Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.
For a Japanese feast to alleviate vacation blues: Sushi Kisen in Arcadia
I just returned from a trip to Tokyo and Hakone and have been in denial about it for the better part of a week now. It was my fifth time to Japan, a country I adore for so many reasons: the spirit of taking care of society and community at large, where politeness is the norm; the incredibly efficient public transportation that makes me yearn for better train systems in Los Angeles; and, of course, the iconic food. I’ve still been craving Japanese food since my return stateside. The solution is a visit to Sushi Kisen in Arcadia, a place that serves astounding Edomae-style sushi. I always order a platter of assorted sashimi and negitoro cut rolls freckled with green onions, as well as white fish tempura and clam miso soup. For me, the only thing missing from the menu is an umeboshi sour — my ultimate vice when I’m in Japan. 1108 S Baldwin Avenue B6, Arcadia, CA 91007. — Kat Thompson, audience editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For inventive hot dogs that hit the spot: Smashin’ Hot Dogs in Silver Lake
When days are full of errands or just running around the Southland, be sure to make every moment count. I subscribe to the two errand–one food stop theory. Being that we live in Los Angeles, that may come in the form of a taco or doughnut after a bank and post office run. When I’m in Silver Lake, I go for Smashin’ Hot Dogs, an independent stand preparing hot dogs with lively seasonal toppings. The one-man operation sits right in front of the Whole Foods 365 on Glendale Boulevard, underneath an orange pop-up tent, and the goods are worth the stop. Its menu showcases new dogs throughout the year, but try the Mexi dog with an elote-inspired combination of cotija cheese and chipotle sauce. Or go for Smashin’s kimchi dog and add bacon to either. The Tokyo dog offers the ideal blend of savory and sweet with cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, a teriyaki glaze, and spicy mayonnaise that hits in every way while navigating these city streets. 2520 Glendale Boulevard, Silver Lake, CA, 90039. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For a burger and a martini lunch: Houston’s in Pasadena
The cult of Houston’s is alive and real, as evidenced by the daily lunch rush at the restaurant’s Pasadena location. As soon as the clock hits 11:30 a.m., groups in smart casual (Houston’s actually has an enforced dress code) begin pouring into the parking lot, vying for a spot at the spacious wood bar or in the dimly-lit dining room. Everyone has their go-to order, whether it’s the French dip au jus or one of the sushi rolls, but I would make a case for a burger and a martini as the best midday choice. The thick bistro-style cheeseburger arrives cut in half, blanketed in cheddar; the martini is as frosty as it gets. As the cocktail hits the halfway mark, a bartender will appear to refrost the drink and put the remnants into a new, even colder glass. 320 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For crispy tacos that keep on giving: Chuy’s Tacos Dorados in the Arts District
I can’t stop eating Chuy’s Tacos Dorados. In a very literal, visceral sense — like ordering a 10-pack three times in one week sense. This has become my compulsive comfort meal, the meal I gravitate toward when I have a day that feels any grade less than “good.” The tacos — blistered golden tortillas nestled around a pillowy potato filling and crowned with crisp iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, and limey onions — make bad weeks seem less bitter. I usually go for the vegetarian tacos (potatoes or potatoes layered with beans) and ask for heaping sides of salsa: the salsa roja has a mouthwatering savoriness that feels like it could be infused with bouillon. Share the 10-pack with someone you love or keep it in play through the whole weekend for just yourself. 300 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Unit A, Los Angeles, CA 90012 — Nicole Fellah, Eater editorial manager