Where is the Best Late-Night Dining in Los Angeles, California?
I know, I know – Chicken & waffles on a plate – together?? YES! This Hollywood eatery seats only about 50 people and any weekend will find a line outside the door – don’t EVEN try to go after after 12 noon on a Sunday when the after church crowd arrives! Celebrities frequent this spot – including Magic Johnson & Jessica Simpson / Nick Lachey.This is authentic soulfood – not overly done, inexpensive and with enough variety that on any visit you’ll find MANY ethnicities enjoying the food. My favorite – and the dish I suggest for newbies – is the #13 – or the Anna C special – one lucious fried chicken breast with one specially seasoned waffle. For those of you who prefer dark meat, you can get that too. There are options for gravey or giblets. Order greens on the side or french fries. They have it all! If you are visiting the area – it’s worth a visit to the spot that is even talked about in movies & TV shows! Drive by Pinks hot dogs and forget trying to get in to one of the f
Notice that almost everyone has had a bad experience here. For some reason Jerry’s has gained noteriety as a good place to go, and even attracts the likes of Paris Hilton (my brother saw her there once). I’ve never understood the attraction. I’ve tried it a few times (mostly for a late night snack) and been disappointed every time. The food is mediocre and the service isn’t very good either. Whichever location you’re at, there’s probably something else 10 times better for half the price no more than a few blocks away.Pros + trendy atmosphereCons – mediocre food, mediocre service, not a good value
I love Swingers for casual post-dancing food, or just when I want to go out with friends and have a good time without spending much or getting dressed up. I reccomend the breakfast and the appetizer especially, and the desserts are uncommonly tastey for a “diner”. I like they they use real maple syrup, olive oil an butter- none of the usual corn syrup/margarine stuff you et at a diner- it’s not health food but it’s “real” food.What compelled me to write a review initially was actually a bad experience with a new server there- I went with a friend after celebrating her birthday with a group of friends, and when I pulled the waiter aside to ask if he could stick a candle in “anything” so we could surprise her and sing to her, his response was simply “well, we don’t have any free desserts if thats what you want”, to which I said “no, I want to be able to sing happy birthday to her, I expect anything we order to show up on the bill”, he left, and later brought the bill with no candle in
You don’t go to Pinks to have a healthy meal; you go to have a chili cheese dog and double chili bacon cheeseburger. Pinks is definitely an LA experience–lots of hype, lines, celebs and no parking. It’s always busy and the food is good, so be patient and prepared to wait or walk over and back. I recommend parking on La Brea mid-day during the week in the Fall or Spring. Forget about it during Summer–it’s way too busy with tourists. The food and staff are both first class.
Since I’ve been in LA, I’ve gone to mostly clubs and lounge-y type places. Fun, but not a lot of warmth. This place reminds me of home (just outside of Chicago). The Backstage is old-school (in a good way), unpretentious and friendly. The staff is not typical ‘seen it all, done it all’ LA types. They seem like regular people who care about doing their job well and making you feel comfortable. The food is bar food plus. I don’t know exactly where the ‘plus’ comes from, but everything I’ve tried here is better than at other places. The prices are low, the drinks are strong, and the room is very warm and comfortable. Nice mix of people, liking each other and having a good time. I wish the real world could be a little more like this place. There was a birthday party there the other night and the people seemed to be having more fun than a bunch of kids at Chucky Cheese. Pros + Friendly staff and crowd, great food, strong drinks, low pricesCons – Wish I lived a little closer
