1155 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA
323-871-2666
American staples like meatloaf, roasted chicken, spaghetti and Caesar salad, (mostly) made from organic, locally farmed produce and meat.
459 N. Roxbury Dr., Beverly Hills, CA
310-271-0027
This family-owned cafe serves solid, American diner food: burgers, sandwiches, omelets, etc. And be sure to try their chevaps, a traditional Balkan sausage made from a blend of beef and pork.
22818 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA
818-887-1076
For good but healthy food on the run, Tikki Grill’s got your number. Mixing American favorites with Indian spices, Tikki’s top seller – the combo with your choice of chicken or steak with two sides, including rice, mashed potatoes, black beans or vegetables – is easy on your waistline and...
10977 Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, CA
562-868-9549
Mexican fruit parfaits and smoothies
429 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
310-392-4937
At the north end of the Venice boardwalk, a little removed from the heart of the action, is the welcoming Figtree's Cafe. The usual semi-healthy California fare is served here--veggie burritos loaded with sour cream and cheese, grilled chicken on un-buttered bread, but served with a mountain of...
1 Westminster Ave., Venice, CA
310-452-3034
A quaint little juice bar barely a block from Venice Beach, Fruit Gallery serves up fresh juices and smoothies, along with salads, wraps and a variety of healthful bottled drinks (think Kombucha) for take-out. Healthful living is the key theme here, making it a welcome respite for those days when...
3524 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
323-664-0404
Millie's is a Silver Lake breakfast and brunch institution. It's located in an aged brick storefront with plenty of outdoor seating and a tiny indoor counter for couples or those dining solo. Band fliers make peering through the large front window nearly impossible and most of the scruffy-looking...
1198 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach, CA
562-596-9556
Blackboard Bistro occpies a former schoolhouse, and inside they continue the classroom theme: the menu is divided into homeroom, recess, and after-school specials (whether that's a good or bad thing is up in the air). The menu is hearty and American with classics like grilled cheese. The patio is a...
278 E. Sepulveda Blvd., Carson, CA
310-834-9593
This SoCal smoothie shop has two locations, but both feature the same—take a guess!—blended drinks. On a hot day, try the Watermelon-Honey smoothie. And we'd be remiss not to inform you that they also serve a Chocolate Fudge smoothie.
6805 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA
323-935-5877
Inexpensive rotisserie chicken is the specialty here, served in pitas, wraps, sandwiches or on its own, along with a wide selection of side dishes.