My favorite place to brainstorm over breakfast. 

Leo's is an institution. I thought there was only one truck on Venice and La Brea but turns out they have eight across LA. Watching them slice pork and pineapple in one fell swoop is both drool-inducing and an art form. Open til 3am most nights I think.

The greatest video store in the world! With 72,000 VHS tapes in their collection, they have dedicated themselves to the art of losing yourself in a great movie and pride themselves on their vast collection of rare and oddball films. As Blockbuster video stores have begun to go out of business, Eddie Brandt's still lives!!!!

Small book store with really hard to find photography and art books. Love their collection of stuff as well as presentation.

Right by my apartment, I can't help but come here often. It's situated right around the historic La Brea Tar Pits. One needs to spend an entire day here. Also love their magazine/book store.