Father's Office
Santa Monica

This winner takes its name from the old, "Honey, I'm going to Father's office - I'll be home late tonight" line husbands used to say to their wives when they went out drinking. It's "hard to find a casual, neighborhood meeting place" in L.A., but Father's Office is one of the most popular local hangouts, maybe because "it's pretty low key, which encourages a really diverse group of people." In fact, some think it's "one of the least pretentious hang-out spots on the Westside." Either way, it's one of the only places to get a comprehensive selection of microbrewed beers in L.A. It's also locally famous for the "most amazing burgers and sweet potato fries." Waits can be long, and you'll need to pounce on the free tables well before you get your food, but, by the looks of the lines, that doesn't deter anyone. Read more.

Mashti Malone's
West Hollywood

Los Angeles is home to a large Iranian community, which means the area is a great place to try authentic Persian cuisine. Mashti Malone's takes the complexity of Persian ingredients to new heights and is overwhelmingly touted as the "best ice cream shop in L.A." Sample the expertise with flavors like ginger rose petal, saffron-pistachio, and pomegranate sorbet. There's also orange blossom, Turkish coffee, and rosewater ice cream, plus a handful of high-quality versions of vanilla, chocolate, and the like. Mashti's (as locals call it) is an "unassuming place in a mini-mart near the West Hollywood Strip," and reputedly, one "where you can bump into celebrities breaking their diets." Read more.

Nicholas Canyon County Beach
Malibu

Known as "Zeros" by local surfers, Nicholas Canyon is reportedly the beach that inspired the opening scene of Point Break. Blink, and you'll miss the turn-off from PCH. Nail the turn, and it will take you down a narrow road towards the beach. You'll have to climb down about 10 feet to reach a narrow strip of sand that "feels super private," but as they say in Baja: Bad roads bring good people--good roads bring all kinds of people. This insider spot falls into the former category, and is a prime place to ogle local surfers as they catch the year-long breaks. Editor's note: There is no lifeguard on duty at this beach. Read more.

The Bigfoot Lodge
Los Feliz

As if "Smokey the Bear opened a bar," but "hid the sign," this unmarked, local watering hole adds a dose of Adirondacks cabin style to the "design-happy neighborhood" of Los Feliz. Stacked log walls, mid-century camp furniture, and a stone fireplace with faux fire draw regulars like Drew Carrey and "everyone else at the bar." Or maybe it's the "Girl Scout cookie" cocktail, rock-'n-roll karaoke on Monday nights, or "throngs of bikers parked outside on Thursdays." It could also be the DJs who spin everything from rockabilly to vintage 80's grooves... Read more.

Beverly Hot Springs
Koreatown

"For all of L.A.'s glitz and glam, there are still a few places that celebrate down-to-earth beauty treatments." Incredibly, alkaline mineral pools are tapped from 2,200 feet below the West Hollywood/Koreatown area to create indulgent soaking tubs at this no-frills spa. Rejuvenate alongside insiders (and some A-listers) who swear by the restorative properties of the natural waters. There's also a man-made waterfall, as well as "bare-bones" body scrubs and seaweed wraps. This isn't the Red Door, but Beverly Springs can be equally rewarding - plus, you can even save $10 off the regular fee of $50 Mon-Thurs. Read more.