What's awesome in LA's Koreatown?

August 7, 2006 5:50 PM

What's awesome in LA's Koreatown?

I just moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco (where I lived in the Mission, where I also grew up). I'm leaving right near Wilshire and Normandie.

Yesterday a friend took me to get Korean pancakes. Oh man, those were the greatest thing ever.

What other wonderful things are there here (or in central LA generally) that I should be sure not to miss?

I'm particularly looking for things nearby, but if you have a general LA suggestion, feel free to drop some science. Food (particulars, particularly), shopping, activities, events, whatever.

posted by YoungAmerican to grab bag (25 comments total)

Two of my favorite bars are in Koreatown -- The Bounty and The Prince.
posted by scody at 6:08 PM on August 7, 2006

Two of my favorite Mexican restaraunts are in Koreatown.

L.A.'s oldest Mexican restaurant, El Cholo (1121 S. Western Ave. / Olympic Blvd.) is "[t]he progenitor of a chain, this landmark south of Hollywood has been packing them in since the '20s." [New York Times].

Also, check out Guelaguetza (3337 1/2 W. 8th. St.) for an authentic Oaxacan experience.
posted by ericb at 6:10 PM on August 7, 2006

El Cholo is known for its margaritas; Guelaguetza for its mole sauces!
posted by ericb at 6:12 PM on August 7, 2006

Cassells has good potato salad and pretty good hamburgers. I love the central library with a deep and abiding passion but I'm not sure if that's just my own weirdness or if it's a feeling other might share.
posted by rdr at 6:33 PM on August 7, 2006

El Cholo is also known for its green corn tamales, which are too rich for one person to finish, and are available seasonally.
posted by Scram at 6:40 PM on August 7, 2006

Shatto Lanes (map, pictures)
3255 W 4th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020-1619
[phone]

This is more than just a bowling alley. It's an entertainment wonderland. You've got a whole bunch of lanes (duh), way too many pool tables, FOOSBALL(!!), very many video games, and a bar with cheap drinks. Oh shit, DID I MENTION THE FUCKEN BAR WITH CHEAP DRINKS?!11

The best part about the place (besides, you know, the bar ... with the cheap drinks) is these 1984 LA Olympics-style graphics on the far wall that depict athletes from all the great sports: running, bicycling, figure skating, swimming, oh yeah and bowling.
posted by redteam at 7:29 PM on August 7, 2006

Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n' Waffles. I preferred the one at 5006 W Pico Blvd. Say hello to Big Mama for me.
posted by tommunation at 7:29 PM on August 7, 2006

The Korean American Sport Club on Mariposa is a traditional Korean, all male spa. Its open 24 hours.

My friends and I went last month after the Midnight Ridazz bikeride through Los Angeles. Its relaxing and interesting especially if you've watched way too many asian gangster movies (like me).
posted by anansi at 7:36 PM on August 7, 2006

Find a Korean barbeque. Any one.
posted by maxreax at 7:41 PM on August 7, 2006

I haven't made it out to one yet (though I have checked out the center's small gallery), but this month's free movie screenings at the Korean Cultural Center on Wilshire look interesting.

I too love the central library (including its various lecture series and photo/art galleries) but don't really think of it as being in Koreatown, though I suppose that area's boundaries are not so clear.

on preview: I'll second Shatto Lanes & Roscoe's waffles, anytime.
posted by PY at 7:41 PM on August 7, 2006

oh, sorry, I just saw the bit about "central LA" attractions, more broadly. That does open it up quite a bit.
posted by PY at 7:49 PM on August 7, 2006

You might enjoy the La Brea Tar Pits, the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Natural History Museum and California Science Center.
posted by Argyle at 8:20 PM on August 7, 2006

Those are more Fairfax district. The Wiltern theater is in Koreatown, as is the structure from the Brown Derby.
posted by brujita at 9:24 PM on August 7, 2006

Add to the list of awesome dive bars with large, strong, cheap drinks: Frank N Hank's.
posted by drpynchon at 9:44 PM on August 7, 2006

Get out and explore the neighborhoods beyond you -- LA is amazingly diverse and after a 16-year stint there, I'd say it's way too easy to get trapped in your immediate surroundings...
posted by rleamon at 10:04 PM on August 7, 2006

But aside from that, the varieties of Korean food and restaurants are amazing there.
posted by rleamon at 10:05 PM on August 7, 2006

Pollo a la Brasa.

Taylor's Steak House.

Korean Karaoke places (Rosen is one).

Housing.

Crime.
posted by Sinner at 11:01 PM on August 7, 2006

go to natuara day spa, and get the body scrub
posted by blueplasticfish at 12:29 AM on August 8, 2006

The New Beverly Cinema (on Beverly, just west of La Brea) shows lots of great old movies.
posted by equalpants at 2:02 AM on August 8, 2006

is Soot Bull Jeep still there? it is pretty awesome
posted by matteo at 7:39 AM on August 8, 2006

(it's a barbecue joint)
posted by matteo at 7:40 AM on August 8, 2006

3136 W. Eighth St., [phone].
posted by matteo at 7:42 AM on August 8, 2006

I second Korean BBQ. Grill-it-your-self places are the best. Also try out some of the tofu houses around there. I think there's a chain called BBC or something that's pretty good.

At night, you can go to Brass Monkey, a karaoke bar. It's fun, especially watching the people who take themselves way too seriously sing.
posted by nakedsushi at 10:49 AM on August 8, 2006

I'll second the Brass Monkey.

hang around k-town enough and you'll probably see this car.
posted by the_bone at 11:56 AM on August 8, 2006

Betalevel Events.

2600 at union Station.

Near: The Pantry

A little farther away: Tito's Tacos.
posted by Monkey0nCrack at 6:55 AM on September 18, 2006