Los Angeles

Hungry in L.A.? Where to Dig Into the City’s 10 Trendiest Bites

Savor an ice cream sandwich with the cool kids. (Photo: Alamy)

Los Angeles’s bustling food scene is chock full of some of the buzziest, tastiest, and downright enticing bites in the country — perfect for sating hungry stars and Hollywood honchos that call this entertainment epicenter home. Ranging from advanced versions of classic eats like cupcakes and breakfast sandwiches, to snacks that L.A. cooks excel at whipping up (burritos!), here are 10 of the trendiest bites you’ll feast your tastebuds on in the City of Angels.

Diddy Riese’s Ice Cream Sandwiches

A short walk from UCLA’s Westwood campus lies Diddy Riese, a local favorite since its opening in 1983. Fans clamor for their delectable ice cream sandwiches, made with Diddy’s own freshly baked cookies and gourmet ice cream, which will no doubt leaving you craving for more.

Sprinkles’ Cupcakes

The undisputed king of the Los Angeles cupcake scene is Sprinkles, thanks to their moist, expertly frosted creations. Whether you gobble one for a lunchtime pick-me-up or special occasion (though, do you really need a good reason to have a cupcake?) — they’re a sugary must-eat. The famed shop has locations downtown, Beverly Hills, and even on University of Southern California’s picturesque campus.

In-N-Out’s Burgers

Undoubtably worshipped by both locals and visitors alike, In-N-Out is one of the most beloved chains in the United States, and for good reason. Their simple menu features just burgers, fries, and shakes but elevates those otherwise standard fast-food staples to the next level. Word to the wise: ask for your burger “animal style,” which features a slathering of “special sauce” and a pile of grilled onions.

Eggslut’s Egg Sandwich

This sammie’s simple description says it all: eggs, cheddar, caramelized onion, and Sriracha mayo on a brioche bun happily converge. The result has taken a simple breakfast sandwich to the next level, thus catapulting Eggslut’s downtown eatery into a national brand that now boasts locations in nearby Venice and Las Vegas.

Pink’s Chili Dogs

Speaking of famed hot dogs, Pink’s is a Los Angeles institution that has been doling out quality franks since 1939. Consistently named the best hot dog in the country, a visit to Pink’s isn’t complete without grabbing one of their famed chili dogs topped with mustard and onions — all for less than five bucks, no less.

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles

Los Angeles is a hotbed of famed chicken and waffle joints, but there’s none better than Roscoe’s, which serves up piping hot plates of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles day or night.

Randy’s Donuts

Known equally for both its donuts and its humongous donut sign (perfect for snapping selfies!), Randy’s is a Los Angeles landmark. Home to the best donuts in the city, Randy’s varied menu and huge flavors makes up for the bakery’s tiny quarters.

The Pie Hole’s Pie

It’s a well-known fact that nobody does pie better in Los Angeles than The Pie Hole. Perfect for a post-dinner snack (or, who are we kidding, dinner itself), the bakery’s two locations in the Arts District and Hollywood feature flavors ranging from Strawberry Lavender Hand Pies to the vegan Earl Grey Tea pie.

La Azteca Tortilleria’s Burritos

No list of worthy L.A. bites is complete without mention of a burrito, and La Azteca has the best in the city. Concocted with fresh tortillas, incredible refried beans, and whole meringue-battered chile relleno, it’ll put the Chipotle grub you’re accustomed to to shame.

Dodger Stadium’s Dodger Dogs

The next time your stomach is rumbling when you’re at Dodger Stadium watching a ballgame, there’s no better choice than to order a Dodger Dog, one of the most famous concessions in all of sports. Slightly longer than your average hot dog, Dodger Dogs may not be the best tasting (see Pink’s below), but they’re definitely the most nostalgic.