5 Must Try Places to Eat in LA

Other than the traffic, a Los Angeles getaway every now and again is a great idea.  Even though you may draft a list of all the places to eat in LA, there never seems to be quite enough time to try them all, am I right.  If  you do have a trip to LA planned, here are some must try places to eat in LA while you're there.

VENICE BEACH

Whether you have 2 days or more, developing a plan around food is the best way to start any trip to LA.  Let's start in Venice Beach.

• Barnyard | In Venice Beach, there is a quaint little food joint that opened up a few months back.  This isn't one of the places to eat in LA proper, but it's right outside in a little beach town called Venice Beach.  I first found out about this lovely place because I follow genius food-critic writer Jonathon Gold on Twitter.  He provides a great range of reviews from the discerning upscale restaurant to the greasy spoon eatery, and he hasn't disappointed me yet.  With that said, I was leaving Santa Monica and decided to look up what recommendations he had for places in Venice Beach.   If you're around the LA area, or going on vacation, hit up this spot.  It's down-right fantastic.  (Note:  Best to make resos on Opentable before you head there...)

WEST HOLLYWOOD

• Laurel Hardware is a must try for lunch.  They have a great indoor vibe and a lovely outdoor patio in the back.  This used to be a hardware store previously, hence the old sign that still remains, and I think it's a great homage to old sites becoming new again in a very cool, hip way. They have a great drink menu and their salads are delicious.

FAIRFAX/MELROSE

• The Hart & The Hunter | Inside the Pali Hotel (off Melrose, there are two locations, not to be confused!) is a quaint restaurant with a happening weekend brunch and dinner vibe.  It is small, so be prepared to wait.  But it's totally worth it!  Try the Butter Biscuits and Condiments and the Brussels Sprouts and Peanut Salad.  You will love it!

LA BREA

• Sycamore Kitchen | Last on my list of favorite places to eat in LA?  Where do you go to get the best roasted peanut-butterscotch bar or fabulous peanut-butter cookie?  Sycamore Kitchen! Duh. This place is located on La Brea and what a great little patio they have.  Grab a cup of coffee and pastry or cookie and you are set.

SUNSET AVENUE

• Chateau Marmont.When you have a bit of time to hang in L.A. and you want to feel swanky.  Where do you go? The one and only, Chateau Marmont.  What people watching! Even if you can't stay for a whole meal, at least, at the very least, grab a cocktail and enjoy the people watching out on their outside patio.  You can grab a great lunch here too.

These recommendations are purely based on my humble opinion and the need to try food that is simply delightful for my palate in a place that has a great design vibe.  If you are going to be in the San Diego area, I've got 10 things to do while you're there.   If you have any recommendations for places to eat in LA that I haven't tried yet,  I'd love for you to leave a comment and let me know!