Since 1917, Grand Central Market has been a meeting place for food lovers, families, shoppers and tourists.

Shadowed by Downtown's biggest, glassiest skyscrapers and city government buildings, the market is truly the crossroads of the city, at least in terms of Angelenos' stomachs. There are stalls for just about everything: seafood, meat, chili peppers, spices, exotic candies, tchotchkes and produce. The oldest stall is Roast to Go, which serves huge tacos filled with all sorts of meats (we're partial to the carnitas) for less than two bucks. Some of the seafood counters serve homemade ceviche; there's a tortilla-making machine on one side that flattens and packages them fresh. The produce stands offer better prices than most supermarkets, and a broader selection, too.