Holiday-Level Comfort, No Turkey Required | Eastside Italian Deli

Good morning, Los Angeles. You’re reading Obsessed LA, your insider guide to what’s actually worth being obsessed with in the city. Each week, we highlight the restaurants, events, and hidden gems that capture LA’s best energy.

Thanksgiving week in LA means two things: it’s somehow 75° tomorrow and today’s traffic is going to be unhinged. If you’re braving the roads, good luck, you’ll need it.

Before we dive in, I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving this week, whether you’re spending it with friends, family, pets, or whoever feels like home. Let’s look at some Turkey Week obsessions.

Forget trekking all over town for a great sandwich, some of the best ones have been hiding in plain sight for decades at Eastside Italian Deli. It’s an old-school spot that hasn’t changed much because it doesn’t need to. The counter is almost always busy and the energy is loud in a comforting way.

I personally grabbed the Spicy Cold Cut and am still thinking about the first bite. The bread has that perfect chew and the stack of meats is unreal. The heat sneaks in at the end without overpowering anything. There’s a balance to it: salty, spicy, tangy, and the exact combination that keeps you taking bigger and bigger bites without realizing it. It feels like the blueprint for what a proper Italian deli sandwich should be.

Some places earn their hype quietly, and Eastside Italian Deli is one of them. It’s an Echo Park staple that you try once, then immediately understand why people swear by it. You go back because it delivers the same comfort every single time. Go grab a Spicy Cold Cut.

There’s an immediate charm to Couplet Coffee, something bright and effortlessly inviting. They make it super clear that great beans + bold personality = something you’ll want to come back to. The storefront hits you with pastel walls, bright lettering, and an energy more “hangout” than “quiet study.” Inside, the vintage-style bar, eclectic art, and seating that invites real life make the place feel like someone’s creative living room.

I ordered a Matcha Latte, and it really nails the vibe. It has a creamy matcha base flavor with a crisp finish. It’s playful without tipping into dessert-drink territory. The menu overall walks the line between serious coffee craft and fun flavor combinations that keep things interesting.

A huge shoutout to Ryan and Joey, who were both ridiculously kind and set the tone for the whole shop. When I asked how they were doing, Ryan laughed and said, “We’re just basking in the sun,” and it made perfect sense, the place has that warm, lifted energy because the people running it actually embody it. They make Couplet feel less like a café and more like a spot you’re genuinely happy to land in. Go enjoy the warmth at Couplet.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt nostalgia as much as I did at Vidiots. It’s instant. Floor-to-ceiling rentals, handwritten notes and aisles built for wandering. If you remember what it felt to rent movies at blockbuster back in the day, this place reminds you how fun it used to be to discover something by accident. It’s warm, familiar, and makes everything feel just right.

The theater itself is small in the best way. Intimate, warm, and filled with people who actually want to be there. You get the crowd reactions, the laughs at the right moments, the whispered “that was incredible” when the lights come up. The experience reminds you why watching movies with strangers is still fun.

What I love most is how alive the whole space feels. You can come in just to rent something, stay for a film, or drift around the aisles and discover something you didn’t know you needed. It has that old-school video store charm without feeling stuck in the past. It genuinely feels more like a community hub built around film lovers of every kind.

If you want a classic movie night, Vidiots is an easy choice. Pick a screening you’ve never seen on the big screen, grab a drink, and let yourself fall into your love for film.

North Hollywood
A live hip-hop showcase featuring local MCs, performances, and a crowd that actually shows up for the culture. High-energy, intimate, and very “only in LA.”
Tickets →

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Elysian Valley/ Frogtown
A joyful LGBTQ+ SWANA artisan market with handmade goods, art, small businesses, and community energy. $5 entry supports local programming.
Tickets →

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Altadena
A community-focused outdoor market with local makers, food vendors, live entertainment, and a cozy neighborhood vibe. Great spot to walk, browse, and support small businesses.
Tickets →

Juquila is one of those Westside spots that doesn’t need hype since the food does all the talking. When the door closed behind me, I was welcomed by the site of families, regulars, and huge plates hitting tables.

When I ordered, I went straight for the mole. It was deep, layered and not too sweet. Just balanced and bold. The portion is super generous and the tortillas are fresh. If you’re used to the usual Westside “modern Mexican,” this is a little break from that. It’s comforting, grounded, and really flavorful. There is no pretense or trendy decor. Warning: this place will fill you up without fail.

If you’re looking for legit Oaxacan comfort on the Westside with real food, real flavor, and zero nonsense, Juquila is it. Get the mole. Bring people. Or don’t. Either way, you’re walking out happy.

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