Dirtbag-Approved Restaurants in Los Angeles

Dirtbag-Approved Restaurants in Los Angeles

The Boys are in Los Angeles this week - promoting the new special - American Garbage

The Homies already knew that from our recent Patreon episode - but everyone can catch the special's live premiere on YouTube on September 13th! 

Los Angeles is a not the most popular city for the Army of Garbage...

So we thought we'd highlight some Dirtbag-approved restaurants - for when you inevitably end up in LA. 

You know, for your cousin's wedding, to be an audience member for The Price is Right, or when you take your mom to find Terry Bradshaw's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here's 

10 Dirtbag-Approved Restaurants in Los Angeles

What QUALIFIES as a Dirtbag-approved restaurant? 

The strict set of guidelines includes:

1. Delicious food

It seems OBVIOUS - but in LA a lot of things people eat don't necessarily qualify as food - let alone taste good. I'm sure you've all heard of GOOP where people think bone broth is a meal... Or the Hailey Beiber smoothie with sea moss from Erewhon.  NOT Dirtbag approved. 

2. Youse Don't Have to Dress Up

Some of these you could dress up - but these do NOT require it.  You can walk-in wearing a beach outfit or cocktail wear and no one will bat an eye.  

3. You Get Your Money's Worth

They give you real portions for a (relatively) reasonable price.  Everything in LA is expensive - but these places are more manageable than something from Yelp's Top 10 with seven $$$$ in the rating. 

West Hollywood | The Griddle Cafe 

Giant pancakes and good diner coffee served in a mini French-Press with unlimited refills, breakfast, lunch, and cocktails. 

Their pancakes are DECADENT if that's what you choose, with names such as - The Banananana or Mounds of Pleasure (like the candy) or the Hear Me Roar - that has frosted flakes and strawberry pancakes - to name a few. 

This isn't in boys town (where the sidewalks are glittery!) but it is near the Directors Guild Offices - so it's possible you have a chance at running into Christopher Nolan. 

And parking is atrocious - this is LA. 

Farmers Market @ The Grove | Nonna's Empanadas  

Nonna's is so popular they now have a few locations - but the best to visit is in the Farmers Market at the Grove.  

People-watching alone at this location is off the charts - and yes, you will see "influencers" - but you'll see people from all walks of life such as abuelitas and couples on dates, kiddos running free and more. 

While Nonna's pretty much only serves empanadas, they are known for having 36 flavors to choose from - from savory to sweet and everything in between.  Things such as Philly Cheesesteak - or Mac'n'Cheese - and ofc the classic flavors such as Chicken Jalapeno or Carne Asada. 

They boast being "the original finger food" and since you're at the Farmers Market, you can go get pretty much any other type of food to round out the meal.

Do you have less than $10? You can still get a pretty hardy snack! 

Pro-tips - Get the chimchurri dipping sauce - served in classic or spicy. 

+ Ask if they validate parking - the cheapest way to park nearby! 

The Fairfax District | Canter's Deli 

Canter's has been an LA Institution since 1931.  A classic Jewish Deli, it's  open late - and on Saturdays for 24 hours!  (Which is becoming more and more rare in a post-COVID world!) 

They have a FAN-TASTIC collection of baked goods (shout out to the black & white cookies) so you can just stop by to purchase these, if you'd like. 

But if you do sit down and order from the menu - you won't be disappointed! They aren't cheap - but you're definitely getting quality and A LOT of it. And you can pretty much order as many pickles as you want - made in house. 

Due to the AWESOME, vintage decor and design of this old-timey restaurant, many TV shows and movies have been filmed here over the years. 

Culver City | The Apple Pan 

This is where you go to get a bangin' burger and fries and sit at a barstool counter. 

They've been around serving their famous Steakburger since 1927 - and there's a reason they're holding strong.  There menu isn't extensive but it's simplicity is a part of its charm. 

And they have PIE. 

Pro-Tip: They used to be cash only - but now take cards! 

Venice & Downtown LA | WurstKuche 

Hehe - yes - the name is pronounced how you think it is.  

This restaurant is one of the few spots where you can walk in with a table of 8+ and everyone can actually be seated together. (Although you may have to throw 'bows to make that happen on a Saturday night.) 

AND you order and pay before you sit down - so you don't have to worry about splitting checks. 

They are self-described as "Purveyor of Exotic Grilled Sausages" -- yes, including vegetarian options -- but they do it and they do it well, in a German Style!  Flavors include classics such as the Hot Italian - the "gourmet" such as the Filipino Maharlika (sweet pork with soy sauce & ginger) - or the EXOTIC - such as RATTLESNAKE & RABBIT WITH JALAPEÑO PEPPERS!  

Hatchee Matchee! 

Oh - and since it's German - there's also an extensive list of beers offered at great prices.

Honorable Mentions... 

We can't be here forever, but check out our hit list of honorable mentions (below) - all worth a stop sometime! 

And we still have a few of TUDDY'S VACATION mugs for sale - to seal the diner deal. 

Do you have a favorite LA spot? Let us know in the comments!

Ye Rustic Inn (dive bar with chicken wings+) | Los Feliz 
Genghis Cohen's (Chinese food) | Fairfax District
Millie’s Cafe (breakfast) | Silver Lake
Pink's Hotdogs (...hot dogs) | Hollywood 
Porto's Bakery | Burbank
Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese (Italian Deli) | Larchmont Village 
El Coyote (Mexican) | Fairfax District / Mid-City 
Joan's on Third (Healthy but Hearty Deli) | MidCity 

 

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