CULTURE TRIP:
6 Fun Food Runs Inspired by Black Hollywood
LA is known as the epicenter of the entertainment industry. With some of Black Hollywood’s most iconic movie, TV and culture moments occurring in and about LA, the city is crammed with spots that have had large and small roles in various projects. Here are a few of our faves.
Merkato // Insecure
The HBO hit series Insecure has functioned as a love letter to LA in general and Black LA in particular; showcasing and celebrating various area faves and staples. Merkato is featured in the first episode as Issa’s favorite Ethiopian restaurant and later in season 4 plays the role of showcasing the demise of Issa and Molly’s friendship. In real life it’s a fave for locals and celebs alike with everyone from Rohan Marley, to Andre 3000 to Diddy being spotted there.
- Fairfax - Miracle Mile
- 1036 1/2 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019
- Ethiopian, Lots of vegan options
Randy's Donuts // Dope
The iconic giant donut on it’s roof has made Randy’s an LA landmark and landed it in a ton of stuff from the Inglewood – based, critically acclaimed cult classic movie Dope to The Bernie Mac Show to Iron Man 2. But it’s also a fun spot to actually grab a donut. Their menu features donut shop classics alongside trendier pastries such as their take on the cronut known as the “Crondy.”
- Inglewood
- 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
- Donuts! Donuts! Donuts!
Rush Street // Think Like A Man
Think Like A Man utilized so much of downtown Culver City it almost became an additional member of the ensemble cast. Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Sony Studios, Rush Street is a longstanding part of the downtown Culver City scene that played main hangout spot for Kevin hart and his crew..
- Downtown Culver City
- 9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
- Buzzy and boozy meet-up spot
Lucy's // Baby Boy
Jody, Jody, Jody … Jody and Yvette may have been the couple you loved to love, or maybe the couple you loved to hate, but either way Baby Boy was unforgettable and an almost instant black Hollywood classic. Though there were many fights to pick from, Yvette and Jody’s argument in the drive-through was an unforgettable one. The scene features Lucy’s, a corner spot that rolls every random thing there is about old school LA fast food into one place; drive-through? Check. Burger AND Mexican food? Check; open 24/7? Yep! Randomly serves all day breakfast? Sure thing. So yes, you can absolutely order your own enchilada and Strawberry shake.
- Mid-City
- 1568 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Burgers, mexican food and more
AstroBurger // Euphoria
The Zendaya led breakout hit Euphoria doesn’t officially claim L.A. per se. Rue says she lives in an American suburb but the aerial view is clearly an LA county suburb. The show was shot across LA County including Sherman Oaks, Torrance and more. While there is more than one Astro Burger location, the one on La Brea in Inglewood made a cameo as a suburban – teen – hangout- burger joint.
- Inglewood
- 507 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
- Throw back burger spot
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles // Snoop and Larry King
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is an ICONIC LA staple that has become famous for it’s combination of great chicken and celebrity clientele. There are actually multiple Roscoe’s locations including Long Beach, Inglewood, Los Angeles, and Mid City (where Obama paid a visit). But one noteworthy moment is the culture clash that occurred when Snoop Dogg legit took Larry King to the Hollywood location for breakfast, lunch and dinner all on one plate!
- Hollywood
- 1514 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- LEGENDARY chicken and waffles