We know you’re inundated with lists — lists for where to eat, where to shop, where to drink, where to get involved with the arts and where to take your Bumble dates. Sometimes, it’s hard to decipher the fluff from the good stuff. We understand that some days you want to go on a quiet hike in Malibu and then stuff your face with a breakfast burrito. Other times, you’re willing to spend some cash money for cocktails at a rooftop bar in Hollywood or drive to Highland Park in rush hour to check out a music venue that’s been around since the 80s. That’s why we at Citizine started our weekly Heat Check Newsletter. Every Monday, after much deliberation, we handpick four places that should be on your radar to help you make the most of your city.
Below, we present the best of our Heat Check Newsletters from the past quarter. Don’t forget to sign up to get Heat Check directly in your inbox right HERE.
EAT
Matsumoto
Beverly Grove
Let’s face it, Jiro—everyone dreams of sushi. And when those dreams need to be realized in LA, fresh fish fanatics should head to Chef Naruki's counter at Matsumoto. Ball out and order omakase. The service is outstanding and the toro melts in your mouth like butter.
Hot Hot Food
Silverlake
We're sick of spending too much at mediocre minimalist restaurants too. That's why this new retro BYOB Silver Lake fried rice specialist has earned its spot in our regular brunch, lunch and dinner rotation. Although it bills itself as Asian-inspired comfort food, there are guilt-free options aplenty as well. Bonus points for sexy 70s aesthetics, juke box and chill patio.
Bob's Market
Santa Monica
Aside from being a fully stocked neighborhood supermarket perfect for your last minute “I forgot the brown sugar!” needs, Bob’s throws down some killer parking lot BBQ on the weekends. Roll through on Saturday and Sunday for some of the tenderest ribs and tri-tip in town.
Luv2eat Thai Bistro
Hollywood
This city is never in short supply of stripmall gems, but Luv2Eat Thai might be the crowning jewel. Ditch your usual pad thai order for authentic dishes like the Phuket crab curry and 3 BBQ Jade Noodle Soup.And don’t pass up the mango sticky rice—it won’t be in season for long.
Electric Owl
West Hollywood
Between the open air patio and “420 Happy Hour”, Electric Owl is a breath of fresh air for the WeHo dinner scene. The new gem on the corner of Sunset and Gardner is designed like an old school LA train car—all class and no kitsch. Order a pizza, some veggies and a few rounds of drinks (or just the latter) and you’re good to go.
Lily's Malibu
Malibu
The rumors are true: It’s worth driving from the eastside to deep Malibu for a crispy tortilla loaded with soft eggs, crispy bacon, cheese and beans. Hats off to Lily, patron saint of the breakfast burrito. Pro-tip: Call your order in ahead of time, always add avocado and take your sleeping bag-sized burrito to the beach.
Sun Nong Dan
Koreatown
According to JGold and DChang, this is one of the best Korean food experiences you can have in LA. Though the signature short rib stew (Galbi Jjim) has a seemingly hefty price tag, it's meant to be shared and can feed the entire squad. So roll deep, and accept the inevitable long wait time with the knowledge of a delicious Ktown meal.
Venice
The Funke Master is back. If you ever had the cacio e pepe pasta at Bucato in Culver City before it abruptly shuttered, then you’ll understand why it’s worth making a res weeks in advance to try the chef’s newest ode to Italia, Felix on Abbot Kinney. It’s better than Bestia. Yeah, we said it.
West Hollywood
Perfect for a third date or any occasion when you're in the mood to eat clean comfort food with your hands, Little Ethiopia is always on our culinary adventure agenda. Next time you’re on Fairfax, head to Meals by Genet where chef/owner Genet caters to veggies and carnivores alike.
Good Luck Bar
Los Feliz
Good Luck seems like one of those bars you wander into en route to another and accidentally never leave because you’re having too much fun drinking out of a coconut. This Tiki bar disguised as a Chinese lounge feels cozy and alluring with red lights, but can underratedly fit your whole dirty 30 party.
Culver City
Hard to notice with the naked eye, Cinema Bar is the closest thing LA will ever get to a honky tonk. Raucous live music, cheap drinks and a discreet patio have kept locals buzzing since 1947.
Echo Park
Semi-Tropic buzzes with brunching screenwriters before dark, thrives through $5 happy hour and journeys on as a sexy date spot at night. By your third visit, the staff will likely hit you with that local treatment—and deservedly so.
Sherman Oaks
Probably the best bar in the valley, Tribute slings craft cocktails in a trendy atmosphere that never oversteps its bounds. The booze nerds behind the bar are true scholars in the art of drank, so don’t be surprised when you start kicking a couch a la Dave Chapelle after three “I’m Rich, Bitch!” cocktails.
DO
Eames House (CSH #8)
Pacific Palisades
A visit to the Charles Eames’ Case Study House, commissioned by Arts & Architecture in 1949, is a must for all architecture and design fanatics who claim to know a thing or two about the SoCal modernist aesthetic. Eames’ groundbreaking usage of bright blue, red and yellow panels set the stage for forward-thinking architects to come. Unlike most Case Study Houses, CSH #8 is open to the public, but reservations are required.
Chatsworth
No tickets necessary for this nostalgic trip down vintage pop culture lane. Dive into the storied neon signs, classic cars and art memorabilia of years past at this museum of eclectic treasures in Northridge.
Frogtown
A lot is happening in Frogtown and the new backdrop music for the bustling LA river banks is coming from Zebulon. Originally a celebrated Brooklyn music venue, Zebulon opened shop in LA in late April to accommodate our endless supply of emerging musical talent.
Beverly Grove & Silver Lake
When you need that last minute gift for Mother’s Day (*hint hint*), shop local at OK. This gem of a boutique has two locations and stocks jewelry, home goods, books and waaaay more from both local artists and internationally renowned designers at every price point.
Echo Park
Myrtle is the boutique every LA woman wishes was her closet. From everyday stud earrings to covetable dresses and tops from brands like Loup and Dusen Dusen, the whole store is stocked exclusively with independent female designs. Practice activism with your wallet and buy yourself or a lucky lady something lovely.
Sunken City
San Pedro
What’s life without a little risk? For those bold enough to hop over (or sneak under) a seaside fence in San Pedro, the Atlantis of California awaits. Ruins from a would-be city that slid into the ocean are covered with graffiti and set the scene for an picturesque afternoon adventure.
Pinata District
Downtown
Where can you go to beat Donald Trump with a stick? No, that’s not a joke set up, because in the downtown Pinata District you can find colorful animals, objects, and presidents ready to explode with candy. Open everyday, but more rambunctious on weekends. Truly an LA experience.
THE MARATHON CLOTHING
Crenshaw
Rapper Nipsey Hussle is the talk of the town after opening the world’s first smart store in his hometown of South LA. The Marathon Store, a lifestyle and street clothing clothing brand, is dedicated to supporting the Crenshaw community and beyond.
Frederick R Weisman Art Foundation
Bel Air
A free A-list modern art tour in a private Bel Air home—what’s not to like? Visits are by appointment only and there’s no photography inside, which adds to the mystique of the private collection, which boasts more than 4,000 pieces of art. The Weisman house will bring any art appreciator to tears or impress the hell out of a first date, so book early.