Thursday, September 22, 2005

Ask Eating L.A.: Staples Center

Jon asks, is there anyplace to eat that is walking distance from the Staples Center?
Eating L.A. doesn't get to the Staples Center often, but at the moment I don't think there's much besides The Original Pantry and The Palm, depending on whether you want your meaty American food low-end or high-end. If you don't mind driving a bit, I would recommend Mercado La Paloma, which is close to USC. However, the excellent Yucatan place Chichen Itza in the mercado is only open until about 6:30. Restaurateur Fred Eric still has plans to open something nearby, so maybe there's hope. Any ideas, readers?

5 comments:

ddchamberlain said...

If it is before 4pm and you don't mind walking a few blocks, Cafe Angelique is a marvel. http://www.angeliquecafe.com/

konberg said...

Chichen Itza is a wonderful restaurant. I had the pleasure of taking a cooking class from the head chef, Gilberto. We made cochinita pibil; my wife and I took ten pounds of pork home. What a treat! Also, my wife works nearby and eats there regularly. You can find a menu here.

Also, if I may continue to editorialize, I would like to note that the Mercado http://www.mercadolapaloma.com/ is community revitalization project worthy of your time and support.

Anonymous said...

There's a DASH bus which, for a quarter, will take you around the downtown core, and, depending on which you pick, either Chinatown or J-Town. Doesn't run at night that i know of, but during the day, it's great.

Actually WALKING, in addition to Morton's at 7th and Fig (MORE meat...) there's the strangely located, but tasty Italian place ("Bella Pasta"? something like that) at Fig and Olympic (looks like it's part of the carwash...) Ciao, on 7th between Fig and Flower, for fancier Italian, Firestation #23,(Fig just North of 7th) (which some folks like, but I don't) and some others. there's also Gill's at the Stillwell for Indian...


R. Gould-Saltman

Tamara said...

I recommend Cafe Angelique as well. As a former sufferer of bad food in the USC area, I often would trek over there for a tasty salad or sandwich.

Dan said...

I agree with you, not much within walking distance, but it may be fun to explore on foot.

When I'm in the area, I go to Paul's Kitchen at 1012 S San Pedro St. I think they are open until 8. Great old-time Cantonese food. Been there for ages.