All of you who have stood in line at Pink’s waiting for service raise your hands. Don’t be embarrassed. I bet there are plenty of you and who could blame you? Pink’s has been serving up a delicious assortment of hot dogs, chili dogs, burgers, and many other specialty items since 1939. Several of the items on the menu have been named for some of the celebrities who often wait in line like everyone else. You may even have stood next to one! Pink’s has been at its present location at 709 N. La Brea in West Hollywood since 1939. Pink’s is family owned and operated and the family name really is Pink. Really!

The biggest seller is still the stretch dog which spans 10 inches and is piled high. They also serve up terrific burgers and even dessert. The restaurant employs its own parking attendant because space is limited. The lines move a little slowly because each order is prepared to the customer’s specifications. They will put practically anything on your dog or burger. And of course, it’s worth the wait. In recent years Pink’s has branched out to support many local organizations, most notably the LA Art show. They also have locations in Las Vegas, at LAX, and at the Camarillo Premium Outlet Center. They are currently open for takeout or delivery. Call ahead for takeout — they are understandably busy!

For all things Pink’s, click here.

Searching for a patio dining or take out option in Santa Monica? Upper West restaurant is your answer. Located away from the crowds (on Pico between 33 and 34^th streets), the menu features a wide variety of cuisine favorites from small bites to oversize platters made with locally sources ingredients from California’s top farms.  Their bar offers exotic beers – even a 64 ounce growler – and killer cocktails (forget everything you ever thought about White Sangria – theirs will rock your world!).  The kitchen, run by Executive Chef Nick Shipp – a Wolfgang Puck alum (where he orchestrated award show dinners and celebrity parties), was labeled a “mad scientist’ by a reviewer who added, “no two dining experiences are ever alike.”

Upper West offers well-priced take away dinner boxes for two include: Roasted Pittman Farms Chicken for $30; Steak Tacos for two are $24; and the Wagyu Burger Box is $35 – main courses plus all the fixings. The full menu is also available. Don’t forget dessert – try the Bread Pudding with whiskey caramel sauce and salty ice cream. October is National Pasta Month. To celebrate, Chef Shipp is featuring his famous Cioppino Pasta, squid ink spaghetti with calamari, shrimp, scallops and chorizo sarta.

Patio Dining is available Wednesday thru Sunday. Come early for Happy Hour – craft cocktails are $7 and Drafts are $5. Bottles of wine are half-price on Thursdays.  Dine Local! For more details, click here.

Who would guess in the middle of a pandemic that a great new restaurant could emerge and thrive.  In the former Spitfire Grill space across from the Santa Monica Airport such a miracle has happened over the summer with The Cloverfield.  The story goes that prior to officially becoming an airport that area was named Clover Field in honor of Greayer Clover, a local fighter pilot killed in France during the First World War. The Cloverfield pays homage to that history at this new neighborhood hot spot.

The menu has scrumptious starters like Ceviche, Street Tacos or a lovely selection of Charcuterie.  Craft pizzas, burgers and pastas round out the menu.  The Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Short Rib Ragu are a couple of our family’s favorite.  For dessert try the Apple-Pear Crostada served with McConnells Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  Gin fans will appreciate their extensive Gin & Tonic offerings – pick your gin – pick your Fever Tree tonic for your goblet.  They also mixup a mean Manhattan and Margarita.

Currently they are serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday as well as a fun weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays all on their socially distant spacious patio. Reservations are recommended and or course masks are required.

For all details, click here.

Is it “Taco Tuesday” yet?! Are you craving tacos? If the answer is yes, I highly recommend you check out Plancha Tacos, A Taco Joint. There are three locations — Venice, Beverly Hills, and Van Nuys. Plancha strikes a balance between fun and fresh and the entire menu is available all day long.

This “joint” offers delicious street and signature tacos. They are serious about their authentic tacos! There are many choices to enjoy (fish two ways, chicken, steak, beef, and veggie), including breakfast selections of tacos and burritos (also available as low-carb bowls) enchiladas, and quesadillas. They’re best known for the Spicy Shrimp Tacos and they are indeed to die for! The shrimp is full of savory flavor and not too spicy.

Plancha is vegetarian-friendly with lots of unique options. I really enjoyed the Potato Taquitos with a specialty sauce and bean dip. Yum! You can also choose from six different hearty salads or burrito bowls. The Grilled Fajita Veggie Quesadilla or Burrito sounded really good; I’m planning to try one on my next visit. The Vegetarian Carrot Ginger Soup is another unique option. With a menu like this — tacos, quesadillas (with chicken, steak, and mushrooms), burritos, taquitos, enchiladas, salads, fajitas, and more), this is a scrumptious one-stop shop! Open daily 8am to midnight and 1am on Friday and Saturday.

For locations and menu, click here.