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Lists

Best of L.A.'s MacArthur Park

1. Royale   Westlake

Free valet. Need we go on? This neighborhood spot has a large patio connecting its bar and (sadly) pricey restaurant. An upstairs lounge boasts a pool table, flat-screen TV, plaster gazelle heads and stuffed birds.


Royale
2. Chichen Itza Restaurant   Westlake

Open since early 2007 (after what seemed like a year of construction), this authentic Mexican restaurant is finally hitting its stride, offering, among other items, cochinita pibil.


Chichen Itza Restaurant
3. Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe   Westlake

The cornerstone of the park's resurrection, run by the MacArthur Park Neighborhood Alliance. Fantastic tamales have gone a long way toward bringing families, and curious foodies from all over L.A., back to the park.


Mama's Hot Tamales Cafe
4. Langer's Deli   Westlake

This Eastside institution recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Los Angeles' answer to Katz's in New York, of course, makes a mean hot pastrami sandwich (No. 19 is still their most popular), but their grilled liver with onions is equally in-demand with old-school customers.


Langer's Deli
5. Blue Velvet   Westlake

David Lynch would approve of this chic, 4,300-square-foot bar/restaurant with a pool that overlooks downtown. Bouncy, foam-like white barstools and a long, sunken granite table are just two of the design touches. Kris Morningstar (ex-Patina) is the chef.


Blue Velvet
6. Hayworth Theatre   Westlake

Designed in the 1920s by Stiles O. Clements, this theater was designated a historical cultural monument in 1983. Three stages exist within the theater, with the occasional name actor performing.


Hayworth Theatre
7. RampART   Westlake

Founded by local photographer John Sofio, Ramp art frequently shows fantastic photography from local artists--and has parties monthly to celebrate new openings. Check http://rampartspace.com for more information and updates on new shows.


RampART
8. Park Plaza Hotel   Westlake

Not open to the public (private events and weddings excepted) and currently used mostly for filming. The Art Deco landmark was built in 1925. Still you can sneak a peek at the lobby if you are nice and pretend you are "with the crew" of whatever music video or commercial happens to be filming.


Park Plaza Hotel
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