Los Angeles is MASSIVE!  We strive to make amazing connections with friends and lovers, and yet, making the drive across town to see those loved ones is long and tiresome!  Why not meet in the middle?  No matter how far, there is always a delicious place where you can reach a compromise!  

When Your Bestie Lives in Santa Monica and you’re in Los Feliz.

Highly Likely – West Adams – @itshighlylikely

Woof, the dreaded I live on the east side and you live on the west.  Highly Likely appears as if out of an oasis, with beer and wine and a delightful menu, Highly Likely is perfection on a platter. The Brunch Fries are a true delight, because why haven’t you thought to throw eggs on a bowl of fries?  Looking for coffee and pastries, they got you covered!  Plus, there are plenty of outlets for those looking to get a little screenwriting done.

When your Network connection lives in Malibu and you’re in Hollywood.

Manchego – Santa Monica – @manchegosm

Manchego is the picture perfect restaurant for Spanish tapas and their boutique wine bar is the perfect business casual for when you need to impress that network connection.  Their goat cheese and dried fig tostada is one of my favorite things to eat in the city, and their Mac and Cheese and pan seared branzino are top tier.  With ample street parking and a close walk to the beach, this is going to be your new favorite place to wind down on the West Side.

When your Hinge Date lives in Encino and you’re in Mid- City.

3rd Stop – Beverly Hills – @3rdstopla

First date jitters are no match for The 3rd Stop!  This is the perfect casual spot that has some of the best craft beer and wine around, and their happy hour is definitely something to write home about.  From their chicken tenders to the tuna tartar to their classic pizzas.  The bartenders are friendly, the pours of wine are massive, and the cauliflower is a true delight!  Lots of parking and non-Beverly Hills prices will make this a must on any bar hoping list!

When your Bestie moved to Long Beach and you’re in Pasadena.

Maccheroni Republic – Downtown LA – @maccheronirepublic

I have been dreaming of the pasta at Maccheroni Republic since going for the first time a few months ago!  The best and closest to the real Italian deal you’ll find in Los Angeles.  To start you’ve gotta have their Garlic Bread, perfectly toasted and covered with cheese. I wouldn’t care if they charged $40 for the Garlic Bread, it’s worth its weight in gold. The Ravioli Di Zucca, a pumpkin ravioli with truffle parmesan sauce is the type of Pasta I would cross an ocean for.  No reservations at Maccheroni Republic, so get there early, or wait among the wafts of fresh pasta and enjoy a glass of wine on their mini terrace.