Spring quarter is well underway, and with the change in quarters comes the dissolution of my seasonal depression and the recharge of my social battery. I can always use new restaurants to try, and as the weather gets warmer, I increasingly want to sit and eat outside. So, I scoured the internet and asked friends, and the following are the beginnings of My Spring Outdoor Dining Bucket List:
- Benny Boy Brewing
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This brewery in Lincoln Heights would be a riot even for beer-haters. They host a variety of food pop ups, with a packed calendar online boasting some of the yummiest looking food I’ve ever seen. They also do chicken poop bingo (which is exactly what it sounds like) and a ton of other events and activities to attend, from karaoke to networking to art sales. Regardless of the hour and a half long bus ride from Westwood, Benny Boy will undoubtedly be packed this spring, and I will be the first in line.
- Cafe 27
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Perched in the trees, nestled between branches is a treehouse-esque cafe with tons of specialty lattes and a pretty wide variety of food. The scenery, though, is definitely unbeatable and a little escape into a forest feels like such a nice way to start a weekend. The only caveat is that the cafe does not seem to be accessible by public transportation, so alternative methods of travel to the cafe’s location in Topanga are needed.
- El Cid
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I’ve actually been to an event here but have not tried the food, so a return is a must. The outdoor patio is lovely and secluded, with a super romantic feel and lights everywhere. There are all kinds of events offered on an almost daily basis, with flamenco performances being one of the venue’s main attractions, as well as a tapas menu I am excited to try. The restaurant is also very easily accessible on the #2 bus, which you can catch at Le Conte and Westwood.
- Bacari Silver Lake
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As indicated by the name, this lovely establishment is located in Silver Lake and is super easy to get to from Westwood on the #2 bus. Hidden in the trees, Bacari Silver Lake has a bright and enticing menu and a rustic, campy-looking feel. There seems to be ample space, soft string lighting surrounding the open patio. Their drinks look fabulous as well so remember to drink responsibly and grab some of “the best cake you’ve ever had” for the ride home.
To continue this list, I’m going to need to get more thorough. It actually took quite a bit of time to compile a list of ~vaguely~ affordable outdoor dining spots in L.A. I recognize that I’m not the first person to think Los Angeles is expensive, but c’mon. Thirty dollars for an appetizer is a bit hard to take. That aside, one of the best things about L.A. is being able to be outside all the time, so take advantage and explore all of your options.