Places in Los Angeles with Third Place Potential
Joining the TikTok conversation with an LA twist ofc
There is a huge dialogue surrounding the “third place” on TikTok - a location that facilitates social interaction outside of the people you live or work with and encourages “public relaxation”. This is spurred out of 2 viral videos (original here and stitch here) posted on 11/29 and 11/30, respectively, and it’s clearly struck a chord. I’ll let you form your own opinions, but essentially both creators are stating our generation doesn’t have a third place. Some of the top comments on both videos even say “my phone is my third place” (SAD). Upon further research, the concept has resurfaced in the past year or so - see Atlantic article here and Today report here from August of this year, for example.
Do you have a third place? Your own version of Friends’ “Central Perk”? I personally do not - and I’m still deciding if I’m really seeking that out. Buuut just for fun - I’m sharing my qualifications for a third place, and also sharing 10 LA locations that have TP potential.
Before we dive in - ICYMI, I dropped a huuuge list of holiday happenings last week, and I just gave it an update with more events I’ve spotted since publishing. Check it!
My Personal Qualifications for a Third Place
Group can find a table/spot at any hour
Group can all hear each other speak and we aren’t straining our voices over music, loud TVs or other conversations
Restaurant/bar/cafe doesn’t have a 90 minute table limit (this NEEDS to go away)
Restaurant/bar/cafe evokes some feeling of warm/cozy and/or laid back
Places in Los Angeles with Third Place Potential
Bars
Barney’s Beanery / West Hollywood - I kiiiind of included this as a joke - did you see the LA Times article? But I do genuinely want to go one night and see ~the scene~. This place is a sports bar with lots of space, but it may be overrun by influencers and basic b’s. I’ll report back.
Big Dean’s / Santa Monica - I genuinely stand behind this full list, but Big Dean’s is really something special. It’s one of very few bars in LA that feels truly no frills to me - it’s all outdoors, it’s basically under the pier, picnic tables only, and the beers are huge + served in plastic cups. I love it here every time I go, and need to go back ASAP!
Santa Monica Brew Works / Santa Monica - SMBW has tons of seating, good beer, and often hosts a food truck or two. The brewery environment + spilling into a parking lot gives it a really laid back energy. I sit here for hours every time I’m here, no matter the occasion.
All Seasons Brewing / Mid-City - Loooove this place! It’s newer - a former Firestone Tire turned brewery/bar/taco spot, complete with skee ball and arcade games. Plenty of space, and I love that it has a brewery feel but serves liquor for the non-beer fans / gluten-free folk
Boomtown Brewery / Downtown - I guess I could list every brewery in LA and most would fit the qualifications for TP, but what’s the fun in that?? I’m here to curate. Boomtown is a longtime fave and feels a little more off the grid when compared to an Angel City, etc. Great selection of beers, billiars and darts, relatively easy parking (rare for DT) and indoor and outdoor seating space.
Cafes/Diners
Clark Street Diner / Hollywood - I think I could sit here all day. I looove it here. As is consistent with diners, Clark Street has a big menu so everyone in the group can find something they want, and the drip coffee is superb. The leather booths and the overall neutral 80’s tones create a certain coziness.
Coffee MCO / Koreatown - *Disclaimer - I wasn’t able to find a seat the last time I came here heh. BUT I love the second floor of this loft-like coffee shop, cozy factor 10/10. And there’s a wall of records.
Bluey’s / Mar Vista - Bluey’s second location sits on a quieter corner of Mar Vista, more towards the Walgrove neighborhood / entering Venice. The Australian cafe menu is solid, the coffee is great, and there’s plenty of tables inside and outside.
Paper or Plastik - Mid-City - This rec might give some people a chuckle, as it was a popular meet up place for a lot of industry folk in their early 20’s. However, I’ve been more recently and it still holds up for me!! Good food selection and plenty of seating, v cozy. I also feel like the dance studio attached to the cafe gives it some additional flair & community energy
Bricks and Scones / Larchmont - The lack of IG presence really adds to the charm of this place for me, LOL. Super cozy and bookish, and yes… tea and scones are a specialty here.
I can’t wait to think of 200 more third place options as soon as I ship off this newsletter. Anyways… I covered a lot of ground this past weekend and I’m posting all of my new LA findings on TikTok! Like, comment, subscribe xoxo
Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 12/11
Every week, I’m sharing events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download!
Frank Sinatra Party at The Room Hollywood on Tues 12/12 - Okay, FUN. More info at the link, formal attire required
Night Off is introducing a new concept - Night Off Sound - kicking off Tues 12/12 at Bar Flores feat. tacos by Tacos 1986
12 Nights of Kanzake at Ototo - hot sake exploration, anyone? Happening now through 12/20 at Ototo in Echo Park
Jazz Night in North Hollywood - Fri 12/15, Afterglow Makers is hosting a jazz night at Lawless Brewing, more info at the link
More jazz! Sunset Junction’s La Pharmacie du Vin is now doing jazz every Sunday
Love this list!!