Swingers Diner Hollywood




Swingers Diner in Hollywood is an Andy Warhol inspired late night healthy alternative eatery in the Miracle Mile district in Los Angeles. The menu features nostalgic Americana iconography including Bob Marley, Calvin and Hobbes, Starsky & Hutch, Jimmy Cliff amongst many others.

We stopped in here after rocking out at the Madonna concert at Dodger stadium this past Thursday. After dancing the night away we had all worked up quite an appetite for some late night grub on the lighter side of the calorie spectrum. Our Friends Johanna and Nikki had suggested the place and I told them that I always wanted to check it out but had never had the opportunity as we had traditionally had our late night meals on the east-side of Hollywood. I had passed by Swingers on many occasions as it has become a significant landmark in the Beverly Center/Grove neighborhood.

The eclectic menu was mirrored after the decor on the walls offering healthier options of typical diner fare including Soyrizo Nachos and Chili fries prepared with Turkey or Veggie Chili. During the show I had worked up quite the craving for Mexican food. After giving the menu a quick glance I decided on the Breakfast Burrito. It is stuffed with three scrambled eggs, jack and cheddar cheese, black beans, green onions and cilantro wrapped in a flour tortilla(or wheat tortilla by request) and topped with guacamole, tomatillo sauce and fresh salsa. Other people at the table ordered the Tortilla Soup, Challah French Toast, Chili Cheese Fries and the Soyrizo Nachos.

When your late night cravings and urges to eat need to be realized and you want to satisfy them and don’t want to blow your diet than Swingers Hollywood is the place to go. The modern music on the Juke box will also keep your body moving through your meal. Street parking is available.

Swingers
8020 Beverly Blvd(Beverly Blvd. @ Laurel Avenue)
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4504
Phone: (323) 653-5858

Hours: Daily 6:30am-4am

http://www.swingersdiner.com/



















A wannabe vegetarian succumbs to a late night cornedbeef sandwich at Canters, and then repents over a pineapple shake and zucchini fries at Astro Burger


Article provided courtesy of Jeremy Ferrick a good friend and fellow foodie.
http://jeremyferrick.blogspot.com

So, I understand the merits of vegetarianism. I would say I do not eat meat about 95% of the time. I love juicing, raw fooding, vegan cupcakes, etc. But whenever I sit down at Canters on Fairfax the omnivore in me just jumps out of nowhere. I once was told by an actor in Northern California that sometimes he makes the 425 mile drive from his house just to go get a Pastrami sandwich. There’s just nothing like a a plate of hot food after a sweaty gig in the adjacent Kibitz room. (My band has played there a dozen times this year.) And the Matzo Ball soup, while not quite as good as Grandma’s, comes pretty darn close. (That’s mainly veggie, except, I think the broth.)
My friends and I are usually throwing food around there like it’s going out of style. Trading half a tuna for half a caesar salad, tossing bagel chips at each other in the heat of debate (comes with the matzo ball soup.) If your brain needs an omega three break during your late night studies, grab some bagels and lox!

Gotta get that Screenplay pounded out by next weekend? The coffee is strong here. And the waitstaff is truly inspirational. They’ve got attitude, stories, and many have been around quite a few years. It’s a non kosher greasy spoon with a yiddish flavor, where the extroverted come to be reclusive, and the timid come to rock out! Canter’s was established in 1924, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Check them out here: www.cantersdeli.com

Of course if you’re trying to avoid a Gastric bypass, hop down the street to Swingers at 8020 Beverly Blvd. It’s literally around the corner from Canters. Decked out in with a Warhol- retro vibe, it’s opened until 4 in the morning, and everything I’ve ever eaten here is fantastic. It’s fairly healthy, and when I want a vegan burrito it’s the perfect place. If you’re in the mood for some finger food you can load up on some of the few dozen side dishes they have, most of which are fairly affordable and range from quinoa, goat cheese, sauteed zucchini, or my personal fave, the homemade guacamole. Honestly, their menu is so vast, and not just with shakes, smoothies, entrees and desserts, but there is also a fairly substantial booze section in case you want to continue your late night buzz! In my group, a lot of times we recommend that for anyone who has a long drive ahead, the rocket shake will give you the fuel you need. It’s your basic chocolate shake but it’s got an extra dose of espresso, AND some espresso beans thrown in for good measure. Check it out!
http://www.swingersdiner.com/

If you’re looking for a quicker fix, we have a third option, where I believe you can do no wrong. The Astro Burger is a great late night alternative. There’s a few of them, I recommend the one at 7475 Santa Monica Blvd. They’re opened until three in the morning and offer everything from fried zucchini (a veggie favorite) to the pineapple shake (my personal favorite.) It’s a classic example of Los Angeles at it’s Melting pot multicultural best. It offers an assortment of yummified mouth watering pleasantries from Greece and Mexico, AND a vegetarian menu that it filled with so many deluxe items (I must admit I haven’t tried them all – but will.) For all you Carnivores, there’s more than enough for your palate. It’s a guilty omnivore’s dream- and easier to stay on the Veggie side of the Gastronomical line than other restaurants previously mentioned. (Sorry Canters.)

As far as veggie burgers go, there is no rival for their garden burger. I prefer the non soy patty which is a blend of mushrooms, onions, herbs, and low fat cheese. There is a soy cheese available upon request, but I’m personally avoiding soy for now so can’t recommend it. Anyways, I’ve tasted v.b.’s at every corner of the planet and prefer the ones that you can find at the Santa Monica and Gardener Astro burger. http://www.astroburger.com/



Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles after the Hollywood Bowl Show




After countless drives past this famous Hollywood landmark we were finally lured into this Soul Food establishment.  We went from the Hollywood Bowl to Roscoe’s in minutes and found a parking space right in front.  Our party consisted of 7 people and we were all craving waffles after the Michael Franti & Spearhead show sponsored by KCRW.

We were seated at a large family style table and we all knew that we wanted chicken & waffles.  After some strategic thought on the menu selections the group decided on the three selections below:

1. Scoe’s 1/4 Chix prepared southern style, 2 Waffles, our own private mix

5. Jeanne Jones Omelette Combination of cheese and chicken in a delicious omelette, served with French fries or a waffle

19. Thigh, Leg, Rice With gravy and biscuit with Breast or 2 Wings

The most common entree was the 1. Scoes.  The chicken was bountiful, hot, crispy, and seasoned to perfection.  While eating my Scoes I combined two simple condiments (Hot Sauce & Maple Syrup) and created a sweet/hot mouthwatering sauce for dipping the chicken. The majority of the group were newbie’s and we all felt unanimously that the chicken and waffles from Roscoe’s is amazing and we plan to make many more pilgrimages here with our congregation of foodies.  The next time I get the craving for some comfort food you will know where to find me.  I will be at a table at Roscoe’s with my #1 Scoe’s.
Scoes 1 & 2

http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/

1514 N Gower St
Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 466-7453