Los Angeles may be known for its celebrity chefs and Instagrammable food moments, but our latest visit proved that some of the best meals and drinks are found in cozier corners and unexpected places. These are the snackworthy stops that left a lasting impression, where the food and vibes made the trip even more delicious.
The Original Farmers Market
A classic LA experience that never disappoints. With dozens of food vendors offering everything from egg rolls to charcuterie, it’s hard to choose—but here are our go-to picks:
- Little John’s English Toffee – A must. Better than boardwalk toffee.
- Crepes – Prosciutto, potato, and cheese crepe that hit all the comfort food notes.
- Orange soda ice cream float – A fan favorite in our family.
- Beer booths + picnic seating – Perfect for sampling and soaking up the LA sun.
It’s touristy, yes, but worth every bite. And with The Grove right next door, you can walk off the crepe before grabbing more snacks.
Four Breweries, Four Vibes
We love tasting local beer when we travel, and LA delivered on both flavor and atmosphere.
Highland Park Brewery
This became the gold standard for all future smash burgers. The Italian pilsner was crisp and refreshing, and the vibes? Very LA with laptops, casual meetings, and what I like to believe were screenwriters hard at work.
All Season Brewing
Housed in a retro Firestone Tire building with a food truck built inside, this place oozes style. Try the “We Love LA” beer (which at the time supported wildfire relief) and dig into braised beef nachos.
Paperback Brewing
Industrial, cinematic, and located in a former airplane hangar. Great beer and burgers, but no AC—so visit in cooler weather if you can.
Santa Monica Brew Works
Home of the 310 Stomped Shandy, a surprisingly refreshing lemon-forward beer that’s become a personal favorite. The food looked good, too, though we didn’t eat on this visit.
Favorite Restaurant Stops
These aren’t trendy hotspots. They’re the kind of places that quietly deliver solid, satisfying meals.
Laurel Tavern (Studio City)
Perfect for a pre-Universal Studios meal. Cozy atmosphere, a fantastic turkey club, and a stellar beer list.
Pickwick Pub (Woodland Hills)
Visited because it doubled as Poor Richard’s from The Office, but we stayed for the food. Mini steak pies, mashed potatoes, and classic fish & chips made this a comfort food win.
Roosevelt Hotel Poolside Restaurant
This wasn’t planned; it was a Hollywood escape hatch that turned into a relaxing lunch spot. Great turkey club, excellent service, and the 310 Stomped Shandy made a repeat appearance.
Morrison’s (Atwater Village)
Found while cruising around after visiting Griffith Park, this gastropub impressed with Russian River beers on tap and a solid burger. If you’re a craft beer fan, it’s worth the detour.
We didn’t go hungry in LA. In fact, I’m still dreaming about that Highland Park smash burger. If you’ve got a favorite LA snack stop or surprise food find, let me know—I’m always on the hunt for another delicious detour.
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