Every Monday, Citizine email subscribers receive our Heat Check Newsletter—four places that help Angelenos escape their bubbles. Heat Check isn't always about highlighting what's new and trending, but about directing attention to timeless classics and overlooked mainstays. Below, we present our favorite restaurants, bars, stores, hikes, coffee houses and museums from our recent Heat Check newsletters.
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EAT
Salazar
Frogtown
We love every dish and drink that comes out of this sacred patio of grilled meats. While we'll never tire from classics like the al pastor tacos, street corn and porterhouse steak, some newer menu items are also panty droppers in their own right.
Image courtesy of @valentinavitols
Belle's Bagels
Highland Park
On a recent Bagel Crawl for the East Side Jews' #SchmearCampaign, we swooned over the hand-rolled bagels from Belle’s—a humble window in Highland Park. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these bagels are made with pure love. The “Loxsmith” sandwich comes with lox, crispy salmon skin (AKA bacon of the sea), dill and beet cream cheese. It’s what other bagels aspire to be.
Image courtesy of @bellesbagels
Sari Sari Store
DTLA
From the founders of Republique comes a new Filipino food stall at Grand Central Market. James Beard Nominated Chef Margarita Manzke serves savory rice bowls and classic sweets like halo-halo that pull from her Pinoy background. Bobby Flay went on Day 2, so you know it’s real.
Image courtesy of @grandcentralmarketla
Mtn
Venice
From the mystic force behind Gjelina (and Gjusta ... and GTA) comes MTN, a Japanese Izakaya on Abbot Kinney. Chef Travis Lett has been traveling to and fro Japan for years to perfect the broth for his ramen, which is intentionally less fatty than classic tonkotsu, because LA...
Image courtesy of @marksinla
Kinjiro
Little Tokyo
Serving hands down the best uni, Agedashi tofu and beef tongue in LA, Kinjiro has become a favorite amongst local izakaya fans. This tasteful and rather tiny Japanese restaurant has impeccable service, making it ideal for celebrating your next anniversary or finally vacuuming your apartment.
Image courtesy of @gummy_moon
Otus Thai Kitchen & Coffee
West Hollywood
This Thai hidden gem is a quaint escape in the armpit of Hollywood. The minimalist interior and cozy patio make for an excellent setting to work on your script or catch up with a friend. We heavily endorse the Thai breakfast and steaming plates of pad see ew.
Image courtesy of @whatcouldbebutter
DRINK
Blackwood Coffee Bar
Hollywood
Not only does Blackwood have an exceptional coffee selection to keep the caffeine snobs quiet, the immaculate palace of percolated brew also boasts an interior worthy of praise—it's cool, eclectic and comfy. Dog-friendly and mere blocks from the base of Runyon, pop in with your pooch after your next hike for some fluffy eggs and a Latin Cold Brew.
Image courtesy of @blackwoodcoffeebar
Mandrake
Mid-City
Most underrated Westside bar award goes to Mandrake. During happy hour, the always-chill bartenders will give you a beer and shot for five bucks. Later at night, they project movies on the walls and it's the perfect setting for chatting up strangers or friends before moseying to the back of the bar where a little dancin’ goes down.
Image courtesy of @paynefulmoments
Galco's Old World Grocery
Highland Park
Can’t find that orange soda you discovered in Iceland at your local 7-Eleven? Time to step up to the plate of pop at Galco’s Soda Pop Shop, which boasts LA’s largest collection of carbonated beverages. Humble and stripped down, there’s little to distract from the 750 varieties of sodas from across the globe.
Image courtesy of @jjvergara
The Highlight Room
Hollywood
The Highlight Room at the Dream Hotel is the epitome of a Hollywood rooftop bar, people. Come expecting questionable-but-inspiring getups and Ryan Lochte where the swanky decor and gorgeous views are a nice change of pace from nearby Mama Shelter. Sip a cocktail and catch an autumn sunset.
Image courtesy of @thehighlightroom
Alibi Room
Culver City
When you’re craving Kogi tacos from LA Papi Roy Choi but need a drank to wash ‘em down, you visit the Alibi Room on the western edge of Culver City. The triangular bar and cozy outdoor patio is the ideal setting for a round of beers and late-night quesadillas with lovers and friends. Midnight munchers be warned: the bar is open till 2 a.m., but the kitchen closes at 12.
Image courtesy of @alibiroomla
DO
Ooga Booga
DTLA
Before there were "pop up shops," there was Ooga Booga—a bookstore with more than just books. Their newest outpost—at 356 Mission in Boyle Heights—carries art, zines, clothes, doodads, and yes! Books! Need a gift? This is your spot.
Image courtesy of @oogaboogastore
IM General Store (VVE)
Fairfax
If you love the modern, minimalistic pieces that Steven Alan offers, but shudder at the sight of the price tags, we have your new favorite Sunday splurge spot. Viens Viens C’est Bien gives you that effortless California vibe with sophisticated pieces made of eco-friendly fabrics. Up until recently, you could only shop the store online or in Korea, but now you can pop in anytime you’re strolling down La Brea.
Image courtesy Wonkyun T.
Sandstone Peak Trailhead
Santa Monica Mountains
The weather is cooling down, which means the heat is no longer an excuse to remain horizontal. Cruise down to Malibu for a brisk six-mile hike through the Santa Monica Mountains. At the top, catch your breath and find gold door beneath the plaque of W. Herbert Allen for a cool surprise.
Image courtesy of @lillyshi
Museum of Broken Relationships
Hollywood
If Los Angeles isn’t living up to your happily-ever-after dreams, then this one’s for you. The Museum of Broken Relationships is an entire museum dedicated to love stories and other relationships that are “no longer”. The museum displays discarded tokens of affection, along with a confessional to write down your thoughts on love and loss. Honestly, it’s not a bad date night option!
Image courtesy of @victoria970325
Shop Super Street
La Brea
It takes a lot of gall to make your Instagram bio "Best Store in Los Angeles," but it’s near impossible to spend five minutes in Shop Super Street without falling in love with … everything. Stocked with brands like Isabel Marant, Lorod and Dry Clean Only, this is the ultimate store for the cool girls (and guys!) of LA.
Image courtesy of @shopsuperstreet
The Moroccan Lounge
Downtown
This brand spankin' new music venue in the downtown Arts District from the veteran team behind Teragram and Bowery Ballroom is ready to rock. Having recently opened its doors for the first time, it still has that new venue smell and has a wide variety of bands poised to pop it off.
Image courtesy of @rhye
LCD
Venice
Hey ladies, looking for a new bikini or other last minute summer staples? LCD on Lincoln in Venice is a bright space with an eclectic collection of streetwear and high fashion from a ton of international independent designers. Don’t miss out on their apothecary section!
Image courtesy of @shoplcd
Squaresville
Los Feliz
When you're in the mood for a vintage hunt, let the games begin at Squaresville in Los Feliz. Unlike most of the carefully curated thrift and vintage stores in town, the price is right for their designer gems. Coming here on a second or third date could be your next big power play. And who knows, your dream jacket for “winter” is probably hiding out on one of their racks.
Image courtesy of @patrick_ryland
Huset
Venice
No shopping excursion to Abbot Kinney is complete without a stop into Huset. Translating to “the house” in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, this is a design store you can rely on to make your house a home. Huset offers sleek, playful and absolutely life-improving Scandinavian furniture, accessories and clothing for humans both big and small from brands like Rabens Saloner, Muuto, Almedahls, HAY, Mini Rodini, Marimekko, and many more.
Image courtesy of @husetshop
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Arden Shore is the editorial director at Citizine. Follow her on Instagram @ardyparty
Header image courtesy of @d_spiegel_
