May. 6, 2017
Griffith Park & Hollywood
This Saturday is going to be centered around Griffith Park and Hollywood. While the Griffith Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in the area, there are a lot of other gems that make this area a delight. Here is what I will be doing in the area this Saturday.
12:00 PM
Brunch – Alcove Cafe & Bakery
1929 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
This Perfect LA Saturday will kick off with brunch at Alcove Cafe and Bakery in Los Feliz. According to reviews, Alcove Cafe & Bakery is an atmospheric restaurant that ranges from great brunch options to craft cocktails. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it seems like this restaurant has an option for you.
2:00 PM
The Old LA Zoo
4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
The LA Zoo that you see today wasn’t the originally built LA Zoo. The LA Zoo opened in 1912 and stayed open until 1966, when the new LA Zoo was built. The Old LA Zoo was never cleared out, leaving ruins of the old zoo behind in the heart of Griffith Park. These ruins are still accessible today. The old lion enclosures, monkey cages, and many other parts of the zoo are still intact, now tagged with graffiti and in my opinion, extremely photogenic. It’s about a half mile trek to get to the Old Zoo from the start of the trail. We’ll meet at the carousel in Griffith Park at 2:00 PM and venture out from there.
4:30 PM
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park, 2800 E Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Observatory boasts one of the most accessible and best views of Downtown Los Angeles. If you’re interested in science and space, it also houses a Tesla coil, the historic Zeiss and solar telescopes, and a Planetarium. This Saturday, Griffith Observatory is hosting a free public star party, during which amateur astronomers bring their telescopes to look at the sky. If you’re like me and want to get some great photos of the LA skyline, this is the spot to go.
7:00 PM
Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB)
5919 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
UCB is one of my favorite hidden gems in the city. It is an improv comedy club that has spit out comedians like Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari. They have shows every day of the week with their most famous show being ASSSSCAT, which is every Saturday at 8PM. Tickets for this show sell out a month in advance, so when tickets come on sale for next month, I’ll be sure to let you all know. This week, we’ll be seeing the show “Guilty Pleasures” by the group Sentimental Lady. I have seen them before and think they are incredible. You do have to buy your tickets to this show online at https://franklin.ucbtheatre.com/performance/51692. They are $7 online ($8 if you include the service charge).
8:30 PM
Calle Tacos
6508 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
If you’re a fan of cheap Mexican food like me, Calle Tacos is the place to be. You order at a window that’s shaped like a food truck, which helps artificially provide the comfort of eating street food. While it’s located on the touristy Hollywood Blvd., Calle Tacos is definitely worth a trip. From UCB, it’s a quick drive or a nice long stroll over.
10:00 PM
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s
1611 N. El Centro Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
If you’re like me, you know that a Saturday night doesn’t end at 10:00PM. From Calle Tacos, we’ll head to Good Times at Davey Wayne’s. Google describes this bar as a “funky ‘70s retro bar with era-appropriate garage sale decor, an Airstream trailer & backyard BBQ.” I’m not sure I can add much to that, but it’s a place that I’ve been wanting to check out for a while. From here, we’ll see where the night goes. (I have to put a disclaimer here: if you’re planning on drinking, please make sure you have a ride back home. I’m not a fan of drinking and driving.)
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend and making it The Perfect LA Saturday.