Los Angeles

"Angel City Brewery, Arts District. Angel City Brewery has been brewing beer since 1997; only in the last two years have they opened their doors and transformed their brewing space into a welcoming, friendly, popular place to visit with friends. Ask for a tour to see their giant vats of craft beer; learn about their hops growing facility on the roof above the public space. Every night has a different food truck, so no need to find dinner before heading over. The expansive space is dog friendly, and features corn-hole, Jenga and even trivia night. If you're curious, be sure to order a beer flight."

"Wurstküche, Arts District. You might say Wurstküche and its exotic sausage and German beer selection might have ushered in the Art District's renaissance. With nothing really else on Traction Ave, it made a destination east of the Historic Core worth coming to. Instead of waiting in the (sometimes heinously long) line out front, slip in the side door and order a beer at the bar. If you're having a nightcap, why not try their sort-of-secret ice cream sandwich: Toasted Apple Pie ice cream between two oatmeal raisin cookies."

"Alchemy Works, Arts District. Open and airy, this shop (and Warby Parker eyeglasses showroom) feels like a very fashion-forward sailor's living room. Perhaps it's the sailboat parked in the center of the room, replacing a beautiful vintage Fiat that's recently been sold. It could be the beautiful pieces of statement jewelry, books, surfboard fins and nautical artifacts that are strewn about the space. This whole place is photogenic; enjoy the atmosphere as much as the merchandise."

"Eat Drink Americano, Arts District. Popular for both lunch and dinner, Eat Drink Americano (or Americano if you're fancy) has an industrial feel that acts as both a nod to its location across from the former Santa Fe train depot (see Black Fig) and a beautiful decor decision. With vegetarian soup options, flatbreads, salads and sandwiches, Americano will not disappoint a lunch crowd. Stop by for dinner, too, to see the place transform into an intimate date spot and a completely different menu."

"The Pie Hole, Arts District. Not many places nail a specialty like the Pie Hole does. Something as sinful as a slice of Mexican Chocolate pie washed down with a glass of milk shouldn't be so readily available. If you're not in the mood for sweets (then why are you here?) get the kale salad and the beef pot pie for something more savory (and lunch appropriate). If you're in a need of a pick-me-up, Pie Hole also doubles as a coffee spot. Take it to go, or set up shop outside and watch the locals that live above at the American Hotel."

"Lili Lakich Neon Gallery, Arts District. Don't be fooled by the cool exterior of this truly unique storefront; Lili Lakich Neon Gallery is a wonderful secret that needs to be shared. The open gallery offers neon workshops, and the colorful and offbeat neon art that graces the walls is priceless inspiration. With a renewed appreciation for the science of neon signs, take a stroll through the deceptively large space that extends beyond the small room that greets you as you walk in."

"Groundwork Coffee, Arts District. Recently reopened, the Arts District's Groundwork Coffee location is all things shiny and new. Bright and welcoming, the shop greets you with samples of their specialty drinks (we went home with the Iced Mocha) and plenty of spots to set up shop and do some work. With a lofted area in the back, don't be surprised to see people working on screenplays or research papers, enjoying a fresh croissant with their bona-fide Los Angeles coffee."

"Black Fig, Arts District. Tucked inside Sci-Arc (the Southern California Institute of Architecture, occupying the former Santa Fe Freight Depot), Black Fig could take some sneakiness to access. Follow a student in (it's legal, don't worry), and head into the school; oogle at the work being produced and end up at what is clearly a favorite spot for students and teachers alike. The owners must be twins, and are up to creating a signature sandwich just for you. Enjoy your covert mission posing as an architecture student with some delicious Lemongrass Mate iced tea (if they have it today)."

"EightyTwo, Arts District. Built on novelty, EightyTwo is a happy marriage between video game geeks, pinball nerds, and alcohol. Armed with cash, be sure to get at least $10 in quarters at the quarter machines; you'll want to play each and every game in this place at least three times. Each machine has a convenient cup holder for whatever your beverage may be. The patio in the middle is a nice break between digital and analog, and a great place to have your beer."

"Arts District Co-op, Arts District. Recently renovated, the Arts District Co-op houses dedicated stalls for sellers hawking their art, candles, vintage pieces, and bikes. Stop by Urth Caffe first (only if you have time to wait) and grab a Honey Vanilla Latte and cruise the stalls; you might come home with some original art by a local vendor."

"Arts District Dog Park, Arts District. In a clever use of an awkward piece of land, the Arts District Dog Park was founded to give the four-legged residents of the area space to stretch their legs. With its new dog-tastic mural, setting Fido free to make friends and get his ya-yas out is all the more satisfying—yes, you can have your dog in your 600sqft loft even if you don't have a yard! Privately run, true love goes into keeping this park beautiful."

"Villain's Tavern, Arts District. Located on the corner of Santa Fe and Palmetto, Villain's Tavern is on it's own in terms of neighborhood ambiance. Feeling distinctly like a 19th century apothecary, Villain's decor is dark and moody. Order a drink from their menu, or ask the bartender to whip something up just for you. Bluegrass, Rockabilly and Soul music light up the indoor stage area, depending on the night of the week. Enjoy your drink (or hamburger, if it's a Sunday afternoon) outside by the fire pit under the stars."

"Zinc Cafe, Arts District. Unless someone points it out to you (you're welcome), Zinc Cafe's vegetarian menu is hard to spot. Instead of substituting meat with vegetarian replacements, Zinc crafts delicious meals that don't try to imitate meat. While yes, there is a veggie burger and you have the option to add lentil meatballs to your pasta, most dishes do fine without. Our favorite lunch staple is the Burrito Bowl (with a side of extra fire-roasted salsa). Come for brunch or dinner for a whole different experience, but be sure to take a look at their marketplace, full of kitchen inspiration."

"Blue Bottle, Arts District. Blue Bottle can be found only sparsely outside of San Francisco, and the Arts District has its own location to brag about. Formerly housing Handsome Coffee Roasters, the Blue Bottle storefront is airy and relaxing, until you sip their coffee and that chill is officially broken into a caffeine-fueled frenzy. Their coffee is strong and delightful; for a summer treat, try their cartons of New Orleans Iced Coffee, flavored with chicory and cane sugar."

"Urban Radish, Arts District. Urban Radish is a wonderland of mouth-watering culinary delights. Local produce, imported delicacies, jazz nights, barbecues, oyster tastings— this place has it all. It also has 12 electric-only parking spots, if you're so inclined. Peruse their well-stocked wine selection while munching on some cheese chosen for you by the resident Cheesemonger from their overflowing display of cheeses and salumi. Fresh produce, flowers from Silver Lake, olive oil from Italy; try not to go overboard (good luck with that!)."

"Church and State, Arts District. As soon as you sit down, don't hesitate to order the Absinthe. It's a spectacle, if you're ready for it: a full tap of purified water drips down to your glass, saturating the sugar cube that's perch perilously on a sugar spoon. Church and State is both extremely fancy (anniversary date-night caliber) while being effortlessly casual. You can almost imagine yourself in Paris as you dig into your escargot or lavender-honey goat cheese toasts. Don't forget to ask your server for their opinion— they know their changing menu well."

"Little Bear, Arts District. Go to Traction Ave if you want German beer (see Wurstkuche); go to Industrial Ave if you want Belgian. Little Bear (or The Little Bear, if you must) has an impressive selection of Belgian beers on tap. Just ask the servers or bartender and they'll steer you in the right direction if you're lost. Pair your drink with the truffle-tastic Little Bear burger and side of the slightly sweet balsamic-roasted brussels sprouts, sprinkled with hazelnuts."

"Daily Dose, Arts District. Almost like a fairytale, this locally-sourced food hidden gem is situated in a lush alleyway between two buildings on Industrial. Ivy covers the walls, bricks line the walkway. Be sure to sit outside! Order the Guildsmith sandwich for a plate of baked cheese goodness and spicy pesto, or the Farmer's sandwich for more roasted vegetables and spicy guacamole than you thought could fit between two slices of olive bread. Of course, they have salads and sides, too, but who can order anything more beautiful than those two sandwiches? We dare you."

"Artist & Craftsman, Arts District. While there are several Artist & Craftman Supply locations across Los Angeles, each storefront is unique and could fool anyone into thinking it was a local affair. Paint covers the floors, walls, even the ceilings; handmade signs encourage you to to dig into your pocket and buy just one more thing for your upcoming art project. Come here after Pizzanista! or Stumptown Coffee to make the trip to the edge of the Arts District complete."

"The Bread Lounge, Arts District. While those in the know will argue that The Bread Lounge is "Arts District Adjacent," we think this corner and its neighbors (see Stumptown) are worth the extra block walk. This bakery supplies pastries and bread for many of local businesses, including Stumptown, Urban Radish and Blacktop Coffee. It's easy to see why, with their creations sitting in their display cases, ready to be eaten. The stop has Stumptown coffee as well as artful sandwiches and flatbreads if you're swinging by for lunch. Check out the bakers in the back; their industrial kitchen is constantly filling orders for their goods."

"Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Arts District. Originating in Portland, Stumptown Coffee Roasters prides itself on it's amazingly strong and balanced coffee. If you're feeling playful, pick up a carton of their coldbrew—it's basically like drinking melted coffee ice cream. Or, if you're feeling especially adventurous, order a glass of their Nitro coffee. This stuff comes from a tap and will fool anyone into thinking you just ordered a beer. The process almost eliminates the need to add milk!"

"Factory Kitchen, Arts District. Upon opening its doors, you'll instantly appreciate the Factory Kitchen's hidden ambiance. With no other indicator than their glowing red neon sign, the restaurant is all the more welcoming with its warm interior and delicious food. Come hungry and order as many small plates as your stomach (and wallet) can allow. Factory Kitchen does meat especially well, so try not to bring vegetarians here; though, their almond pesto handkerchief pasta is one of their best dishes."

"Individual Medley, Atwater Village. Atwater locals and owners Monika and Justin have impressively curated an eclectic shop carrying many LA brands, and lend their space for community pop-ups and events as well. If you want to be the one who brought the best unique gift to the party, stop on by. One of those rare places you can pay $45 for a hip ceramic knick-knack and still feel good about the purchase the next day. Their always-evolving selection includes clothes, pottery, incense and fine oils, books and more treasures for discovery. For the cool parents with the coolest kids…their kids apparel and toys selection is next level."

"Proof Bakery, Atwater Village. Proof is the place most mentioned when Atwater Village comes up in a conversation, and it’s worthy of the buzz. Their delicious assortment of goodies are baked on site with seasonal ingredients. Simplicity in design and complexity in flavors, Proof is straight legit y’all. We dare you to try a sea-salted baguette and not crave it for the rest of your life. Get a quiche or an artisan sandwich to go, or enjoy some finely crafted pour-over coffee from Congoscenti, the pop-up coffee shop in Proof, featuring roasters from LA to Portland."

"Dune, Atwater Village. New kid on the Glendale Blvd block, over the counter falafel joint Dune has fast become a neighborhood favorite for lunch and dinner crowds. Take your east coast friends who bemoan LA’s lack of quality falafel, and watch them eat their words along with an incredible falafel sandwich on delicious cooked-to-order pita bread. We come here as often as we can and it’s generally the first suggestion for “what should we do for lunch today?” Brave the line, get a hummus plate and a rosemary lemonade with your falafel sandwiches and enjoy!"

"Bigfoot Lodge, Atwater Village. Step into the wonderfully quirky Bigfoot Lodge and it feels like you’ve been transported to Yosemite or Yellowstone – this is how you do a themed bar. Their signature décor feels right, from the mason jar lamps, trunk tables, taxidermy lined walls and a Smokey the Bear. They have a stellar happy hour from 5 to 9, and have some fun, boozy karaoke and trivia nights, as well as some sets by local and cover bands. It’s the perfect neighborhood bar to let loose with friends."

"The Village Bakery and Cafe, Atwater Village. The kind of place you can stay all day, The Village Bakery is the go-to for delicious breakfast and free wifi seekers alike. Peek over at a screenplay in progress at the beautiful communal tables that really do make you want to stay awhile. The staff is as sweet as the lemon almond rosemary cake (get it!) wearing patchwork aprons and shirts. Known for their breakfast for good reason the Atwater Special has polenta cakes topped with parmesan, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomatoes and chopped bacon. Gimme. Or, get a salad made fresh from the to-go case or choose from an impressive sandwich menu. You can’t go wrong here, it’s great."

"Momed Atwater Village, Atwater Village. The spectacular Momed is tucked away in a residential neighborhood with subtle signage – this is not your typical looking restaurant, but the backyard oasis is a hidden Atwater Village treasure. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist…influences of Italy, Spain, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Morocco are felt in a divine menu that throws in a little California flare for the win. A perfect example is the addictive Avocado Hummus, which you can devour in a pleasant, casual setting with a lovely Egyptian Tile dominated aesthetic. Happy hour and brunch are not to be missed."

"Tacos Villa Corona, Atwater Village. Once a wonderfully secret local gem until Anthony Bourdain ruined it for everyone, Tacos Villa Corona is in the conversation for best breakfast burrito in LA. Fully hipster minimal, cash only, nowhere to sit although many choose to enjoy theirs on the curb, once they run out of daily ingredients they close no matter what time that is so get there early especially on the weekend. You’ll fall in love with not just the burritos, but with the family who owns and runs this neighborhood treasure. First timers: go with a Chilaquiles breakfast burrito and bask in delicious wonderment."

"Viet Noodle Bar, Atwater Village. Intriguing red brick façade without a sign, Viet Noodle Bar is where we go whenever it’s cold or when we talk about needing to ‘eat healthier’. The ambience is inviting, with scattered books on shelves you can flip through a couple chapters while you eat or sip on their terrific Ginger Tea all afternoon. Pho on par with any LA staple, their bowls (get the turmeric rice) are a pleasant surprise and you can taste the freshness. Classy Vietnamese, dishes are simple and elegant. Beer, Wine and Sake if you go for dinner at terrific prices."

"Heartbeat House, Atwater Village. Try and walk by Heartbeat House without wanting to go in and join… the energy is palpable every time we stroll by. They do an amazing job offering classes for everyone no matter age or ability level in this health oriented, community studio. Just about everyone who walks by the class schedule wants to sign up for the Bollywood Dance Workout, which we can attest is “sooooo fun”. You’ve probably been to a yoga studio, but have you taken Yoga Booty Ballet? No? Do yourself a favor and get on the Heartbeat House level, friends."

"GameHäus Café, Atwater Village. Tucked away in the Seeley Creative Campus, GameHäus is worth discovering. Shelves of over 1000 games await your inner child, uber geek, or just you and some friends. A café is part of the fun, but it’s all about the games here. From classics to the newest popular games and even a rumored ‘vault’ that has out of print games, they have it all. For a very small fee, you and your friends can play any and all games until you are spent. Great for groups, make a reservation because it’s incredibly popular on weekends and most nights."

"Bon Vivant Market & Cafe, Atwater Village. The welcoming fireplace, indoor outdoor flow and pleasing airplane hangar architecture draw you in, and the food is what you want it to be from breakfast on. The Fromage and Charcuterie is legit and you can take some home with a sweet treat from the ‘market’ side of the restaurant. Their happy hour is amazing, bringing in the old world custom that if you buy a drink, you get free Tapas! This brilliancy may be why Bon Vivant has been gaining steam among the locals and the lunch and night time crowds get bigger every month."

"Golden Road Brewing, Atwater Village. Maybe the most diverse crowd you’ll see in Atwater Village at the brewery. Meg and Tony founded Golden Road to “bring fresh beer to the local market in the most sustainable way possible” and in the process have done a lot of bringing people together too. This is where LA communities collide. Families taking advantage of the lawn games, sports watchers, businessmen, college kids and hipsters all blending together over some IPAs. The beer is good, the kitchen is sports bar with a vegan-friendly twist. We aren’t sure why it works so well at Golden Road, but it really does."

"The Juice, Atwater Village. The day The Juice opened, the whole world knew Atwater Village was serious about being an LA neighborhood hipsters could settle down in. This mom and pop shop is as good as any of the pillars of the juice community you’ll find in the beach towns or Silverlake/Los Feliz. They even have a super cool bike cart for mobile sales and they deliver too. Try a #4 and feel the tasty fire of the triple ginger!"

"Treehaus, Atwater Village. Treehaus started as a pop-up shop out of a green 1977 VW bus. Owned by two coolest-ever local moms whose passion for art and design shines through in this delightful boutique. Most of the stuff here is made by local artists and you can feel their love for uncovering unknown talent not only in the shop, but their other community events (art openings and more). Treehaus is your place to find that unique item your friends keep asking where you got it. They share their space with best-name-in-town SewLA, a haven for DIY local makers."

"Common, Atwater Village. Started by two sisters, one of whom was a former buyer for Therapy, Common boasts quality women’s clothing without the LA prices. Favorite place of the Brains on Fire LA gals. Easy to wear, comfortable, cute clothes without losing any quality. You’ll want to walk through the racks and touch everything. They get a new shipment every week -- you'll be tempted to literally shop incessantly as the floor is constantly changing."

"The Griffin, Atwater Village. The layout of the place is great, with brick arches, fireplaces and hanging lanterns complementing the medieval décor. Once in awhile you may find yourself surrounded by first tinder dates, but if that’s kinda night grab a drink and get eavesdropping—you’ll have a blast. The smoking patio is a nice value-add for all you smokers out there and they have a decent full tavern menu. The service/bartenders are sometimes hit and miss, but you can always find parking and a table so it’s a great place for happy hour with friends."

"Club Tee Gee, Atwater Village. Around since 1946, Club Tee Gee is maybe the best way to end a raucous evening in Atwater. This neighborhood pillar has a front door plaque proclaiming it’s “The Cheers of Atwater Village” and it’s hard to argue. It’s the right kind of throw back, with green leather booths and vintage memorabilia with some Sinatra on the jukebox and a plethora of regulars. Get lost with some friends here because you’ll feel no need to leave for hours…in part because the prices do not feel anywhere near LA. Soon enough everyone will know your name, unless you start whining about the lack of finely crafted microbrews or try to pay with a card. Just be cool, relax and bring some cash. It’s old school."

"L.A. River, Atwater Village. Did you know that despite its concrete jungle vibe, the LA River is the cleanest fresh body of water in SoCal? We’re not sure if that’s awesome or horrifying either, but some people enjoy taking advantage of Atwater Village’s river border. It seems like it will be next level amazing when the elusive River Restoration project is done (buy your riverfront real estate now folks). For now, you can enjoy the recent bike path extension and check out all the new pop-ups in Frogtown. Not hardcore enough? Then take a Kayak trip (not a joke) with LA River Kayak Safari or rent a bike from Spoke Bicycle Café and grab a cappuccino to go."

"Atwater Village Farmers' Market, Atwater Village. Yeah, Atwater Village has a sweet farmers market too and its 10 years old so probably even more OG than yours. Every Sunday, the Wells Fargo parking lot on Glendale becomes a diverse hotbed of Atwater community folks doing the most feel good community thing ever while they hunt for certified organic fresh produce. Oysters, heirloom tomatoes, flowers, artisanal cheeses, some sick BBQ, fish tacos, a knife sharpening stand …what more do you people want?!?!? People watch, dog watch (there’s so many), get a reasonable price on some honey, feast and enjoy your Sunday."

"The Morrison, Atwater Village. Diverse and enthusiastic locals-heavy crowd, The Morrison turned a corner when it went to a signature crafted burger menu instead of traditional Scottish fare. Terrific brunch for those pesky hangovers and a good place to catch a game with people who care but aren’t to crazy about it. Burgers are great and the Butterscotch Bread Pudding lives up to it’s lofty, award-winning reputation. A deep selection of Scotch goes well with any dish."

"Link-N-Hops, Atwater Village. Tucked behind Starbucks and 55 Degree Wine, Link-N-Hops is a good surprise to find, yet exactly what you expect. They’ve got an interesting, wide range of wild sausages (from rattlesnake to wild boar) and even a generous selection of vegan sausages to go with usually loud music, sports on TVs and a ‘keep dad happy’ bar with a decent selection of beers and is littered with some actually pretty cool handmade signs. In a surprise twist of design aesthetic it has many historical images of the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge covering its walls. We recommend Bingo Night on Tuesdays."

"Alias Books East, Atwater Village. We love that this place exists and that the neighborhood supports it. Alias is carefully and thoughtfully curated by the owner, whose brother owns Alias Books West on the other side of town, which is a story we really like for some reason. Some impressive rare titles complement the many film and even more arts books (this guy knows his neighborhood readers!). There is a cool nook up front for kids’ books."

"Jacknife Records & Tapes, Atwater Village. Jacknife is a great place to get your vinyl geek on. Championing the buy, sell and trade business model of yesteryear, these guys also have a great selection of vintage speakers and record players, colorful boom boxes and even classic films. They also host uber music geek events in ‘experience form’ that are pretty radical. If you find yourself spending hours on eBay looking for rare cassette recorders, vinyl records or other vintage gear, you have found your tribe at Jacknife."

"Tony's Darts Away, Burbank. Once upon a time, being a vegan made going out to the bar with your carnivore friends difficult. That was until Tony Yanow launched a place that took the carnivore/veggie question off the table. Tony's Darts Away is a bottle free, low waste bar/restaurant that serves every beverage on a draught system featuring 50 unique taps of California's best craft beers. Their menu features vegan/carnivore versions of innovative flavorful sausages, maple drenched sweet potato fries, and brunch on the weekends. Tony's was so successful that Tony opened a series of vegan friendly bars/restaurants/breweries all over LA."

"Commonwealth, Burbank. An absolute human truth is that good food and drink can erase arbitrary boundaries and become a common denominator for people from all parts of the world. At Commonwealth, this comes together in pure delicious harmony. Stepping away from traditional entrees, you come to Commonwealth to taste a little of everything from around the globe, and experience flavor combinations that you wouldn't expect in Burbank. This hidden gem of a place is classy, comfortable, and downright amazing. Pro Tip: The butterscotch pudding topped with caramel and crispy prosciutto is so good, that it will make a carnivore out of a vegan."

"Olive & Thyme, Burbank. A gourmet is defined as a connoisseur of good food. Melina & Christian Davies, owners of the epicureans delight Olive & Thyme, have created the one stop shop for those with discerning palettes. But Olive & Thyme is not just a market, it's a fabulous fast casual always packed breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner spot. Pick up a fine wine with that perfect cheese, pastry or espresso. At Olive & Thyme you're surround by a beautiful market while enjoying the best brunch in Burbank."

"Bob's Big Boy, Burbank. Bob's Big Boy may now be a nationwide chain, but Southern California is where it all began. Designed and built in 1949 by famed "Googie" style architect Wayne McAllister, this early Bob's in Burbank is nothing like its franchise cousins across the midwest. Every Friday night the parking lot fills with pristine classic cars, hot-rods, museum cars, and even a horseless carriage or two. Friday nights at Bob's is where classic cars come to tailgate. You can even still have food delivered to you car on the weekends, or if you choose to dine inside, perhaps sit at the "Beatles Booth" where the Fab 4 once enjoyed a bite from this classic American diner."

"Commissary Coffee, Burbank. Nestled on the corner across the street from Jay Leno's old studio is the perfect answer to a mid-day pick me up. The Commissary is a delightful addition to an area of Burbank that is mostly comprised of studios and sound stages. Enjoy the only Cortado you'll find in Burbank on their sizable shady patio or hang out under the rooster painting polishing your latest literary masterpiece. You'll be delighted to find strong espresso and wifi here, and best of all an extremely mild "industry" vibe."

"Bearded Lady Vintage, Burbank. Fascinate your mind in this colorful little house turned oddities shop. Bearded Lady Vintage has the creepiest of the creepy adorning their walls from jars of creatures preserved in formaldehyde to supposedly haunted masks from around the world. Owners Erick and Kiko opened this place on a whim after stumbling across a for rent sign and opening up the shop to share their passion with Burbank. Their favorite things to collect are items with spiritual energy and bonus curses. For the truly curious, come out to one of their taxidermy classes and learn something new."

"Chili John's, Burbank. Sit down at this delightfully retro diner for some of the best chili in probably all of California. Chili John's is the oldest restaurant in Burbank, opening with its u-shaped counter in 1946 at the height of Burbank's top secret aviation era. Early chili patrons were the first aerospace engineers working for Lockheed Martin, located nearby at the time. For the past 20 years, the Loguercio family has owned Chili John’s. Debbie and her son Anthony are two of the nicest people you may meet in Burbank. Have your chili over spaghetti, mild or flaming hot and don't forget the fixin's or pineapple pie for dessert."

"It's A Wrap, Burbank. Second hand clothing stores typically have a few standout must-own pieces that you find after extensive digging, but It's A Wrap is more like a fashion designers closet. Stocking only clothing purchased from the costume departments of studios and movie sets, you stand to find a pair of nearly new Manolo Blahniks for pennies on the dollar. Most of the goods here still have their tags on them, while others may have donned the feet of your latest favorite TV star. This is your chance to wear the good stuff with a bonus pedigree."

"The Supply Sergeant, Burbank. Burbank once had a robust metropolitan military community with the Air Force and early aerospace pioneers like Lockheed Martin calling it home for many decades. The Supply Sergeant is a hold-out from the days of the greatest generation. In business since 1948, it's that kooky store with tanks parked outside. Not just military surplus anymore, Supply Sergeant carries all sorts of camping/survival gear as well as serving as a mini military museum. You can get just about anything you need here to survive the zombie apocalypse or perfect that Russian cosmonaut costume you've got planned for Halloween. The Supply Sergeant is worth a visit even if it's just to check out the tanks."

"Handy Market, Burbank. Imagine standing in a fog of meat flavored BBQ smoke; chicken, tri-tip, filets of yum. That dream happens every Saturday morning attracting a line of locals around the block waiting to bring home charred meat prepared by the Handy chefs. Handy Market is not just all about BBQ's, it also carries the most creative and unique craft beer selection from the California coast. ProTip: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are triple the size and half the price compared to the grocery store - do your stomach a favor and visit the market."

"H&S Bicycles, Burbank. Finding the right bike shop when you're new to cycling can be quite the task. A shop has to have the right people and magical mojo to turn you into a lifelong patron. Family owned and operated H&S Bicycles is just that place. At first it looks like just any other bike shop, but H&S has the post sale community you don't get at other shops. Race the guys up La Tuna canyon on Sundays, or join the ladies on Tuesdays to work on your bike confidence. Pick up juniors first bike here, and Bobby gets to stick his handprints on the wall. Or if you're just looking for a place to relax after work, shoot the shit, and drink a cold one - H&S is the place."

"Portos, Burbank. The story of Porto's is a romantic tale of emigration and the American dream. Rosa and Raul Porto came to California in 1960 from Cuba with their three children. Rosa brought an extreme talent for cake making that helped build this legendary bakery. Porto's is never slow, often times there is a line out the door and down the block. Each and every day, people line up for custom cakes, sweet & savory pastries, mousses and authentic cuban sandwiches. The staff appears to move at an unbelievable pace to keep up with the demand, while some folks come in just to take home fistfuls of the oh so amazing Potato Balls."

"The Blue Room, Burbank. Among the collection of dive bars in Burbank, the Blue Room is bar far the classiest dive bar you'll find. The blue lighting mixed with turquoise blue leather booths compliment this classic cocktail bar. Be sure to notice the port-hole bathroom signs with stenciled typography, and antique cash register that runs this cash only bar. Their Bloody Mary is spicy and there is no shortage of specialty liquors for just about any cocktail."

"Halloween Town, Burbank. Creature effect artist Wayne Toth is a horror film industry veteran, having for over twenty years crafted Hollywood's gloomy sets and realistically creepy monsters. Together with his wife Jackie, they took their passion and built a year-round Halloween mecca, beginning with one shop and expanding to three separate Halloween boutiques less than a block apart. These are more than just costume and prop shops, Halloween Town is also an art gallery and movie prop museum designed to spook and intrigue. Their sister shops down the street house every Halloween costume ever made, and another specialty store just for kids."

"Fit Works, Burbank. Squat till ya drop at this central Burbank Crossfit gym that also features a Brazilian Jui Jitsu group, and free Zumba on Fridays. Fitworks has just the right stuff combined with a great staff to help you get fit. Lead coach Jack Holiday is at every class, answers every question, pays individual attention and gets to know your abilities so that he can push you when you're ready. Eventually the sore muscles will transform into incredible strength and pure confidence."

"Niko Niko, Burbank. The best sushi joints are those tucked away in obscure strip malls off the beaten path from the hustle and bustle. At Niko Niko you'll find the standard sushi fare but with a twist, like the "Heart Attack", a deep-fried Philadelphia roll topped with fresh jalapeño. Often with a line out the door, Niko Niko has everything from mild to fire breathing spicy. Tame the burn of the spicy Ahi tuna salad with some unfiltered Kikusui sake. This place mixes creativity with tradition and never fails to deliver the flavor and quality."

"Marche Wine Bar, Burbank. Wine. That thirst quenching beverage of the gods that needs no introduction. Formerly Luna Vine Wine Bar, the service is as good if not better than the wine. Personalized attention is paid to learn about your wine preferences and professionally recommend up to a trio of tastings. Learn about the flavors of each bottle and pair it with one of Marche's fabulous cheese plates. Manchengo topped with a roasted Walnut dipped in honey and washed down with Spanish Pinot Noir is an absolutely delicious way to spend an evening in Burbank."

"Mindful Nest, Burbank. For the truly snarky individuals out there, Mindful Nest might be the shop that's been missing from your life. Filled with inspiring and amusing products, it's the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for almost anyone. Perhaps you need the perfect card to cheer up a friend, or maybe you've got a white elephant party to shop for and nothing else will do except for a bar of filthy beaver soap. At the back of the store, indulge in custom perfumes and scents made for you by the Scentual Mixtress, or sample any number of their KleanSpa line. This shop is a must visit for creative types."

"Doughnut Hut, Burbank. The doughnut is an iconic Los Angeles food group, with thousands of Mom and Pop doughnut shops in every LA neighborhood. Burbank's most architecturally iconic doughnut shop is situated within a primarily residential neighborhood that hasn't changed it's look since it first opened in the 50's. This retro little spot with it's orange picnic tables is the perfect place to stroll and share a sweet treat with the family on a Sunday afternoon. Try the apple fritter, it will be the delicious hero of your day."

"The Blue Pig, Burbank. Driving east on Magnolia boulevard, you're bound to frequently spot the pickup truck stacked tall with swap meet goodies out front of Robert DeFrancesco's vintage and collectible shop the Blue Pig. Named after his favorite tavern in Cape May, New Jersey - Robert turned his lifelong passion for antiquing and picking into a store. He tries to bring in a little bit of everything but has a soft spot for old mechanical pieces. Nestled on the bottom shelf in the back of the store is the world's first pay phone. Drop one of each coin in, and you'll hear three different bell dings so that operators could tell how much you paid. The Blue Pig promises to educate and delight, give it a visit."

"Simmzy's, Burbank. Simmzy's, well known for it's popular gastropubs down in Manhattan Beach and Long Beach, has come inland and brought its delicious burgers and craft beer along. Replacing a longtime boarded-up eyesore, this colorful new spot across the street from the old NBC studios is impeccably designed and decorated with a surf meets southwest motif. Enjoy a beer from their see-through keg coolers behind the bar, and fill up on tasty burger. Simmzy's is the comfortable new pub in town, complete with cornhole on the newly added patio."

"Quenelle, Burbank. Ice cream at Quenelle is so good that you'll be lucky to find standing room in this adorable little parlor. Flavors stick around for as long as one batch lasts, while a handful of favorites are reliable regulars. New intriguing tastes like Minty Melon sorbet are added daily, so theoretically you could have a different flavor everyday for years. Served on a stick, in a cup or a homemade waffle cone, stand-out winners like blueberry pie are unbelievably good. The key-lime pie and apple pie ice cream bars are crunchy cold versions of their tin pan cousins, and to top off your visit - you can enjoy endless taste tests."

"Moore's Deli, Burbank. Situated down the street from Burbank City Hall in Downtown Burbank is a modern deli in a triangular shaped building. Offering up new-age takes on more traditional deli favorites, Moore's is best described as part deli, part gourmet shop, and part coffee house with adjoining creative work space. The well-rounded joint features an whopping 80ft illustrated wall mural and crazy tasty sandwiches sure to delight your taste buds. Every meal comes with Moore's mashed potato salad which for all intensive purposes is worth a potato salad coma. Decorating the counters are gourmet fixings from Fort Greene Farms, named after their Brooklyn neighborhood namesake."

"Baron Hats, Burbank. Legendary hat makers are a rare breed in the 21st century. Few master craftsmen are left to pass down the art of hat making to eager apprentices, but at Baron Hats you can have a hat made by skilled master craftsmen, on century old machines. Mark Mejia is the second owner of Baron Hats, apprenticing and purchasing the business from the legendary Eddy Baron who topped the heads of half a centuries worth of movie stars and musicians. This hatter and his museum of iconic hats is an incredible story. Beyond the hat making, Baron hats can restore, resize or repair grandpa's old fedora. Everyone is welcome at Baron Hats - Hollywood's hat maker of choice."

"Pickwick Bowl, Burbank. Splashy 80's design, two-tone velcro shoes, florescent marble balls and that midwest hometown feel is what you can expect walking into Pickwick Bowl. Part of the Pickwick Gardens Trio, this bowling alley is also attached to a year-round regulation ice rink and banquet gardens. No bowling alley would be complete without an arcade, pro shop and greasy food - all present an accounted for with bonus new age arcade games that put your coordination to a test. Spend a hot day skating around or trying to avoid the gutter balls at Pickwick, it's simple good family fun."

"Half Baked Co., Burbank. Sweet confections inherently come with a bad wrap for being bad for you, but not at Half Baked Co where everything is made with half the bad stuff and twice the good stuff. Come here with your speciality diet restrictions, and leave with a delicious custom made assortment of cakes, cupcakes and macaroons. Don't forget to keep Half Baked Co in mind for that perfectly designed three-tier cake perfectly matched to decor of your choice, this is the personalized confectionary service of your dreams that leaves nothing to be desired. ProTip: Try the Death by Chocolate, it's fudge frosting will leave you wanting more."

"Story Tavern, Burbank. Old world charm meets new world fun at this Downtown Burbank tavern and game hall. With plenty of space to bring a group of friends or challenge your co-workers to a game of cricket, Story Tavern has a little bit of everything. Beer is served by the pitcher for the budget conscious or in a tulip for the selective craft beer palette. For the bacon lover in everyone, come to Story for a bowl of their bacon Macaroni & Cheese. Happy hour is more like happy day with specials happening from opening until 7:30pm every day of the week. This tavern has just the right amount of old world charm and crafty libations."

"Burbank Historical Society, Burbank. Incorporated in 1911, the city of Burbank owes it's name to dentist and original land owner Dr. David Burbank who settled here in the 1860's. In the early twentieth century the entertainment and aviation industries began to take root, building the foundations for the city we know today. At the Burbank Historical Society, the cities early beginnings and industries are captured throughout this large complex of exhibits, preserved historic houses, and community buildings featuring full calendars of arts, culture, sports, theater and creative classes. You can't miss this place, as it has an actual F-104 parked outside on the street."

"Burbank Antiques, Burbank. Ralph Persinger, aka "Mr. Lunchbox", boasts a collection of nearly 3,000 vintage metal lunch boxes from the 50's all the way up through the 90's, many original non-reproduction designs. Together with his wife Kim, they opened Burbank Antiques, which is more like an homage to the last half of the 20th century. Everything from Schwinn service tags to that clear plastic phone popular in the early 90's. You'll also find more vintage vinyl here than most nearby record stores, in addition to vintage advertising from the Mad Men era. Walk out of this place with that truly awesome Clash of the Titans lunch box you never knew you needed."

"Stough Canyon Nature Center, Burbank. The Verdugo Mountains are full of critters who call it's low lying brush home and share their urban space with hikers and mountain bikers. Stough Canyon is one of many trail heads within the Verdugo's, with the Nature Center at the top of Walnut street serving as the educational gateway to the mountains and trails. Learn about the wildlife, flora and fauna at one of the nature centers exhibits, guided hikes and day camps. Or access the trails next to the nature center and pedal up the Stough Canyon grinder."

"Simply Coffee, Burbank. Burbank's Magnolia Park region is a cute walkable portion of the city filled with vintage shops, cafes and sweet shops. Newcomer Simply Coffee has nestled itself just off the main Magnolia drag, giving the neighborhood a lovely little espresso pitstop for an afternoon pick me up. Brewing the usual menu of caffeinated beverages, Simply Coffee pours a great Stumptown Americano best enjoyed on their comfy patio. This dog friendly joint has a lovely rustic style and knows that all you need in life is love...and coffee."

"Rocket Fizz, Burbank. Lollipops, moon-pies, margarita flavored taffy, and just about every other cavity causing sweet from your childhood can be found in a Rocket Fizz. For two quarters you can take a ride in a rocket ship or fill up a bag with over 40 varieties of delicious taffy. Don't forget to sample the Buffalo Wing Soda, or pick up a case of Moon Pies to be that week's winner of the office. This corner candy shop in Magnolia Park will bring back memories and delight the senses."

"Hyaena Gallery, Burbank. There's low brow, and then there's low brow so twisted it's funny. Hyaena Gallery specializes in the weird, macabre and potentially insulting artwork, gifts and decor. Pick up a wax candle bust of your favorite ghoulish character like Edgar Allen Poe or Wednesday Adams, and that perfect antique surgeons kit you've been hoping to find? Hyaena has it. Shop owner Bill Shafer scavenges the depths for new dark artists, as well as tinkers with a few things himself like the "Ye Olde Insult Machine" which he refurbished and tweaked to his unique tastes. No matter your flavor, you are bound to find that totally one-of-a-kind conversation piece for that empty spot on your wall at Hyaena."

"Corner Bar, Burbank. You've never played a more stressful game of Jenga until you test your luck on a wobbly table with a group of inebriated friends. Corner Bar is just the place you go to with your buds for an after dinner libation. With a small collection of board games, karaoke, or trivia on Tuesdays - you can enjoy more than a few laughs at this comfy little dive bar. The bar is stocked, cocktails are well made and the seating is probably too comfortable for a bar. We tried their Kettle One Minted Man, and gave it a two-thumbs up!"

"Racer's Edge, Burbank. Challenge your friends to a race around two and a half miles of track in electric go karts. These less pollutant cousins to your hometown gas powered buckets on wheels can reach speeds upwards of 40mph, which is plenty for high velocity drifts around every corner. Once you get the hang of these miniature indy cars and the track, you're guaranteed to feel like a kid again flying around the turns with reckless abandon."

"Captain Vintage, Burbank. Out of all the vintage shops on Magnolia Boulevard, Captain Vintage is bar far the brightest colored. This uniquely odorous hard to miss blue palace of Star Wars collectibles, typewriters and oddball toys from the last generation has an ample supply of retro Underwoods and brick phones tightly packed on every square inch of shelf space. If you're the type of vintage shopper who likes to dig and unearth that long forgotten gem, Captain Vintage might be your place."

"Basecamp and High Horse Dinette, Burbank. This particular parcel of land nestled amongst residential homes near the LA Riverhas been a revolving door of short-lived cafes for years. That is until the founder of North Hollywood's wildly popular Republic of Pie came in and transformed this struggling corner joint into an incredible coffee shop with HEALTHY food and welcoming design. Their staff pours one of Burbanks best Cortados and if you're in the mood for brunch, do try the Quinoa Eggs Benedict with spinach. MmmmMmmm!"

"Nick's Cafe, Chinatown. We're not just throwing around superlatives here. Coming from the East Coast, we've had our share of great diners. Nick's is as good as it gets. They've been there since 1948 and for good reason. It feels kind of like a time capsule– you get the feeling that things haven't changed much there. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for some no-nonsense diner food. Breakfast and lunch hours only."

"Chego, Chinatown. Chego is rightfully one of the most well-known food spots in the area, and has always been a lunch staple for us. They're known for their big, delicious, asian-fusion style bowls– our recommendations being the Leafy T, Beefy T, or the Sour Cream Henhouse. If you're not full yet, Scoops and Endorffeine are right around the corner. Warning: If it's really hot outside, it can be a very long walk back to the office after putting down a bowl for lunch."

"Scoops, Chinatown. Scoops is one of our favorite post-lunch guilty pleasures. Located between Chego and Endorffeine, Scoops is a great place to visit after getting your lunch time fix. Known for its unusual flavors like Brown Bread and Black Sesame, Scoops will have something for everyone (including vegans)."

"Old Chinatown Central Plaza, Chinatown. If you close your eyes and try to imagine what Chinatown looks like, you probably conjure an image similar to this plaza. It serves as somewhat of an epicenter for the rest of Chinatown, and is probably the most visually captivating. It hosts several points of interest, everything from gift stores to the almighty Bruce Lee statue. We've written about a few individual plaza destinations as they deserve their own attention, but just walking around here is an event in itself."