Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods

West Hollywood Guide

West Hollywood Guide

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Macerich-Triplets
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West Hollywood, a city within a city, may be the most fun gayborhood neighborhood in LA. Nighttime options abound, but there’s still plenty to do for the early risers. Below are our picks for good times in WeHo. —Katherine Spiers

 

Dining

Most West Hollywood restaurants are famous and flashy, but there are a few underground favorites as well.

1.

Vito's Pizza

Like a delicious phoenix, the Silver Lake hole-in-the-wall rose from the ashes in a new West Hollywood location, becoming a neighborhood pizza joint people will gladly wait in line for.

2.

The Little Door

The perfect setting for a date night. You’ll get bonus points for just being able to find the place.

3.

Ortolan

French food is taken to science-lab heights here, where you’re just as likely to be served from a test tube as from a plate.

4.

Joan's on Third

See and be seen at the brunchiest brunch spot in LA: good food and attractive people, with a side of some paparazzi.

5.

Knoll at Le Parc Suites

It seems as though no one ever goes to this tiny hotel restaurant, but it has created some of the most enjoyable meals we’ve had in LA. Try the—actually, try anything.

 

Nightlife

If it's after 10pm, there's likely a happening club near the metered parking spot you just scored.

1.

Bar Lubitsch

Vodka, vodka, vodka. This Russian kitsch-themed bar serves all kinds of combinations.

2.

Guy's

Get up close and personal with the celebutantes and their ilk, especially on the Tuesday karaoke nights.

3.

M Lounge at Republic

Not many people know about this club, but those that do are good-looking and fabulous. Dressing up is encouraged.

4.

Rage

Home to the hottest gay boys in WeHo, and the youngest too: some nights are 18-plus. Come to dance, dance some more, and eat a baked potato. Wait, what?

5.

Winston's

The bar was initially empty and low-key, and then bam! Celebrity central.

 

Shopping

Some things are good for the office, some are good for the bedroom. Either way, it’s all very expensive.

1.

Alpha

Alpha is a huge store dedicated to outfitting all kinds of men in all kinds of products, from suits to chairs to grills.

2.

Coco de Mer

Who knew filth could be so sophisticated? Even the peepholes seem classy.

3.

Decadestwo

The store sells used clothes, but not vintage. Just castoff dresses from Hollywood’s most (sartorially) gifted actresses and ladies who lunch.

4.

Golden Apple Comics

This is the fanciest comic book store around, but you know. It’s still a comic book store.

5.

Filly

Clothes with horses on them! What did you expect?

 

Culture & Recreation

Exercise, or be entertained.

1.

absolution workout complex

This is where to do Pilates and/or learn to run around like a spy and/or hit the trapeze and/or attend a Tupperware party. Really, with enough funds, one would never have to leave.

2.

Barry's Bootcamp

We’re not sure whether to praise or damn Barry, but he’s the one that started the bootcamp-as-civilian-exercise trend.

3.

The Groundlings Theatre

Some of the funniest people in America train and perform here. Established stars share the stage with people you’ve never heard of who’ll have a sitcom this time next year.

4.

The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute

Not just anybody can take classes at the famed thespian training ground, but students put on performances that are open to the public.

5.

New Beverly Cinema

It’s a little outside WeHo proper, but the New Beverly contains flamboyance and art together in one adorable package. Aw, just like Michael Urie.

 

Hotels

The hippest joints in all of LA County.

1.

Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel

Tourists on a budget will rejoice at this low-budget find that leaves guests with money to spend elsewhere.

2.

Chateau Marmont

Does it even need a description? The legendary hotel is A-list straight up with a dirty rock-star twist.

3.

Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas

Speaking of rock stars, the Marquis has a recording studio in the basement. It’s a hideout for the famous, so don’t bring your camera into the lobby. You will be punished severely.

4.

The Orlando Hotel

This unassuming hotel has a quiet vibe and an adorable pool, as well as the best Italian restaurant in town, La Terza.

5.

The Standard--Hollywood

Right on the Strip, the Standard aims for movie stars, moguls and models in one debauched mix. It works.

Unfortunately neither Joan's on Third nor The Little Door are in West Hollywood. Good restaurants none-the-less but don't go looking for them in WeHo.

Posted 04/23/08 04:54PM PDT by Tony Crump