Venturing into LA questions

[tjl1388]

Me and the DW are heading into LA in middle of our trip. We are picking up the rental car around 7:30a and heading straight to the star walk. How long (estimate) should I budget to get there? We don't plan on staying there to long and after that we are not quite sure where we are going.

This is more of a no kids, anniversary, reconnaissance (for with kids) trip. We plan on "winging" it and really only have plans for lunch at Caioti’s Pizza Cafe. Anybody been here? Is it any good. We like to try and find the local spots...kind diners, drive in's and dives like stuff. Any recommendations of a dinner spot like that in LA. We love sushi but are open to other options.

Sorry for all the questions..trying to consolidate into one post.


One more... Anybody been to Philippes? We plan on stopping by on the way in from LAX when we get in.

Thanks to all.

 

[malibuconlee]

It's been a long time, but when I flew out to visit a friend after we left the airport we saw the walk of fame, Mann's Chinese Theater, ate at Mel's Drive-in (they have a website) and went thru the Ripley's museum. Fairly certain we did that in the space of an afternoon.

Sorry I'm not much help, but hopefully that's a start.

Have a great trip.

 

[woody73]

How long (estimate) should I budget to get there?

From where?

We like to try and find the local spots...kind diners, drive in's and dives like stuff. Any recommendations of a dinner spot like that in LA.

One of my favorites is the Original Pantry Cafe in downtown L.A.

Anybody been to Philippes?

Great place. Boasts the original French dip sandwich. Sawdust on the floor. Community tables.

Woody

 

[tjl1388]

Sorry about that.. From DL, Anaheim, leaving about 8a on a Wed.

Thanks woody.

 

[woody73]

At that hour, you will likely run into rush hour traffic into downtown L.A.
Traffic should get a little lighter by the time you reach the Hollywood Freeway (leaving downtown).

I would allow 60 to 90 minutes.

Woody

 

[lcasa]

Been going there since I moved here 40 years ago ( as a child )! Great dips - they claim to have invented them. And very reasonably priced. It's very close to 2 icons - Union Station ( been in several films -- including Witness ) - and the original home of LA - Olvera Street. Touristy, but kind of like a little taste of pre-US California.

Assuming you're a Disney fan - you need to go to Walt Disney Concert Hall. It's gorgeous. They do tours, or you could try for tickets for a show - although in summer the LA Phil goes to the Hollywood Bowl instead. Speaking of the Bowl, that might be fun for a romantic evening -you can bring in a picnic lunch with wine - esp if you can get box seats.

for adults - the Getty is a great museum, and is in a beautiful location with great views.
Dives - you have to try Tommy burgers ( original on Beverly and Rampart - just don't wander the neighborhood too much! it's near a police station though and always busy - lines even at 2am ). There are franchises around too - a great, sloppy, chili burger ( I ask for extra chili). Also Pink's Hot dogs is famous - never been though. And In-n-Out burgers ( all over ) are great - not a dive at all, just a really great burger and great shakes.

Fancy - there are tons of good places. Try trip advisor or opentable for reviews/categories you're looking for. Patina next to Disney Hall is excellent, but really , really pricey. There's the famous spots like Spago as well.

Have fun!

 

[woody73]

Patina next to Disney Hall is excellent, but really , really pricey.

This is correct. For what we paid for dinner at Patina, we could have fed a village.

Woody