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Kels in Wonderland

Kels in Wonderland

Food & Drink, TRAVEL
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February 27, 2017

Fave Foodie Stops in LA

My ideal travel adventures involve a lot of food. Actually, who am I kidding? They revolve around food. Eating, cooking, talking about food, taking pictures of food… you name it, if it involves food, I heart it. One of my favorite parts of researching our Los Angeles trip was checking out food blogs and top ten lists of city restos and bars. We picked a couple from the lists and made sure to pick a couple from exploring. Overall, we ate at too many great places to mention so here are my Top 4 LA Spots.

 Eat the City: Los Angeles Edition

 

Alfred Coffee & Kitchen – 8428 Melrose Place

but first coffee

If you love caffeine, and Instagram, chances are you’ve seen or used the hashtag #butfirstcoffee. Well, that originated with this funky spot. They have even trademarked it, lol. Alfred’s coffee is delicious and the interior of this local haunt is gorgeous. I discovered this after getting my hair done at Nine Zero One Salon (yes, THAT Nine Zero One). More on that experience later…  This was the best coffee I had in LA and I had a lot of coffee. I don’t remember what I ordered because I buckled under pressure and ordered something super fancy sounding and paid roughly $6 for it.

Worth it.

{Photos via Instagram}

 

 

Mercado – 7910 West Third Street

mercado mexican restaurant

My initial dream for our trip to Cali was to spend the week eating fresh seafood and crave-worthy Mexican food.  Check and check. Mercado is a three-location restaurant with a fairly simple drool-inducing menu. We cheated a little and ended up visiting the Santa Monica location instead of the downtown LA venue, but the menu was the same. The ceviche and guac were incredible – and I am a bit of a guac snob. Don’t ever give me a bowl of plain mashed avocado unless it is literally the best avocado in the world.  I had the enchiladas as my main, and they were so good I didn’t speak for the entire 4 minutes it took me to eat them.  I don’t remember what my hubby had.  Mine was better.

{Photos via Instagram}

7

 

 

Bar Marmont – 8171 West Sunset Blvd.

chateau marmont bar drinks and food

Chateau Marmont is an iconic Old Hollywood hotel and restaurant, with the equally iconic Bar Marmont just beside it. Considered one of the top bars in all of LA, we HAD to go there. We were able to get a seat at the bar no problem on the night we went and ended up having drinks and food in what is arguably the best celebrity people-watching spot in the place.  We are primarily gin drinkers, so we easily dummied a couple of Cucumber Collins and Brass Flowers. This was also our introduction to St. Germain liqueur which is basically nectar from the gods. (It’s an elderflower liqueur, and it’s magical.) I had a rabbit dish that was divine, but I most remember the drinks, lol.

bar marmon gin drink menu

 

Butchers and Barbers – 6531 Hollywood Blvd.

trendy restaurant butchers and barbers

**Update** Since we were here, the LA site has closed 🙁 It has other locations, so if you live near one I strongly suggest you check it out. This place had such a cool old-school vibe. All the bartenders had exquisite mustaches and suspenders, which I personally dug.  The cocktail list was small but well curated. We had oysters and a fancy grilled cauliflower dish to start – thus began our year of being obsessed with cauliflower plates. This was the first dinner out we did in LA and it was awesome to walk along Hollywood Blvd afterward to see the main touristy sites at night, walk of fame etc. The location can’t be beaten. I think it’s going to be a Thai resto now (?) but I could be wrong.

{Photos via Instagram}

 

 

 

So, tell me – what am I missing? These are the best meals we had during our 4-day trip to LA but for sure there are others that need to be tested out. We skipped The Ivy due to my hair appointment taking a few hours longer than expected (sorry, babe!) and couldn’t quite catch the Kogi BBQ Truck . Would love to hear from LA residents or frequent visitors as I’m hoping to go back in January 2018!

 

Want more? Check out my Top Kauai, Hawaii activities! Or my favorite Toronto pizza joints!

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TAGS:alfreds coffeebar marmontbut first coffeebutchers and barberscaliforniachateau marmontfoodfoodiekogi bbq trucklalos angelesmercadorestaurantsthe ivytravelvacation
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Kelsinwonderland

Kelsi is a former professional athlete with serious wanderlust and an obsession with fonts and all things pizza. This new mom lives in Toronto with her husband and twin babies.

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58 Comments
  • Deborah Cochran
    April 17, 2017

    We moved to the LA area 4 years ago and love finding new unique places to eat. We haven’t dined at Mercado’s in a couple of years – time to go back!

    Reply
  • Robyn Cobb
    April 17, 2017

    i would love to visit L.A. at least one time.

    Reply
  • IAN MITNICK
    April 16, 2017

    looks like food that tastes very good

    Reply
  • Michelle Starr
    April 16, 2017

    I would love to try some of Los Angelos’ food!!!

    Reply
  • Danijela WorldGlimpses
    March 28, 2017

    It all sounds great. I can only imagine how it tastes like! Or can’t I? 😉 Great photos, thanks!

    Reply
  • sherianne
    March 28, 2017

    I spend a lot of time in LA and will check these out — thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Patti
    March 28, 2017

    All these places look so good! I’ll make sure to check them out when I visit LA.

    Reply
  • Sandy N Vyjay
    March 28, 2017

    These suggestions hold the promise of some really yummy times in LA. The food looks spectacular and the ambience of the places adds value. Nothing like spending quality time in one of these places. Personally, I would fancy Bar Marmont.

    Reply
  • Oyinkan Ogunleye
    March 7, 2017

    OMGGGG girlll I’m always saving restaurants to visit when in town! This is sooo perfect!

    Reply
  • anna
    March 7, 2017

    I am such a foodie! I love everything about this post!!

    Reply
  • Kevin Wagar
    March 7, 2017

    You sure know how to pick some incredible flavour locations! Everything looks amazing!

    Reply
  • nicolas d'hoedt
    March 7, 2017

    If I ever find myself in LA, I will defo go check these places! Great list and pictures!

    Reply
  • Bob
    March 6, 2017

    The food at Mercado looks really good. What was your favorite place?

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Bob
      March 7, 2017

      Mercado! I loveeee fresh seafood and mexican food so this was the absolute best combo! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  • Joe
    March 6, 2017

    One could certainly do worse than base one’s travel around food, hahaha! Seriously, some of this food looks delicious. Particularly loving the look of that steak from Mecado 🙂 LA is one of those places that is many things to all people, and I guess it is a place of immense culinary appeal too.

    Reply
  • sabs
    March 6, 2017

    Will keep these places in mind if I ever go there. Looks delicious!

    Reply
  • Diedre
    March 4, 2017

    First of all, your blog is amazing & so pretty! And those spots..man makes me sad that I live all the way in South, GA! Everything looks so yummy!

    Reply
  • Susannah
    March 4, 2017

    Ooo… These all sound like such great places to eat! When I’m in LA I’m going to try some out! <3

    Reply
  • Jenny
    March 4, 2017

    I am going to LA this year! I will definitely check out Mercado and Alfred’s Coffee.
    Thanks for the list!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Jenny
      March 6, 2017

      Thank you for reading!! You can’t go wrong with either of those places 😉

      Reply
  • Hanna
    March 4, 2017

    WOW! These look absolutely delish!! Especially the coffee shop! I love a pretty latte!

    Reply
  • Chanel van Reenen
    March 4, 2017

    I love your travel posts! This food looks amazing. I think we should be travel buddies 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Chanel van Reenen
      March 6, 2017

      I’m ALWAYS up for a travel buddy!!! You let me know where and when, lol 😉

      Reply
  • Tristan Dennington
    March 3, 2017

    These all sound like amazing places! I have always wanted to go to Alfred Coffee Kitchen. I am overdue for an LA trip!

    -Tristan
    http://www.thepolishedposy.com

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Tristan Dennington
      March 6, 2017

      It’s worth the wait!!! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  • Stacy
    March 3, 2017

    OOOHHH. We are headed to LA again in the next couple months and this is perfect!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Stacy
      March 3, 2017

      Amazing! Let me know if you visit any of these and then share your other awesome stops!

      Reply
  • Dawn Darnell
    March 3, 2017

    This was so fun to read. Great reviews of your experiences in LA. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Dawn Darnell
      March 3, 2017

      Thanks for reading!!

      Reply
  • Julia
    March 3, 2017

    When you make it back to LA make sure to give Venice restaurants a try – there are just so many to list here. I recommend using Yelp – LA is very active on Yelp. I would also suggest if you make it to the South Bay to check out Manhattan Beach and El Segundo restaurants! Have travels! Love your post

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Julia
      March 3, 2017

      Thanks for your suggestion!! I absolutely will 🙂 We only visited venice for a morning last time, but it was so cool we MUST spend more time there. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  • silvia
    March 3, 2017

    Love! These spots look amazing, I would so want to try them all.

    Reply
  • Ashley Solberg
    December 1, 2016

    All of these places look so amazing and each unique. Adding some to my travel list, because afterall, the food is my fave!

    Reply
  • Glenny
    November 30, 2016

    YAAAAS I love food and im often in cali since my fiance lives there hahaha im totes writing all these recommendations down

    Reply
  • Julian
    November 22, 2016

    Thats what I was looking for! Will be in LA in December and we are looking for some sweet spots to eat. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Lindsay
    October 10, 2016

    I haven’t heard of many of these places, but I am dying to go to Alfred!!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Lindsay
      October 11, 2016

      OMG it is so cool in there. A blogger’s dream for instagrammable pics, lol!

      Reply
  • Bonnie
    October 10, 2016

    What great places! I’m going to save this for next time we go to LA!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Bonnie
      October 11, 2016

      Thanks for reading! Let me know if you ever make it to one of these 🙂

      Reply
  • Julie D
    October 10, 2016

    I’ve never been to LA but I’ve been wanting to for so long. What’s got you going back in January?

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Julie D
      October 11, 2016

      My husband goes every year for a huge industry conference – I have been working on him to tag along or join after the work part is done!

      Reply
  • Beth Newcomb
    October 10, 2016

    How cool! I love knowing where the hashtag #butfirstcoffee originated! I use it ALL the time. Haha Great piece!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Beth Newcomb
      October 11, 2016

      Isn’t that so cool! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  • Christian
    October 10, 2016

    Oh these sound like great places! I could spend a few hours in each! Thanks for the list!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Christian
      October 11, 2016

      You’re very welcome – thank you for reading! Let me know if you ever make it there or have something to add 🙂

      Reply
  • Kerry
    October 9, 2016

    Sounds like a great trip. I’m all about food too! I had no idea but first coffee started at that coffee shop! What a neat piece of information.

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Kerry
      October 11, 2016

      Isn’t that so cool?! I’ll take foodie places over museums every time, lol.

      Reply
  • Shari
    October 9, 2016

    This is such a great list. I had no clue where to eat last time I was in L.A.

    Reply
  • Patricia
    October 9, 2016

    It’s all about the food!!!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Patricia
      October 11, 2016

      100% ! Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  • Samantha Kuzyk
    October 9, 2016

    I’ve never been to LA but would love to
    Go one day! I’ll definitely refer back to this post when I get the chance to go!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Samantha Kuzyk
      October 11, 2016

      Oh, it’s so much fun there! I am doing a whole series on it, so check back soon!

      Reply
  • Bridget
    October 9, 2016

    Oh yummy!! Thanks for sharing this, I will definitely keep these in mind!

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Bridget
      October 11, 2016

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  • Jessica
    October 9, 2016

    I’ve never been to LA but those drinks at bar marmot sound divine.

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Jessica
      October 11, 2016

      And that’s only the Gin drinks! The other cocktails were made of 15 things I’ve never heard of, lol. Also upwards of $18 per drink, sooooo you have to know what you’re drinking. It was such a fun trendy place. I hope I make it back!

      Reply
  • Leslie
    October 9, 2016

    I was in LA a year ago and no one took me to any of these. Next time I go I will go with my own list.

    Reply
    • Kelsinwonderland
      Leslie
      October 11, 2016

      Where did you go? I’m looking for some new places for next year 🙂

      Reply

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