Bong Jovi's Suggests....

So, you've decided to come to visit the LA Derby Dolls at the Doll Factory.   And you need stuff to do while your here...

First off, are you hungry? Yeah, I saw the El Pollo Loco and McDonalds too. But those are to easy.

Right across the street from the Doll Factory is a delightful pupuseria. What's a pupusa? Well, it's kinda like a small pancake that stuffed with meat and cheese. And it's magnificent. Also, if you head east on Temple (that'd be right), you can find the Tribal Cafe (1651 W. Temple). they've got incredible smoothies and really good vegan food (this is a Texan talking, btw). Both of these are walking distance from The Factory, however, know that both places are notoriously slow. Quality takes time, so budget yours well.

So, you're feeling a little adventurous? Want to see Downtown Los Angeles?

Downtown has come alive over the last few years. Bars, restaraunts and places to live have opened like crazy, creating a real city center in the heart of Los Angeles. Luckily some of my favorites places are grouped right together.

First, we have The Redwood Bar and Grill (316 W. 2nd St. LA, CA 90012). It's a pirate themed bar with solid burgers and great mac and cheese on the menu. Heading further down Hill St. you'll come to La Cita (336 S. Hill St. Los Angeles 90013), home of our afterparties. Want to know what Tijuana on acid feels like? You've come to the right place. Their patio is one of the best in town and is host to Sunday Bloody Sunday a build your own Bloody Mary event with 80s music. Want more of a grubby nieghborhood sports bar instead? Hit up The Down and Out (501 S. Spring St. LA, CA 90013). Lots of tvs showing tons of games, a great sound system with good djs spinning, stout drinks and local clientele. Need a little break to grab some nosh and maybe a glass of wine. Step into The Must (118 W. 5th St. 90013). Great beers, killer food, top notch wine. They got shrimp and grits on the menu, for petes sake. Ready for some serious (and I mean serious) low brow action? Bar 107 (107 4th St. 90012)is your one stop shop. Busch on tap, Shlitz in cans, Godzilla movies on the tvs, a photo booth, strong drinks. This is one of my favorite bars in America, let alone Los Angeles. And why don't you finish off with a maple bacon donut at The Nickel Diner (524 S. Main St 90013). This place has great diner food done with an upscale twist. And the deserts are heavenly...the afformentioned donut, red velvet cake...you get the idea.

Now realize that ALL of the listed venues are within walking distance of each other. You will need to drive from The Factory or you can take the bus. Yes, that's right, the bus.

Contrary to popular belief, the public transport system in LA isn't that bad. To get to the Redwood from the factory simply go to Temple and Bonnie Brea, hop on the Metro 10, drop $1.25 in and get off at 1st and Hill. The Redwood is right there at 2nd and Hill directly in the shadows of Walt Disney Concert Hall which is a jewel of LA and looks great in photos.

Know that some of the busses don't run at all hours (and yes, there is a subway as well) so take advantage of metro.net and google maps. Both provide public transportation listings for Los Angeles.

Downtown not your thing? Want to check out Silverlake or Los Feliz instead? That's easy too.

Aaaaaah Silverlake, Los Feliz...the mythical "Eastside." Lots of really good food, killer bars, and beards. Also, hipsters. But don't be afraid. There's fun to be had!

First off, who likes pizza? Dear heavens, I do. Luckily some of the best pizza in the country has decided to move to Los Angeles in the form of Two Boots (1818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026). Whimisical names for 'za like "The Dude, The Newman and The Bayou Beast (just to name a few), fresh ingredients, mega awesome dough...i mean, what eilse is there? Good po' boy sandwichs and calzones too. Head further down Sunset and you'll find the Tiki Ti (4427 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027) one of the oldest bars in Los Angeles. It's no bigger than a closet, staffed by a man and his son and will totally, easily and with great pleasure get you hammered. All the drinks are tropical...no Budweiser or Jagermeister. Oh no. Just a menu with drinks broken down by the main alcohol used in them. They are huge and they are delicious. Cash only. Make sure you have a ride home, you're gonna need it. Tropical not your thing? In the mood for a dark as hell bar with a great juke and good food? Mosey over to Ye Olde Rustic Inn (1831 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027). Really good meatloaf, some of the best wings in town, and pitchers! Or head around the corner to 1739 Public House (1739 N Vermont Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027). There's an incredible selection of beers on tap, good pizza (sometimes it's free!), good local crowd. And if you just want to get your NOM on, head over to Fred 62. Pancakes, burgers, shakes...comfort food, diner style. They have one of my favorite breakfast items ever here, Alice's Egg Sandwich (avocado, goat cheese, tomatoes, scrambled eggs & hash browns served on a buttery bun).

These places are more spread out than downtown, so you might need a ride. Granted there is a subway stop right at Sunset and Vermont and the busses do run near all these locations. Double check your maps!

These places are also near Los Angeles landmarks like Griffith Park and The Observatory as well as the Hollywood Sign/Hollywood and Vine, The Walk of Fame or (one of my favs) Amoeba Records (aka The biggest independant record store IN THE WORLD!)

Oh, and there's the beach and the ocean too. :)


Restaurants/Diners:
Brite Spot, Nickel Diner, Fred 62, Millies, Masa, Tribal Cafe, Alegria
Vegan/Vegetarian:
Flore, Green Leaves, Cru, Elf,
Pizza:
Garage Pizza, Pizza Buona, Two Boots
Fast Food:
El Pollo Loco, McDonalds, Subway, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell
Coffee Shops:
Gigi's, Downbeat Cafe, Tropical Cafe, Starbucks
Bars:
Bar 107, Down and Out, La Cita, Ye Rustic, Red Lion, Tiki Ti
Grocery Store:
Vons on Alvarado
Drugstore:
Rite Aid on Glendale and Alvarado
Sites:
Hollywood sign, Walk of fame, Griffith Park, Melrose, Venice Beach