4 Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles This Weekend: August 16

Every Friday, our editors put together a list of recommendations that answer the most pressing question: “Where should I eat?” Here are four places to try in Los Angeles this weekend. And if you need some ideas on where to have a drink, here is our list of hottest places to get cocktails in the city.

For the perfect New York pizza in Westwood: Danny Boy’s Famous Original

Stan Lee

There are still pockets of LA that don’t have good New York-style pizza (I’m looking at you, South Bay), but Westwood has had two perennial favorites, Lamonica’s and Enzo’s Pizzeria, for years. Danny Boy’s Famous Original, a creation of chef Daniel Holzman, didn’t need it, so that makes me all the more jealous of the neighborhood. Holzman has been taking over Downtown with its well-made thin-crust pizza since opening a few years ago. I’ve been craving the pepperoni and meatball pieces, which have a fantastically chewy cornicione and a pliable bottom that holds all the toppings together. I also like to order the Chicken Parm Hero, overflowing with cheese and tomato sauce and served between thick, homemade bread. My only wish for Holzman would be that it would expand to Torrance or Redondo Beach, for the sake of all the pizza lovers in the South Bay. 10899 Lindbrook Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. — Matthew Kang, Senior Editor

For a vegan feast that doesn’t feel like a vegan feast: Crossroads Kitchen

Cathy Chaplin

It’s been over a decade since chef Tal Ronnen opened his vegan restaurant Crossroads in West Hollywood, which now has locations in Las Vegas and Calabasas. The chef’s goal has always been to provide a stellar dining experience without “obvious vegan cues,” and the flagship restaurant feels as fresh and relevant as ever. Grab a candlelit booth and start with a cocktail. The milk punch changes with the seasons and is on par with other well-made options in the city. The cheese plate is a must-try appetizer that wows with its pitch-perfect textures and flavors, as is the summery corn chowder served with warm cornbread and butter. Crossroads’ house-made noodles and large protein portions are hearty and easy to share, while the brownie sundae topped with coconut milk cream is a sweet finish. 8284 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. — ​​​​Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

For a taco stand with lots of atmosphere: Ave 26 Tacos

Matthias Kang

Although you can expect a long wait, head to Ave 26 Tacos on Friday or Saturday nights during peak hours. The pro tip: Head to the third floor or higher of Little Tokyo Market Place and watch the hustle and bustle of the lot that houses the popular taco stand below. This is LA people-watching at its finest, as locals pull up in expensive cars or beat-up darlings to eat al pastor straight from the trompo on a $2.50 taco. In addition to al pastor, meats like asada, suadero and bech are expertly and efficiently served in the form of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, mulitas and quesatacos. A car hood or trunk easily replaces a table, while others simply stand and eat from their plate. Some go to great lengths not to spill salsa or condiments on the car, but one thing is for sure: Everyone goes home full and happy. 353 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90013. — Mona Holmes, reporter

For an afternoon margarita on a stunning terrace: Salazar

Rebecca Roland

When Salazar opened on the LA River in 2017, it was packed with crowds from opening to closing. Even then, I loved the expansive patio, but I was less fond of the wait times for a table. I recently revisited the restaurant on a whim on a warm summer afternoon and remembered why I loved it all those years ago. By 3 p.m., it was a breeze to get a table for four, and before I knew it, I had a frozen prickly pear margarita in hand. All too often, frozen drinks tend to be too sweet, and I’m not one for too much sweetness. Thankfully, this one stayed true to its spiky flavors, with a gentle kick from the tequila. Order a side of chips and salsa with it, or make it a meal with tacos, carne asada fries, or a whole hangar steak. 2490 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039. — Rebecca Roland, Associate Editor