A Day in L.A. – Washington West Culver City

Visiting L.A. and looking for something to do other than the touristy areas of Santa Monica and Hollywood? Check out the Washington West Culver area, aka West Culver City, which has an eclectic mix of artisan eateries, specialty retails, and jaunty dive bars. Not to mention, a Cold War Museum. Stretching from Sony Pictures Studio to the 405 freeway, there are several hidden gems to be found along the main streets of Washington Blvd and Culver Blvd that won’t break the bank.

METRO CAFE

Start your Culver City morning at Metro Café, attached to the Travelodge on Washington Place. They have many breakfast options including American staples like Eggs Benedict and a Breakfast Sandwich with a few Eastern European specials mixed in. Now I know what you’re thinking. I came all the way to sunny California and you want me to eat at a Travelodge? I can assure you that this remodeled diner is a local’s hot spot. My recommendations are the Bern Special or Seasonal Vegetable Omelette, both only $13.

Source: Yelp

TANNER’S COFFEE

After breakfast, spend some time walking south down Sepulveda Blvd. You’ll find several unique thrift, furniture, and comic book stores. If you need a little pick-me-up, stop by another Culver City local’s favorite, Tanner’s Coffee Co. They have 20 different types of coffee to choose from, and a selection of books to peruse during your pit stop.

WENDE MUSEUM

Next, head straight down Culver Blvd to the FREE Wende Museum, located on the west side of Veteran Memorial Park in Washington West Culver. It’s only .7 miles from Tanner’s so the walk is doable if you’re up for it.

The Wende Museum first opened its doors in 2002 and now holds an incredible collection of over 100,000 Cold War relics and art pieces. What began as a grass-roots acquisition initiative and a warehouse of crated artifacts has quickly grown into a museum and research institution at the forefront of its field.

The Wende Museum is always FREE, but only open to the public Friday-Sunday. Hours are 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sunday and 10am-9pm on Fridays.

JACKSON MARKET & DELI

Do you remember reading The Secret Garden as a child? Well believe it or not, there’s a place in West Culver City that will make you feel as if you’ve just stepped foot into that fairytale world.

Jackson Market has been tucked away on a quaint residential street for over 80 years. Although it’s located only a couple blocks from the south entrance of Sony Pictures Studio, there’s little chance of crossing its path unless you’re actually searching for it.

Upon entering the local deli, you will be greeted by a genial deli attendant ready to craft you up a custom-built sandwich, wrap or salad using Boarshead deli meats and cheeses and fine French breads. To accompany your sandwich, there’s a full stock of groceries, sodas, alcohol, and produce. Don’t be fooled by the corner store vibe. Head past the deli into the back patio to walk into your real-life Secret Garden.

SONY PICTURES STUDIOS

Whether you’re an L.A. local or are just passing through, if you’ve never made your way onto the Sony Pictures lot, it’s absolutely worth joining in on the official studio tour. Enter the famed gates and you’re behind the scenes of one of the most historic and exciting studio lots in the world. Visit the soundstages behind iconic films like ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Men in Black’ and ‘Spiderman’. Keep your eyes peeled as you never know which star you may cross paths with.

Tours run Monday through Friday at 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Tours start at $50 per person and last 2 hours. You must sign up ahead of time here to reserve your spot.

BACKSTAGE BAR & GRILL

After your tour, stop by the iconic Backstage Bar & Grill for a drink and feel as if you’ve just walked back into Old Hollywood history. This longtime Culver City dive bar, which has been featured in numerous films and television series, is a favorite of studio folks and known for its wild karaoke nights.

During happy hour from 4-8pm, beers are only $3. The bar is located right across from the studio on Culver Blvd.

COPENHAGEN PASTRY

Don’t spoil dinner, but make sure to stop by one of L.A.’s best pastry shops, Copenhagen Pastry before they close at 5pm to grab a delicate and flaky pastry that is sure to make your mouth water.

Within the pastry case, the Copenhagen stands out with its strips of chocolate and yellow custard. My personal favorite is the Kringle with almond paste and custard hidden behind a croissant-like strudel. All personal sized pastries cost $2.20, or full cakes start at $13. If you weren’t sold already, you can even watch the masters in the back hard at work crafting up these little bites of heaven.

EL RINCON CRIOLLO

Head back to Sepulveda Blvd in West Culver City for dinner at this authentic cuban joint. Share the 1/2 garlic roasted chicken for only $15.99. It will be more than enough food for 2 people, as it’s accompanied with plantains, rice, onions and beans. They also serve sangria and Jupina (a sweet pineapple Cuban soda). You can also order food to go on their website if you’re in a rush.

OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS

Tito’s Tacos: A no-frills eatery known for crispy, simple ingredient tacos, served at the counter or to carry out. With over 4,300 Yelp reviews, you know this has to be a staple of Culver City and Los Angeles. Grab a beef taco for only $2.65 and don’t forget the chips and salsa for $3.

Source: Yelp

Blind Barber: Don’t be fooled by its Barber Shop storefront. Between the hours of 6pm-2am, walk past the retro shop chairs to an inconspicuous white door that leads to the speak-easy featuring unique mixology cocktails and artisan grilled cheeses.

Sage: This vegan bistro is committed to serving fresh and locally-grown produce with an abundance of flavor. The charming patio is decorated by herb gardens and trees with rustic picnic tables to eat at.

Johnnie’s Pastrami: Another staple of the Washington West Culver City area is Johnnie’s Pastrami, famous for their French Dip pastrami along with other favorites like Golden Shrimp in a Basket or just a pound of savory homemade Kosher pickles.