LAX - Millenium Biltmore

[RRrich]

Since we can, we decided to take the train from STL - CHI - PDX - LAX with the excuse that we just have to get Pastrami sandwiches at Langer's.

We will be staying at the Millenium Biltmore - What other good eats will we be near?

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Never been to Langer's for pastrami, but have heard and read good things. McArthur Park stop on the Red Line. Langer's is known for having stayed the course through times when the area was a drug/crime den. Pretty safe these days, and since the Red Line kicked in Langer's has been rewarded for perseverance by becoming a popular lunch spot for downtown working denizens - a short subway ride away.

As always, of course, there's the iconic Philippe's for French dip sandwiches - short stroll from L.A. Union Station. A few blocks away in the old Pacific Electric building is Cole's P.E. Buffet. Somewhat pricier French dip, equally historic decor, and an ongoing gripe with Phillipe's (good for both joints) over who was first on the French Dip front.

Over on Figueroa there's The Pantry, an L.A. fixture owned by former mayor Richard Riordan. Good food, good prices 24/7, but serious lines at certain times - especially for breakfast.

Then there's always a Red Line ride out to the Universal City stop. Cross over Lankershim Blvd. and take the free tram up the hill to the Universal CityWalk. Mostly a tourist trap retail mall attached to the theme park, but a food court up an escalator includes a Tommy's - insanely good chiliburgers that many Angelenos swear by.

 

[sportbiker]

Downtown has lots of great places to eat, so it all depends on your budget. At the lower end, I'd hit up Grand Central Market and try one of vendors there, like Anna Maria's for a carne asada torta; moving up, you can get a French dip at Cole's, or go next door to Blu L.A. Cafe for a burger on brioche, or Blossom for some fresh & filling Vietnamese; further up, Bottega Louie's is worthwhile for Italian food as is Pete's for sophisticated bistro food; at the higher end, Cafe Pinot, Ciudad, and Chaya are all great. For a piece of Downtown history, there's Clifton's Cafeteria on Broadway.

Just those will keep you satisfied for a week!

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Just those will keep you satisfied for a week!

Hopefully sportbiker won't mind me pointing out that he actually resides in downtown L.A., and surely has a better and more detailed perspective on good eats options than I.

 

[RRrich]

I've heard that the 'Pantry Cafe" is the place for breakfast - Agree?

Glad to hear that there is a Tommy's nearby. Chillicheeseburgers are my favorite vegetables.

 

[Shanghai]

Do you like your vegetables rare, medium or well done??

 

[ScottC4746]

Since we can, we decided to take the train from STL - CHI - PDX - LAX with the excuse that we just have to get Pastrami sandwiches at Langer's.
We will be staying at the Millenium Biltmore - What other good eats will we be near?

My favorite is on the corner of Figueroa and 5th at the Union Bank Building on street level if you are there during the work week. Cidudad as a Business man's lunch. Dress is business Casual but eat at the bar and a fixed prix menu is only $10.

There is also Johnny Rockets, Koo-Koo-Roo, La Salsa and Subway. Also across the street from there in the Westin Boniventure hotel on either the 3rd or 4th floor (I get sooooo turned around in that place), are very affordable cafes.

 

[RRrich]

Thanks for the info guys - now to find out about the Red Line

 

[Dovecote]

As always, of course, there's the iconic Philippe's for French dip sandwiches - short stroll from L.A. Union Station. A few blocks away in the old Pacific Electric building is Cole's P.E. Buffet. Somewhat pricier French dip, equally historic decor, and an ongoing gripe with Phillipe's (good for both joints) over who was first on the French Dip front.

I am a big fan of Philippe's having my first introduction back in 1978 while working at the nearby Los Angeles Produce Market. Still make a visit there when visiting my daughter who lives in nearby Anaheim.

About the establishment, I thought they had a "cash only" policy but looking at the website I noticed that they take credit cards for online orders. Can credit cards be used when counter ordering? Also, on a related matter, do any of the other establishments listed in this thread have a "cash only" policy? Always like to use my card when possible and rack up those AGR points!!!