With the long American Independence Day weekend approaching we hope you've plotted an escape from your daily environs or at the very least, a well-stocked fridge of yard beer and grill provisions. Summer is here, and the travel bug abounds. While it's been cloudy and unseasonably cool around our NYC HQ, we are dreaming of sun, beaches and a simplicity. We are thinking LA. And, specifically, Silver Lake.
If you go, here's what you need to know.
EAT:
Breakfast : Millie's Cafe. We have a term in the U.S. for done-right diners that are simple and modestly priced, but turn out amazing food from scratch: “The Greasy Spoon.” The moniker might not be the most charming, but when it comes to breakfast and if you live in LA or NY you know this claim to fame means you get what you want. Millie’s fits the bill. Pull up a seat to their bar and order pancakes or an omelet, and what you will receive is an amazing hearty breakfast made the right way. 3524 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tacos Delta in all its simple glory
Lunch : Tacos Delta - You just need to know two things about this place: shrimp tacos and Mexican Coca Cola. Order these, sit outside and enjoy. Pretty easy, if we do say so. And we do. So eat here. 3806 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Night + Market Song
Dinner : Night + Market Song - Amazing traditional Thai food that you will not be able to find anywhere else in LA. Seriously. Let the servers take you through the menu and give you suggestions. Everything is worth a try - and we suggest you split an assortment with friends. Especially if they are friends of the "spicy food" ilk. No reservations available and you will have to wait a bit, but this is not a downer, it's an opportunity: grab a few beers and sit in their DIY waiting area. 3322 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
DRINK:
Coffee : Dinosaur Coffee - Beautiful space, great coffee and tea, and they even host events. The perfect place to truly enjoy a cup of coffee, work on a project, or just relax. Take it from Dinosaur's tagline: "Things Will Be Fine." And they are. 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Sawyer's back patio
Afternoon Cocktail/Noshing : Sawyer - One of the most beautiful new spaces in Silver Lake, with an amazing backyard. Go here for a late afternoon cocktail or glass of wine and stay for the seafood-focused dinner menu (or just accessorize your drinks), grab some oysters or the fried chicken sandwich. 3705 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Remember your evening at the Cha-Cha Lounge
Night Out : There is something nearly perfect about a night that starts with amazing cocktails in a beautiful space and ends with a cheap beer, dancing and a photo booth. Start at Bar Stella and do yourself a favor and just stick to the impressive cocktail list: low think, high reward. Service is wonderful and the space is low lit and cozy. After a couple cocktails make your way to Cha-Cha Lounge for cheap beers and good music. Take a few photos in the photo booth to remember the night. Bar Stella - 3932 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029 / Cha-Cha - 2375 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
SLEEP:
Hotel Covell
Hotel Covell - This tiny boutique hotel offers four rooms based around the concept of a novel. Each room, or as they call them, "chapters" is uniquely and beautifully designed to tell a different story. The hotel is conveniently located on Sunset and close to the best of the east and west sides. 4626 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Now get out of town, and enjoy the long weekend!