LA Eateries to Support During the Pandemic
By: Celine Vazquez ‘24
As health officials work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles, many of the precautions they’re taking are affecting eateries. All restaurants in LA County were forced to close their outdoor dining. It’s important to follow these rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it’s also important to support local businesses and the people employed there. The best way we can support these small businesses is by ordering take out! Not only is this a safe way to devour delicious food, but it also helps local restaurants stay open. Here’s a list of my favorite eateries in/near LA that you can support!
**All pictures are mine and descriptions in quotations are from the restaurants’ websites.
1) Lemonade (Pasadena, CA)
“Lemonade is a modern marketplace serving a colorful bounty of Seasonal California Comfort Food in a bright cafeteria setting. A comfortable place where folks can enjoy a rotating daily spread of deliciousness: from ruggedly roasted Brussels sprouts to grain salads.”
If you’re looking for something fresh and delicious, Lemonade is definitely the place for you.
Recommendations: Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Blood-Orange Lemonade
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Curbside Pickup
2) Shake Shack (Downtown Los Angeles, CA)
“Modern day version of a roadside burger stand serving delicious burgers, chicken, hot dogs, shakes, frozen custard, beer, wine & more.”
Unpopular opinion: Shake Shack is way better than In-N-Out. They use potato rolls for the burgers and they are so. SOFT. Their fries are also super crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside - aka heaven!!
Recommendations: Shackburger, Black & White Shake
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Curbside Pickup, Delivery
3) Phillipe The Original (Los Angeles, CA)
“Philippe’s French Dipped Sandwich is the specialty of the house and consists of either roast beef, roast pork, leg of lamb, turkey, pastrami or ham served on a lightly textured, freshly baked French roll which has been dipped in the natural gravy of the roasts. Philippe’s has been located in Los Angeles, CA since 1908.”
This is an ICONIC place to go to before any Dodgers game, and it has had a special place in my heart for years. The food isn’t picture perfect, but it doesn’t matter - it is THAT good.
Recommendations: Pastrami Sandwich Double-Dipped, Potato Salad
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Curbside Pickup, Delivery
4) Millie’s Café (Los Angeles, CA)
“Since 1926 Millie’s remains committed to offering the best ingredients prepared by people who actually care. We use real butter to cook our fresh eggs. We use Altadena dairy products because they don’t give their cows hormones. We use white cheddar, and fresh grind each pot of French roast coffee. We do everything the Old-fashioned way, by hand, from scratch, because there is a difference.”
If you’re a brunch person, you have to go to Millie’s. They have sooo many things on their menu and they are all delicious. They even have vegan/vegetarian-friendly options!
Recommendations: Chilaquiles, Monkey Banana Pancakes, Dirty Chai Latte
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Delivery
5) Birrieria Gonzalez (East Los Angeles, CA)
“Our tender Birria is spiced to perfection to satisfy your taste buds. It is served with broth that is rich in flavor, along with freshly made tortillas, onions, cilantro, and limes with every order. Try it with our Signature Sauce!”
If you’re craving some authentic Birria, this is the place you need to go to! The flavor is absolutely AMAZING, and you can’t go wrong with some extra Consome to dip your tacos in.
Recommendations: Mulitas de Birria, Consome
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup
6) Dots Cupcakes (Pasadena, CA)
“We started out as a humble cupcake shop built to bring happiness and joy to our friends in Pasadena. A dream has been realized to bring a variety of cupcakes baked with love, for all to enjoy.”
If you’ve heard of the famous Sprinkles Cupcakes, trust me on this - Dots Cupcakes are WAY better. Not only are the cupcakes slightly bigger, they are so much moister than those at Sprinkles. Bonus: Dots even has DOG CUPCAKES!
Recommendations: Dulce de Leche Cupcake, Mostess Cupcake
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Delivery
7) Bruxie (Santa Monica, CA)
"Bruxie is the original Fried Chicken & Waffle Sandwich! The most perfect, crispy, not-so-sweet waffle. Then, the crunchiest, juiciest, most delicious fried chicken ever.”
Bruxie is a total game changer if you love breakfast, lunch, and dessert all combined into one. The waffles that act as the bread in the waffle sandwiches are so soft, and slightly sweet. Their orange juice and shakes are phenomenal, and I could not recommend it more!!
Recommendations: Green Eggs and Ham, Tater Tots, Oreo Milkshake
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Curbside Pickup
8) Urth Caffé (Downtown Los Angeles, CA)
“Since 1989, Urth Caffé has built its reputation roasting its own exclusively heirloom, organic coffees and offering hand-selected fine teas. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner—many organic, vegan and gluten-free options are available.”
Urth is one of my favorite places to grab lunch because there are so. many. options. I really recommend getting the Spanish Latte Granita, which is like a coffee milkshake/slushie. It is SO good, and pairs perfectly with one of the their freshly baked desserts.
Recommendations: Poach Di Parma, Oreo Cheesecake, Spanish Latte Granita
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Delivery
9) The Packing House (Anaheim, CA)
“Upscale food court with local vendors & bars in a renovated, historic 1919 citrus-packing house.”
When it’s open without COVID-19 restrictions, the Packing House is AMAZING. You can spend hours upon hours meandering throughout the different food stalls, and there are even gift shop stalls! You can still get the same unique food experience by ordering takeout from one of the amazing vendors located inside the Packing House. I’ve listed some of my favorite vendors below!
Recommendations: Popbar, The Kroft, Umami Burger, Mini Monster
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Delivery
10) Mr. Obanyaki (Monterey Park, CA)
“Japanese stuffed pancakes served with a scoop of ice cream. We also offer various drinks, including ube tea.”
Mr. Obanyaki is a small mom and pop shop located in Monterey Park. Their desserts are phenomenal, and are full of authentic flavor. I really recommend this place if you are looking for a refreshing dessert!
Recommendations: Nutella Obanyaki with Cookie Monster Ice Cream
Ordering Options: In-StorePickup, Delivery
These are only 10 out of the many, many eateries I love located in the Los Angeles area. Stay tuned for a possible part 2 - but for now, happy eating! Thank you for continuing to support restaurants and other eateries during this difficult time.
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