these places have surprisingly really great “_______”

pie at HiHo cheeseburger

Santa Monica

I don’t continually find myself back at HiHo just for the cheeseburgers. The Key Lime Pie and Banana Cream Pie are unbelievable, and word on the street is that the Cheesecake is a winner as well. FYI, whole pies can be ordered in advance, so definitely get on that.  

SUSHI AT SOUTH BEVERLY GRILL

beverly hills

Certainly not a place you’d expect sushi, but not surprising coming from always-consistent Hillstone Restaurant Group. The Spicy Tuna “Osaka Style” is your move, which is pressed sushi stacked with tuna, avocado, spicy tuna and rice. Don’t expect traditional nigiri by any means, but this sushi definitely hits the spot. 

POPCORN AT SWEETFIN

multiple locations

Have you ever even heard poke and popcorn used in the same sentence? On top of making my favorite poke in LA, Co-Owner/Chef Dakota Weiss is a pro in the popcorn game. The Matcha Pop, coated in drizzles of white chocolate, toasted coconut and black sesame, is an OG and my favorite, but the Sriracha Pop is also nice if you want some heat. 

TACOS AT CHESTNUT CLUB

Santa Monica

I actually recently discovered these beauties not too long ago, and I’m not kidding when I say that my friends ended up ordering four more orders after trying mine. Chef Antonia Lofaso is behind the food here, so it only makes sense that the Chicken Tinga Tacos with avocado cream and cotija cheese are on fresh, thick, chewy flour tortillas. Even if you’re just here for a drink, get the tacos to see what I mean. 

COOKIES AT MCCONNELL’S

multiple locations

Sure, seeing cookies at an ice cream shop isn’t uncommon, but how often do ice cream shops have an in-house pastry chef? Jordan Thomas cranks out fresh cookies, pies and all the toppings at their bakehouse in Santa Barbara, and the cookies, which are crispy and chewy all at the same time, make McConnell’s ice cream sandos stand above the rest. 

POKE AT BRISTOL FARMS

multiple locations

It may sound weird to get poke at a grocery store, but in Hawaii, it’s actually where some of the best poke is found. Bristol’s tuna poke has a traditional Hawaiian preparation (soy sauce, sesame oil, white onions, etc.), and is available at a serve-yourself counter. Grab a bowl, some white rice and seaweed salad, and your lunch is set.