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Fine, I’ll Rank The Best Chain Restaurants
I am sorry Whataburger just isn't that good
22 October 2022
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Hailey Hastings via Canva
Bubba Gump (I am not sorry about this one)
Drunk Vince Vaughn GIF by HBO MaxGiphyListen, I understand that no one wants to go to city walk (i do but I’m not boring like some of y’all) I also understand that the food at Bubba Gump is just subpar, it’s the drinks and the atmosphere you’re coming here for! You’ve got a theme park next door for before or after your drinking, you’ve got shops and places to get sweets all along city walk, it’s an ideal spot.
What you’ll order: the gold and honey, always.
Location: 1000 Universal Studios Blvd Suite 114, Universal City, CA
The Fountain Bar
I understand that people in la that think they’re too good for it, avoid the grove like the plague, but those people are missing out on my favorite dining experience I’ve had so far in the city, The Fountain Bar. Is it expensive? A bit! But the view of the fountain and the bartenders who provide endless banter (should you choose to sit at the bar) make the price seem like a no-brainer. Plus, you never know who you’ll spot while you people watch. I saw Drake Bell one time.
What you’ll order: Anything off the special drinks menu, and the salmon carpaccio
Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Scum and Villainy Cantina
I don’t think of myself as a huge Star Wars nerd, however, Scum and Villainy blew me away. The atmosphere is a wet dream for fans both casual and hardcore, and the drinks!!! The drinks are where this place shines, with a marvel/star wars inspired menu, you simply can’t go wrong! If you find yourself out wondering late on Hollywood Boulevard, this is the spot you want to be at!
What you’ll order: Blue Milk, yes, this is my Disney adult coming through
Location: 6377 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Golden Gopher
Listen, before anything else in my life, I am a swiftie. There was no way that I wasn’t going to recommend you all partake in my favorite bar-going experience, The Golden Gopher where Taylor Swift shot ‘Delicate,' is nestled in Downtown Los Angeles and is the perfect bar to bring your computer to and work while enjoying an Old Fashioned.
What you'll order: An Old Fashioned
Location: 417 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Marmalade Cafe
I know, you people avoid The Grove like the plague, but you shouldn't! Marmalade Cafe is one of two places at The Grove on this list for good reason, it's full of killer places to dine! The menu at Marmalade is vast and includes breakfast, seafood, and pasta, just to name a few of the offerings. The cocktail menu is killer as well!
What you'll order: Spicy Tuna Tartar, or potstickers!
Location: 6333 W 3rd St # E17, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Bob's Big Boy
I am a diner hoe through and through, but Bob's Big Boy sits at the top of the list. From the car shows that you may see Jay Leno frequent, to the constant crowd the diner attracts, It's an environment I have really come to love. Bob's Big Boy feels like an escape from the boujie side of Los Angeles.
What you'll order: Biscuits and Gravy, duh.
Location: 4211 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
Nic’s on Beverly
Nic's on Beverly is a place I had seen every influencer flaunting being at on Instagram, so naturally, I had to go visit! Now, Nic's is easily one of my go-to spots in LA. The Restaurant itself keeps pretty odd hours, so always check the website before heading there! The place is so cute inside and has an entirely plant-based menu! Nowhere is better for a boozy brunch!
What you'll order: Avocado tacos, and wine!
Location: 8265 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tacos 1986
I trust Steven and Andrew from Worth it with my life, so naturally, if they recommend a place, I am going. Tacos 1986 comforted me on a lonely night at a hotel downtown and introduced me to some of the best quick-service Mexican food in the city. Best news, it's on Doordash so you can get these tacos from the comfort of your home.
Location: 7235 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Egg Tuck
There is not a better place for breakfast in Los Angeles than Egg Tuck. I ordered Egg Tuck for the first time back in April, and now I don't know how I'll ever find a place that compares. This is one of those places that is so hyped up, but it perfectly matches the hype.
What you'll order: Egg Tots, Avocado Egg Sandwich
Location: 7131 Sunset Blvd B, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Mochinut LA
If you're looking for THE hidden gem in Downtown LA, look no further than Mochinut LA. This place is so cute and has easily the best mochi donuts I have found anywhere. The décor is very Instagram-worthy (yes, I'm cringe and like a good photo, leave me alone).
What you'll order: Any donut, Hot Cheetos Dog
Location: 728 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Canter’s
I mean. come on! You can't do an LA food article without mentioning Canters. Canters is the definition of a staple, everyone who has spent any length of time in the city has been here at some point. The atmosphere, the staff, the menu, THE SMELL, all 10/10.
What you'll order: literally any food item, but you HAVE to try the dill pickle bloody mary, life-changing.
Location: 419 North Fairfax Avenue
Connect with me!
1. Go to a local diner.
When it's raining, one of the perfect things to do is to go out to a local diner and get some food. One of my favorite diners in my area has a 1950's theme which makes going there even more fun. Diners are the perfect location for dreary, rainy days. In all the movies and television shows, you see characters sitting in dinners with raindrops all over the windows, so it is totally on brand for the situation. In addition, cute, neon, themed diners are great photoshoot locations, so you can make awesome Instagram content while passing time on a rainy day.
2. Binge watch some shows.
This one is obvious! With all of the video streaming networks, it is impossible to not find something interesting to watch. I have watched countless television shows these past few dreary days and they are all very interesting! I have recently watched When They See Us and Trinkets on Netflix, but the options are endless. Of course, we are likely to binge watch all summer no matter the weather, but take advantage of the weather so you are able to spend more time outside when it's sunny!
3. Learn to cook.
While you are inside trying to figure out what to do with your time, maybe try cooking! I will admit, I am not the best chef, but why not experiment with some new lunch or dinner dishes while you have nothing else to do! I have recently taught myself to make homemade gyro sandwiches with all homemade ingredients! The possibilities are endless. With Pinterest, Tasty videos, and simple recipes you find online, you could seriously improve your skills! If you get good enough, you could impress your friends when you get back to college!
4. Do an at-home workout.
Not everyone has access to an at-home gym, but there are so many resources for home workouts. Creators like Whitney Simmons do a ton of equipment-free workouts that are super easy to do at home. In addition, while scrolling on youtube, I have found music-based workouts. They are workouts done by creator, MadFit, and they each go along to a popular song. They're short, sweet, and work your whole body! It's a great way to workout while also listening to your favorite songs!
5. Read a book.
We all read a lot when we are back at school, but those books are never for our pleasure. When you're stuck inside, why not try out a new book that could actually bring you joy? I love reading by the beach, and sometimes it can be hard to read indoors because of all the other distractions. But when there's nothing better to do, why not? Try a new genre or find a book that resonates with you, whatever works! Once you start reading, you'll lose track of time and maybe it won't be raining anymore once you're finished.
Rainy days in the summertime really put a damper on plans, but we can make the most of it! All of these things have kept me busy these past couple of rainy days, so I'm sure you could find something to do too!
The Neurotic Student
This person sits in the corner and (sometimes literally) pulls their hair out while remaining engaged in an intense staring contest with their computer screen. You want to check on them, or ask if they'd like to switch from coffee to water, or tell them everything will be okay, or...call their therapist. I guess you kind of have to admire how much they obviously care about the task at hand. Godspeed.
The Cultured, Well-traveled Old Man
Or woman, or whoever. The point is, there's nothing this person enjoys more than sharing wild stories of their youth with strangers. Ten minutes into a conversation with Jeff, you're likely to know far more than you bargained for about the shenanigans he got up to "when he was your age." I really appreciate this type of person—they keep things interesting.
The Busy Young Professional-types
They travel in packs and order a long list of items on one tab. They may seem kind of glamorous, but likely in either a cool-older-sibling (or cousin, or someone you admire) or a snobby way. Personally, I find myself wanting to know more about these people. Please, tell me all about how you seem to have found success early on in adulthood. I'd appreciate guidance!
The Hipster
Rishikesh Yogpeeth on Unsplash
This person almost definitely wears trendy jewelry, orders something fancier than black coffee, and speaks in such a way that you start to believe they know things that other people do not. All that yoga and introspection must be revealing some life secrets the rest of us are simply missing. Teasing aside, these people are generally an interesting bunch.
The Daydreamer
This person is a deeeeep thinker. Don't be surprised if you find them staring out a window and into the abyss for 20+ minutes... they're probably fine! Some people simply feel things and/or become enveloped in their thoughts more easily than others. If we're playing the "tag yourself" game, I'm definitely this guy.
The Local College Student
If you're like me, strangers your own age might intimidate you a little bit. If you can't relate, congrats! I'm glad one of us isn't afraid of fellow young people. Regardless, there's actually nothing particularly telling about this type of coffee shop-goer — unless maybe they sport a lot of paraphernalia from the local college/university, or you overhear a group of them talking about the school. Or your heart rate increases and you become nervous for seemingly no reason.
Maybe you'll find yourself observing similar types of people at your local coffee shops this summer—I hope identifying them will be as entertaining for you as it was for me.
1. South Street
South Street has an insane amount of local fame. There are so many different places to eat and shop, and the lively aesthetic makes it a great place to walk around. The buildings, sidewalks, and even trash cans are covered in art. Far east, there is the South Street Diner, which has been there for 33 years--practically an eternity in South Street time.
As for myself, I love walking around in the different shops and looking at the beautiful colors and lights surrounding me. I even got my first tattoo at No Ka Oi, a right on the corner of South and 4th. It is my go-to for any boring afternoon.
2. Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge
The Silk City Diner is located on Spring Garden and 5th street. The atmosphere is very tradition-meets-today's-hipsters, with the classic old train car diner and delicious food, but it also has a club with live music and an outdoor garden with seating in the springtime is attached as well.
My boyfriend and I discovered this place when we were looking for somewhere to eat one Sunday, and it has become our Sunday night tradition. We always split a plate of chicken wings, then order various sides or desserts. It's delicious, fun, and a great way to start our week.
3. Octavius V. Catto Monument
I am absolutely fascinated by monuments and museums so my appreciation may be a bit different than others, but I would still encourage everyone to visit this monument when in Philly. The monument is located on the Southwest corner of City Hall. I discovered it when walking past City Hall, and then did my reading on Catto.
Octavius V. Catto was one of the most influential Civil Rights leaders in Philadelphia during the late nineteenth century. He was a staunch abolitionist, and post Civil War, fought for voting rights for African Americans, desegregated public transportation, and ratification of the 15th amendment. He was shot and killed October 10, 1871, the first day African Americans were allowed to vote in Philadelphia, at the young age of 32.
Philadelphia is a city with monuments, but this one tells a story we do not hear enough of, and it is done so beautifully.
4. Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is an interactive science museum right by Logan Square. There are many different exhibits that are fun for all ages to touch, and there is so much to learn. They have special exhibits as well if you are willing to pay the extra price. The museum is named for, you guessed it, Benjamin Franklin.
I recently attended the Star Party After Party, a formal late night gathering where you can dance, drink, and explore the museum after hours. All around though, it is a fun, educational experience for all ages. Plus, the area surrounding the museum is beautiful as well.
5. Union Transfer
My Photo of Mom Jeans Live
Isabelle Heller
Union Transfer is a concert venue located on 10th and Spring Garden. It is a great venue--good prices, good sound, great security. I saw Mom Jeans there on Halloween, and the music, the crowd, the venue, was all phenomenal. It is standing room only, and although it does have a few bars, most shows are all ages with the optional 21+ wristband, which allows everyone to enjoy the music. I am on their email list, and every week they have great bands of all genres playing. If your favorite band is in Philly, I would definitely go there to see them.
6. Washington Square
Now, this one is a bit of a hot take. Everyone loves Fairmount Park or Rittenhouse Square, but my favorite is Washington Square. It does share a name with the one in New York, which can be confusing, but it has its own reputation. It is located in Southeast Center City, with plenty of benches and green space.
I frequent it whenever I am in Center City looking at restaurants and shops, and it is also very close to one of my other favorite places: South Street. It is great for a quick sit, a picnic at midnight during finals week, or just a quick stroll. I love finding green space in the city, and Washington Square gives green space without taking me away from the excitement of Center City Philadelphia.
7. Temple University
I could not write this article without mentioning Temple University. This school brought me to Philadelphia, where I met some of my closest friends, my boyfriend, and got to see all these amazing places. Plus, I am getting a great education and paving my own career path. I would be a different person if I had attended another school, and I am so happy I picked Temple. Go Owls!
