4 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles This Weekend
Los Angeles dining currently features a mix of expanded Filipino-inspired concepts like Malaya in Arcadia, long-standing Southern staples such as Les Sisters’ in Winnetka, and high-end venue lounges like the Vinyl Room at the Hollywood Palladium, according to reports from Eater editors.
What are the latest additions to the Arcadia and Culver City dining scenes?
Malaya, originally based in Silver Lake, recently expanded to Arcadia with a new coffee stand. According to audience editor Kat Thompson, the location serves Filipino-inspired coffee and matcha drinks alongside a rotating breakfast sandwich menu. One featured item is a Spam sandwich with a hash brown brick, fried egg, sriracha ketchup, and chile crunch aioli on a brioche bun.
In Culver City, Hatchet Hall continues to provide Southern-inspired cooking under the ownership of Louie and Netty Ryan. Editor Mona Holmes reports that the venue features a moody, spacious dining area and a menu including cast-iron cornbread, slow-cooked lamb shank, and a seasonal salad with Broadbent’s country ham and pickled cherries.
How do established Valley restaurants compare to newer venue-based lounges?
Les Sisters’ in Winnetka represents a foundational element of the local culinary canon, according to deputy editor Rebecca Roland. The restaurant specializes in Cajun and Creole standards, including shrimp-dotted jambalaya and long-simmered gumbo. Fried chicken is available via lunch sets or family five-packs, often paired with peach cobbler or sweet potato pie.
Conversely, the Vinyl Room at the Hollywood Palladium operates as a Japanese listening bar-style lounge. Correspondent Matthew Kang reports that the venue is accessible via a VIP entrance for $25 on top of a concert ticket or through a membership. The menu features Asian-inflected bites like baked truffle crab rolls and cocktails created by former bartender Jason Eisner.
What happens next for these Los Angeles establishments?
The continued expansion of brands like Malaya from Silver Lake to Arcadia may indicate a broader strategy to bring specialized Filipino-inspired beverages to different suburbs. Similarly, the membership model at the Vinyl Room could lead to a shift in how concert-goers interact with venue dining, potentially increasing non-show-related visits.
The increasing activity on the block surrounding Hatchet Hall may encourage further commercial development in that specific area of Culver City. Meanwhile, the multigenerational appeal of Les Sisters’ is likely to maintain its position as a neighborhood magnet in the Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can guests access the Vinyl Room at the Hollywood Palladium?
Guests can enter through a VIP entrance for $25 in addition to their concert ticket, or they can obtain a membership to visit on any operating night regardless of a scheduled show.
What specific drinks are recommended at Malaya in Arcadia?
According to Kat Thompson, recommendations include a seasonal melon matcha with blended cantaloupe juice, as well as floral pandan lattes or matcha.
What are the signature dishes at Les Sisters’?
The restaurant serves Southern, Cajun, and Creole standards such as catfish and hush puppies, black eyed peas and rice, and shrimp-dotted jambalaya.
Which of these Los Angeles dining styles—traditional soul food or modern listening lounges—best fits your weekend plans?