connoisseur who needs to quell a java jones.
Urth Caffe 8565 Melrose Ave West Hollywood (310) 659-0628
Redeem yourself from sinfully rich desserts with environmentally sound ingredients.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Multiple Locations (310) 237-2326
The name says it all: Well-roasted beans and choice tea leaves give this cafe chain flavor to remember.
BEST CLUB DJ
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Jason Bentley 1900 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 450-5183
This world-renowned funk soul brother breaks down the beats for L.A.
Apollo Starr
This intergalactic DJ can only be defined by his highly evolved sense of F-U-N.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea Multiple Locations
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Even post-IPO, Peet’s celebrates its bohemian upbringing with
dark-roast beans.
BEST DESSERT
Mani’s Bakery 519 S Fairfax Ave (323) 938-8800
The city’s best “good for you” desserts—so good you might think you were being bad.
Michel Richard Patisserie 310 S Robertson Blvd (310) 275-5707
Sinful sweets from a traditional French patisserie.
Sweet Lady Jane 8360 Melrose Ave (323) 653-7145
This cozy nook on the upscale end of Melrose turns out tempting treats.
Urth Caffe 8565 Melrose Ave West Hollywood (310) 659-0628
Redeem yourself from sinfully rich desserts with environmentally sound ingredients.
BEST DANCE CLUB
Euro Pane 950 E Colorado Blvd Ste 107 Pasadena (626) 577-1828
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Garden of Eden 7080 Hollywood Blvd (323) 465-3336
An enticing Hollywood pleasure palace where you can indulge in more sins than Adam,
Eve and an NFL football player.
Cheesecake Factory
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Sugar 814 Broadway Santa Monica (310) 899-1989
Where the smooth grooves and throbbing trance are hidden among Santa Monica
cinder blocks.
Fais Do-Do 5257 W Adams Blvd (323) 954-8080
A gumbo of eclectic music and diverse peeps get together at this multidimensional
cafi/club for a ragin’ Cajun good time.
Club 7969 7969 Santa Monica Blvd (323) 654-0280
The place that houses Sin-a-Matic, Velvet and Illusions proves dancing leads to sin…
and vice versa.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Dig this hole-in-the-wall bakery, with to-die-for chocolate croissants and
lemon bars.
2 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena (626) 584-6000
Voted Best Dessert by Citysearch users!
BEST FAMILY OUTING
El Capitan 6838 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 467-7674
Best place to sing along with Mary Poppins, Madonna and other campy screen sirens.
Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica (310) 260-8744
Experience thrills and chills overlooking the Pacific.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Gabah 4658 Melrose Ave (323) 664-8913
100 Aquarium Way Long Beach (562) 590-3100
It’ll cost you a few clams, but this mammoth fish tank is a deep experience.
Down a wine cooler while DJs spin hip-hop with roots.
La Brea Tar Pits 5801 Wilshire Blvd (323) 934-7243
The Mayan 1038 S Hill St (213) 746-4287
Dem bones, dem bones, dem sticky bones.
Voted Best Dance Club by Citysearch users!
BEST DAY SPA
Brooks Baths 7619 Beverly Blvd (323)932-8854
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Disneyland 1313 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim (714) 781-4565
After nearly half a century, there’s still magic in the air at the grandaddy
of all theme parks.
Late-night hours and affordable prices make this the ultimate spa for working stiffs.
BEST FREE ATTRACTION
Amadeus Spa 799 E Green St Pasadena (626) 578-3404
Griffith Observatory 2800 E Observatory Rd (323) 664-1191
Closing January 2002 for major renovations, this city landmark lures them in with
giant telescopes and the ghost of James Dean.
Get pampered in the professional yet cozy confines of this Pasadena day spa.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Country Club Rd Ojai (805) 646-5511
Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr (310) 440-7300
The three R’s here? Relaxing, rejuvenating and reinvigorating.
Aqua Day Spa 1422 Second St Santa Monica (310) 899-6222
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Roman accents and exotic mud treatments make for a blissful spa experience.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Burke Williams Spa
8000 W Sunset Blvd Ste 130 (323) 822-9007
Enjoy star treatment at this relaxation wonderland—even if your name
isn’t Brad or Julia.
See what billions buy at this exquisitely modern temple of fine art built by
a tycoon’s fortune.
Mann’s Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 464-6266
Films and footprints leave their mark on Hollywood’s most famous theater.
Hollywood Sign Mount Lee in Griffith Park (213) 469-8311
An advertising ploy turned world-famous landmark.
BEST DAYTRIP
Catalina Island Avalon (310) 510-1520
Cozy island where life is slow, and the critters and fish are abundant.
Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
Cabrillo Blvd at State St Santa Barbara (805) 897-1982
Feast on artsy wares and beach breezes along Santa Barbara’s scenic coast.
SeaWorld San Diego 500 SeaWorld Dr San Diego (619) 226-3901
Shamu and friends will take you on a wet and wild ocean adventure.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Ocean Front Walk Ocean Front Walk/Venice Blvd Los Angeles
Forget the beach, the action’s inland at Venice.
BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT
Patina 5955 Melrose Ave (323) 467-1108
Celebrity chef Joachim Splichal’s French-American flagship can still boast a
market-fresh halo.
Mimosa 8009 Beverly Blvd (323) 655-8895
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Country Club Rd Ojai (805) 646-5511
The pioneer of L.A.’s bistro renaissance dishes up country French fare.
The three R’s here? Relaxing, rejuvenating and reinvigorating.
L’Orangerie 903 N La Cienega Blvd (310) 652-9770
The most stunning haute French restaurant and a special occasion destination.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Trader Joe’s 7304 Santa Monica Blvd (323) 851-9772
Fresh produce and gourmet frozen foods sold for pauper’s prices.
Comparte’s of California 912 S Barrington Ave (310) 826-3380
California sunshine distilled and drenched in fine chocolate.
Santa Monica Seafood
1205 Colorado Blvd Santa Monica (310) 393-5244
Take a number and shop the long, gleaming counter for some of the freshest fish
in town.
Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Cafe Bizou 14016 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 788-3536
Hugely popular Sherman Oaks fixture serves French-inspired food that’s
satisfying, unusual and reasonably priced.
Melisse 1104 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica (310) 395-0881
419 N Beverly Dr Beverly Hills (310) 278-2855
The big cheese of cheese stores, boasting the most exotic selection
in the city.
BEST HAMBURGER
A holy trinity of crystal chandeliers, smooth waiters and sumptuous food.
Tommy’s Original Hamburger 2575 Beverly Blvd (213) 389-9060
BEST FRIES
Apple Pan 10801 W Pico Blvd (310) 475-3585
Mo’ Better Meaty Meat Burgers 5855 W Pico Blvd (323) 938-6558
Heaven-sent french fries are the heart and soul of this no-frills burger stand.
McDonald’s Multiple Locations
Discover what makes these fast-food fries taste so good.
Benita’s Frites
1000 Universal Center Drive Ste H103 Universal City (818) 505-8834
Twice-fried Belgian frites and a world of dipping sauces are the best thing to hit
CityWalk since neon.
Hollywood Fries 920 Broxton Ave (310) 443-7776
Cheap, chili-laden burgers that have sated our hungry masses for more than 50 years.
Skip the plates, just get the burger.
In-N-Out Burger Multiple Locations (800) 786-1000
Who’d a thought? A drive-thru chain with made-from-scratch burgers and a
devout following.
Pie n’ Burger 913 E California Blvd Pasadena (626) 795-1123
Great burgers, chili dogs and pie a la mode, in a Pasadena setting that’s a throwback
to “The Wonder Years.”
Cassell’s 3266 W 6th St (213) 387-5502
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
French fry fanatic Danny Glover is bringing Belgian-style frites to the mainstream.
Brentwood Restaurant and Lounge
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
148 S Barrington Ave (310) 476-3511
Quell those carnivorous cravings at this macho Brentwood meatery.
In-n-Out Burgers
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
420 N Santa Anita Ave Arcadia (626) 287-4377
Voted Best Fries by Citysearch users!
BEST GAY BAR
Normandie Room
8737 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood (310) 659-6204
An eclectic mix of people, minus homophobes or heterophobes, combine with good
music and a laid-back atmosphere.
Rage 8911 Santa Monica Blvd (310) 652-7055
Thumping music and a dazzling light show in the heart of West Hollywood’s
Boys’ Town.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
The Abbey 692 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood (310) 289-8410
Whether your drink’s a cup of coffee or a straight up martini, the Abbey
mixes down-home coolness with relaxed fun.
The Factory 652 N La Peer Dr West Hollywood (310) 659-4551
A sophisticated and sexually diverse crowd dance it up while the DJs spin.
Akbar 4356 W Sunset Blvd (323) 665-6810
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Arguably the city’s best jukebox draws a sexually diverse crowd to this
Silver Lake bar.
Downtowners swear the famous double-broiler delivers L.A.’s
juiciest burgers.
BEST HOME DECOR STORE
Plastica 8405 W 3rd St (323) 655-1051
Go mod with this store’s selection of playful home dicor and accessories.
Futurama 446 N La Brea Ave (323) 937-4522
Amoeba-shaped couches, with scads of fabrics to choose from, are the stars at this
perennial retro furnishing house.
Emmerson Troop 8111 Melrose Ave (323) 653-9763
A century of design boiled down to various sleek and stylish pieces, inspired by Asia
and Africa—with price tags to match.
Crate & Barrel 75 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena (626) 683.8000
This huge, two-story location carries the usual glasses, vases and home accessories
along with the chain’s new furniture line.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Modern Living 8775 Beverly Blvd (310) 657-8775
A retro furniture shop that feels like James Bond’s bachelor pad, heavy on
the clear plastics.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
IKEA 600 N San Fernando Blvd Burbank (818) 842-4532
Voted Best Home Decor Store by Citysearch users!
BEST ICE CREAM
Al Gelato 806 S Robertson Blvd (310) 659-8069
At this modest dessert shop, the gelato is the cream of the crop.
Eiger Ice Cream 124 S Barrington Pl (310) 471-6955
If sweets are your treat, this smooth, intensely flavorful ice cream is hard to beat.
BEST GOURMET STORE
Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
Wally’s 2107 Westwood Blvd (310) 475-0606
1526 Mission St South Pasadena (626) 799-1414
Norman Rockwell meets Route 66 at the counter of this gen-u-wine soda fountain.
This liquor store carries Scotch that’s old enough to vote, fine aged rum, turn-of-thecentury Cognac, and reliable table wine.
Buca di Beppo 80 W Green St Pasadena (626) 792-7272
Half-pound meatballs. Sophia Loren’s cleavage. The national chain serves up Little Italy
cuisine and kitsch in party-hardy proportions.
The Great Greek Restaurant and Taverna
13362 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 905-5250
An Epicurean extravaganza of festive vibes and superb Hellenic fare.
The Griddle Cafe 7916 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 874-0377
With Hollywood hopefuls and whimsical diner fare, this cozy cafe fuels the Industry.
Mel’s Drive-in 8585 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (310) 854-7200
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Soda Jerks 219 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena (626) 583-8031
Make like Alfalfa and Darla and split a gooey hot fudge sundae at this Old Town
soda fountain.
Chuck E. Cheese Pizza
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Fosselman’s 1824 W Main St Alhambra (626) 282-6533
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
This Main Street parlor churns out ice cream from scratch, made with
strength, courage, and 16 percent butterfat.
Cold Stone Creamery
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
14622 Ventura Blvd Ste 119 Sherman Oaks (818) 907-2702
Voted Best Ice Cream by Citysearch users!
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Drago 2628 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica (310) 828-1585
Professionally crafted and ingeniously simple Italian cooking.
Posto 14928 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 784-4400
Get your “Sopranos” fix and some fairly reputable Italian cuisine at the same time.
Vincenti 11930 San Vicente Blvd (310) 207-0127
Stellar Italian in cozy-yet-swank confines—a modern spin on the old trattoria.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Valentino 3115 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 829-4313
4567 Peck Rd El Monte (626) 350-6881
Voted Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant by Citysearch users!
BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING
Hamakawa 209 S Central Ave (213) 625-8125
One of the city’s crown jewels of sushi presents perfectly sliced delicacies well into the
wee hours.
Pacific Dining Car 1310 W 6th St (213) 483-6000
Wheel and deal between bites of prime aged beef at this historic steakhouse.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Canter’s 419 N Fairfax Ave (323) 651-2030
Deli sandwiches and chicken soup worthy of Mom’s kitchen.
Swingers 8020 Beverly Blvd (323) 653-5858
A retrofitted diner that screams kitsch while maintaining its cooler-than-thou vibe.
Fred 62 1850 N Vermont Ave (323) 667-0062
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Celestino Italian Steakhouse
8908 Beverly Blvd West Hollywood (310) 858-5777
An American steakhouse sizzling with Italian sensibility.
Made famous by “American Graffiti,” this ‘50s-inspired diner is the
quintessential Hollywood combination of faux reality and nostalgia.
Everything you could hope for from a 24-hour diner at the ground zero
of cool.
BEST LOCAL MUSIC ACT
Jurassic 5
Superb Italian cuisine in an elegant and affable setting.
If you want to know what SoCal rap is really all about, look to the underground.
Buca di Beppo 80 W Green St Pasadena (626) 792-7272
Queens of the Stoneage
Voted Best Italian Food by Citysearch users!
There’s more to this band than just a summertime hit.
BellRays
BEST JUKEBOX
Amped-up Detroit rock from the mean streets of Riverside.
Burgundy Room 1621 1/2 N Cahuenga Blvd (323) 465-7530
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Hard drinking, punk music and bartenders willing to light the place on fire.
Roost 3100 Los Feliz Blvd (323) 664-7272
Red, scuffed and approachable, the Roost is a refuge from the Hollywood scene.
A cluster of brazen guitar riffs without Britpop snobbery.
Ozomatli
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Colorado Bar 2640 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena (626) 449-3485
College dive for those who miss (or missed) the real thing.
Short Stop 1455 Sunset Blvd Echo Park
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
A multicultural musical jambalaya with a sound as diverse as its members
and as unique as its name.
BEST LUXURY HOTEL
Unless you know where to look, you’ll never find this hush-hush hang for
Eastside hipsters.
Four Seasons Hotel 300 S Doheny Dr (310) 273-2222
Akbar 4356 W Sunset Blvd (323) 665-6810
Hotel Bel-Air 701 Stone Canyon Rd (310) 472-1211
Arguably the city’s best jukebox draws a sexually diverse crowd to this
Silver Lake bar.
Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Blvd Beverly Hills (310) 276-2251
Quintessential Four Seasons luxury with Hollywood’s stamp of approval.
Once upon a time in a bustling metropolis, an Eden-like hideaway was born.
Resplendent in pink and green, enmeshed in money, romance and celebrity.
BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Hard Rock Cafe 8600 Beverly Blvd (310) 276-7605
The granddaddy of theme restaurants, what this glorified hamburger joint lacks in
haute cuisine it makes up for in autographed guitars.
Casa Del Mar 1910 Ocean Way Santa Monica (310) 581-5533
Santa Monica’s toniest lodging brings a taste of the Riviera to the Westside.
Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
1200 Alta Loma Rd (310) 657-1333
The rock social scene is ready to roll at this boutique hotel catering to the
late-rising set.
Ragtime Denim Doctors 8044 W Third St (323) 852-0171
Bring us your tattered, your frayed, your ripped, your torn Levi’s—the doctor is in
the house.
Traffic Men’s
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
The Beverly Center
8500 Beverly Blvd, 6th Floor next to Macy’s (310) 659-4313
A stonghold of ultra-modern men’s designers not for the faint of heart or thin
of wallet.
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
1 Ritz Carlton Dr Dana Point (949) 240-2000
Voted Best Luxury Hotel by Citysearch users!
BEST MARGARITA
El Chavo 4441 W Sunset Blvd (323) 664-0871
Fabulous gay couples, frosty margaritas and more fluorescent sombreros than you can
shake a maraca at.
El Coyote 7312 Beverly Blvd (323) 939-2255
Wash down that plate of nachos with a margarita while waiting for a table at this
Tinseltown landmark.
El Carmen 8138 W 3rd St (323) 852-1552
A Mexican wrestler theme and over 100 types of tequila—if only Mexico really was
like this.
La Barca 2414 S Vermont Ave (323) 735-6567
South of the Border chintz meets “Animal House” at this downtown legend.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
El Conquistador 3701 W Sunset Blvd (323) 666-5136
El Cholo 1025 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica (310) 899-1106
Voted Best Margarita by Citysearch users!
Liquid Kitty 11780 W Pico Blvd (310) 473-3707
The blinking martini-and-cigarette sign out front tells you this slick bar is a cut above
the generic surroundings.
Flint’s 3321 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 453-1331
The Westside’s swanky bar with an impressive martini menu is a hip place to be a
lounge lizard.
Lola’s 945 N Fairfax Ave (213) 736-5652
The spot that launched the green apple martini offers a casual haven from
the attention-starved cruisers on the Strip.
Musso & Frank Grill 6667 Hollywood Blvd (323) 467-5123
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Sip a martini with the spirits of Bogart, Chandler and Sinatra at
Hollywood’s oldest watering hole.
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING
Jet Rag 825 N La Brea Ave (323) 939-0528
For quality and quantity, you simply can’t beat this low-priced thrift goldmine.
Sportie LA 7753 Melrose Ave (323) 651-1553
If the enormous inventory and modest prices at this Melrose athletic clothing store
can’t help your game, nothing can.
Hugo Boss 8500 Beverly Blvd Ste 618 (310) 659-6676
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
You won’t doubt that clothes make the man after inspecting these
beautifully constructed power suits.
El Cholo 1121 S Western Ave (323) 734-2773
When it comes to food, El Cholo is a legend in its own mind.
La Serenata de Garibaldi 1842 E First St (323) 265-2887
Mouthwatering gems from the sea are the mainstay at this Boyle Heights tradition.
Border Grill 1445 4th St Santa Monica (310) 451-1655
Bright, fresh flavors set this bustling Cal-Mex eatery above the rest.
Babita 1823 S San Gabriel Blvd San Gabriel (626) 288-7265
This hidden gem is a homey outpost of authentic Mexican cooking.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Guelaguetza 3337 1/2 W 8th St (213) 427-0601
Peek into a Oaxacan kitchen and taste its awe-inspiring moles.
BEST MOVIE PALACE
Egyptian Theatre 6712 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 466-3456
A fallen Hollywood movie palace regains its lustre and now hosts revival and arthouse
film events.
Mann’s Chinese Theatre
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
High-octane margaritas fuel a festive Mexican atmosphere.
BEST MARTINI
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
6925 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 464-6266
Films and footprints leave their mark on Hollywood’s most famous theater.
El Capitan 6838 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 467-7674
Best place to sing along with Mary Poppins, Madonna and other campy
screen sirens.
BEST MUSEUM
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
250 S Grand Ave (213) 621-2766
A thought-provoking collection of modern works in a city where art is usually defined
as the latest sequel.
Huntington Library, Art Galleries and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd San Marino (626) 405-2141
An aesthetic oasis of world-class archives and stunning botanical gardens.
Norton Simon Museum
411 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena (626) 449-6840
Two thousand years of art tucked into one city block.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd (323) 857-6800
Great touring shows and a world-class collection make LACMA a prime destination for
art lovers.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Dr (310) 440-7300
See what billions buy at this exquisitely modern temple of fine art built by
a tycoon’s fortune.
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Mako 225 S Beverly Dr Beverly Hills (310) 288-8338
Mediterranean melds with Asia at Makoto Tanaka’s swank Beverly Hills boite.
Chadwick 267 S Beverly Dr Beverly Hills (310) 205-9424
Chadwick treats its vegetables with respect.
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
The Ivy 113 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood (310) 274-8303
Dealmakers who’d rather die than live in a two-room cottage gladly overpay to eat
in one.
Michael’s 1147 3rd St Santa Monica (310) 451-0843
The rabble-rouser of the early ‘80s restaurant scene is aging gracefully.
Raymond 1250 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena (626) 441-3136
This romantic chestnut puts nearly as much polish on New American cuisine as on
the woodwork.
Emmanuel 11929 Ventura Blvd Studio City (818) 766-3128
When dining out, you sometimes get what you pay for. At this delectable American
bistro, you get much more.
Josie 2424 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 581-9888
Taking New American cuisine to uncharted territories, this sparkling eatery bursts
with originality.
Geoffrey’s 27400 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 457-1519
Good food and a gorgeous view equals a great time at this Malibu special
occasion favorite.
Les Deux Cafe
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
high prices.
The House 5750 Melrose Ave (323) 462-4687
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Home cooking is given the gourmet treatment, with quirky renditions of
inspired comfort fare.
Europa 401 N La Cienega Blvd (310) 652-7000
Voted Best New Restaurant by Citysearch users!
BEST OFFBEAT FINDS
Y-que Trading Post 1770 N Vermont Ave (323) 664-0021
The place to go for nutty gifts sure to bring a grin or a gasp to the lucky recipient.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena (323) 560-7469
California’s most famous flea market is collectible heaven.
Ozzie Dots 4637 Hollywood Blvd (323) 663-2867
The helpful staffers and wall-to-wall inventory at this vintage/costume shop can amuse
you for hours.
Cheesecake Factory
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Wacko 4633 Hollywood Blvd (323) 663-0122
A Hollywood trifecta of all things cool—tchotchkes, books and art.
BEST ONGOING CLUB EVENT
Makeup
4142 Via Marina Marina Del Rey (310) 306-3344
Voted Best Outdoor Dining by Citysearch users!
BEST PARK
Will Rogers State Historic Park
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd Pacific Palisades (310) 454-8212
This movie star-cowboy’s ranch offers polo matches, wildflowers and tree-lined trails.
Malibu Bluffs Park 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 317-1364
Zen-like serenity and beautiful ocean views make this Malibu spot a favorite for
picnicking, frolicking and outdoor snuggling.
Roxbury Park 471 S Roxbury Dr Beverly Hills (310) 550-4761
Quite possibly the most elegant city park in California.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Santee Alley Olympic Blvd and Santee St (213) 488-1153
L.A.’s answer to New York’s Canal Street is the best place to find clothing bargains and
designer imposters.
1638 N Las Palmas Ave Hollywood (323) 465-0509
This terminally hip boite finally dishes out French fare worth the
Griffith Park 4730 Crystal Springs Dr (213) 913-4688
Hike, bike, and stargaze while exploring the great outdoors hiding in
our backyard.
BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP OR
VENUE
Center Theatre Group 135 N Grand Ave (213) 628-2772
Even though L.A. is a movie town, this theater company is still recognized as one of the
country’s best.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
East West Players 120 N Judge John Aiso St (213) 625-4397
The country’s first Asian-American theater company still walks the edge.
Leave your inhibitions and undergarments at home for some freaky fun at this
monthly extravaganza.
Groundlings 7307 Melrose Ave (323) 934-9700
Giant
See tomorrow’s comedy superstars while they’re still raw and hungry.
International DJs, cutting-edge dance tunes, flamboyant characters, at L.A.’s only
‘’superclub.’’
Club Cherry
Successfully stealing the Friday night club scene with drag queens, go-go dancers and
‘80s tunes.
Pretty Ugly Club
Wednesdays: Where strung-out scenesters and the glam elite rock out in the middle of
the week.
Firecracker
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Furious DJs and battling breakers ignite the heart of Chinatown every
other Friday.
Los Angeles Philharmonic
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
135 N Grand Ave (323) 850-2000
The city’s beloved symphony brings celebrated classical programming to
downtown’s revitalized heart.
BEST PIZZA
Casa Bianca Pizza Pie 1650 Colorado Blvd Eagle Rock (323) 256-9617
A friendly neighborhood haunt that cooks up an irresistible breed of pizza pie.
Alto Palato 755 N La Cienega Blvd West Hollywood (310) 657-9271
A friendly Italian trattoria that’s equal parts rustic and elegant.
California Pizza Kitchen Multiple Locations (310) 342-5000
This sparkling mini-chain introduced California pizza to the mainstream.
Temescal Canyon Hike
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Temescal Canyon Rd and Sunset Blvd Santa Monica
This popular Westside hike provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean
and coastline.
BEST PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN
Three Clubs 1123 Vine St (323) 462-6441
A great place to listen to records and squint at the beautiful people.
Whiskey Bar 1200 N Alta Loma Rd West Hollywood (310) 657-1333
Caioti Pizza Cafe 4346 Tujunga Ave Studio City (818) 761-3588
Neighborhood pizza joint from the guy who invented California pizza.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Antica Pizzeria 8022 W Third St (323) 658-7607
Authentic Neapolitan pizza invades Los Angeles.
BEST PLACE TO BIKE
The ghosts (and photos) of Jimi Hendrix mix with today’s Hollywood players in this
low-key lounge.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 W Hillcrest Dr Thousand Oaks (805) 370-2301
Roll from the heights of Point Mugu to the marvelous mansions of Mulholland Drive.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Venice Strand Ocean Front Walk Venice
Spend a Saturday pedaling around California’s finest people-watching spot.
BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC
Greek Theatre 2700 N Vermont Ave Los Angeles (323) 665-1927
L.A’s other historic amphitheater boasts great acoustics, an eclectic lineup, and no
pretentious picknickers.
El Rey Theatre 5515 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles (323) 936-4790
This theater survived the burlesque era to provide an excellent club with a lush,
vintage decor.
Troubadour 9081 Santa Monica Blvd (310) 276-6168
More than 40 years of live music have made Doug Weston’s lounge an L.A. landmark.
Spaceland 1717 Silver Lake Blvd Silver Lake (213) 833-2843
Silver Lake’s premier spot to catch buzz bands before they’re huge.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
House of Blues
8430 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 848-5100
A renowned gospel brunch, unforgettable decor and all sorts of live bands
make this Sunset Strip shanty a musical must.
BEST PLACE TO HIKE
Yearling Lookout Loop at Malibu Creek State Park
1925 Las Virgenes Rd Calabassas (818) 880-0350
Even novice hikers can take in nature’s beauties on this easygoing loop.
La Jolla Valley in Point Mugu State Park
9000 W Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu 818-880-0350
A trove of nature’s amazingly diverse treasures nestled between rugged mountains and
a tranquil sea.
Mount Hollywood Trail
Five miles of hiking is a small price to pay to get to the highest point in Hollywood.
Dante’s View Hike 2800 E Observatory Rd
The perfect trail for beginners, seasoned hikers and even families.
Get past the velvet rope for poolside drinking that won’t get you drunk.
Barfly 8730 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (310) 360-9490
Celebrities and Playboy bunnies get past the velvet rope to see and be seen.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Palos Verdes Hills
The hilly ride is not for the beginner cyclist, but the challenge promises views of the
Pacific worth every mile.
Skybar 8440 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 848-6025
The Standard 8300 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 650-9090
Terminally hip diner-turned-bar for the jet set.
BEST PLACE TO SEE THE STARS
Spago Beverly Hills
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
176 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills (310) 385-0880
Bring lots of money, prepare yourself for a fabulous meal—and duck the
paparazzi on the way out.
Bar Marmont 8171 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 650-0575
Superior cocktails and a sultry atmosphere draw celebrity moths to the flame.
Skybar 8440 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 848-6025
Get past the velvet rope for poolside drinking that won’t get you drunk.
Moomba 665 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood (310) 652-6364
Where beautiful people and equally appealing food mingle behind the velvet rope.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Deep 1707 N Vine St Hollywood (323) 462-1144
Hollywood glitz meets Euro-kitsch and New York moxie on Hollywood
and Vine.
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Griffith Park Golf Courses
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
4730 Crystal Springs Dr (323) 663-2555
Two great 18-hole courses plus all the extras make this a golf destination
as glorious as the park it calls home.
Catalina Island Golf Course
1 Country Club Rd Avalon (310) 510-0530
A unique history and scenic location keep California’s oldest golf course in the game.
Los Robles Golf Course
299 S Moorpark Rd Thousand Oaks (805) 495-6421
This little-known scenic course offers a great round.
Anaheim Hills 6501 E Nohl Ranch Rd Anaheim (714) 998-3041
Uphill fairways, unpredictable doglegs and first-class golf—all for a public
course price.
Industry Hills
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
One City Hills Pkwy City of Industry (626) 810-4653
Leave your pride and betting money at home—bring extra balls instead.
BEST RADIO DJ
Ryan Seacrest (Star 98.7)
3500 W Olive Ave, Ste 250 Burbank (800) 782-7987
Mixing brash and sexy youthfulness with the sounds of Dido, Coldplay and more.
BEST ROMANTIC BAR
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Good Luck Bar 1514 Hillhurst Ave (323) 666-3524
Exotic neighborhood watering hole brims with pretty, flirting folks.
Lounge 217 217 Broadway Santa Monica (310) 394-6336
No sign and no light bulbs make this Santa Monica lounge the perfect place for
romance on the hush-hush.
Gallery Bar 506 S Grand Ave (213) 612-1532
Use the expense account to drink in the most rarefied air (and single malt scotch)
downtown can offer.
Jed the Fish (KROQ 106.7)
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
3200 W Olive Dr, Ste 900 Burbank (800) 520-1067
Punk-era holdover fills corporate radio to the gills with sarcasm.
North 8029 Sunset Blvd (323) 654-1313
Impossibly groovy rec room for those in the know.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Daddy’s Lounge 1610 N Vine Hollywood (323) 463-7777
If you don’t walk in with a date, you’ll probably walk out with one.
Sean Valentine (KIIS-FM 102.7)
3400 W Riverside Dr, Ste 800 Burbank (800) 520-1027
It’s an afternoon of high-energy comedy when this popular dude spins Top 40 hits.
BEST ROMANTIC HOTEL
Jason Bentley 1900 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 450-5183
Resplendent in pink and green, enmeshed in money, romance and celebrity.
This world-renowned funk soul brother breaks down the beats for L.A.
Nic Harcourt (KCRW 89.9)
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
1900 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 450-5183
In the spirit of college radio, he’s usually the first to bring you such artists
as Moby and Dido.
BEST RADIO MORNING SHOW
Kevin & Bean (KROQ 106.7)
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
3200 W Olive Dr, Ste 900 Burbank (800) 520-1067
These sardonic jokesters provide a morning dose of offbeat humor and
alternative hits.
Steve Harvey Morning Show (The Beat 100.3)
5900 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 1900 (888) 696-1003
Show your love. This Renaissance man tirelessly juggles comedy, hip-hop and
inspiration every morning.
Rick Dees in the Morning (KIIS 102.7)
3400 W Riverside Dr, Ste 800 Burbank (800) 520-1027
Delivering laughs and Top 40 hits sealed with a KIIS.
Mark & Brian (KLOS 95.5) 3321 S La Cienega Blvd (800) 955-5567
Two rock and rollers who have talked their way through the morning for well over
a decade.
Big Boy’s Neighborhood (Power 106)
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
2600 W Olive Ave Burbank (818) 845-1059
Power 106’s larger-than-life personality has become a poster boy for
morning comedy.
BEST RECORD/CD STORE
Rhino Records 1720 Westwood Blvd (310) 474-8685
This L.A. behemoth plows through the competition with a fun atmosphere and
extensive selection.
Penny Lane Records and Tapes 7563 Melrose Ave (323) 651-3000
Pinch pennies among the racks of punk, pop and jazz at this eclectic exchange.
Moby Disc 2114 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica (310) 828-2887
You’ll find a whale of a deal at this reasonably priced multi-store outlet.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Blvd Beverly Hills (310) 276-2251
Beach House at Hermosa
1300 The Strand Hermosa Beach (310) 374-3001
Idyllic oceanfront hideaway, blissfully removed from L.A.
Shutters on the Beach 1 Pico Blvd Santa Monica (310) 458-0030
Luxurious beach house-style resort that’s right on the sand, offering mile-long views of
the coastline.
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Dr Dana Point (949) 240-2000
Breathtaking views and the sound of waves crashing beneath you—no wonder
romance is in the air.
Hotel Bel-Air 701 Stone Canyon Rd (310) 472-1211
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Once upon a time in a bustling metropolis, an Eden-like hideaway
was born.
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
1 Ritz Carlton Dr Dana Point (949) 240-2000
Voted Best Romantic Hotel by Citysearch users!
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
Campanile 624 S La Brea Ave (323) 938-1447
Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton prime diners’ palates with fabulous bread and exquisite
California-Mediterranean cuisine.
The Little Door 8164 W 3rd St (323) 951-1210
A charming court of artful characters and artistic food.
Saddle Peak Lodge 419 Cold Canyon Rd Calabasas (818) 222-3888
Wild game, tame setting, exceptional experience.
Hotel Bel-Air Dining Room 701 Stone Canyon Rd (310) 472-1211
Where Hollywood’s old money goes for familiar favorites.
Diaghilev
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
1020 N San Vicente Blvd West Hollywood (310) 854-1111
With food fit for a Romanov, this opulent Franco-Russian throwback is like
a trip back to pre-revolutionary Russia—without the bloody riots.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Europa 401 N La Cienega Blvd (310) 652-7000
Voted Best Romantic Restaurant by Citysearch users!
Tower Records 8801 W Sunset Blvd (310) 657-7300
Rock stars rumbling in the parking lot and celebs browsing the stacks—
this Sunset Strip flagship lives up to its rep.
BEST SEAFOOD
Aron’s 1150 N Highland Ave (323) 469-4700
Chinatown’s beloved Cantonese seafood palace—where live fish, shrimp and crab
swim for your supper.
New, used and hard-to-find tracks for the music freak in your life.
Ocean Seafood 747 N Broadway (213) 687-3088
BEST SINGLES SCENE
Circle Bar 2926 Main St Santa Monica (310) 450-0508
Where the college boys go to meet grown-up girls.
Bigfoot Lodge 3172 Los Feliz Blvd (323) 662-9227
Where Smokey the Bear goes to quench his mighty thirst.
Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub 8240 W Sunset Blvd (323) 656-0100
This sports-intensive, faux-authentic Irish pub brings a little bit of the Emerald Isle to
the Sunset Strip.
Red Rock 8782 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (310) 854-0710
Come for the scenery and stay for the action at this red-hot Sunset Strip party spot.
Neptune’s Net 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu (310) 457-3095
A seafood shack where “Easy Rider” Americana meets the laissez-faire spirit of coastal
Southern California.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Daddy’s Lounge
1610 N Vine Hollywood (323)-463-777
If you don’t walk in with a date, you’ll probably walk out with one.
Ocean Avenue Seafood 1401 Ocean Ave Santa Monica (310) 394-5669
A setting as refreshing as citrus-drenched ceviche.
BEST SPORTS BAR
The Lobster 1602 Ocean Ave Santa Monica (310) 458-9294
Barney’s Beanery 8447 Santa Monica Blvd (323) 654-2287
Serious seafood and a sunset setup that blows all others out of the water.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Water Grill 544 S Grand Ave (213) 891-0900
Superior seafood versatile enough for a power lunch or a family dinner.
Gladstone’s
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
17300 Pacific Coast Hwy Pacific Palisades (310) 454-3474
Voted Best Seafood by Citysearch users!
BEST SHOE STORE
Timeless West Hollywood shack pulls ‘em in with suds, cheap pool and good company.
Yankee Doodles 1410 3rd St Santa Monica (310) 394-4632
This extreme sports bar is perfect for watching a game, or playing one.
Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub 8240 W Sunset Blvd (323) 656-0100
This sports-intensive, faux-authentic Irish pub brings a little bit of the Emerald Isle to
the Sunset Strip.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Fred Segal 8100 Melrose Ave (323) 651-4129
The high-fashion mecca for stars du jour.
Sportie LA 7753 Melrose Ave (323) 651-1553
If the enormous inventory and modest prices at this Melrose athletic clothing store
can’t help your game, nothing can.
Wasteland Inc. 7428 Melrose Ave (323) 653-3028
Cool duds and designer finds make for a hip vintage shopping experience.
ESPN Zone 1545 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim (714) 300-3776
Beer, burgers and “booyahs!”
Fox Sports Sky Box Bar
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
1111 S Figueroa St (213) 742-7345
The best spot to watch the game, unless you’ve got seats inside the
Staples Center.
BEST STEAK
Barneys New York 9570 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills (310) 276-4400
Pacific Dining Car 1310 W 6th St (213) 483-6000
Wheel and deal between bites of prime aged beef at this historic steakhouse.
New York’s finest luxury department store in a posh Beverly Hills setting.
The Palm 9001 Santa Monica Blvd (310) 550-8811
Diavolina II 334 S La Brea (323) 936-5444
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Feather-trimmed stilettos, Lucite wedges and crystal-trimmed mules—this
boutique specializes in candy for your feet.
Nordstrom 10830 W Pico Blvd (310)470-6155
Voted Best ShoeStore by Citysearch users!
BEST SHOPPING AREA
Beverly Center 8500 Beverly Blvd (310) 854-0070
What every mall dreams of becoming when it grows up.
Los Feliz From Franklin Avenue south to Hollywood Blvd
From fresh-baked pies to vintage girlie mags, Vermont Avenue’s retail strip defies
stereotypes—and the Gap.
Melrose Avenue From La Brea west to La Cienega West Hollywood
Tattoo parlors and designer digs cohabitate politely along L.A.’s flashiest avenue.
Rodeo Drive Wilshire Blvd to Santa Monica Blvd Beverly Hills
Still the best place to gawk at designer goods and the sunglass-wearing despots who
can afford them.
Santee Alley Olympic Blvd and Santee St (213) 488-1153
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
L.A.’s answer to New York’s Canal Street is the best place to find clothing
bargains and designer imposters.
Take a trip back to Hollywood’s legendary past while wolfing down a massive side
of beef.
Arnie Morton’s of Chicago
435 S La Cienega Blvd Beverly Hills (310) 246-1501
Great Midwestern-style steak served in beautiful Beverly Hills.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
224 S Beverly Dr Beverly Hills (310) 859-8744
From rare to well-done, prime cuts are the prime mover at this Beverly
Hills institution.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Taylor’s Prime Steaks 3361 W 8th St (213) 382-8449
Sink into sumptuous steaks at this Koreatown institution.
BEST SUSHI
Ginza Sushiko 218 N Rodeo Dr Beverly Hills (310) 247-8939
No glitz, no glamour, just a modest sushi chef serving the most expensive morsels
in town.
Matsuhisa 129 N La Cienega Beverly Hills (310) 659-9639
A revered sushi den that can’t help hiding its Planet Hollywood streak.
R-23 923 E 3rd St (213) 687-7178
Once a railroad loading dock, now a hip downtown hideaway for those who like it raw.
The Hump 3221 Donald Douglas Loop S Santa Monica (310) 313-0977
Sushi as close to heaven as the Himalayas.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Tiki Ti
4427 W Sunset Blvd (323) 669-9381
The bar that has kept the tiki spirit alive on the Eastside for four decades.
BEST TRIBUTE/COVER BAND
Super Diamond
The next-best thing to the real Neil.
Richard Cheese
A cocktail sipping crooner who does it all for the nookie.
Atomic Punks
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Sushi Nozawa
11288 Ventura Blvd Ste C Studio City (818) 508-7017
What’s a little abuse as long as it’s served with some of the best sushi this
side of Tokyo?
BEST TAKEOUT FOOD
Picholine 3360 W First St (213) 252-8722
If only the real Van Halen was still this good.
Boogie Knights
Even those who torched their “Saturday Night Fever” albums can’t resist these Knights
in shiny polyester.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Metal Shop (Danger Kitty)
Proving glam rockers never die; they just wind up on Discover commercials.
This tony sandwich spot casts a spell on Eastside foodies.
BEST VALLEY RESTAURANT
Netty’s 1700 Silver Lake Blvd (323) 662-8655
As uneven as the Silver Lake hills that surround it, Netty’s is still oddly inspired.
Posto 14928 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 784-4400
Get your “Sopranos” fix and some fairly reputable Italian cuisine at the same time.
Joan’s on Third 8350 W Third St (323) 655-2285
The only time this busy foodie haven disappoints is when it sells out of its
gourmet goodies.
Clementine 1751 Ensley Ave Century City (310) 552-1080
Euro-flared quaint—this neighborhood breakfast-lunch spot is a Century City favorite.
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Julienne 2649 Mission St San Marino (626) 441-2299
Where the ladies (and men) who lunch lunch—and stock up for dinner.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
In & Out 11628 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 14 (310) 826-8888
Voted Best Takeout Food by Citysearch users!
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Joe Joe’s 13355 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 990-8280
Inexpensive Cal-French cuisine served in a cozy, dimly lit Valley storefront.
Sushi Nozawa 11288 Ventura Blvd Ste C Studio City (818) 508-7017
What’s a little abuse as long as it’s served with some of the best sushi this side
of Tokyo?
Emmanuel 11929 Ventura Blvd Studio City (818) 766-3128
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
BEST THAI FOOD
House of Chan Dara 310 N Larchmont Blvd (323) 467-1052
Renowned for its beautiful waitresses, this refined Thai oasis deserves more than a
second look.
Cafe Bizou 14016 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 788-3536
Hugely popular Sherman Oaks fixture serves French-inspired food that’s
satisfying, unusual and reasonably priced.
When dining out, you sometimes get what you pay for. At this delectable
American bistro, you get much more.
BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD
Inaka Fine Natural Foods 131 S La Brea Ave (323) 936-9353
Sanamluang Cafe 5170 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood (323) 660-8006
Organic Japanese fare will honor thy bodily temple.
Longtime Hollywood hangout offers huge bowls of Thai noodles at tiny prices.
Newsroom 120 N Robertson Blvd (310) 652-4444
Jitlada 5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd Hollywood (323) 667-9809
An innovative blend of hard-core media cafe and a heart-healthy restaurant.
Giant prawns curry favor at this venerable Thai Town eatery.
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Saladang 363 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena (626) 793-8123
Traditional Thai cuisine in a post-industrial Pasadena setting.
Palms Thai 5273 Hollywood Blvd (323) 462-5073
Exotic game and an Elvis impersonator how cool can Thai food get?
BEST THEME BAR
Saddle Ranch 8371 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood (323) 656-2007
For the urban cowpoke in all of us.
Beauty Bar 1638 N Cahuenga Blvd (323) 464-7676
Enjoy a martini with your manicure in this ‘60s-style salon.
Bigfoot Lodge 3172 Los Feliz Blvd (323) 662-9227
Where Smokey the Bear goes to quench his mighty thirst.
El Carmen 8138 W 3rd St (323) 852-1552
A Mexican wrestler theme and over 100 types of tequila—if only Mexico really was
like this.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd Topanga (310) 455-1311
An intimate outdoor setting compensates for the struggling
vegetarian cuisine.
Chameli 8752 Valley Blvd Rosemead (626) 280-1947
North Indian vegetarian cuisine guarantees innard peace.
Real Food Daily 414 N La Cienega Blvd (310) 289-9910
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Not eggs, not honey. This vegan organic nosh spot says no to all animal
products but sometimes nixes basic tastiness.
BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING
Squaresville 1800 N Vermont Ave (323) 669-8464
Counter-culture dressers on the Eastside browse here for funky threads pulled from
the past.
Jet Rag 825 N La Brea Ave (323) 939-0528
For quality and quantity, you simply can’t beat this low-priced thrift goldmine.
Decades 8214 Melrose Ave (323) 655-0223
This split-level vintage house makes the dream of owning affordable Prada, Marc
Jacobs or Fendi pieces possible.
Lily 9044 Burton Wy Beverly Hills (323) 852-0667
Where the stars go to get their vintage Chanel and Gucci gowns.
EDITORIAL
and
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Wasteland Inc.
7428 Melrose Ave (323) 653-3028
Cool duds and designer finds make for a hip vintage shopping experience.
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING
AUDIENCE
WINNER!
Fred Segal 8100 Melrose Ave (323) 651-4129
The high-fashion mecca for stars du jour.
Wasteland Inc. 7428 Melrose Ave (323) 653-3028
Cool duds and designer finds make for a hip vintage shopping experience.
Club Monaco 8522 Beverly Blvd Ste 758 (310) 657-1818
Chic clothes for men and women that won’t blow your budget.
Lisa Kline 136 S Robertson Blvd (310) 246-0907
EDITORIAL
WINNER!
Popular with celebutantes like Claire Danes and the “Friends” girls, this
pair of trendy shops stocks to-die-for designer pieces.
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