Favorite West Adams Eats, from a Neighbor (and fun things to do too)
As an adjacent West Adams local, I frequently swing by the hood to grab coffee, walk around, and eat a local meal!
Recently a friend texted - saying she didn’t know West Adams was so up and coming (gasp!). Which is surprising because I thought it was, like, a thing. I guess it’s more established sister ‘hood Culver City gets all the attention. Thus, let me introduce you to my favorite local, West Adam haunts. :) I swing by almost every week because they have all my favorite coffee hangs, and when I’m hungry the food never fails to satisfy me :)
Updated 11/16/2021 - Tartine (West Adams) is newly opened! I wrote a post with my honest review and tips ^ check it out. It includes drool-worth pics and my honest review and tips.
Highly Likely
Highly Likely’s Japanese Breakfast bowl (savory oatmeal porridge with miso, potato, greens, pickled veggies, an egg!)
Why go? Silverlake cafe vibes but without the pretension. During covid times, it’s great because they have a wall that rolls up so you can get the indoor/outdoor feels. There’s outdoor and indoor tables, vibe is spare, minimal and modern. It’s like a diamond in the rough since it’s next to a lot of industrial buildings / offices! It’s not close to the main West Adams strip, but I tend to go here the most - so had to list it as #1!
What do I get? For breakfast, I got the Japanese Breakfast which is basically a savory (with a touch of sweet) oatmeal bowl full of flavor, eggs, greens, and pickled veggies. I was surprised because it reminds me of the on-trend Destroyer cafe in Culver City! My friend have gotten their sandwiches and have always left with a smile on their face :) I’ve only ordered good food, so take a gamble :)
Noteworthy Tip: Coffee is (chef’s kiss)! If you’re not hungry, and want your desk away from up, set up a laptop, order a latte and work on a table top. I wouldn’t call it a work cafe, but better work vibes than many others. Sometimes it’s crowded and other times not so play it by ear!
Highly Likely at 4310 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
2. Open Face Food Shop
Open Face Food Shop in West Adams
Why go? Open Faced, Danish inspired sandwiches! Best open-faced sandwich I’ve ever had in LA!! Piled high with seasonal produce, plant-forward, high quality, fresh ingredients. I feel at once very classy, and casually LA at the same time :)
What to order? The go-to is their Signature Danish Open Face Sandwich box: pick 2 sandwiches since the box comes with 2 sandwiches and a side salad. At the encouragement of the owner, I got the summery seasonal tomato topped sandwich. So I thought it was going to taste as expected - but the bright, sweet juices of the tomato blended well with their sauces and simple seasonings! Mind blown. So yeah - I encourage you to go with what’s seasonal :)
Noteworthy Tips: They also have a side catering business. Hence why they have such limited hours! Recommend you check their Instagram and/or call ahead to make sure they’re open. Even as a local it took many attempts until I was successful at eating there during covid times!
Open Face Food Shop is located at 5577 West Adams Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90016
3. Mizlala (West Adams)
Mizlala, West Adams: Order at the counter, grab a table number and sit on down!
Why go? Sherman Oaks offshoot opens up a West Adams location- so you know you gotta try out the Israeli, Mediterranean food! Giant, shaded patio - this has a relaxed, trendy feel. I feel both healthy and satisfied every time I eat here. Definitely the best Israeli food within a 3 mile radius - could be more :)
What to order: If you like falafel, my go-to is the Falafel Plate. For seafood, I like the Fish Kabob Salad for your daily dose of greens and protein! The Pitas are equally as good, if you really want that carb hit! Add a side of crispy, fried brussel sprouts and it’s a home run!
Noteworthy Tips: This place can feel a little bit like a casual scene - so it tends to get crowded during popular times like lunch time! Website says they’re open late, so I can imagine it having a great sunset, evening vibe too. :) For me, this is my solid go-to when I want healthy-ish but also savory, yummy and craving Mediterranean.
Service Note: Early on, when they first opened, one of my plates took 30+ minutes to come out! That left a bad taste in my mouth; however, it’s never happened again so I would say they’ve redeemed themselves!
Mizlala West Adams is located on 5400 West Adams Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90016
4. Alta
Why go? Alta is truly the darling of West Adams. They were first on the scene with elevated Southern dining that is approachable, modern, and just the right amount of California cool. Chefs were the OGs who founded LocoL (if you remember them!) - so they are locals who also want to give back to the community! Go because the food is off the charts good, the mood is stylish, and to support good food, good eating, and good people!
What to Order: Not a meat eater myself, but everyone says to get the Fried Chicken! We always get Gumbo, Corn bread (with that side of bougie whipped butter) and Fried Fish. Literally, everything we’ve ever eaten has tasted good! Haven’t been for breakfast/brunch but it becomes another mini-scene there :)
Noteworthy: Good for dates, low-key impress out of towners (without looking to snobby). The bar staff is just the right amount friendly / chatty (as long as they aren’t too busy). And the mixed drinks are the best IMHO of West Adams. When the sunsets, it gets a very sexy vibe where you think you could be in WeHo minus the BS.
PPS: They also have an attached Coffee Shop / Wine Shop which has some small bites! I like to meet my friends who aren’t familiar with the area there - so they get a taste of the goodness ;)
Alta is located at 5359 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016
5. Taqueria Los Anaya
Los Anaya: fish salad in a fried taco shell!
Why go? Best $$ - $$$ priced Mexican food within a three mile radius! Family establishment started in 1985 (wow!) that takes pride in their quality, food, and established customer base. Not fast food, but quality food that keeps me coming back for more.
What to Order: Burritos and Tortas are my go-to’s. Tortas was so big (with filling and breadiness) that I couldn’t finish it in one sitting, which is rare for me!). Its contents were spilling out! I rarely find a tortas that amazing (if you know of any hit me up plz). Burritos - I just have to say it’s the best fish burrito in this neck of the woods! The fish part is generous and the rice, beans, guacamole, and all goodness is neatly wrapped in a small bundle of joy! Gahhh - can’t say no to this burrito and I crave it regularly.
Noteworthy Tips: They are not fast food so order ahead and pick up, or feel free to eat-in :) During covid times, they have an exterior window for pick-up and ordering, and limited outdoor seating. Secondly, they are across the street from the best Latino supermarket in the area,
Taqueria Los Anaya is located at 4651 West Adams Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90016
Wait, there’s more!
A few other things to do including artsy-fartsy things, a coworking space, and yes - more food :)
A new, open floor plan co-working space with a lot of natural light! Haven’t been but I walk by and imagine myself being super start-up corporate and working there :)
Sweet E’s Bakeshop - Although I’ve never seen them open (fingers crossed ONE DAY!), I have ordered delivery from them on Uber Eats (~60 min delivery time)! I have quite a sugar tooth and devoured their Peanut Butter Bliss Bar which was a cross between marshmellow, and fudge which dissolved in your mouth with a creaminess that should be forbidden! In other words - WOW! Never had a desert like it! My partner said it was too sweet for him, but for me, no such think :) You’ve been warned.
Street Food Tent
on Corner of West Adams Blvd & Cochran Ave
That’s right, I don’t eat meat. But this guy is out here grilling up some yummy-smelling chicken! Smoke is blowing everywhere and he is consistently there every week. To me, that means he must be good. If you go, let me know how it is.
Band of Vices (Art Gallery!)
There are TWO Band of Vices galleries in West Adams- so get your culture fix on! Distinguishable by it’s bold pink coloring. Checkout the latest exhibition with rotating roster of emerging artists. I like what they stand for: we embrace uniqueness, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace love.
Vees Cafe (good for breakfast / brunch)
First thing that pops to mind when I’m thinking West Adams breakfast that won’t break the bank - Vees Cafe. They got vegetarian and vegan options. Their storefront can rollup and it becomes viola - open air cafe. Great for casual, standard egg dish go-to’s!
With over 12 locations world wide, they’ve now graced West Adams with their steaming hot bowl of noodles and dumplings. My partner said the dumplings were to-die-for. I enjoyed my springy mapo tofu noodles and a side of cold mushrooms! I will be back.
Brighten your day by adopting and buying a new plant and a visit to their arched metal hangar. Located further south in Jefferson Park, it’s the local go-to nursery shop that (I’ve heard) also serves coffee!
Trying to keep you up to date; exciting, new West Adams restaurants are here:
More about Mian Noodle in West Adams:
My Partner and I at Alta on a Friday night - feeling very “in” sitting at the bar with our cocktails
That’s all folks for my comprehensive, West Adams exploration guide.
Let me know if you go to West Adams, and what you do, what you liked, and what else should be on this list. Have fun exploring. Love, Linh Da! (linhdy@outlook.com)
