Intelligentsia

Intelligentsia is a coffee shop located at Silverlake Junction, specializing in high-end espresso and coffee drinks. They recently took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the barista championships.

Visits: 80+

Andrew Says: If you really, really care about coffee, this is the shop for you. The price will turn many people away, with a cup of coffee running you around $4 (no refill), but for coffee connoisseurs it's worth it.. They use the Clover brewing method for their 'drip', which in my opinion produces the best cup possible. Another turn-off may be the clientèle, which ranges from people talking loudly and chain-smoking to people talking loudly on their cell phone and chain-smoking. Intelligentsia is at hipster ground zero, so be prepared to wade through a sea of hungover failed musicians just to get to the counter. The shop does offer some very tasty baked goods, with surprisingly good donuts, and an almond croissant that seems to be 80% delicious butter.

Overall: 5/5


Veg Friendly: They do have soy (no charge for cold soy), but I doubt there is a vegan pastry in the case.

Dog Friendly: There are usually a few dogs outside, and they will let you bring your dog inside (Peaches loves it), but there are also a lot of birds around, so know your dog before you bring her.

Cost: Coffee and a pastry for one: $7

Mako

Mako is a teeny tiny Japanese restaurant, sequestered nearly in the lobby of a movie theater on Vermont that specializes in diner-style food. Blink twice and you might miss it, with its unassuming decor and tiny sign. Notorious for their 'C' rating from the health board they were recently bumped up to an 'A' (or discovered photoshop). The service ranges from curt and quick to completely silent, but you get what you pay for.

Visits: 6+

Andrew Says: The 'C' rating had kept me away from this spot for a few months, although the incredibly inexpensive menu teased me from the window. When they finally received an 'A' I gave it a shot, and have been hooked since! Pardon the fish pun, Natalie has corrected my English and it's not pronounced Make-o like the shark, but 'Mah-ko'. Now you know. The biggest draw of this place has to be the price. Don't get me wrong, every dish I've had is very tasty, but the price is simply unbeatable. Dinner for two is going to run you about $11 on average. That's basically half-priced eating in Los Angeles. You might imagine skimpy dishes, but your money goes a long way. For $4.95 you can get veggie tempura, with a little cabbage salad and a bowl of miso soup. For even less than that you can get Yakisoba noodles with the side salad, or fried rice. There's something that evokes gritty, Blade Runner visions of Los Angeles just hunching over the counter, watching the grill man do seven things at once and suddenly -poof- your food is there. As for the service, we once had a waiter that ran completely silent. A literal stealth waiter. He approached our table, gave us a little nod to commence ordering, brought our food in silence, and then the bill. It was odd, but it really wasn't as off-putting as you might think. Who needs cheap pleasantries when I can get a $3 plate of noodles?

Overall: 4/5

Veg Friendly: There are veggie options, including the Miso soup (I checked), tempura, yakisoba and fried rice.

Dog Friendly: There are two tables outside, but no water bowl. The staff would likely give you a bowl if you asked.

Cost: Dinner for two with tip: $12