Best LA Restaurants
 

ok that aren't super pricey though...i don't mind spending $40 or so on dinner + drinks, but probably not much more than that, since i'll be spending more through the night! Any suggestions..places that i can see stars too :) Thanks.

For less than $40 pp, looking for stars, I'm a fan of Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood (also a decent nightspot), the Office in Santa Monica, Sushi Masu on Westwood, John O'Groats on Pico in Rancho Park, Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills, the Farm in Beverly Hills, and if you're willing to spend more, Chinois in Santa Monica.

Excellent list! Very impressive -- though I have my doubts about the $40 limit at most of them. And to clarify "spend a bit more at Chinois", that is $100 instead of $40. Obviously ymmv but worth it.

Barney's Beanery will be way less than $40 for a meal. (like a burger) an a beer or three.

Not exactly fine dining, but it's a great place to hang out. I visit frequently when I am in town.

Far from fine dining, IMO. However I agree the West Hollywood location is a decent "hangout".



Craig6z

West Hollywood has many options. Suggest picking up the 2004 Zagat guide to Los Angeles. Very good resource.

If you want to see the stars for under $40, you have to head out of LA. There is too much light pollution to see the stars there. Try Gladstones on PCH or several other places up towards Malibu.

Or did you mean celebrities? If so, go to Pinks late at night. You'll catch a celeb or two there, although they usually pull up the limo and have a friend go grab the chili dogs for them. ;)

Just two blocks up from Barney's (going east) on Santa Monica Blvd. is Hugo's, a place that draws a surprising number of celebs, especially for breakfast and brunch.

The Seeing Stars guide is very handy for visitors who are trying to spot celebs. Here's their entry for Hugo's:

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Dine2/Hugos.shtml


I haven't been there in years, but near the Melrose Ave. entrance gates to the Paramount lot is Lucy's El Adobe:

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Dine2/Lucys.shtml

!
 

There are SO many great restaurants in L.A. but here are just a few that are on my list favorites and are reasonably priced.

Actually not one of my favorites but I have seen "stars" at Buddha's Belly on Beverly Blvd.

I have not seen them but people claim to spot celebs at the L.A. Farmer's Market at 3rd & Fairfax and at The Grove (adjacent). That's also a fun place to eat that's cheap and casual. I love Loteria! for Mexican and The French Crepe company for brunch, but there are so many choices here. And The Grove is my favorite mall in L.A.

My new favorite neighborhood spot in L.A. is Cayenne Cafe on Beverly Blvd. They have wonderful salads and wraps and their breakfast is just wonderful. Also good and nearby on Beverly Blvd. is Authentic Cafe - spicy, Southwestern, lots of fish and chicken dishes. Very good specials daily. Not sure about celebs.

Kathy Bates is rumored to eat at the Village Pizzeria in Hancock Park on Larchmont. Good pizza and salads here. Also on Larchmont is Cafe du Village, great for breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and yummy soup.

A Thai Elvis impersonator performs nightly at the Palms Thai Restaurant on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. Good, spicy, cheap food with Elvis!

Doughboys on 3rd Street (a few block west of the Farmers Market) has a great breakfast and lunch menu. I have never been there when there wasn't a wait, but it is worth it!

Cheap but very good is Poquito Mas (various locations in L.A. but I go to the one on Sunset in West Hollywood - just west of La Cienega). If you can find it, Tere's in Hollywood is similar in concept and excellent but very casual (Melrose and Cahuenga).