Keri & Zach
Things To Do
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown Los Angeles
We went here for our first date. We saw Tammy and the T-Rex a bad movie but oh so fun. They serve meals with the movie and we go there almost monthly. This movie theater is for those who love films. They even have a DVD rental library. Very eclectic place with events happening all the time.
Antico Nuovo
The focaccia is so so good here. It's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It can get expensive here if you order a few plates but it's so good. The place is small and you will need a reservation no matter the day of the week. You don't have to dress up here though the place is beautiful with a visible kitchen and open fire on a log. It's a perfect date. There's a pasta made with rabbit but it's really good.
Bowery Bungalow
This is a restaurant that serves Middle-Eastern food and it's so good. I took Zach here as my first date from me to him. There are a few things you have to get. The babaganoush, is a hummus made from eggplant but topped with charred shishito peppers, and fresh warm pita bread. The combination of all three is so good! The shishito peppers can occassionally have some fire to them do test bites if you are spice-adverse. The hanger steak is another dish I have to stress someone gets on your visit there. It's Zach's favorite. I don't know how they do it but the hanger steak is tender and flavorful and instead of mash potatoes it's a celery mash. A lighter accompaniment to your steak with crispy and savory-sweet brussels sprouts. Pictured is their branzino, another delicious entrée of crispy fish with great sides.
JOEY DTLA
This is a great place to stop at if you're in DTLA. We never need a reservation and if it's busy they give you a glass of champagne while you wait. The food is good a fusion of Italian and Japanese with dishes like Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Steak & Ravioli Bianco to satisfy multiple taste. Beautiful spot with no need to dress up (unless you want to). It's a cool spot to enjoy while navigating the streets of downtown.
Johnny's Pastrami
This location is near our home. It's great if you're craving an expensive but very tasty pastrami burger. The sandwich alone can fill you up and the BBQ Pastrami is the best one to do it. They load that burger up with bits of pastrami meat, some BBQ sauce, some pickle and nice brioche potato bun to hold all that flavorful juiciness together. They also have a soft serve s'mores sundae topped with lightly burnt marshmallow. Hold the macadamia nuts, unless that's your vibe. It's a nice summer treat or well anytime treat. They even have an outdoor eating area with sinks to clean your hands from the sauce and the grease that that juicy sandwich will bathe your hands in.
Escape Hotel Hollywood
Ever wanted to try a spooky escape room? If so this is the one for you. The workers really get into it and when you first come in you notice all the creepy décor. You will need reservations and group of at least 4 (I think, maybe 3). You reserve your time on their website. Be early don't be late! You will have 60 minutes to solve all the puzzles in their escape rooms. We have been 3 times and had a blast. The experience I believe runs about $45/person but don't quote me. They oftentimes have dinner shows. Those also need reservations. We went to one of their dinner shows it was their Latin night modeled after the Havana clubs of the 40s. We ate an appetizer, main course, a dessert, and a free drink for dressing in theme. The show ended with a conga line for all the attendees. The dinner and show experience was about $120. It's a fun spot to check out if you're in the Hollywood area.
The Dresden Restaurant & Lounge
You want a nice Italian spot that won't cost an arm and leg? Well, The Dresden is where you need to go. Its claim to fame is it has been in several movies: Anchorman, What Women Want, the TV series Mad Men, and more. On weekends and certain days of the week their live music in their bar area. This historic place looks fancy with suited waiters, white tablecloths, and pristine white leather booths. I always feel like a Mafioso when I eat there. You can get a rack of lamb plate for $36. You can dress up or down. There's valet parking or you can take your chances with street parking. The food is good, not too expensive, and be sure to go when there's live music for that extra magic.
UOVO | Santa Monica
This is has multiple locations but I chose this location for those staying in the Santa Monica area. You can't make reservations so go at an odd time or be prepared to wait. This place is so impressive for their very filling tasting menu and they way they do things if you're sitting at the "bar area." The tasting menu is for 2 people and you will get full so pace yourself. This bar is really a kitchen and your waiter your chef. You get to see your dish being made and the pasta is imported fresh from Italy. They put your pasta right from the pan to your plate. The chefs are really friendly people. The appetizer in the tasting menu is raw fish so heads up. But hey, be adventurous unless your lactose-intolerant then maybe skip this spot.
Universal Studios Hollywood
You're in LA check out an amusement park there's like 4 for sure: Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags, and Knott's Berry Farms. They aren't cheap but make the most of your time here lol. Zach and I are amusement park enthusiast and go to one at least every few months. It fills up a day with thrills, food, and beer (if you want). Amusement parks aren't just rides either, there's people watching, dining, seeing characters, and watching shows. All amusement parks are priced the same Disneyland, the largest, is the most expensive and Knott's and Six Flags are the cheaper options. If you go on a weekday you are more likely to be there when there's no crowds. Check hours ahead of time for your trip park hours due vary widely on off-seasons.