The Red Lion Tavern has been a neighborhood tavern in Los Angeles for over fifty years (which is a long time for L.A.), and continues to serve as a landmark for traditional German food, a wide selection of German beer, and cozy Old World atmosphere. Plus the waitresses all wear lederhosen, and it's blocks away from my parents' house.
I hang around on the rooftop to relax. Los Angeles traffic is crazy so this is a good place to calm down and try to find my zen. The view is great and I love the rooftop Neon signs you can see from here.
You have to cross this bridge when you're driving to downtown from East LA. It gives you an amazing view on the River, old industrial buildings and the high rises of downtown Los Angeles. Remember that famous scene from Grease? This is the place. I'm still trying to figure out how to get my car in here.