We went to Los Angeles for a few days of fun, work and amazing warm weather, and managed to also eat incredible food all over town WITH A TODDLER! Since we stayed in an Airbnb apartment (BTW did you read my tips on finding a family-friendly Airbnb?) we had a kitchen so we did a mix of eat in and take out from all over town. Here's the goods:
EAT IN
The Oinkster
776 Vine, Hollywood
'Slow Fast Food' here means big burgers, weekly specials and a Cupcake of the Month. Skip the salads and stick with the burgers and twice-fried French fries. Spend an extra dollar to upgrade your wine serving to a quarto (a glass and a half) and sit on the roomy patio-there's plenty of room to maneuver. If it's chilly out ask to turn on the heaters.
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: No
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles
1514 N. Gower St, Hollywood
Go early or on a weekday to miss the lines and do not pretend like you're getting anything other than chicken and waffles. If your group is extra hungry add a side of smothered potatoes while you whisper about the celebrity sitting at the next table.
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: No
This is one order of banana pancakes. There is a plate in there somewhere...
Griddle Cafe
7916 Santa Monica, Hollywood
Expect a wait—use the time to work up an appetite for the massive portions of diner classics. Mom's French Toast is a winner as are the individual French press coffees. I always order breakfast here, but the person next to me eating a burger gave it rave reviews. High chairs work at the counter or tables, strollers are best at the outdoor tables.
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: No but there is a cabinet in the ladies room that will work.
Bedford & Burns
369 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills
Pop in here for a late lunch after window shopping on Rodeo Drive—you'll miss the expense account crowd and have the whole place to yourself. The salads are the star and their famous cheddar biscuits are delicious and huge if you prefer carbs. The kitchen is flexible with substitutions and accommodated my aversion to salmon with no problem. The result was the best chicken teriyaki I've ever had!
High Chairs: Yes
Changing Tables: No
As soon as I unwrapped my sandwich I inhaled it and then realized I forgot to take pictures. oops!
TAKE OUT
Phillipe
1001 N Alameda, Chinatown
Head here for a French dip from the place that invented them. We had the lamb—it was extra juicy on its own and the au jus added just the right amount of salty flavor. Add the horseradish mustard if you like a kick.
Anima Pasta & Pizza
698 Vermont Avenue, Koreatown
The portions aren't huge (perfect after brunch at Griddle Cafe). Pizzas come on a cracker thin crispy crust and the ragu sauce is perfect over their gnocchi. Don't skip the housemade focaccia.
Baby Blues BBQ
7953 Santa Monica, West Hollywood
Yes it's the from the same folks as the Baby Blues BBQ in San Francisco's Mission! Jole and I kept eating off each other's plates because we couldn't decide what was better, the tri-tip or the brisket. Get both and some beans, cole slaw and Mac and cheese.