aardvark letterpress

Little known, this is the oldest original letterpress in LA. I've had invites, thank you notes, and personalized stationary made here, all of which I've been thrilled with, but even if you're not in the market for custom printing, it's a cool place to check out just to see and watch them using the press. It's still a family business and everyone who works there is super friendly and helpful.

Letterpress is the oldest (and most expensive) method of printing around, but the look and feel of the finished product is unmistakable and second to none. There's no better way to create something unique and personal. Sure, there are other presses in town (for example, Soolip, which I also love), but they'll cost you a mint compared to Aardvark's.

Another bonus is the awesome paper shop next door where you can source, and even custom order, everything you need to have printed at a very reasonable price. If you're checking out printers or looking for letterpress, Aardvark's is an invaluable resource.

2500 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 388-2271

chic-a-boom

Specializing in 20's - 80's collectibles and memorabilia, if you like your pop history with a splash of kitsch, you'll love all the vintage treasures at Chic-a-Boom.

This hidden Melrose haunt, just east of La Brea and best known by the big sign shooting off the roof, carries everything from vintage postcards and posters to magazines, pins and toys. The architecturally pre-war space is like a giant grown up toy store overflowing with great finds stacked and piled in every nook and cranny.

The shop's been around nearly 30 years. The owner - who used to have a second store devoted purely to rock-n-roll goodies - is a trip, and after a few minutes of easy conversation with her, it's obvious she's passionate about everything she brings in - and equally passionate about who she allows to take home a few of the more rare finds.

Despite wanting to buy half the store - and refraining from walking out the door with a life-size David Cassidy (watch out Hoff!) - the Beer talked himself into an original, untouched, 60's NY subway Connery Bond poster that's become one of our prized possessions.

Whether you're in the market for a big vintage splurge or a few fun things to spruce up your decor, this is a fun spot everyone Angeleno should check out at least once.

6817 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 931-7441

pink's

This places gets props just for the historic kitsch factor. Being that I hadn't been here since I used to ditch junior high, I decided to stop by with the Beer's parents visiting from the UK.

Thankfully, the line moved quickly an we had our to-go order, packed and out the door, in under twenty. The chili was just as I remembered it - oily and meh. I can think of at least a dozen places with better chili BUT this is still a fine dog. No doubt in my mind there isn't a kosher dog in the house, but for cheap eats, can't really complain.

The Pastrami Reuben dog was tempting (with mustard, kraut, swiss cheese and pastrami), but I finally settled on the Martha Stewart dog (a 10" stretch dog, mustard, kraut, relish, chopped tomatoes, three slices of bacon and sour cream) and it was damn good. The folks had the polish sausages with grilled onions and mushrooms and seemed content. Next time, I'm getting the Mulholland dog. It's a bit of a mystery to me what's (not) on it, but I saw a few made, and man did they look good.

I wouldn't advocate going when the line is around the corner, but if you can catch it when it's not and you're mood for a creative, messy, piled high dog, this is the place to be.

Tip - Some people have made cracks about the line being an e-ticket to the toilet. If that's what you're in the market for, head over to OkiDog on Fairfax - they'll give you the shits (and maybe a little salmonella) every time.

709 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 931-4223