Gin Rummy cocktail for four. Photo credit: Phillip Guerette.
Memorial Day Weekend is almost here. Traditionally launching the summer season, this long weekend is a great time to unwind, socialize, and get out of the house. See our list below for some ideas on places to pretend you’re in Key West, savor the burger The Los Angeles Times called The Best in LA, hang out by a gorgeous pool, go on a culinary walking tour, simply lounge, or get plant-based food without leaving the car/paying delivery fees.
Gin Rummy, a new island-inspired bar, opens on the border of Venice and Marina del Rey on May 26. Embracing both South Pacific and nautical themes, Gin Rummy’s decor features vintage, island-evoking pinball machines, tropical plants, jungle paintings, and much more. Among the libations served here: classic Tiki drinks, frozen rummys, Trader Vic’s-inspired cocktails-for-four, and booze-free drinks. More info
Enjoy drinks at a poolside bar when Sunday Fundays return to the lively Marina Del Rey Hotel. From the kickoff event this Sunday, May 28, and every Sunday through September 4, you can enjoy the sun and marina views while imbibing delicious cocktails, listening to live DJs, and savoring delicious bites. Daybeds, cabanas, and loveseats are all rentable options. Tickets and more info
Taste the hamburger that The Los Angeles Times crowned “best burger” in “Best of the Southland 2022” at a special price this weekend. Hank’s in Pacific Palisades is offering a Burger Combo Deal from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. this Sunday, May 28. Savor one of Hank’s burgers, like the Double Diamond Burger, along with a draft beer and your choice of side, for $25. More about Hank’s
Photo courtesy of Katana.
Japanese restaurant Katana is acclaimed for its sushi, robata-grilled meats, superior cocktails, and beautiful elevated patio overlooking the Sunset Strip. This Sunday, the West Hollywood eatery welcomes the return of Red Sun BBQ Garden. Taking place from 5 to 10 p.m. every Sunday through Labor Day, it’s a chance to lounge outdoors savoring summer cocktails and food specials while listening to DJs spin on the outdoor lounge.
DTLA’s beautifully restored Hotel Figueroa is kicking off summer this Memorial Day weekend with poolside sessions. Poolside DJs will be on hand Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 6 pm and Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. While you’re there, why not try the coastal-inspired menu and world-class cocktails from La Casita, the two-story restaurant and lounge overlooking the hotel’s coffin-shaped swimming pool? Among the offerings: a variety of ceviches, short rib nachos, watermelon margaritas, pina coladas, and much more. More about Hotel Figueroa
MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street returns to Santa Monica this Saturday, May 27. Now in its eighth year, this pet-friendly culinary walking tour includes tastings at 20 locations (including Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Ashland Hill, The Victorian, Holey Grail Donuts, Alfalfa, JuneShine, Library Alehouse, Jameson’s Pub, Tavern on Main, Papille Gustative, Pasjoli, Ubatuba Acai, and more), along with a “Go to Jail” VIP Beer Garden and a chance of winning a Taste of Main Street Prize Pack with prizes worth more than $1,000. More info
Pool view at Hotel Figueroa. Photo credit: Noble 33.
This is a prime week to indulge in a three-course dinner at a top steakhouse for an excellent price. Morton’s the Steakhouse (Burbank, DTLA, and Woodland Hills) has a three-course offering with options including Ahi Tuna Poke, 16oz. Double-Cut Prime Pork Chop, Maine Lobster Ravioli, Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse, and Key Lime Pie for $69. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Beverly Hills offers a three-course meal for $67. Options include Lobster Bisque, Wagyu Meatballs, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, 6oz. Filet Mignon, Chocolate Mousse or Butter Cake. The three-course offering at Del Frisco’s Grille in Santa Monica is $55 per person, with options including New England Clam Chowder, a 6oz. Filet Mignon, Lemon Dill Salmon, Chocolate Raspberry Torte, and Caramel Pot de Crème.
Begin your long weekend with a lively pop-up merging tasty arepas, a live DJ vinyl set, natural wines, vintage clothing vendors, scrumptious desserts, and a stick-and-poke tattoo artist. Culver City bakery Hotcakes Bakes and next-door neighbor Evil Twin wine bar are hosting this event from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, featuring arepas from Kitchen El Camino.
Affordable, plant-based food with a drive-thru window? Not easy to find, but we now have it in Hollywood. The third location of Hart House, comedian Kevin Hart’s vegan burger restaurant, has just opened on Sunset near Highland. The first Hart House location to feature a drive-thru, you’ll find burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, nuggets, salads (Caesar or Kale), shakes, and more – and it’s all plant-based. Don’t miss the limited-edition “Summer Lovin’” menu with options like a Smoky BBQ Burger, lemonade, and Nashville Nuggets. More about Hart House
