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Tori Klein • March 12, 2019

Hollywood is steeped in history, bounded by nature, and dipped in dreams - there isn't a more romantic place to explore with someone who makes your heart beat faster. Whether you’re on your first date or your hundredth, Hollywood offers ample nooks and crannies for eating, drinking and smooching, providing the backdrop for memories sure to last a lifetime.


Amoeba Music

If your date’s a music lover, seal the deal with a stroll around this vast vinyl and CD emporium. The world’s largest independent music store is sure to inflame your date’s desire as you demonstrate your knowledge of obscure jazz, early black metal, and the finest offerings from Sub Pop. Hosting live performancesseveral times a week, Amoeba Music is a date spot that will score you valuable cool points forevermore.

6400 W. Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028


Bourgeois Pig

There’s no greater mood killer on a coffee date than bright lights and a loud pop soundtrack. With a pool table and blacklight back room resembling the set of A Midsummer’s Night Dream—complete with faux tree, moon and stars—Bourgeois Pig has all the nooks, crannies, old couches and atmosphere to make you and your rooibos-sipping honey feel at home until the wee hours, with a late 3am close.


Burgundy Room

Your date is bad to the bone, a babe of the rock ’n roll variety, so take them to the Burgundy Room for a stiff late night cocktail with a rockin’ soundtrack to match. At this longtime dive bar hangout, find a dark corner to hide and talk about how much you miss Lemmy, Bolan and Cobain. Don’t forget to thank the punk rock gods that circus-like holes in the wall like this still exist in Hollywood.


The Dresden Restaurant

The art deco majesty of The Dresden’s dining room, replete with cozy white leather booths, make this a sure-fire win for a night steeped in romance, as featured in the 1996 movie Swingers. Soak up the retro charm of this beloved Los Feliz establishment over steak or angel hair pasta, and once 9pm rolls around, retire to the front bar where resident musical love birds Marty and Elayne (married since 1974) will serenade you into the early hours with their iconic renditions from the American Songbook. With $3 valet parking and priced for starving mid-career artists, this is a one-stop date spot that won’t break the bank.

1760 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027


Griffith Observatory

The views of the city extend before you for miles. The aroma of sage and eucalyptus. The fiery sunset, dipping beneath the Downtown L.A. skyline. There’s literally no more romantic place to share a kiss with your honey than at the Griffith Observatory, hovering high over the City of Angels, your hair whipped by a gentle breeze. Wander inside and watch the Foucault Pendulum and the Tesla coil in action, and snuggle up together for the 3D planetarium show, where you and your date can travel to infinity and beyond.

2800 E. Observatory Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90027


Hollywood Farmers' Market

Nothing spells romance like the scent of hand-cut flowers, organic orange juice and freshly shucked oysters, all on offer at this bustling, charming market where you can stroll hand in hand from 8am to 1pm each Sunday. Get a custom poem typed for you, tap your toes to local musicians jamming, and sample some of the best organic farm fresh produce in the region. For a nice view of the Hollywood Sign, walk east on Selma to Argyle Avenue, and gaze north on Argyle—there’s no better way to spend the morning after the night before.

1600 Ivar Ave Los Angeles, CA 90028


La Poubelle

It’s candle-lit, it’s decadent, it’s French. Take your artsy, poetry-loving date to Franklin Village mainstay La Poubelle and imagine yourselves on the Left Bank, as you share champagne and oysters at this bustling, romantic bistro. Afterwards, stop into Counterpoint, a wonderful second hand bookstore next door where you can treat your boo with a tattered collection of Rimbaud's poetry, or a collection of interviews with Jean-Luc Godard. You can guarantee they’ll immortalize this moment in their screenplay.

5907 Franklin Ave Los Angeles, CA 90028-5515


Musso & Frank Grill

For dinner, Old School glamour never fails to impress. Start the night with a few of Musso & Frank’s famous Martinis—Dita Von Teese’s favorite—and ask the bartender to share some stories about literary legend Charles Bukowski, who used to prop the bar up here night after night. Packed with a mixed crowd of Hollywood old timers and young ingenues, this is the oldest operating restaurant in Hollywood - its menu is still filled with classics that the stars of the Golden Age shared with their dates too.

6667 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028-6220


Trails Cafe

Your date loves nothing more than strolling around nature—how about a dog-friendly afternoon at The Trails, a woodsy, outdoor coffee spot at the foot of Griffith Park? Once you’ve ordered, walk your lattes and your labs across the street to the beautiful, leafy path along a babbling brook that's filled with frogs, fish and turtles, with enough waterside benches for you to take a seat and maybe sneak in a smooch.

2333 Fern Dell Drive Los Angeles, CA 90068



Vista Theatre

You’ve done dinner, now it’s time for a movie. Avoid the cold, impersonal vibe of the multiplexes and head straight for the Vista Theatre on the border of East Hollywood. The spectacular 1923 Egyptian-style decor and handprints in the foyer by Spike Jonze and John C. Reilly set the scene for a truly special film experience. Don’t forget to tell your date that this was the theatre where Alabama and Clarence meet for the first time in Quentin Tarantino’s True Romance—it doesn’t get much sexier than that, does it?


Consumer Tips

By Tori Klein March 12, 2019
Leave it to the professional magic makers at Universal Studios Hollywood , the Entertainment Capital of L.A., to set the stage for any corporate or private event. From conferences and company retreats, to theatrical premieres, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and more, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Meetings & Events division offers one-of-a-kind event locations customizable to any imagination. There's a private behind-the-scenes Studio Tour available as an addition to any event. Atmosphere is built right into more than 35 indoor and outdoor locations available between Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Just choose the setting and allow the dedicated Special Events team to tend to every aspect, from red carpet arrivals to themed in-park dining experiences, including extensive branding throughout the event space right down to personalized keepsake lanyards. Event setup at Universal Plaza Take the party outside and take advantage of Southern California’s temperate weather by utilizing Universal Plaza, the park’s trademark outdoor venue, the perfect elaborate courtyard for any grand occasion. Whether indoor or out, Universal Studios Hollywood has a space to meet every planner’s taste.  Hogwarts for special events at Universal Studios Hollywood  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ creates the ultimate landscape for immersive events that sweep guests into another time and place. Manage the mischief, sample Butterbeer™ and enjoy British fare from Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head™ pub. Experience dark ride thrills on “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” or ride the park’s first outdoor coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff™.” Create an escape to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Universal CityWalk Hollywood in a casual environment of palm trees, thatched enclaves, island music and surfboard tables, with the It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar smack dab in the center of the restaurant. Guests can nibble the iconic Cheeseburger in Paradise and sip on one of Jimmy’s thirteen signature margaritas.  Parisian Courtyard at Universal Studios Hollywood Adjacent to Universal Plaza, the themed “ Streets of the World ” are perfect locations for special celebrations that can take on an international flair with décor and dining like London’s Baker Street or the Parisian Courtyard along French Street. Guests anywhere at Universal can enjoy catered cuisine from world-renowned Wolfgang Puck Catering , prepared by Universal Studios Hollywood’s executive chef team. Universal CityWalk Hollywood, L.A.'s landmark outdoor entertainment complex adjacent to the theme park, offers numerous venues for unique events. The recent multi-million dollar renovation of the AMC Universal Cinema can accommodate an array of movie and television premieres and screenings. Features include: Deluxe recliner seats in all 18 theatres worthy of any Hollywood screening room The newly remodeled Director’s Lounge cocktail bar overlooking the lobby State of the art technology including IMAX with LASER projection and Dolby Atmos multidimensional sound “5 Towers” outdoor concert stage Getting there is easy, since Universal Studios Hollywood is just a few miles from the Los Angeles Convention Center, is a direct stop on the Metro Red Line, and sits just off the 101 freeway. The park is also near to two premier hotels, the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City and Sheraton Universal , offering access to its newest aerial walk-way connecting guests to Los Angeles’ public transportation system.  
By Tori Klein March 12, 2019
Los Angeles has no shortage of coffee houses with wifi, especially with the likes of Starbucks and Coffee Bean popping up on seemingly every other corner. But in between are classic old timers, as well as independent and third wave cafes boasting unique beans and brew methods, plus eclectic food menus that fit most every palate. Here are 11 of the best coffee destinations in the Hollywood area that offer diverse vibes and are sure to add fuel in your veins. Most open in the wee morning hours but close at varying times in the late afternoon or early evening, so check their respective time schedules. Blackwood Coffee Bar Coffee meets non-alcoholic mixology at Blackwood Coffee Bar, which opened in spring 2016 located on Sunset Boulevard near Runyon Canyon. Favorites at this casually chic, contemporary café include perfect post-hike refreshers: a sparkling espresso with espresso shrub, fresh orange zest, splash of maple, and sparkling water; Latin cold brew with cashew horchata; vanilla bean latte with espresso, house made vanilla bean syrup and milk; and a seasonal special - kabocha latte with roasted kabocha puree, maple syrup, and spices. The espresso menu offers hot, iced, or decaf drinks, from an Americano to a flat white and everything in between. Choices for non-coffee drinkers include lavender rosemary lemonade and hot chocolate (dark ganache) with sea salt. Complementing the drinks is a breakfast, lunch and all-day menu with dishes such as matcha infused oats, avocado toast, breakfast bowl (eggs, bacon, avocado, pico de gallo), couscous chicken salad, and the Blackwood Bento Box with a choice of protein (tuna or chicken), choice of salad (couscous or mixed greens), and a beet hummus deviled egg. BrewWell After Grace and Elizabeth Rhee closed their popular Koreatown café in 2014 due to building development issues, they took some time to find a new location and reopened in June 2016. Fortunately for loyal customers, they aren’t too far away as BrewWell landed in a postage stamp-sized space on Sunset Boulevard. There’s only room for the baristas serving from a walk up window with a couple of tables outside. Their brews remain exceptional with Heart Roasters coffee beans. The menu is filled with creative blends, including a variety of iced and cold latte flavors (lavender, honey cinnamon, Nutella, and matcha). There’s also bottled cold pressed juices, kombucha, Sparkling Lavonade (made with freshly squeezed lemons and lavender syrup), and a coffee float with cold brew and mascarpone gelato. Pair your drink with a pastry, bagel, or homemade pop-tarts. Coffee Commissary Integrated into Siren Studios on Sunset Boulevard, this industrial-style outpost is the smallest of Tyler King’s mini-chain of Coffee Commissary hotspots. Although there is limited seating indoors and outside, it’s also perfect for a quick coffee break to grab a drink and snack to-go from one of the two walk-up windows (perfect Instagram fodder with their black and white designed walls). With the motto “in pursuit of the perfect cup,” beans from several micro-roasters are featured including Coava, Madcap, Chromatic, and Temple. Iced lattes and the Cubano are especially excellent. Food picks at this location are limited, but there is usually a good choice of sweets and pastries baked in the main Coffee Commissary kitchen. Don’t miss the salted caramel rice crispy treat. Groundwork Coffee - Hollywood With the company’s roots in Venice Beach, Groundwork Coffee's beans are as homegrown as they come, starting with a single origin roast. What began as a coffee, tea, and bookshop 25 years ago, has now evolved into a coffee distribution business that crosses the nation, with certified organic roasters in both L.A. and Portland, Oregon. Located at the corner of Cahuenga and Sunset, Groundwork is one of the only local coffeehouses with an espresso milkshake on the menu (vegan ice cream is available too). The horchata cold brew is popular, and the nitro cold brew is one of the best in town. Organic teas are also offered, as well as a full food menu including breakfast burrito, short rib hash (made with Bitches Brew, their signature dark roast coffee), and bagel with lox. For lunch, don’t miss the umami rice bowl. Open late until 10 p.m. Homeward Ground Prolific restaurateur George Abou-Daoud (Delancey, Mission Cantina, Tamarind Avenue Deli, Twins Sliders, Farida, Bowery Bungalow) recently added a new concept to his growing Sunset Boulevard empire with this casual eatery serving breakfast sandwiches and Stumptown coffee all day. Located on the ground floor of Emerson College, Homeward Ground is open to the public. Food is freshly made, but timed so one can “grab-and-go” within ten minutes or so. Coffee and a sandwich stays with the "ten" theme, priced at about $10. The modern environment is designed as an open space with tufted couches, bookcases and plants, evoking a living room-esque vibe perfect for s coffee meeting. Javista Organic Coffee Bar Armond Bagdasarian and David Karmiryan opened their Sunset Boulevard coffee house in December 2012 and it continues to be a popular stop for the community as well as tourists. The coffee beans come courtesy of a partnership with Urth Caffé. Pair espresso drinks, tea lattes, and cold drinks with a menu that includes croissants, pastries, yogurt, and granola. Sandwiches and salads are made to order with a choice of bread. All milk served is organic, including almond and hemp. Indoor seating is limited, but there is a woodsy street-side patio that’s perfect for people watching on a sunny day. Philz Coffee You won't find typical coffee drinks at Philz Coffee - that means no espresso, cappuccino, latte, or pre-brews. This family-owned Bay Area import, created by Phil Jaber and now helmed by his son Jacob, has a growing number of locations offering single origin beans, as well as more than 25 customized blends incorporating two to seven different types of beans from around the world. Located on the ground floor of the CNN Building on Sunset, this is among the most spacious and orderly of coffeehouses, with communal tables filled with people and their laptops. There’s also a street side patio with bright orange chairs. Each cup of coffee is made by hand, one cup at a time (which includes grinding the beans and adding cream and sugar if desired). Baristas are always friendly and available to answer questions. There are several specialty drinks, including the very popular Mint Mojito Iced Coffee and mocha Tesora. Non-coffee drinks include some unique tea blends, such as green tea with butter and herbs, Istanbul with dried fruit and licorice, and Philz iced tea with fresh mint. Pair a drink with a bagel, pastry, or special toast like hummus and tomato, labneh and zaatar, ricotta honey and pistachio, and almond butter and banana. Coffee, tea and other merchandise are available for purchase. Rubies+Diamonds With its bold gold-plated exterior signage and modern glam interior with metal accents, glitzy chandeliers and Instagrammable walls, one might mistake Rubies+Diamonds for a jewelry store. On the contrary, the motto is #notajewelrystore. Situated between Sweetgreen and Sugarfish at Columbia Square, the shop was opened in January 2016 by Jean Shim, a coffee pro who co-owned the trendsetting LA Mill in Silver Lake with her husband. Here she’s pushing the envelope with an extensive, unique drink menu and coffee system unlike any other local shop. There’s CAF ratings for caffeine strength; BKON, a high tech brew system that makes a perfect cup; and signature coffee drinks that include caramel sea salt latte (and a vegan coconut version), cold smoked chili mocha latte, hot rose vanilla latte, and turmeric latte. There’s also a selection of hot and cold teas, plus nitro chilled teas (which can be ordered as a flight), lemonade, and matcha. And if you need a different kind of buzz, there’s Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale. Sweet Lady Jane provides a selection of baked goods, including vegan choices. Jeans’s teen daughter, Elia, also bakes some excellent chocolate chip cookies. Light all-day fare includes sandwiches, chorizo burrito, and a few bowls, including tuna poke and soyrizo. Grab-and-go bottled drinks are also available. Validated 90 minute parking is available in the garage. Stir Crazy Coffee House This is the kind of place you don’t want to tell people about - even though it’s been around for more than two decades. Located about a mile from the heart of Hollywood (just down the street from the Mozzaplex), Stir Crazy Coffee House is a cozy spot with mismatched furniture and quirky art that feels as if it should be in a college town circa the 1970s. It’s simply one of those places - as in Twin Peaks-speak - where you can get a “damn good cup of coffee,” including all the usual suspects prepared cold and hot, plus fun drinks such as the Nikki Special (vanilla ice cream with two shots of espresso and chocolate syrup), root beer float, Orange Julius, egg cream, and a cherry-lime rickey. Plus, you can order a breakfast sandwich all day for under $5, or salads and sandwiches for under $8. And of course, there’s an enticing case of sweets that you may not be able to resist. Tiago Coffee Bar & Kitchen This café and eatery is located at street level in an office building across the street from WeWork, and steps from the tourist mecca of Hollywood Boulevard. The spacious interior and front patio provides room to breathe when the crowds get a little larger around lunchtime. The coffee menu features drinks made from Coava, Verve, and Klatch coffee roasters with brew methods that include espresso, pour over, and Chemex. Foamed drinks like the cortado, macchiato, and cappuccino are artistically presented. The ganache mocha will appease any sweet tooth, while matcha aficionados will definitely enjoy the agave matcha latte. The food menu features organic and locally sourced ingredients with breakfast and lunch choices running the gamut from steel cut porridge with berries to lemon ricotta hotcakes, breakfast burrito, grilled cheese, paninis, salads, and soups. Fo-nuts (vegan) are available on Wednesday and Sunday. Validated parking in the rear structure for 90 minutes with a $5 minimum purchase.  Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts You can’t miss the bright pink building anchored at the corner of Highland and Santa Monica, emblazoned with "TREJO'S COFFEE AND DONUTS" and a black & white portrait of actor/owner Danny Trejo sporting his famous Machete grimace (which is also branded on all packaging). Open since May 2016, Trejo's Coffee & Donuts is a small grab-and-go shop with counter-only standing space. This is Trejo's third concept, following Trejo’s Cantina on North Cahuenga and Trejo’s Tacos on South La Brea. All coffee drinks are made with Trejo’s locally roasted beans - the menu includes all the coffeehouse faves, including a "cochata" (cold brew with horchata) and Mexican cortado. Nitro coffee from Stumptown is also offered. The donut menu, which includes a few vegan choices, changes weekly with rotations from the full menu of nearly three dozen flavors, including Maple Pig (maple syrup, vanilla, brown sugar, candied bacon), Cafe Con Leche (Trejo's espresso, vanilla, chocolate crumble), Margarita (lime and salt), and Nacho (a savory selection with jalapeno, chives, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese). And of course, there is the signature Machete shaped donut filled with mixed berry jam, iced with dark chocolate and berry ‘blood’ drippings.