It’s been a solid 4 years that I’ve lived in LA. Has it been easy? Not in the least but it has definitely been fun. My favorite part of living here is the food and fun, there is always something to do. Things did slow down with COVID but have started to pick back up with California re-opening. This post will serve as an updated guide to LA. I’ve done a lot since my last LA Guide but I totally stand by the places, restaurants and places to shop! Let’s get down to business!

Places to Eat:

Brunch

Sorry Not Sorry– Cute brunch spot located in West LA with picnic table styled seating. The drinks were really good and the waiters were very accommodating. On the weekends at 3 pm they host drag shows. I haven’t seen one yet, but it’s on my list to check them out again.

Castaway– Located in the mountainous hills of Burbank, you’ll get brunch with a view. Castaway has multiple Mimosa flavors to choose from. But you’ll need more than a few to actually feel a buzz.

Harriet’s- Harriet’s is a rooftop restaurant located in West Hollywood. The food and drinks are good but the vibe is the best part. The best day/time to visit Harriet’s is on Sunday after 3pm. The DJ starts his set around three every Sunday.

Poppy & Rose– A rooftop vibe located in downtown LA. Did I mention it’s black owned? The food and drinks are good.

Dinner & Drinks

Beauty & Essex– I recently checked out this spot for my friends birthday dinner. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Both the large and small plates literally have the same serving size so keep that in mind when ordering.

Pilot– Rooftop restaurant in Downtown LA. Cute drinks and a limited menu! The fries are banging!

Mama’s Shelter- Clearly I have a thing for rooftop restaurants. This one is located in Hollywood.

EP.LP.– Rooftop restaurant in WeHo, that has good food and drinks but unfortunately is operating on a first come first serve basis.

Where to Shop:

Urban Outfitters Surplus store-  Everyone is familiar with Urban Outfitters, but I promise you’ve never been to the surplus store. There are only a few in the country. It’s literally an Urban Outfitter clearance store filled with clothes that are on clearance. Items that you may have seen in the regular store will be in this store but for a lower price tag. This store can be hit or miss sometimes but I go periodically to find gems!

2nd Street Boutique– 2nd Street is a consignment store that buys and sells lightly used and worn clothing shoes and accessories. We have a few locations around LA. What I love most about this store is that they carry a good amount of luxury designer pieces for a good price. This store is definitely worth checking out!

Melrose Trading Post- MTP is a huge market that is hosted on Sundays in a high School campus parking lot. It is filled with hundreds of local vendors from plants to clothing. I usually go to find clothing, plants and jewelry and I always leave with a ton of gems. You can purchase tickets via their IG and website and tickets are $7. I would suggest buying tickets ahead of time so that you don’t have to wait in line.

Riding Bikes on the Beach- Riding bikes on the beach is usually fairly reasonable and is priced by the hour. There are a few different vendors up and down the strip that you

Club/Bar Scene:

Clubs and bars are open despite COVID still running rampid. The only two spots that I know of is The Dime and Highlight Room. There are also a few restaurant and hookah bars on Hollywood Blvd that you can kind of post up at if that’s your vibe.

To check out my first guide to LA: Welcome To LA