Long Beach Restaurant: Joe Jost's

Joe's Jost's in Long Beach is a family-friendly pool hall and one of the oldest bars on the west coast. The walls of this local landmark are lined with historical Long Beach memorabilia and photos. Speaking of food, their pretzels, peanuts, and signature pickled eggs provide a salty snack while drinking beer from a frosted schooner. Joe's Special sandwich makes this a great destination for your hungry friends.

Pickled Eggs ($1.25 per egg)
Joe's specially prepared pickled eggs are served on a mound of pretzels with chili peppers.

Joe's Special ($3.05)
A Polish Sausage made from our family’s own blend of spices, slice of Swiss cheese and pickle, mustard on rye bread.

Manhattan Beach Restaurant - North End Caffe

North End Caffe is a popular casual spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a close-up view of the famous Manhattan Beach coast. They serve up generous portions with high quality and diverse ingredients. The seating is tight but that doesn't stop visitors from piling in. Their appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Drive is what brings a ton of people here and leads to what most people order.

Kahlua Pig Monte Cristo Egg Rolls ($10.00)

Fettuccine Carbonara ($17.00)

San Diego Sandwich - Boudin Bakery Cafe

Boudin sourdough bread is an icon of San Francisco and is found in restaurants all over Northern California. For some reason, two Boudin Bakery Cafes have made it way down to San Diego. It can't be easy to be famous for bread, but Boudin's tangy flavor has been impressing for over 150 years. At their Bakery Cafe you can buy freshly baked varieties or have them make you a sandwich on their original product. Here is a favorite.

Turkey Cranberry ($7.49)
Cranberry sauce, red onion, lettuce, mayo, sliced sourdough. With mixed greens.

San Diego Sandwich - Stone Oven

Stone Oven is a frequent find in many LA and SD mall food courts. Here you will get the speedy service of a food court but the quality ingredients of a sit-down restaurant lunch. Their large stone oven occupies the majority of the space, and this allows them to make their signature gourmet foccaccia sandwiches. Shoppers moonlighting as sandwich afficionados are guaranteed to stop by for this variation of a classic concept, and the choice of free sides amounts to a filling plate for anyone.

 BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich ($7.95)
BBQ Beef Brisket, Cheddar Cheese, Chipotle Mayo, Onion Crisps & Avocadoes. With Basil Pasta Salad.

San Diego Burger - Elevation Burger

Elevation Burger is named for ingredients including grass-fed free-range beef and real cheddar cheese that rise above the standard of other burger restaurants. Their namesake burger has two patties, but you can stack them sky-high with a Vertigo Burger (up to ten). When going for an Elevation Burger the price is considerably lower during their daily happy hour from 2pm to 4pm.

Elevation Burger ($5.79 or $3.99 during Happy Hour)
With "Original" Toppings: Elevation sauce, pickles, lettuce, and tomato

San Diego Burger - Eureka! Burger

I found it! A burger topped with unique ingredients located in San Diego is always a must-try for me. Eureka!Burger is a burger-and-brew restaurant chain across California. This 21+ setting has sophisticated menu choices that are popular with drinkers and eaters alike. We both know that an order of craft beer followed by a gourmet burger is going to be what your friends are looking for. Gastropubs like this are often known for interesting appetizers so I included Eureka!'s most popular pre-meal decision as well.

Lollipop Corn Dogs ($7.50)
All-natural polish sausage hand-breaded in a sweet cornbatter served with a spicy porter mustard sauce, ketchup and a cheddar I.P.A. sauce.

Fig Marmalade Burger ($11.25)
Homemade fig marmalade, melted goat cheese, crispy bacon, garnished with minced tomato, onion and arugula dolloped in a spicy porter mustard.

San Diego Pizza - Regents Pizza

Regents Pizzeria can be found on many lists of the best pizza joints in San Diego and is very popular among UCSD students who can cross a street to get there. I'm not entirely sure what makes a pizza extra delicious, but this place has an uncommon menu feature that stands out. You can order Chicago style pizza by the slice here. Chicago style means thick stuffed-crust pizza with two layers of dough, extra cheese, and sauce on top. The Chicago Popeye is what they will recommend.

Chicago Popeye
With Spinach, Artichoke Hearts, Ricotta, and Parmesan.

Burbank Restaurant - Chili John's

Chili on spaghetti? Works for me. Chili John's has been serving Texas chili in Burbank since 1946, making it the city's oldest restaurant. Their chili recipe has made the place a favorite among locals and a landmark of the West Coast. The horseshoe-shaped counter allows the servers to chat with all of the customers at once. Beef, chicken, or vegetarian chili is served on a long list of menu items. Spiciness of the chili is also a choice. If you enjoy any spicy food, you can handle hot. A popular way to end the meal is with their diner-style icebox lemon pie.

Original Beef Chili ($7.85)
Regular bowl with spaghetti and beans

 Lemon Pie ($3.70)

Burbank Sandwich - Handy Market

Any market nicknamed "The Tri Tip Store" is bound to have a sandwich that I need to try(-tip). Every Saturday, Handy Market sells barbequed meats from grills in their parking lot. You can then go inside the market for a drink and the deli counter for a number of side dishes. Long lines during lunch hours indicate the reputation of this weekly event. A reputable food phenomenon is going to attract the local community and all of your friends. Get out there next Saturday so you know what they're talking about! 

Tri-Tip Sandwich ($6.99)
With BBQ sauce on a hoagie roll

Hollywood Hot Dog - Carney's

When I see a train car propped up on the side of the road, I have an overwhelming desire to eat chili there. Luckily the train in West Hollywood is home to Carney's Restaurant. Chili burgers, chili fries, and chili dogs are served by a line of speedy food artists. Often hailed as the best hot dog in Los Angeles, the Carney's Dog is the menu favorite. A necessary destination for all those who have visited Pink's.

Carney's Dog ($3.55)
With Chili, Mustard, Tomato, and Onions.

There is also a location in Studio City.

Studio City Restaurant - Hugo's Restaurant

Hugo's Restaurant was founded with the intention to serve unique and original food creations. An extensive tea selection, vegan and gluten-free options for every entree, and pasta on the breakfast menu make Hugo's a popular experience. The Pasta Mama, spaghetti fried with eggs and spices, has become an internet food phenomenon and it originated here. This dish ordered with eclectic meats forms the heartier Pasta Papa.

Pasta Papa ($12.75)
Fresh pasta scrambled with eggs, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and Hugo's special seasoning. With bacon, turkey sausage and scallions.

Hugo's also has locations in West Hollywood and Agoura Hills.

Burbank Burger - Tommy's

Original Tommy's Hamburgers are everywhere in Los Angeles and are major local favorites for a few reasons. People love hamburgers made with quality ingredients. Tommy's Famous Chili is added to everything on the menu. You will get your food within seconds of ordering. And with prices as low as they have, you won't feel guilty ordering the double.

Double Cheeseburger ($3.40)
100% Beef Patty, Double Thick Slice of Real Cheese, Tommy's Famous Chili, Hand-Sliced Beef Steak Tomato, Fresh Chopped Onions, Pickles, Mustard on a Fresh Bun

Hollywood Burger - The Oaks Gourmet

The Oaks Gourmet Fine Foods & Spirits looks like just a wine market, but that hasn't stopped them from becoming a famous burger spot of Los Angeles. They take prime cuts of chuck, shortrib, and brisket, grind them together, and dry-age the resulting patty for 30 to 40 days. This makes a hamburger with a different flavor than the usual ground chuck. While you are there, you can browse the interesting sodas, alcohol beverages, candy, and cheeses from their market or look for celebrities since you'll be in the Hollywood Hills.

The Dry Aged Burger ($11.95)
A Half Pound of Dry Aged Blend w/ Taleggio Cheese, Black Forest Bacon, Red Onion, Tomato, Baby Arugula & Smoked Jalapeno-Pineapple Compote on Toasted Brioche.

Hollywood Sandwich - Canter's Deli

Canter's Deli is a 24-hour Jewish-style New Jersey deli that has made its home in Los Angeles since 1931. This Fairfax Avenue restaurant has been frequented by dozens of celebrity visitors who come for both the food and the live music and night life of their attached bar, The Kibitz Room. They also have a popular food truck that roams the area. Their pastrami is extremely well-known, and the fanciest way to eat Canter's pastrami is on a Reuben sandwich.

Pastrami Reuben ($14.50)
Grilled Pastrami, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, and Russian Dressing on Grilled Rye.

Hollywood Burger - Umami Burger

It has become apparent to me that any fancy burger must be served on a square plate and made with some kind of infused ingredient. Umami Burger is an embellished burger restaurant that has been rapidly spreading to locations throughout California and fulfills both requirements. Named for the fifth taste in Japanese, Umami Burger specializes in savory flavors. Their Umami Master Sauce is cooked into every hand-formed patty. Truffles are one unique inclusion on Umami Burger's menu, so experiencing that flavor is a popular choice.

Truffle Burger ($12.00)
House-made truffle cheese, truffle glaze

San Diego Restaurant - Sushi Deli

When it comes to good sushi value in San Diego, any of the locals will recommend Sushi Deli. With 3 San Diego locations, no San Diegans are far from this restaurant. A Monday through Thursday Happy Hour keeps the atmosphere casual and lively. Sushi Deli also highlights a new special combo plate each month. So which sushi combo do your friends like to order? The Best Seller Combo of course!

Best Seller Combo ($10.99)
Rainbow Roll (4) Inside: cucumber, crab surimi. Top: tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, avocado.
Katie Roll (4) Inside: shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado. Top: salmon.
Ninja Roll (4) Inside: spicy tuna, shrimp tempura. Top: soy paper, red snapper, crab surimi, jalapeno. With spicy mayo & spicy sauce.
Navavava Roll (4) Inside: lobster mix, cilantro, jalapeno, crab surimi, smelt roe, cream cheese, fried calamari. Top: avocado. With spicy mayo.

Hollywood Burger - Rounds Burgers

Rounds Premium Burgers is a successful restaurant in West Hollywood and Claremont and will open locations in several other LA cities in the near future. Their success also led to one of the most famous food trucks rolling through Los Angeles. The full menu boasts all-natural meat free of preservatives, fresh ingredients, and a long list of sauces. Fluffy challah buns give the burgers their signature round shape. You have many options if you choose to order a custom hamburger, but most people opt for their Specialty Burger menu, which has interesting names with interesting toppings.

The Executive ($9.00)
Caramelized onions, bacon, bleu cheese, garlic aioli

Santa Monica Sandwich - Bay Cities Deli

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery is known as a deli of the stars in Santa Monica. Their specialty sandwiches are great choices for us normal people too. They are often regarded as having the #1 Italian sub in LA and one of the top sandwiches overall. This signature sub is known as the Godmother. Long lines are very common at this cash-only market, but online ordering and baskets of pre-made Godmothers help alleviate the wait time. Toppings cost extra but everyone will still recommend that you order your Godmother with The Works.

Godmother W/ The Works ($8.00)
genoa salami, mortadella, coppacola, ham, prosciutto, provolone W/ mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, Italian dressing & mild or hot pepper salad.

Bay Cities Deli is closed on Mondays

Hollywood Hamburger - Hamburger Mary's

Hamburger Mary's is a lively restaurant in West Hollywood that features sexy menu items and after-hours drag show entertainment. Fancy cocktails and burgers ranging from simple to extravagant are their specialties, unless you are counting Burlesque Bingo! The Mac Daddy Burger may not be the craziest burger on the menu, but it is definitely a crowd pleaser. The post-burger check arrives inside a high-heel shoe to complete the experience.

Mac Daddy Burger ($12.99)
Your meat topped with creamy homemade Mac-n-Cheese

Westwood Sandwich - Fat Sal's

Every UCLA student with late-night munchies will probably end up at Fat Sal's Deli in Westwood Village. Fat Sal's was started by Jerry Ferrara of Entourage fame and his two food lover friends with the goal to sell sandwiches large in both size and flavor. They have a menu full of fat sandwiches with toppings that include things like chicken fingers, mozarella sticks, french fries, and potato salad. There are a lot of unique sandwich options here, but you should go with the title sandwich for your first visit.

Fat Sal ($8.95)
Roast beef, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, fries, brown gravy, and mayo made on extra-wide garlic hero bread