Hollywood Bowl is an incredible concert venue - acoustically and aesthetically. Radiohead there was one of the best live shows I've ever seen.

Long Beach Aquarium is also really neat and a great place to go with kids.

I've eaten at two of the Ethiopian places on Fairfax (& Pico-ish). Nyala was the best. I don't remember the name of the other place, but it was pretty good. It's connected to a shop and some of the seats like little saddles that you sit on like a horse.

Joe's Pizza Coming to Santa Monica

For ex-NY'ers, yup, that Joe's Pizza. I understand the quality at the one in Manhattan has gone down since they moved a couple blocks... but at one point, imo, that was not only the best slice but the best pizza period in NYC.

-Al

Is this a new you? Other than the "idiot tourist" comment what happened to the whiny, find the dark side of everything, I never have fun (insert just about any activity here) lmd I used to know. If you are coming out as a pleasant "find the bright side" type keep in mind this is the person I always thought was inside you anyway.

I'll check out the walk book since I'm running out of places down here behind the Orange Curtain. And I won't worry about looking like an "idiot tourist" since I probably get the "hip casual" look down better than most of you young guys anyway.

~ Rick

I just moved away from 14th/Wilshire, so I'm pretty familiar with your area.

Breakfast: Near you is Bagel Nosh on Wilshire and 19th (ish), its ok there. The Omelet Parlor on Main Street (by the border of SM and Venice) is awesome, they even have early-bird half-price omelets before 7, maybe 8 I think.

Bar: Check out the Parlor on Wilshire/15th. Really cool atmosphere, good happy hour 4-8PM everyday. Play some shuffleboard, its free before 8:00 PM.

Also check out the office, its a pretty packed locals spot on Montana/12th ish. Awesome burgers (they have stuff on the wall saying they have the best burgers in LA, maxim wrote them up, etc.) and great sweet-potato fries if you like that stuff. I think they have something like 34 beers on tap.

Definitely go to westwood and get Diddy Reese, so good, but they just recently raised prices to $1.25 for 2 cookies and a scoop of ice cream!

La Brea tar pits are cool if you like natural history.

The Viper Room consistantly has the best bands.

When it comes next summer, the LA Film Fest.

You cannot comprehend a "movie experience" until you see a show at the Dome @ the Archlight.

Sushi- Wabe Sabes on Abbot Kinney

Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood is a great bar, IMO.

If you are into Theater, check out the Elephant on Santa Monica and Vine, also the .

Sharky's Burritos on Cahuenga destroys all Taco Shops. I

Irv's Burgers across the street from Gelson's by Santa Monica and Martel. Also Astro Burger on Santa Monice and Farifax.

Only shop at Whole Foods.

The tea selection at Solar Cafe on Cahuenga and Franklin.

I miss their shrimp burrito so much. So tasty. I used to go to one in the valley on the way home from work.

L.A. Magazine ranked Brent's #1, followed by Langer's #2 and Nat 'n Al #3.

I went here with my girlfriend while in town for the LAPC:

http://www.sonarestaurant.com/

I can't really compare to what else is there because I've only spent about a week in the city but this place would be first rate in any city. Check it out.

if anyone is looking for good BBQ and doesnt mind driving up to the armpit of LA aka the valley, there is a GREAT BBQ joint called the bear pit.
its right at the 118 and sepulveda.
that place is texas BBQ so be warned, if you like south carolina style BBQ check out oinksters in eagle rock (on colorado just west of eagle rock blvd).
they have a great pulled pork sandwich, but their much tauted homemade orange lemonade is meh.

also, does anyone who lives here know of any good mellow hiking trails where you can take dogs off leash?
i'm not looking for any strenous hikes, just something nice and mellow where my dog can run around and explore.

Commerce

I went to a place called the "Bear Pit", one time. But it was a bar full of big hairy dudes. I think they were lumberjacks or something. Nice guys though, bought me a lot of drinks. Then I don't remember much.

I'll be here all week. Try the veal.

I will have to try that place. As a KC native I'm required by law to be a big BBQ fan. I like good Texas-style BBQ as well.

As far as hiking with your dog, I see people take dogs w/o leashes on the trails up by the Hollywood sign all the time. I saw Susan Dey with her dog running around up there once. Just make sure they don't harass the horses.

Haven't read the rest of the thread but S&W Country Dinette on Washington in Culver City makes one of the best breakfasts I've ever had. Definitely get the hash browns. Oh and it is very greasy.

Make an instructional video. Put it on youtube. Some of us need help.

I prefer to go to chowhounds message board for good restaurant ideas. I went to the map posted above, and apparently there are only two good restaurants south of the 10 freeway. That is some narrow minded thinking.

http://www.chowhound.com/boards/2

Man I meant to do this thread so long ago. Glad to see someone finally came around and asked. I will make my contribution later but I have a request: can someone post any shortcuts to any place? It will be of great help. A friend told me how he can get to Pasadena through the Bel-Air mountain from Westwood. Personal request: Can someone tell me any shortcut going to downtown (4th street).