Located less than one mile from my home in downtown, this is the best cafe in the area. It is nestled in a corridor between two buildings on a brick path with beautiful outside seating — quite the hideaway. They have the best prosciutto sandwich and the coffee is delicious.

Soak up some Dwell homes and Abbot Kinney lifestyle 

This is my sanctuary. I spend 75% of my time here. to the left is my file cabinet and printer, to the right is my bookshelf. I have an alarm clock, a Knoll Pollock executive chair, notebooks, pens, pencils, everything I need. It's my favorite place in town.

Home to an incredibly programmed slate of classic, cult, and indie films, this little spot on Fairfax is a cinema-buff's paradise. Parking is a bit miserable, so park for free at Canter's Deli. Put a Hot Pastrami on Rye with Matzo Ball Soup down your neck, then just walk a couple blocks to the theater. Trust me, you'll need to walk a bit after that meal anyway. I've seen a number of special events here, including a screening of Fantastic Planet with sound and dialogue entirely performed by a live experimental orchestra, which made my list of top movie-going experiences ever! There's also a patio out back for intermissions, post-film receptions, barbecues and occasional outdoor-screenings where you can crack open an ice cold PBR or Tecate! Check their website for movie listings www.cinefamily.org

Home State is known for their Texas-style breakfast Tacos. Next door to it there's a wine bar called Bar Covell, which lets you bring your tacos from next door and eat them while you have a glass of wine. Don't order more than two breakfast tacos if you don't want leave there with your pants unbuttoned.