Inexpensive Dates: Echo Park

*

I love Echo Park. It's the perfect place to go on a date. Whether it's the first date or the 21st, Echo Park's a nice stretch, not expensive, and there's so much to do. It's also nice for walking and certainly appeals to this native New Yorker. There are a lot of stores in which to browse, cafes for eclectic people gazing, and lawn art to admire. There is of course at times a bit of a dark side -- a little pollution, some polluted people -- but I don't know, doesn't bother me. And there's a lot to do. Like a lot.

I have hand-picked a few suggestions to give you a taste of what Echo Park has to offer for when you're taking someone out and would like to have some money left over in your wallet the next morning.

First off: Parking. Unlike the rest of LA where parking is usually SUCH a pain in the ass, Echo Park parking is easy. The main thrust of the action resides in two stretches: the first is between Logan and Rosemont on Sunset and the second is a few blocks on Echo Park Avenue between Scott and Lucretia (though there are stragglers beyond in both directions). You can find a bunch of street parking on Echo Park Ave., around the lake of course, and also west of Rosemont on Sunset. There's also easy metered parking (though some only take coinage). Finally there's a public parking lot behind Sunset between Echo Park Ave. and Logan that's not expensive.

It's at that last location where you'll find The Echo Park Farmer's Market, from 3 to 7pm every Friday.

It's not a huge Farmer's Market but it has a lot of fun stuff, is great for strolling and you'll come across good tastes like the Kombucha from Better Booch, a specialty local Kombucha maker. I happen to think Farmer's Markets are great walking and talking dates, which if you're free on a Friday afternoon, why not? To that end if it is a day date, one of my all-time favorite (and inexpensive) things to do is go on the pedal boats at the newly restored Echo Park Lake.

This place is so much fun and beautiful and goofy. It only costs ten bucks a person (unless you're from the Echo Park zip code and it's Wednesday, then it's $10 for the two of you). Pedaling right up to that fountain is pretty awesome and you'll get wet so don't be too prissy about your outfit. There are ducks on the lake, protected lily pads and cute people like yourselves, wearing their life jackets and risking it all. 

Early in the relationship it's good to find out how you and your potential life partner work as a team in a sea vessel 

It gets busy on the weekends so be prepared to wait, but luckily Square One has set up shop at the boathouse. Most everything costs under 8 bucks and the bacon is delightful. 

Square One at The Boathouse

They have Intelligentsia coffee and for lunch they offer a varied selection of sandwiches and salads. What I like about this place is it has the perfect balance. They've got the healthy Kale Salad but they also have hot dogs. And I'm not going to snub my nose at the frozen banana with milk chocolate and nuts. Nothing wrong with that. ($3.50 and a lot of good memories).

If it is the outdoors that's up your alley but spending money is not, go for a hike. Nearby Elysian Park is not nearly as overrun as Runyon, has tons of beauty and IT'S FREE!

I come here with my dog all the time and all I can tell you is he's in love with me. It's not that difficult to find either. When you're on Echo Park Ave., just go right at The Chevron onto Morris and you'll take a right up Morris Terrace.

But not everyone wants to work out on their dates. Sometimes just sitting down and eating sugar with a new love is the sweetest way to "break bread." Thankfully one day I happened to stumble into Valerie, a new bakery by lauded LA confectioner Valerie and her husband, Stan. Well... let the confectioning begin...

Valerie has AMAZING petit fours. I mean award winning: Champagne, Ginger, Macha, Lemon and no one is going to suddenly say Valerie is inexpensive but these are! In my humble opinion, all you need is two: one for me, one for you.

That's 8 to 9 bucks for the two of you, in and out. It could be just the sweet bite you need to get you there.

Another dessert idea, if that's your thang, is Pazzo Gelato. I've been going to the one in Silverlake for years. This one's right next to the Citibank on Sunset.

There's almost always Madagascar Vanilla and Almond Fig (yum). And both the gelato and sorbetto are heaven. Pure heaven. Fresh Mint Chip might not sound as exotic as their more elaborate flavors but trust me if they have it, that's real fresh mint in there and it's good for you and your breath. If you want to go dairy-free try the sorbetto. Peach, Toasted Coconut or Rhubarb are to die for. They are many interesting flavors and they have a reputation for the unique (ie.: Fleur de Cactus). And they've got a little Happy Hour deal. From 4 to 5pm every day each scoop is $1.50 with a 2 scoop maximum.

Now both these spots though close by 6pm. So if it's sort of at a later moment you might want to share some sweets with your new sweet...

The Brite Spot

Sugar is served up to 3am at The Brite Spot, Wednesday thru Saturday. (Sunday thru Tuesday it's open until midnight). You can be like a bobby soxer and split a milkshake here for $6 or a Rootbeer Float for $5. And I happen to be of the belief that a diner is a great place to hang out with someone new or not so new. Diners are intimate, they're relaxed, music's playing, and usually some drunk people (maybe you) are sandwiched in a booth nearby for some entertainment value. And if this is a really good date, think about it: A diner's a great place to get your first breakfast.

Speaking of food...

•Xoia

Xoia (pronounced Soya) is a funky, cute place, with great interior design and a delicious Vietnamese menu with a teeny bit of Mexican thrown in. My favorite are the Vietnamese Crepes with Lemongrass Beef. That's $9.25. Also the Crispy Tacos, 3 for $6.75, are delicious and satisfying (I love the Pork/Shrimp). And not for nothin but the Vietnamese Ice Coffee will kick your ass.

•Guisados

I loooooooooooooooooooooove Guisados. This is hands down one of my favorite taquerias in the whole damn city. I don't find it outrageously romantic but the food is so good, who cares? And there's this great outdoor patio with twinkly lights. Try the Tinga de Pollo (stew-y, rich and delicious) and Calabacitas tacos ($2.50 a taco). I must say there are a few downsides. Guisados is at 1261 Sunset Boulevard meaning, it's almost downtown. Therefore if you're where all the action is you'll have to drive to Guisados if you want some tacos. Secondly the parking lot is rather small. If you can, park on the street. Finally, I'm not the only one who knows how good Guisados is. It's kind of famous. So you might be waiting on line for a bit. Oh well! Time to get to know how you both handle waiting.

•Sage

I just went to Sage for the first time recently and I have to say, it's a really great place. The reason I said "I have to say" is I'm not a health nut. I'm ashamed/proud to admit I'm a carnivore or rather an everythingavore. To purposely go to a strictly vegetarian restaurant almost never appeals to me. Therefore "I have to say" I was pleasantly surprised. Sage is lovely and fun. It has a lot of life to it. Even when I didn't go I'd always take notice how many people were in there. It looked pretty hoppin' from the outside. I wondered, do I have to get healthy to step inside? The answer is no. But you can be healthy for the hour you're on your date and not go broke eating fresh, well-prepared vegetarian.

Girls on a date at Sage

I had the Soul Bowl. It was downright delicious. Tons of stuff in there: Kale, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, crunchy okra that I loved... Super filling, too. I could've split this with someone and made it a meal - though let me tell you, try to suggest that on the first date and you might come across as a little cheap. Speaking of moola, it didn't break the bank at $12.95 for my meal (this was lunch). Dinner prices are $14 for most entrees and around 8 bucks for most apps. And it's a bring your own wine spot. Give it a go. If you really need meat, just know you can always hit an In and Out on the ride home.

Still lunch or dinner (or breakfast for that matter) might be too big of a commitment for you. Many people meet for a cup of coffee - just to see if they want to take it further. If you're going to do that, I strongly suggest you at least have a good cup of coffee or go to an interesting place. That way if you're not into your date, you're happy you drank the coffee or discovered a new hang-out. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Tierra Mia fan (on Alvarado, north Sunset) but I'd also like to suggest Fix. 

The outdoor patio at Fix in Echo Park

This is such a cool cafe. I had an ice coffee there and loved it. It wasn't hot coffee with ice dropped into it but cold coffee. For the record, that's the way they should do it. Otherwise it gets soupy and thin and gives you a stomach ache. Hokay. Fix is way up there on Echo Park Avenue. My suggestion is to park where a little more stuff is going on, like around Flounce, Chango and Valerie, and actually walk up the avenue to get some fresh air on your way to caffeinate together as a couple for the very first time. On the way, there's some pretty awesome houses with such fantastic lawn art, you'll be impressed:

Lawn Art provides interesting Landscape Chat

Another coffee place but one that has more than the eats and the java, is Stories. It keeps you right where everything is happening on Sunset and offers an insight into your paramour's reading taste - which could be good to know. 

The coffee's not the point here. Stories has a great outdoor patio and browsing at books and sneaking glances above Che Guevera postcards is cinematically sexy. Plus there's a parking lot in the back.

Stories patio. They have little events here, too.

Of course if you've done the walking, you're caffeinated, you ate... how about checking out some good stores?

Origami Vinyl

Think about perusing the records at Origami Vinyl or the trinkets, clothing and art at Vlad. Actually the latter currently has some art up on the wall by my friend Jason Hadley that is very cool. I also recommend popping into some thrift and vintage clothing stores. Try something on. Even if it doesn't look good, the on/off motion implies there is a willingness on your part to be naked. Two places that come to mind immediately are Sunday's Best Thrift Store and Flounce. Sunday's Best is at 1547 Sunset Blvd. and it's one of the nicest thrift stores in LA: Small, attentive customer service and it's well-organized. But I have a very big soft spot for Flounce Vintage on Echo Park Ave. They have beautiful and very feminine clothing circa 30's, 40's on up.

Slipping into something more comfortable at Flounce in Echo Park

Nothing like putting on a swanky little Bette Davis number or a floppy Carly Simon hat to get your mojo moving.

But all this could sound like work to you. Or just not up your alley. Maybe you want to relax, release the tension, get rid of your nerves while lying down. Amen to that. For a little serious R & R I highly recommend Echo Foot Lounge.

It looks like nothing from the outside but inside you will NOT be disappointed. 

The lobby at Echo Foot Lounge

Echo Foot Lounge is a cerebral, mellow space with an incredibly helpful staff who just want to reflexologize you into feeling happy. In a communal room, you will get a very lovely rub-down at a cost that is pretty much unheard of.  A custom 1 hour full foot and body massage is 30 DOLLARS! They also have a 30 minute massage for 20 bucks but I'm like, we're just warming up at minute 29. You do stay clothed so you might want to wear something that can be manipulated for the masseuse. The evening I visited, I went from anxious to noodle-ish and I think it made it so I was good company for the rest of the night. Because it was good for me. Which leads me to say even if you're not on a date, come here anyway. Treat yourself! You will feel fantastic afterward.

As for shaking that new and relaxed and improved body, how about going to hear some music? Everyone knows The Echo is a fine place to catch a show. Admission is free every Monday night in January and frankly most of the other nights won't cost you financial agita either. Just check out their calendar for what's coming up. Tickets are usually under $20 unless a big name is headlining (ie.: Lucinda Williams in February is $24-34 a pop).

Though if a more intimate atmosphere is more your speed, I found what I think is one of the most wonderful speakeasys in all of LA while researching this post. 

1642 is at 1642 Temple, right near a Tamale place and not near anything else. I mean it. It's not like you're at The Echo Foot Lounge and are going to stroll over here afterwards. You're going to have to drive.

That being said, it's worth it. Step inside and it's like the outside no longer exists. It's such a warmly lit atmosphere, they have such lovely little tables, and with candles lit on each. I also like the fact there is an insanely friendly and ingratiating bartender. For their more raucous evenings, they have an awesome open jam the first Thursday of every month, lead by Triple Chicken Foot. It's for old-timey music lovers and anyone can bring their fiddle and bow if they want to join in. Also on Thursdays, from 6-8pm, you get a tamale with your beer or wine as part of their Happy Hour. But honestly any night here is romantic and fun and in the best way 1642 reminds me of the most romantic haunts in NYC.

That about sums it up. I hope wherever you go, whatever you do, you find the love you're looking for very soon. These posts are so nothing stands in the way of you're finding that love. Even in LA.

Sexy is the attitude of Echo Park (art from Stories Books & Cafe)

When you go:

Echo Park Farmer's Market Every Friday, rain or shine, from 3 to 7, on Logan, just south of Sunset.
Echo Park Pedal Boats is at 751 Echo Park Ave. **
Square One at the Boat House is at 751 Echo Park Ave. Kitchen's open every day 8-3p. Coffee & pastries until 5pm. 213.481.8495.
Elysian Park is off of Morris Terrace.
Valerie is at 1665 Echo Park Ave. Open Wednesday thru Saturday, 8 to 6. Sundays 9 to 5. 213.250.9365.
Pazzo Gelato is at 1910 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.353.9263. Open until 6.
The Brite Spot Diner is at 1918 Sunset Blvd. 213.484.9800.
Xoia is located at 1801 W. Sunset Blvd.  213.413.3232.
Guisados is at 1261 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.250.7600. Mon thru Thursday, 10:30  to 9. Fridays and Saturdays it's open until 10pm. Sundays it closes at 5.
Sage is located at 1700 W. Sunset Blvd. Check website for hours.
Tierra Mia is at 1202 N. Alvarado. It's open daily from 6:30am to 10pm.
Fix is at 2100 Echo Park Ave. Monday thru Friday, 7 to 7. Saturdays & Sundays 8 to 7. 323.284.8962. They offer a full menu.
Stories Books & Cafe 1716 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.3733. Check site for special events.
Origami Vinyl is at 1816 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.3030. It's open 7 days a week, Sunday thru Thursday, noon til 9, Fridays and Saturdays it's open until 10pm.
Vlad the Retailer is at 2153 W. Sunset Blvd.
Sunday's Best Thrift Apparel is at 1547 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.986.5695.
Flounce Vintage is at 1555 Echo Park Ave. 213.481.1975. (p.s. I love that phone number).
Echo Foot Lounge is at 2148 W. Sunset Blvd. 323.452.FOOT (3668). Open Monday thru Friday, 12-8pm. Saturdays & Sundays, 10 to 9:30pm.
The Echo and Echoplex is at 1822 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.8200. Entrance to The Echoplex is at 1154 Glendale Boulevard (through the alley). For updates follow them @theechola
1642 is at 1642 W. Temple. Can't walk there from these other places -- or rather I wouldn't recommend it. 213.989.6826.

Enjoy!

* First picture is from 1642 Bar.
**Echo Park is in the 90026 zip code

Inexpensive Dates: Let's Start Downtown

Seems to me that dating on the cheap, which is far different than a cheap date, actually requires more thought, more research and a willingness to have fun that is not wholly dependent upon alcohol. Not only that but it accomplishes something that I think is very cool: it shows a lot about the person who planned the date. It lets someone see how creative you are, what interests you and what secrets you know about the city in which you live. So yes, you can impress your lady or gentleman by taking them to a fancy restaurant overlooking the water. But when it comes to dating, especially in LA, that's a little ho-hum compared to what probably would cost you a fraction of the price.

Have a drink by the pool at Hotel Figueroa

In other words, LA does not have to be cost prohibitive when you're going on a date. In fact in doing my research, I've been told of so many good inexpensive dating ideas in so many different parts of town that I can't fit it all into one post. So I'm breaking them into neighborhoods. God willing, by the time I'm done, I will have covered everywhere from Downtown to Santa Monica (and all that is in between).

To begin, let's start with the egg. Eventually we'll get to the chicken.

DOWNTOWN:

On a 2nd date at Mo-Chica. They were nice enough to pose for a picture. Aren't they cute?

Downtown LA, depending where you are, can be pure sexy. I truly believe this. If a dinner date is what you had in mind, there are a bunch of places that won't break the bank. I'm a huge fan of Mo-chica, an outstanding Peruvian restaurant on 7th between Grand and Olive, that has been written up on just about every best list LA has to offer. I recommend splitting one of their ceviches (like the Albacore or Yellowtail - $14). Entrees are usually 14 or 15 bucks each and the quality could easily be found at any fancy dancy restaurant anywhere in the world. Not the choices though - the menu is outrageously special and particular to the chef and owner Ricardo Zarate. Mo-Chica is authentic and a true gem of the city.

One of their more unique dishes and my absolute favorite is the Estofado de Alpaca - that's alpaca stew. 100% outstanding. And how often do you eat Alpaca? I mean, really, talk about an icebreaker. (tip: if for some reason you find yourself hungry any day between 2:30 and 5pm, you get a 20% discount off your entire bill).

I think fun can also be had going to Wurstkuche and The Pie Hole for a 1-2 punch.

They're across the street from each other in the Arts District, a block away from Little Tokyo. Even though you can't make a ressie at Wurstkuche and there's usually a line, it's okay. You might have fun chatting while on queue (I'm English now) and once you get inside you get to eat delicious crazy sausage (they have rattlesnake & rabbit sausage, I'm serious) fantastic fries and there's beer on tap... Classic type sausages (like the brat) go for 6 bucks and the real exotic types go for 8. It's also a fun communal kind of hang out. In other words, it's usually buzzing and hopping inside and at night there's a dj.

Once you're done with dinner, you might want to get some fresh air, walk across the street, and dig on some pie. The Pie Hole, open until 11, has great pie and coffee. Mmmm... pie and coffee. Sweet pie slices are 6 and under. And just so you know, The Pie Hole also serves savory pies. Those cost 6.75 or less. So, if sausage ain't your thing, make it pie for dinner. Frankly I see this restaurant as a win-win situation.

Over on Fig, you can pop into Colori.

Colori Kitchen

Well, you can't really pop in unless your plan is to wait on line for an hour. Trust me and make a ressie. This place is popular because it's cheap and GOOD. So there's a bit of hustle and bustle, but it's excellent for a reasonably priced totally autentico Italian dinner. (they have a bone in NY steak for 22 dollars that is delicious. Personally though, I'm much more into Risotto ai Funghi di Bosco for 15 bucks. Molto bene).

Afterwards, the Hotel Fig really isn't that far away. Stop by for a nightcap. I do think this is one of the more romantic hotels in the city with the lights, the pool, the Moroccan design...

Cozy up, snuggle up, get a room...?

For things that have NOTHING to do with eating and drinking...

During the daytime, it might be fun to go window shopping on Olvera Street, see what's what. Get a taste of old LA.

Olvera Street

And do one of those Angels Flight flights on Hill to Grand for only 50 cents a pop. Why not, right? You can take a nice walk at the top, around The Disney Concert Hall, which I think is one of the most stupendous structures on the planet. And if it's Thursday, MOCA is free from 5 to 8pm.

When it gets nice and cold outside - December? - think about iceskating in Pershing Square.

Carlos & Ellen, Pershing Square, on a date

That's on Olive & 5th. The price to rent the skates is $8 and you'll have to shell out 1 buck for a locker. There's music playing, other lovers out in the rink, families too... it's all a pretty sweet deal and atmosphere. And might I add that cold weather is a great excuse to put your arm around someone to keep them warm. If you think this isn't a good idea because you're a klutz, I relate. But something you should realize is that nervousness and the mere fact you're trying is very endearing. Besides, what someone does when you do fall is a good sign whether they're the right one for you. Am I right? I put this up there in the category of Worth The Risk.

Maybe afterwards, to soothe all those sore muscles from the ice, how 'bout getting a couple's massage?

Pho Siam

Pho Siam is in a weird location, near Chinatown and really close to Echo Park. Though the neighborhood is nothing to write home about, inside is a little oasis where these wonderful Thai women knead you around like pretzel dough until you're as relaxed as a lotus petal floating on water. Because it's a couple's massage you might want to have a certain comfort level with your paramour. But let's face it, you're almost naked, side by side, getting a rubdown. What more do you need? Barry White on the ster-e-o? A couple's massage is $50 per person. While I don't think that cost is too high - especially for the quality of what you're receiving - if your budget is say 30 bucks for the two of you for the whole night, this just will not do.

So how about something for free? If you think ahead or happen to be reading this the 2nd Thursday of whatever month you're in...

The Last Bookstore, 2nd Floor, Art Walk

Check out LA's Downtown Artwalk. I'm a HUGE fan (you'll find many posts about it here). It is so much fun, walking around, popping your head into this gallery or that...

Holding hands, looking at art. There ain't nothin wrong with that.

Maybe you want to cap the evening off with something sweet? How about while trolling around the galleries you check out Big Man Bakes, my favorite cupcake downtown. Or perhaps get a late night nibble at Nickel Diner.

My husband in front of The Nickel Diner. Photo by Carlos Michel.

In fact, that was the first date my husband and I went on when we got back together after the big break-up and before the big marriage. We kissed on the corner of something and something, popped into The Nickel Diner because he knew I liked bacon, and we sat across from one another, staring into each other's eyes, over a maple bacon doughnut ($2.75). Nothing spells romance like bacon. I really mean that.

Next stop, Echo Park.

DEETS:

Mo-chica is at 514 W. 7th Street, LA, CA 90014. 213-622-3744. If you have a KCRW card, you get %15 off (excluding alcohol).
Wurstkuche is at 800 East 3rd Street, LA, CA 90013. 213-687-4444. If you have a KCRW card, you get 15% off (including alcohol).
The Pie Hole is at 714 Traction Ave., LA, 90013. 213-537-0015.
Colori Kitchen is at 429 West 8th Street and 800 Figueroa Street, LA, CA, 90014.
Figueroa Hotel is at 939 South Figueroa Street, LA, CA 90015. 213-627-8971.
Olvera Street is about 2 blocks from City Hall.
Pershing Square is at 532 South Olive Street, LA, CA 90013.
Pho Siam is at 1525 Pizarro Street, LA, CA 90026. Call to book an appointment at 213-484-8484.
LA Downtown Artwalk's website
Big Man Bakes is at 413 South Main Street, LA, CA 90013. 213-617-9100.
Nickel Diner is at 524 South Main Street, LA, CA 90013. 213-623-8301.

Parking downtown can be a bit of a pain in the butt. You can though drive around for lots and probably stumble upon a decent price. If possible, think of taking the Metro line. Check HERE for more information.

ENJOY!