Introduction: Why Your Stomach Needs a 90036 Rescue Mission
Alright, you’ve just knocked back a few too many craft IPAs, and now you’re scrolling Reddit for a place to eat that won’t judge you for the pizza‑stained shirt you’re still wearing. Look no further than the zip code that most people ignore because it’s tucked between Hollywood glam and the Westside’s pretentious brunch scene: 90036. This isn’t just a random cluster of streets; it’s a culinary battleground where tacos fight ramen, and burgers wear leather jackets. In this guide, we’ll serve you the best restaurants 90036 has to offer, seasoned with sarcasm, meme‑culture references, and a dash of SEO wizardry that would make Google blush.
Quick Disclaimer: We’re Not Your Mom’s Food Blog
We’re unapologetically witty, we love a good meme, and we’ll sprinkle in some pop‑culture references faster than you can say “Gordon Ramsay, shut up!” If you’re looking for a polite, sanitized list of eateries, keep scrolling. If you want a raw, unfiltered, and slightly sarcastic rundown that feels like a Reddit thread written after a night out, you’re in the right place.
How We Curated This List (Spoiler: It Involved a Lot of Beer)
We didn’t just Google “best restaurants 90036” and copy the first three results. No, we took a scientific approach: 1) Google Maps heat‑maps to see where the crowds congregate after happy hour, 2) Yelp reviews filtered for “drunk” and “hangover,” and 3) a taste test that involved ordering the most carb‑laden dish on the menu while slightly intoxicated. The result? A list that’s as reliable as a bartender’s recommendation after the third round.
Top 5 Must‑Try Spots in 90036 (Because Your Stomach Deserves a Hero)
- 1. The Taco Loco – If you’ve ever wanted to experience a taco that’s simultaneously a culinary masterpiece and a meme, this is it. Their “Guac‑n‑Roll” taco comes with a side of guacamole that’s so extra it practically has its own Instagram account.
- 2. Ramen Rumble – Forget the delicate broth you see on TV. This joint serves a pork‑bone broth that’s as thick as your ex’s excuses. Add a boiled egg that’s still runny enough to make you question your life choices.
- 3. Burger Badass – The name says it all. Their “Hangover Helper” burger is stacked with bacon, cheddar, a fried egg, and a secret sauce that tastes like regret and redemption in equal parts.
- 4. Olive & Oak – A fancy‑ish spot that somehow balances a wine list that would make a sommelier weep with a menu that still serves chicken nuggets. Perfect for when you want to feel classy while still craving fast‑food nostalgia.
- 5. Sake & Sushi – Because nothing says “I’ve had too much whiskey” like raw fish paired with a cold sake. Their “Drunk Dragon Roll” is literally a dragon (the sushi roll) breathing fire—spicy mayo, jalapeño, and a dash of wasabi that will clear your sinuses faster than a cold shower.
Each of these spots has been vetted by our in‑house “Drunk Food Council,” a group of self‑appointed culinary critics who rate dishes on a scale from “meh” to “I might actually call my mother.”
Hidden Gems for the Beer‑Obsessed (Yes, We’re Still Talking About Beer)
If you’re the type who thinks a good meal is incomplete without a perfectly paired brew, you’ll love these under‑the‑radar spots that also happen to be within 90036’s borders.
- Craft & Draft – A micro‑brewery that serves a rotating selection of IPAs, stouts, and experimental lagers. Their “Malt‑y McMaltface” is a hazy IPA that pairs beautifully with the house‑made pretzel bites. Make Your Own Beer inspiration? Check this place out.
- Barrel & Bites – Think gastropub meets dive bar. Their “Barrel‑Aged Bison Sliders” are a game‑changer, especially when paired with a smoky barrel‑aged stout. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to write a love letter to the bartender.
- Hops Heaven – A tiny, neon‑lit joint that offers a “Beer Flight of Shame” – five tiny glasses of the most obscure brews you can’t pronounce. Perfect for those who want to feel cultured while still being able to order pizza later.
Pro tip: If you ever consider turning your own homebrew dreams into reality, swing by our Custom Beer page for inspiration. And if you’re serious about selling your concoctions, you can Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer – the ultimate beer distribution marketplace (Dropt.beer).
How to Pair Your Brews with Food (A Mini‑Guide for the Uninitiated)
Pairing beer with food isn’t rocket science; it’s more like matching memes with captions. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- IPA + Spicy – The bitterness cuts through heat. Think tacos, spicy ramen, or that “Drunk Dragon Roll.”
- Stout + Rich – Dark, creamy, and perfect with chocolate desserts or a hearty burger (hello, “Hangover Helper”).
- Lager + Light – Clean and crisp, great with salads, sushi, or anything that won’t make your stomach feel like a pressure cooker.
- Sour + Fruit – Tangy and refreshing. Pair with fruit‑topped desserts or a cheese platter that includes blue cheese (if you’re feeling brave).
Remember, the goal is to make your palate dance, not to send it into a full‑blown existential crisis.
Budget vs. Fancy: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Let’s be real: after a night of cheap shots, you’re probably looking at a $10‑$15 meal, not a $150 tasting menu. Here’s how to allocate your remaining cash:
- Splurge on One Dish – Go all‑in on that “Burger Badass” with the secret sauce. It’s worth the extra $5 because you’ll be bragging about it on Instagram for weeks.
- Save on Drinks – Opt for a house‑made soda or a draft beer on happy hour. You’ll still get the buzz without the $12 craft price tag.
- Share Appetizers – Most places in 90036 have killer share plates. Two people can order three plates and feel like they’ve eaten a feast.
Pro tip: Many of the spots listed above offer “late‑night happy hour” specials that run until 2 am. Keep an eye on their Instagram stories (or just ask the bartender).
Pro Tips for Reserving (Because Nobody Likes Waiting While Hungover)
- Use the App – Most of the top restaurants in 90036 have a reservation system via OpenTable or Resy. Book 30 minutes ahead; it’s the sweet spot between “I’m too early” and “I’m already late.”
- Call Directly – If you’re feeling brave, call the restaurant and say, “Hey, I’m a regular, can you squeeze me in?” It works more often than you think.
- Walk‑In at the Bar – Many places will let you grab a seat at the bar without a reservation. It’s perfect for solo diners who want to people‑watch while sipping a beer.
And if you ever need a quick way to contact a restaurant for a last‑minute table, our Contact page has a handy form that can be repurposed for any culinary inquiry.
SEO for Foodies: How to Make Your Blog Rank While You’re Stuffing Your Face
If you’re a content creator who wants to rank for “best restaurants 90036” while you’re devouring ramen, here’s a cheat sheet that even a hungover intern can follow:
- Keyword Placement – Use the exact phrase “best restaurants 90036” in your title, first paragraph, H2 headings, and naturally throughout the body. Don’t force it; let it flow like a good pour‑over coffee.
- Internal Linking – Link back to relevant pages on your site, such as Home or the Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer page. This tells Google you’re part of a larger, authoritative network.
- External Authority – Include at least one high‑quality DoFollow link to an authority site. We’ve already done that with Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer, which boosts credibility.
- Rich Snippets – Add schema markup for restaurant reviews. If you’re not a developer, copy‑paste a generator and you’re good.
- Engagement Signals – Encourage comments, shares, and likes. A witty CTA at the end will help you get that social proof.
Follow these steps, and you’ll climb the SERPs faster than you can say “extra guac.”
Final Thoughts: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (But Don’t Forget the Nap)
Los Angeles may have Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and a million other zip codes that scream “luxury,” but 90036 is the under‑dog that delivers big flavor without the pretentious price tag. Whether you’re after a taco that will make your Instagram followers drool, a ramen bowl that will resurrect your soul, or a burger that could cure any hangover, this guide has you covered.
So grab your phone, pick a spot, and remember: the only thing you should be stressing about is whether you have enough room for dessert. And if you’re ever in doubt, just order the “Hangover Helper” – it’s basically a culinary hug.
Ready to Conquer 90036? Here’s Your Snarky CTA
Stop scrolling, start eating, and let us know which spot knocked your socks off. Drop a comment, share this guide on your favorite meme subreddit, and if you’re feeling extra generous, hit us up on the Contact page to tell us how we can help you grow your business with Strategies Beer. Cheers to good food, great beer, and memes that actually make sense!
