Welcome to Palms, a relatively calm neighborhood that keeps a low profile under the smoggy armpit of the 405 and 10 interchanges. Even while the culinary pearls of Palms are often recognized, if not at times deemed world-famous, the neighborhood still exists somehow under the radar in one of L.A.’s busiest regions.
You’d expect to find avenues lined with the Mexican Fan Palms in a neighborhood named Palms. In truth, you won’t. Palms, amusingly, is named after the Palms railroad station, which was its nickname for the two palm trees planted next to it. It was one of two stops between downtown and Santa Monica around the late 1800s. In fact, Palms, which was founded in 1886, is the oldest neighborhood annexed by Los Angeles. Where those two palms were then, and where they are now, no one knows anymore.
Today you can take the Metro and get off at Palms station and enjoy a brisk 10-20 minute walk on average to eat at any of its legendary places. At the furthest point from the station is Howard’s Famous Bacon & Avocado Burgers. Palms is also home to the original and world-famous Versailles Cuban Restaurant and where you’ll find the Hamburger Habit, whose 25-year-old, yellow banner, announcing that KABC declared them “the best burger in SoCal,” is the one thing in Palms that every miserable, break-pedaling soul on the 405 can’t ignore.
Some less world famous, but locally favorite, eats are at Venice Bakery, which has the best chilaquiles on the west side. You’ll also find the bottom-est bottomless mimosa brunch at Overland Cafe and beloved NY-style pizza from The Coop. This little-known neighborhood is even home to n/naka, another world-famous yet inconspicuous and intimate Japanese restaurant that has twice earned two Michelin Stars. In 2019, it was one of five restaurants in L.A. to receive that distinguished recognition.
Go to the corner of Palms and Sepulveda Boulevard to find great daytime pop-ups like Tripp Burgers and Mango Sticky Rice. This corner, next to Coffee Bean, sees many new pop-ups get their feet wet in their anxious new ventures. It’s always worth a stop if you see a tent serving food there.