Digging into the past of a mysterious character can be hungry work; at the very least you can end up with a great thirst.
No Proscenium has you covered — with a local’s guide to the restaurants, cafes, and bars near the secretive Nest venue.
Location:
Vermont Village, Los Feliz
Travel Tips
Our little village — yup, NoPro is a local — waxes and wanes when it comes to traffic. Coming into the neighborhood from the east is usually easier than from the west. Things get out of control of there’s a concert at The Greek, so check the calendar. (Idina Menzel is there on the 14th, and Snoop Dogg on the 20th.) The parking is primarily residential, but there’s a couple of lot options right off Vermont. They are pretty limited, as opposed to multi-story affairs. Patience will serve you well, so work in some extra time.
Dining:
Get Noah J Nelson’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
SubscribeSubscribe
There’s plenty of incredible food options within walking distance of the venue. Tacos Tu Madre is a recent addition to the neighborhood that features fantastic two-three bite affairs. The kitchen isn’t the quickest, however. If fish tacos are your deal then the walk over to Best Fish Tacos in Ensenada is well worth it. Inexpensive and beyond solid. Get ready to go wild.
Figaro is the famous Parisian style cafe that you may have seen in a commercial or two. The north room is beyond comfortable for dining and hanging out for a minute, but the spot to people watch is definitely the sidewalk seating on Vermont. Right around the corner is The Punchbowl, which is the go-to organic juice place around these parts. Then, of course, there’s the legendary Dresden. Look it up, I can’t do it justice.
If you’re looking for something more All-American both Fred 62 and House of Pies are right up the block on Vermont. Tucked next to the 7–11 is Anarbagh, which if it was a bit cheaper would be where I chowed down on Indian food on the regular. (I’m from the Bay Area and thus spoiled on cheap, great Indian.) On the same block is Bru, the right spot to get your hipster coffee fix before diving into earlier runs of The Nest.
When I’m looking to indulge my sweet tooth it requires a trip over to Hillhurst and either Jeni’s Ice Cream — who make some of the most amazing flavor combinations I’ve ever had — or my standby of standby’s The Alcove. I’ve been going to The Alcove since before I lived in LA. Their chocolate brioche bread pudding is what I plan on being served on my deathbed. They’ve also got a full dinner menu, patio seating, and one of the best cocktail programs in the area in the form of Big Bar. Just know it’s going to be busy on a weekend night.
A little further up Hillhurst, at Los Feliz, you’ll find both MessHall and Little Dom’s. Both are neighborhood treasures, and both take reservations.
Drinks:
So many of the dining options double up as a good place to get a drink — Figaro, Little Dom’s, and the aforementioned Big Bar.
Both Good Luck and Covell (mentioned in the Kansas Collection guide) are within striking distance as well. The smart play around here is to get a good spot at Big Bar, the Dresden, or slip in early to Good Luck.
If the dive vibe is your thing, then you might find yourself gravitating towards Ye Rustic Inn or The Drawing Room. Locals of the famous variety have been known to haunt them both, and they’re just across from each other on Hillhurst. My dive days are behind me, so you’re on your own. (Although knowing Ye Rustic has a rep for chicken wings is awakening old instincts.)
Discussion