Been living at LAX long term (over a month now - I'm beginning to feel like the guy in The Terminal). Getting tired of both hotel food and fast food. Don't feel like driving to MDR or Santa Monica. Hungry. Options?

Some ideas here

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384510

and here

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307938

I'm also a big fan of Italy's Little Kitchen on Lincoln and Manchester, kitty-corner from the ghastly Furama Hotel.

If you are tired of the area north of LAX, have you tried the area just south? There's some nice, small family places in El Segundo and Manhattan Beach.

Friend of mine just raved about a meal at the Buggy Whip. Just off the 405, think it is on La Tijera or Manchester. Been there forever. Really, he said the food was just great
^

Try a Cuban restaurant called Versailles
10319 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90034-6409
310.558.3168

Great food, The classic is the Garlic Chicken.
Make sure you order the Morros y Christanitos
which is black beans and white rice.
They even have a place on the universal city walk.

I live on the east side of town so if your ever in the "hood"
I can tell you great places to eat.
Eat Well!

If the OP doesn't want to drive to MDR, I don't think Venice Blvd. is much better.

Nothing extremely special, but the Promenade is easily accessible, either 405 North or (during rush hour) Sepulveda. There are several eateries there.

Also, Dinah's (right across the street on Sepulveda) is one of those "classic" LA eateries.

Panchos for good mexican... about 2 miles southwest of the airport on Highland and Rosecrans.

There's a good Versailles on Sepulveda in Manhattan Beach just past Manhattan Beach Blvd about 10th Street. The Kettle is open 24/7 in Manhattan and serves good food with healthy portions too.

For a nice change of pace we go to Scotties on the Strand in Hermosa at 11th and the Strand. Good food and good prices with a nice patio dining room with an ever changing view.

JMHO.

airlinebrat

Wow, there's a Versailles there? I'll have to check it out... I learn something new on FT everyday ^

And I agree with the Kettle... very good food, especially when you're hungry at 3am

The Proud Bird on Aviation, just south of Century. Reasonably priced, right at the end of the LAX run way where you can watch the planes land. Great atmosphere - a museum of military aircraft, photo's and paraphernalia.

Also Alejo on Lincoln (not the one in Venice, the one in Westchester - there are two)

Uncle Bill's Pancake House on Highland and 12th Street in Manhattan Beach is great for both breakfast and lunch. There are several great restaurants near the beach on Manhattan Blvd and El Segundo has some smaller restaurants and bars that are decent. I think there is a free DASH shuttle from the major hotels on Century Blvd (there's a stop outside the Hilton LAX) that takes you into Manhattan Beach if you don't want to drive.

IMHO - Havana Mania in Redondo is much better than Versailles in Manhatten (it's owned by the folks who used to own Versailles).

http://www.havanamania.com/

Westchester is slim pickins in the culinary department. Buggy Whip is good but gets pricey. I don't know if you consider these "fast food", but there is a Boston Market and a Panera on Sepulveda (Boston Market is at SW corner of 89th/Sepulveda in front of Ralph's, Panera is between Manchester and LaTijera...in the strip mall with Trader Joe's and Mervyn's.)

For breakfast everyone likes The Coffee Company at La Tijera & Sepulveda Eastway. Grinder's is also good...sort of a local small-chain version of Coco's or Baker's Square...NW corner Manchester at Sepulveda (enter off of Manchester, it's hidden away behind the 76 station.)

I haven't gotten to the rib joint at 84th & Lincoln, I hear it is nothing extraordinary but decent for something different.

This is for all of my Flyertalk Friends
From a Culver City. LAX Local
Go down Sepulveda a little bit more.
Sepulveda and Jefferson. Just down the hill from the airport.
Maybe 6 Mins from LAX north on Sepulveda BL.
Cab Friendly. Better than the Buggy Whip !
This restaurant is time less. Just Great !
Once upon a time it was called Joe Petrellies Airport Inn.
It started across the street in the 40`s.
They have the old menu`s on the wall.
A must see on the way to the head.
Now its George Petrellis. His brother.
http://www.georgepetrellisteaks.com/
The old guy still hangs out in the bar !
I grew up in this neighborhood and my dad loved this place.
Its still great. When ever I go to see my mom. I drop in for lunch.
If you are flying into LAX and have to kill some time
THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO ! Close, Nice, Safe, Great !
Sit at the bar. Have Lunch. Say hello to Juan
Really nice people. You will enjoy a part of LA most will never
see.

bltserv

Great minds...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...1&postcount=15