Bounded by Wilshire and Olympic boulevards, this central Santa Monica neighborhood has a wealth of food, arts and entertainment activities for your to explore. Any neighborhood that’s known for its tacos, theater, and restorative thai spa treatments is top notch in our books.
A Cut Above Butcher Shop
Chef Eddy Shin has been in the L.A. food scene for over 20 years—he’s a self-taught butcher, expert dry-ager, and committed sourcer of the best organic, grass-fed meats available. Grab a couple of cold cuts to go, or tuck into one of his delicious, house-made sandwiches, like his harissa lamb pita, or his lemongrass grass-fed steak banh mi. A Cut Above Butcher Shop: 2453 Santa Monica Blvd; 310-998-8500
Tacos Por Favor
This mid-city institution serves fast, healthy Mexican food at reasonable prices. Get a few taquitos to share, or crush a jalapeno breakfast burrito solo—we won’t judge. Tacos Por Favor: 1408 Olympic Blvd; 310-392-5768
Willow Spa
Mid-City’s Willow Spa offers holistic wellness services in a tranquil, tropical-inspired environment. Schedule a spicy citrus detox body polish, and experience the detoxifying effects of a warming ginger-lime body scrub. This full body scrub will leave you feeling vibrant, replenished and flawless. Willow Spa: 3127 CA-2; 310-453-9004
The Clayhouse
This full-service communal pottery studio offers throwing classes, tools, kilns, clay, and other resources. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been throwing for years, The Clayhouse is a great spot to learn and experience the crafts of pottery and ceramics. The Clayhouse: 2909 Santa Monica Blvd; 310-828-7071
The Broad Stage
Santa Monica College’s 499-seat theater, The Broad Stage hosts all sorts of drama, music, dance and family shows. Get tickets to a live taping of KCRW’s podcast, Left, Right & Center, or see up-and-coming artist, The Reverend Shawn Amos, perform unique songs blending black roots music, R&B, and stripped down rock n’ roll. The Broad Stage: 1310 11th St; 310-434-3200
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