For Angelenos navigating the endless question of where to eat and drink this weekend, options across the city offer everything from casual comfort to otherworldly experiences. As Eater LA reported, their editors compiled a list of recommendations for dining and nightlife around Los Angeles.
Over in Los Feliz, Ye Rustic Inn offers a dose of local history with a side of Halloween spirit. Rebecca Roland, deputy editor for Eater Southern California/Southwest, highlighted the dive bar’s tradition of decorating with spider webs and a devil figure watching over the bar each October. This Halloween weekend, the spot is hosting “A Haunting on Hillhurst,” a no-cover party with a DJ and a costume contest from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. beyond the 31st. With its long-term future in its current home potentially uncertain, now might be a good time to visit the establishment at 1831 Hillhurst Avenue for what many consider to be Los Angeles’s best Buffalo wings.
If a more adventurous night out is in order, Sherman Oaks has a new destination barely a week old: Gilbert Pérez Bar. Located above its sister establishment, Daisy Margarita Bar, this spot centers its experience around the ghost of Gil Pérez, a soldier said to have been magically transported from the Philippines to Mexico City in the 1500s. Mona Holmes, editor at Eater Southern California/Southwest, noted that co-owner Matt Egan’s interest in paranormal events, combined with barman and co-partner Max Reis’s aim for “next-level adventure around cocktails,” creates a unique atmosphere. This isn't a tiki bar; it's a Mexican rum bar where the surroundings shift every 45 minutes, creating a “portal for visitors to sip through.” This makes the bar at 14633 Ventura Boulevard an intriguing spot for the eeriest night of the year.
For those seeking a more refined yet still comfortable meal, Barra Santos in Cypress Park offers a distinctive option. Ben Mesirow, editor at Eater Travel, described the Portuguese wine bar-inspired restaurant as delivering a special occasion-caliber meal with an everyday feel. Part of the Last Word Hospitality group, which includes spots like Found Oyster, Barra Santos has recently expanded its physical space, menu, and cocktail program. Its gin- and port-focused drinks pair with small plates of Ibérico ham and grilled large proteins, such as an herb-marinated pork chop. While the price might make it more of a treat than a Tuesday-night drop-in, the cooking is consistently noted as excellent. The restaurant’s sidewalk tables offer a “cosmopolitan reverie” on sunny days, while the interior provides a cozy charm when it’s cooler.
Finally, for a substantial meal that delivers on value, Panini Kabob Grill has opened a new location in Inglewood, right next to SoFi Stadium. Matthew Kang, a correspondent for Eater, highlighted the spot as still “undiscovered,” meaning tables are generally easy to come by, though it's probably wise to avoid game or concert nights. The three-skewer family meal, priced at $65, includes a choice of two salads, enough basmati rice for six, and enough meat and grilled vegetables to feed four adults. On a recent visit, the chicken breast kebabs were reportedly juicy and well-seared, and the hefty koobideh (ground beef) with its pronounced onion aroma can be added for a small upcharge. Portions are generous, and adding a side like tzatziki with pita bread is recommended. This new location can be found at 1261 District Drive, Suite 600, in Inglewood.
