Patrick's Cafe is what I would call a “healthy” California diner – it has everything a diner has, in generous portions, but without the “greasy spoon” reputation. And they have those reasonable diner prices everyone likes, with entrees averaging about $8.95. They serve breakfast, lunch and brunch.
Fred 62 could possibly be the greatest diner dinning experience in all of Los Angeles. The food, the service, the atmosphere, and the location are all top notch and make for one hell of a meal. As a matter of fact, the only thing bad about “Fred’s” (as my girlfriend calls it), is its lack of a parking lot (but that’s a problem with just about everything in Hollywood). If you’re into diner food, Fred 62 will not disappoint.
Located in the art district known as Los Feliz, Fred 62 is one of the hippest places in the Hollywood area. Its diner image really belies the fact that Fred’s is actually home to some of the best quality food in California. There are many great meals to be had on their expansive menu, but the best thing (and really the only thing I order anymore) is the Juicy Lucy Burger. The Juicy Lucy holds the candle as THE best burger in Los Angeles. Its generous size and high quality meat make good fodder for the brain, and the toasted bun only adds to it. The Juicy Lucy is also topped with thousand island – an essential ingredient for burgers. Of course burgers don’t come alone, and Fred’s fries (or onion rings for that matter) really shine. Oh, and who could forget the milkshakes, another essential part to the whole experience.
In terms of image, Fred 62 carries a somewhat homemade motif, with leather car seats for booths, and pictures on the wall. Even the seats outside offer great scenery and comfort. Another great little thing about Fred’s is the “Sayings” on the back the crew’s t-shirts (such as “Jesus is our Dishwasher”). In fact, the service at Fred’s is some of the best in town. They are very attentive and quite speedy in getting your food (somewhat of a rarity in Los Angeles these days).
All in all, I have nothing bad to say about Fred 62. It’s a genuine landmark in the Hollywood area, and a great place to bring your friends after a late night of partying, or your girlfriend for a quick bite to eat. Fred 62 is all that and more, just see for yourself.
When you step from Hillhurst Avenue up the garden path to the Alcove, you are entering a small Los Angeles dining adventure. But don't worry - it's a good one. Located in the colorful respite of Los Feliz in an old brick bungalow, the Alcove is true to its name, but with L.A.'s youthful energy, too.
First you walk through a well-seated grassy courtyard filled with shady umbrellas, café tables and chairs. Then, get in line, because this place is popular, and often packed. However the wait doesn't feel long, for you're too busy perusing the extensive menu of gourmet egg dishes (from the old-fashioned country breakfast to the shrimp and lobster omelette), monster salads (such as classic Cobb, Asian, or grilled vegetable), and a variety of panini sandwiches, burgers and wraps. From the colorfully illustrated giant chalkboard you pick your potion - whether it be an exotic hot coffee, ice blended, or stronger libation. As you bump along the curve of the counter towards the congested ordering area, glass windows display tantalizing tarts and pastries, fluffy iced cupcakes with sprinkles, and enormous marshmallow treats. While the Alcove prices are a bit higher than average, you'll find generous portions here.
Ah, you've made it to the front of the line. You order, you pay, you get your drink, and a number to put on your table. Now to find a place to sit: a few tables can be found inside, oddly surrounded by strange religious wall murals, artifacts, and antique photos (you get the vague feeling this was once the site of turn-of-the-century religious cult) - which might explain why the most popular seating is outside. I tend to go for more privacy, settling in the quaint side patio with its creative, antique lawn furniture (a chair made from a country door is one of my favorites). Greek statues surrounded by trees invite small birds to join you, and add to the overall calming effect in this section. But the busy front courtyard has much to offer as well. My friend and I once became so thoroughly engrossed in the Hollywood dating dramas of two women talking at the courtyard table beside us, we barely said a word to each other the entire meal. When we left, we shared commentary as though we had just been to a movie!
Once you sit, you can sip your drink, chat, and relax. You feel a little like a frat initiate who just made it through the Haze (okay, that's an exaggeration - maybe that's just the lingering cult vibe from inside); actually it's more like coming home after a hectic drive in traffic. Whatever. When the food arrives the "traffic" is quickly forgotten. You find the offerings deserving of inclusion in the local mag "best ofs," such as Angeleno's "Hot List," or Sunset's "Best Coffeehouses in LA." You eat, and you feel good that you have discovered this crazy little retreat – more accurately, that you survived a little "crazy" to get to the "retreat."
In LA I think we enjoy going through a little drama to get to something good. The Alcove dining experience is no different, for not only do you get a good meal, but a sense of accomplishment, too. Which I suppose is why, despite my complaints about the crowds, I keep going back.
Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills on Franklin Avenue, Birds is perched in the middle of a unique block between Tamarind and Bronson Streets, where Hollywood wannabes and stars alike flock to the sunny sidewalk cafes to hang out, talk industry, and see-or-be seen.
Bird's diverse and delicious menu is a one of the draws that keeps the locals landing. The featured entrée is rotisserie chicken, glazed in an original marinade and served with your choice of sides (steamed veggies, BBQ beans, roasted potatoes, cole slaw, Spanish rice, etc.). But if you're not a big eater, they also have lighter fare in the form of California fusion "roll-up" sandwiches, chicken tacos, and their famous curly Q fries. Beef lovers will enjoy the old-fashioned burgers and sloppy joes. For even lighter eaters, salads come in half order sizes, (Caesar, Chinese Chicken, Mediterranean, etc.) and even these are meal-size portions.
While the other restaurants and shops on this block exude a young Hollywood vibe, Birds is hip retro: it's name an homage to Alfred Hitchcock's famous horror film "The Birds," with decor that features giant photos and posters of the suspense master showing off his whimsical reserve and portly charm. Like the cinematic world of Hitchcock, the atmosphere inside Birds is dark, but only in terms of the lighting. The music is upbeat and the friendly wait staff provides excellent service.
After dining at Birds, there is plenty to see or do in just one short block. The Daily Planet newsstand and novelty shop, the Bourgeois Pig Café, the Tamarind Theatre (featuring the Upright Citizens Brigade), Harmony Gallery, and Counterpoint Records and Books are among the cool places here to check out.
Whether you want the "comfort food" of a full on BBQ chicken meal, or fresh lavash "roll-up" sandwiches with a California spin, Birds of Hollywood offers an affordable selection for a variety of tastes, in a breezy, off-the-beaten path locale.
