Southern California

This page is for the Greater LA Area.  San Diego , Palm Springs and  Santa Cruz have their own pages and the general California Page is for Northern California including San Francisco

Hanging at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 

San Diego has its own page now.

 Notice anything outdated or missing?  Please email me at evan @ Trashytravel.com 

Marijuana is Legal in California and there are many dispensaries around.  I liked Med Men at the time of my visit.

Los Angeles, CA

Attraction-

Hollywood Forever Cemetery– one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. : 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323) 469-1181 Burial place of Dee Dee Ramone, Vampira, Rudolph Valentino, Johnny Ramone, Judy Garland, Mel Blanc, Peter Lorre,and tons more.

Museums-

Velveteria– dedicated to velvet paintings-Sadly closed but moving in 2022 to Cerrillos, New Mexico

 For Music Listings, the west coaster Trashy Traveler is Mr. Hollywood.  The Local Alternative Weeklies for Los Angeles are the LA WEEKLY and The LA New Times.  The New Times is quite useless.  There is also the Campus Circle.  The Orange County Area has the OC Weekly.  Goth Events here.

The quest for the ultimate taco can be found at THE GREAT TACO HUNT

Find some old, one of a kind venues at LA Time Machines.

Mod Parties-Club Soulside 
Rockabilly promoters-Brando Von Badsville, Dj Rockin Vic

BARS-
a few time machine bars listed here.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s – ’70s retro bar with era-appropriate  decor: 1611 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 most days · 2PM–2AM  (323) 962-3804

HMS Bounty -Kitschy Nautical themed bar 3357 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 385-7275

Idle Hour-Fancy cocktail lounge in a Barrel shaped building.  Better get there when they open as it gets crowded 4824 Vineland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91601 daily til 2AM (818) 980-5604

The Formosa Cafe- It was in the LA Confidential “Lana Turner” scene.  Two bars, old school Hollywood with lots of hot chicks.  Outside roof bar.  Good martinis.

The Prince -Korean-style fried chicken served at a dark velvet wallpaper leather booth joint with  horseshoe bar. Finger licking good  3198 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005 most days · 4PM–2AM : (213) 389-1586

RED LION TAVERN;-2366 GLENDALE BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90039
Hours: 11am-2am every day Oldest German bar/restaurant in LA

Sunset Trocadero Lounge-Hot spot of the moment you can actually get into.-8280 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA on the Sunset Strip.  (323) 656-7161

The Varnish – speakeasy hidden behind Cole’s bar.  118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 (213) 265-7089

Casa Vega– 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-50s old school Mexican Restaurant where lots of movies are filmed.  Open late

LA AREA TIKI BARS

Tiki-Ti-Tiki bar serving all kinds of tiki drinks. Might want to check the website before you go to find out what you want.4427 Sunset Blvd.Hollywood (Los Angeles), California 90027 (323) 669-9381, (recording during non-operating hours) Call first as they go on long vacations. historic Hollywood tiki founded in 1961.

Trader Sams-1150 Magic Way, Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, (714) 781-3463
The Purple Orchid-Near LAX in El Segundo. With Occasional bands and Burlesque- 221 Richmond Street in El Segundo
Tiki No-opened in 2010-4657 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, (818) 766-0116
Trader Vic’s-One of a mini chain. The one in Oakland claims to have invented the Mai Tai. at The Beverly Hilton is located at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, (310) 274-7777
Tonga Hut Tiki Lounge-since 1958, happy hour everyday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with $3 well drinks and shots, and $2 Miller Lite and PBRs. Surf Rock DJs on Sundays-12808 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, (818) 769-0708

Swing Dancing-

Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill-4311 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 729-0805 Venue with weekly swing dance lessons.  

Eats-
Apple Pan-Old fashioned Burger joint and fresh pies- 10801 W Pico Blvd ,Los Angeles, CA–TT-though a classic, was not my fave.

Pinks Hot Dogs-709 N. LaBrea Blvd., Hollywood, CA 323-931-4223-In the land of health food, the chili dog is king. Looong Lines.
Clifton’s Cafeteria-648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, (213) 627-1673-old timey cafeteria with waterfalls inside and such.

Tail O’ the Pup-8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069- 424-527-0131

Chili, Ice Tea, Cole Slaw, Lamb French Dip


Phillipes-1001 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, Home of the original french dip sandwich in roast pork, roast beef and roast lamb.  Great Slaw and Chili.  Mmm.

Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet – another contender for original french dip but this is much more plush has classic cocktails, plus hidden speakeasy in back.
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014: Most days til midnight, weekends 11AM–2AM ·  (213) 622-4090
Clementine-1567 Barry Avenue off Santa Monica Blvd. 310-552-1080.  Soups, sandwiches, homemade baked goods like ginger snaps.  They even have hot chocolate made with HOMEMADE marshmallows.
Mels Drive in–  Multiple locations of this 24 hour diner with classic food
Randys Donuts-the big giant famous donut-310.645.4707, 805 West Manchester Avenue , Inglewood CA 90301, near the airport
Stans Donuts-gourmet donut shop in westwood.  Seen on food network. original store in Westwood Village,  10948 Weyburn Avenue. (310) 208-8660
Pantry Cafe the Original-877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2507
(213) 972-9279 Diner open 24/7 always.  no locks on the doors
Langers Deli-Pastrami, Corned beef mega old timey deli restaurant.on the southwest corner of 7th and Alvarado Streets, diagonally across from MacArthur Park
Canter’s Delicatessen and Restaurant, 24/7 -419 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036 (323) 651-2030 Canter’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and on all holidays except Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Kibbitz Room Lounge is open from 10:00am-1:40am daily.  They also have a location in Las Vegas

Tokyo Fried Chicken Co. -Modern fast-food joint with Japanese fried chicken 122 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 282-9829

The Hat, World Famous Pastrami-Specializing in pastrami sandwiches locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties. 1 Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 282-0140 Try a pastrami topped burger or a tamale

The Oinkster-2005 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041  (323) 255-6465-Pastrami Burgers and more in an A frame building.

Jim’s Burgers – 1901 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 266-3886-burgers, pastrami, tacos.  Signs probably better than the food but pic worthy.

Cassell’s Hamburgers -old Burger joint that moved and its now in the Hotel Normandie : 3600 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020 Most days 7 am to 11, weekends· 7AM–2AM  (213) 387-5502 Also other locations now.

Carneys Studio City, 12601 Ventura Blvd. ,Studio City, CA 91604  818-761-8300-Chili Dogs and Chili Burgers in a railcar.  Probably a little better than Tommys.  Theres a second location but why would you want to not eat in a railcar?

Taquitos in Avacado Sauce. I added Hot Sauce

Cielito Lindo-Tiny Stand in a Mexican Market open since 1934 and dishing out fried Taquitos “in avacado sauce” which are pretty good.  Phillipes is super close so you can eat both in one go.   E-23 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012  (213) 687-4391

A “Mini”

El Tepeyac Café-since 1955, famous for gigantic burritos.  The Mini is pictured above.
Address: 812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone: (323) 268-1960

Marty’s Hamburger Stand-10558 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 836-6944 Chili Cheeseburgers, home of the Combos, combo burger, meaning burger patty AND hot dog on one burger.

Pann’s Restaurant -Classic 1950s coffee shop.  In a ton of movies. 6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (323) 776-3770 odd hours. Well known open face turkey sandwich.

Tam O’Shanter-Scottish pub, housed in a Tudor-style building   owned by the Lawrys group founders serving Prime Rib. 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039  (323) 664-0228

Tommys Chili Burgers-2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  and other locations.  (213) 389-9060  Chili burgers, chili cheese fries and tamales since the 40s

Johnnies Pastrami-4017 South Sepulveda Blvd., (Between Washington Blvd. and Washington Place)Culver City, CA 90230 Tel: (310) 397.6654  Not to be confused with the Johnnys Pastrami of LA.  This is actually JOhnnies French Dip Pastrami. Also chili dogs and more.

Johnny’s Pastrami. on Adams also known as Johnny’s Hot Dog Stand-4331 W Adams Blvd,Los Angeles, CA 90018

Musso and Frank Grill -6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 467-7788 old fashioned fancy steak joint since 1919.  First timers should request the “new” side circa 50s.  A specialty is the “ground beef sandwich”

Nate’n Al Delicatessen -landmark deli with  house rye, corned beef & pastrami.
414 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 7 days · 7AM–9PM (310) 274-0101

King Torta -4521 Valley Blvd #102, Los Angeles, CA 90032 (323) 222-7006-Counter serve mexican with a well known Al Pastor Torta.

Pacific Dining Car-24 hour steakhouse!  In Downtown Los Angeles 1310 West 6th Street , Los Angeles, CA 90017-not cheap.  Not even close to cheap.   In an old dining car though.

Spicy Wonton Soup

Yang Chow Restaurant-with three locations throughout Southern California, 819 N Broadway  Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 625-0811 famous for their slippery shrimp, but they should be famous for their spicy wonton soup.

Taix French Restaurant -French Restaurant Family-owned since 1927 1911 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 484-1265-Best deal anywhere, bottomless tureen of homemade soup and salad and classic French fare.  They sometimes have punk shows too.

Troy Burgers #8 -4738 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 259-8060-chili cheese fries, chili pastrami fries!

Taylor’s Prime Steak House-3361 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA-Since 1953 (Moved to Current location in 1970!)

Bars-

Footsies– 2640 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90065 Cypress Park-Most days· 5PM–2AM  (323) 221-6900-Howie Pyro and others DJ here.  Home to the beat bait party

The Short Stop-1455 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026  (213) 482-4942-Large bar that has some of the best garage djs and parties such as the Cretin Hop, but during baseball season becomes a baseball bar.

Monty Bar-1222 W 7th St, Los Angeles, California 90017 Bar that is home to the Chills and fever party among others.

Art/Performance Space-

The Vex Arts-5240 Alhambra Ave  Los Angeles, CA 90032 (323) 221-0971-all ages venue

HM157-3110 N. Broadway Avenue, Lincoln Heights, CA 90031

Resident DTLA-428 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-Home of the green slime party

American Legion 465-7550 Eastern Ave, Bell Gardens, California 90201-Home to the Fuss and holler record hop. (IE Jive dancing party)

Live Music-

Artsy/Indie/Punk rock shows are at the Smell.

More shows at Golden Voice.

1720-1720 E 16th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Largo, 432 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, reservations: 323.852.1073
Check out FONDA.

The Fonda Theatre -historic 1920’s venue catering to all genres of live musicon Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, CA.

Bootleg Theater -Warehouse band room  2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 389-3856
Cafe Fais Do-Do-5257 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles,   CA 90016    (323) 954-8080
The Hi Hat – 5043 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Troubadour-9081 Santa Monica Blvd. @ Doheny • 310.276.6168
Mr. T’s Bowl– 5621 1/2  Figueroa Highland Park 90042 323-256-7561
14 Below-1348 14th Street, corner of Santa Monica. 310-451-5040-recent acts here include Dave Wakeling and the Zen Tricksters.
The Redwood Bar & Grill-316 W. 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA. 90012 213.680.2600.

The ECHO and Echoplex -Echo park club–1154 Glendale Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 413-8200

Highland Park Bowl– 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 257-2695-Bowling Alley and music venue.

The Moroccan Lounge: 901 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 395-0610
The Roxy-9009 Sunset blvd-all ages
Silverlake Lounge-2906 Sunset Blvd at the intersection of Sunset and Parkman Ave

Spike’s & Billiard Bars -7813 Garvey Ave Rosemead, CA 91770 Lots of great shows including cramps tributes and good punk stuff.

Three Clubs-1123 n. Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323) 462-6441-was a classic martini bar that was in the movie swingers, now a multi-purpose space with bands, burlesque and more
The Teragram Ballroom– 1234 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017  (213) 689-9100
The Viper Room-yep, that viper room.-8852 Sunset Blvd.
Whiskey A go go-8901 Sunset Blvd.
The Ackerman Grand Ballroom of UCLA host some touring acts.
The Wiltern Theater and El Rey Theatres have larger acts.
Way out in the area known as Upland, The Wire-247 N 2nd Avenue, Upland, CA 91786

Anaheim Live Music-
Chain Reaction -1652 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA  (714) 635-6067 all ages
Santa Ana area-Koo’s Cafe-non profit arts center/all ages band venue/coffeeshop.  Lots of great shows here.

Record Stores

Gnar Burger Records -3436 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90065 (323) 686-4012-Brick and mortar spot for Gnar Tapes and burger records.  In stores a lot.

Fingerprints-420 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 433-4996  Lots of live instores too
Rhino Records, 1720 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Amoeba Records-the great SF indie store comes to LA.  6400 Sunset Blvd.-323-245-6400 Permanent Records -5116 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 739-6141
LA Suburb Record Stores-
Bionic Records-420 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 433-4996
Mad Platter-1223 University Ave, Riverside
Salzers Music-5777 Valentine Road-Ventura

The Unusual-
Keep your eyes peeled for the Girls Guitar Club, kind of like a Tenacious D thing.

For Dance Clubs, check Club Planet for guestlist info.

Dance Club Links-Double check dance clubs, they go out of style of business quickly
Club Cherry-Friday nights at Vinyl-1650 Schrader
ELECTRICK 2500 Riverside Dr. in Silverlake        323-993-6075
Sinamatic-Saturdays at Club 7969-7969 Santa Monica Blvd.

The Unusual-
The Los Angeles Cacophony Society puts on unusual events that are frequently open to the public.
Cinespace is a bar and screening room with food.  323.817.FILM
6356 HOLLYWOOD BLVD., 2ND LEVEL, HOLLYWOOD, CA, 90028

Area Amusement Parks
Disneyland-1313 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA (714) 999-4565-I know its obvious, but this park has a retro feel that its sister parks don’t have.  There is the very trippy Alice in Wonderland ride as well as the great Matterhorn, which doesn’t get the credit it deserves as the fantastic coaster that it is.  It’s the first steel tracked coaster ever.  Located right next door is Disney’s California Adventure, a park aimed at families with older children.
Knott’s Berry Farm-8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA (714) 220-5200
Legoland-Carlsbad, California (760) 918-5346-If only it were like the Simpsons episode.
Pacific Park-380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA (310) 260-8744
Scandia Fun Center-1155 South Wanamaker Avenue, Ontario, CA (909) 390-3092-35 miles east of LA. Has one big and one small coaster.
Six Flags Magic Mountain-26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA (661) 255-4100-Depending on who you ask, this park may have the most rollercoasters ANYWHERE. Silverlake-
The old and newly discovered hotspot.  Sort of an East Village of LA.  (though Chung King Road in Chinatown is also coming up).  In addition to Spaceland and Garage music clubs you will find:
La Luz de Jesus Gallery- 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, (323)663-0122-Hip gallery/store with one of the wildest show opening parties each month.
The Dresden-1760 N Vermont Ave  Los Angeles  (323) 665-4294-Martini lounge featured in Swingers.
Y-que Trading Post-1770 N Vermont Ave  Los Angeles  (323) 664-0021-one of those wierd gift shops.
Good Luck Bar-1514 Hillhurst Ave  Los Angeles  (323) 666-3524-Dive bar designed to look like a bad chinese restaurant.
Tiki Ti-4427 W Sunset Blvd  Los Angeles  (323) 669-9381-The place to be.  Exactly what it sounds like. Tiny.
Smog Cutter-864 N Virgil Ave  Los Angeles  (323) 660-4626-Loud Karaoke bar.
Millie’s-3524 W Sunset Blvd  Los Angeles  (323) 664-0404-Messy and spicy homestyle food.
Netty’s-1700 Silver Lake Blvd  Los Angeles  (323) 662-8655-more good eats in a former plant store.
Back Door -1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles (323)662-7927-homemade ding dongs.

Alhambra, CA (Greater LA)

Eats-

Twohey’s Restaurant-burgers & sundaes since 1943. 1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801  (626) 284-7387

Anaheim, CA

Eats-
Mama Cozzas-2170 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804(714) 635-0063-45 year old red sauce italian joint near Disneyland.  Featured on triple d

Arcadia, CA

Eats-

Rods Grill-Cool vintage googie diner-41 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007  (626) 447-7515-Since 1957

Burbank, CA (Greater LA)

Hot Chili and Tamale from Chili Johns. Chili is a must!

Eats-Chili John’s – 2018 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506 -Sunday Closed, Daily 11AM–7PM (818) 846-3611 Awesome awesome awesome chili parlor related to the one in Green bay in a classic old roadside building.

Smoke House Restaurant -4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
Hours: Open today · Vintage dark wood steakhouse since 1946 with “the worlds greatest garlic bread” (818) 845-3731

Larry’s Chili Dog -Patio chili dogs, great neon sign- 3122 Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505   (818) 842-0244 Closed Sunday, most days only open til 5 pm

Hotels-

Safari Inn – 1911 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506 (818) 845-8586-Revamped vintage hotel with cool sign.  140 per night.

The Tangerine Hotel : 3901 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505  (818) 843-1121-Modern rooms in a retro hotel.  180 per night

BACKPACKERS PARADISE HOSTEL- 4200 West Century Blvd. Inglewood, Ca. 90304-As of 2017 rooms in dorm 20 per night or private room 80 and up.

Canyon Country, CA (Greater LA)

Eats-Backwoods Inn -Old Fashioned Steak House: 17846 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country, CA 91351  (661) 252-5522

Casmalia, CA

Eats-

The Hitching Post Restaurant – 3325 Point Sal Rd, Casmalia, CA 93429 (805) 937-6151-Vintage cowboy steakhouse.  Worth a trip.

Castaic, CA

Eats-

Mike’s Original Diner -31537 Castaic Rd, Castaic, CA 91384 (661) 257-3233-Cool Old diner

Chatsworth, CA

Eats-

The Munchbox-21532 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311 (818) 998-9240-Amazing chili and hickory burger joint.

City of Industry, CA

Eats-

Frisco’s Carhop Diner -1950s-style joint with roller skating carhops  18065 Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748  (626) 913-3663

Colton, CA (San Bernadino)

Eats-

P & G Burgers-190 W Valley Blvd, Colton, CA 92324 (909) 824-9630-retro style burger joint with zuchini fries.

Costa Mesa, CA (near Long Beach and LA)

Live Music
Detroit Bar-843 w. 19th street, Costa Mesa CA 92627 Recent bands that have played here are the hold steady and Persephones Bees

Fullerton, CA (Near Aneheim)Record Store/Label-

BURGER RECORDS-645a S. State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92831 • PHONE: 714-447-4280 • Open 11am to 9pm everyday. FULLERTON, CA. burgerrecords.com

Venue-The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen-122 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 (714) 871-2233 Mostly Tribute acts but occasionally someone great comes through

Glendora, CA (Greater LA)

Eats-

The Donut Man– 24 hour donut shop seasonal toppings like strawberries & peaches.
Address: 915 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740(626) 335-9111

The Golden Spur – 1223 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA 91740 (626) 963-9302-Classic vintage steakhouse with great neon boot sign.

Store-

Continental Gourmet Sausage Co ?-Old-school European grocery featuring housemade German sausages & specialty meats.  6406 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91201  (818) 502-1447

La Puente, CA (Greater LA)

Eats-

The Donut Hole -landmark shaped like two giant donuts through which customers drive through 15300 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744  (626) 968-2912

Troy’s Burgers-10 -720 N Hacienda Blvd, La Puente, CA 91744 (626) 330-3659

Mission Hills, CA

Eats-

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que-10825 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345  (818) 365-2500-Vintage charming KC style BBQ

Santa Ana, CA

Live Music Venue

Observatory-3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, CA. 714.957.0600 

 
Montclair, CA
 
Drive In
Mission Tiki Drive-In-4407 State St, Montclair, CA – (909) 628-0511

Northridge, CA
Brents Deli-19565 Parthenia St, Northridge, CA – (818) 886-5679 Authentic NY style deli.  Corned beef specialty

Simi Valley, CA (Greater LA)

Tourist Attraction-

Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village -Bottle Village is a folk art piece made of bottles: 4595 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063

Venice, CA

Eats-Robin Rose Ice Cream and Traffic School-unique flavors: rose petal, rasberry truffle chocolate, bailey’s cream- 215 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90293, (310) 399-1774
Baby Blues BBQ • 444 Lincoln Bl. Venice CA 90291, 310 396-7675

Hinano Café-Burgers in a retro cool beach bar- 15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292 (310) 822-3902

Bar-

Townhouse fka The Del Monte Speakeasy -Classic cocktails , jazz and burlesque in a dark, 1915 house.  52 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291  (310) 392-4040

Fontana, CA

Eats-

Bono’s Restaurant and Deli- historic route 66 restaurant  that closed and reopened as a vintage chianti bottle style italian restaurant-15395 Foothill Blvd, Fontana, California 92335  (909) 822-4036

Fountain Valley, CA
Eats
Paul’s Coffee Shop – 16947 Bushard St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 965-3643 Food served mess hall style on metal plates. Famous for SOS and pork steak.

Gardenia, CA

Eats-Jay Bees BBQ– 15911 Avalon Blvd, Gardena Ca. Closed Sunday. 310-532-1064.  BBQ in CA from a relative of the Famous Neelys of Mempis’ interstate bbq.

Santa Monica, CA

Eats-Fathers Office, 1018 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403  (310) 736-222-restaurant/bar featuring the office burger, voted best burger in ameria by the today show, on an oblong roll with two kinds of cheese, carmelized bacon and onions and fancy greens.

Lakewood, CA (Greater LA)

Bars-

REGAL INN- “THE DIRTIEST SHIT HOLE IN LAKEWOOD, 6763 E. CARSON ST, Lakewood, California 90713-Not sure the orgin of the self effacing slogan but lots of punk and garage bands play here.  Not far from Long Beach.

Long Beach, CA

Bars-

Roxanne’s-1115 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, California 90807-bar with DJ Nights

Venue-Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St. (Next to the Auto Zone, entrance in the back) Long Beach, CA 90804 562-434-8292 Pasadena

Pike Restaurant & Bar -1836 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-4453-If you have one stop in Long Beach it should definitely be Chris Reese of Social Distortion’s joint

Hotels-
The Artists Inn and Cottage-1038 Magnolia Street, South Pasadena, CA 626-799-5668.  In the 100-200 dollar a night range but they have suites decorated in the style of different artists like Van Gogh and Picasso

Food
Yujean Kang-67 North Raymond Avenue near Colorado, Pasadena, 626-585-0855-Said to be one of the best chinese spots in all of LA.
Pie n’ Burger-913 East California Blvd. 626-795-1123-Just what it sounds like, diner with pies and burgers.

Palm Dessert, CA (NEAR PALM SPRINGS)

Club-
The Hood Bar and Pizzeria 74360 CA-111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 “The most happening venue in the low desert”
 
Palm Springs, CA
 
Tiki Caliente annual Tiki Event around May.
 
Eats-
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery-401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA – (760) 325-1199
 
Hotel
Caliente Tropics Hotel-411 E. Palm Canyon Dr,Palm Springs, CA 92264-Cool tiki hotel, original home of Tiki Oasis
Riviera Palm Springs -Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa is a luxury Palm Springs hotel featuring Mid-century-modern design and lavish suites with incredible mountain views.
1600 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 327-8311 Not outrageously priced.  
Orbit In Hotel-562 W Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA ?, (760) 323-3585  Lots of themed rooms, like the Rat Pack Room
 
Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria is home to its own variation of American BBQ focusing on tri tip steak.  Some places have more traditional BBQ elements as well. The Eaten Path has a great collection on the genre from Serious Eats.
 
Nipomo, CA (near Santa Maria, CA)
 
Eats
 
Jocko’s Steak House -125 North Thompson Avenue, Nipomo, CA (805) 929-35650-tri tip and garlic bread, veggies, and lots more included.  Baked Beans are supposed to be great.
 
Paleteria Neveria Linda Michoacan -917 N. Broadway-Santa Maria, CA 93454 805.928.8225-insane amount of crazy flavor ice cream bars
 
Pomona, CA (near Chino, Halfway between LA and San Bernadino)
Bars-
Characters Sports Bar-276 E 1st St, Pomona, CA 91766 (909) 622-9070 features occasional touring bands.
 
Venues-
Acerogami -: 228 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766 (909) 865-0979
Glass House-200 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766
(877) 435-9849
 
Redlands, CA
Eats-
Nick’s Burgers-1626 W Redlands Blvd, Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 798-5428
 
 
Rialto, CA
 
Eats-Chris’s Burgers -765 E Foothill Blvd, Rialto, CA 92376  (909) 875-5258-Burger and burrito joint with homemade chili in an old vintage chain building.
 
 
San Bernadino, CA
Eats-
Mitla Cafe -602 N Mount Vernon Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92411 (909) 888-0460-75 plus year old restaurant that supposed inspired Glenn Bell to start Taco Bell.  The banquet room has an indoor pool
Ye Olde Lamplighter-255 E 40th St, San Bernardino, CA 92404  (909) 886-4490-Old dark wood paneled pub type time machine steakhouse.
Gazzolo’s Sausage Co Restaurant & Delicatessen -132 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404  (909) 886-3213-30 plus year old German restaurant with a Bavarian style exterior.

Rosa Maria’s Drive In-4202 N Sierra Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407 (909) 881-1731-Picnic table window service family owned Mexican Restaurant.

Phil’s Charbroiled Burgers -835 E 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92410(909) 884-0564-Pastrami burgers

 
Museum-

Historic site of the Original McDonald’s Museum– 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92405
(909) 885-6324

Hotels-
Wigwam Motel-2728 Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA 92410-one of the three remaining wigwam motels
4J4X+QX San Bernardino, Californiawigwammotel.com(909) 875-3005
 
San Dimas, CA (greater LA)
 
Eats-
Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse– San Dimas-Since 1967, “Home of the cowboy steak”  269 Foothill Blvd, San Dimas, CA 91773 (909) 599-5312
 
San Pedro, CA
 
Live Music/Bar-
Harold’s Place – 1908 S Pacific Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 832-5503 Bar with occasional live music.
 

Solvang, CA

This place is a total tourist trap, a faux danish town that was supposedly started as a utopia.  But it is so strange and touristy, I highly recommended stopping here.  While here, visit the Solvang Restaurant and try one of their Aebleskivers, which is basically a pancake, but in ball form.  There are tons of varieties

Torrence, CA

Eats-

The San Franciscan-Vintage old school prime rib and martini joint.2520 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 325-5231

Victorville, CA

Eats-

Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe-1947 diner with some amazing burgers including the brian burger patty melt which is a must- 17143 N D St, Victorville, CA 92394 760) 243-9938.  Mon thru Fri: 5am – 2:45pm, Saturday: 6am – 12:30pm Closed Sundays
Closed Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends Saturday, and Sunday, and Monday

Visalia, CA (halfway bet LA and SF)

Venues
Cellar Door-101 West Main Street, Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 636-9463

Yucca Valley, CA

Venue-

Sweet Spot-7124 Mohawk Trail
Yucca Valley, California, CA 92284

Eats-

John’s Place
56249 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284 Diner CLassics but all the chili dishes are the bomb. Chili cheese burger, chorizo breakfast burritos.