Where Mid-City Goes for Heat | Spicy Sugar Thai

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.

Halloween didn’t stand a chance this year. The World Series took over the city and reminded everyone how fast LA moves on. Trends here fade in real time, but the energy never disappears, it just changes form. Go Dodgers!

This week’s lineup is all about savoring what’s right in front of you: neighborhood restaurants worth the detour, a dessert spot you’ll dream about later, a stroll through an antique shop in Whittier, and a few events that remind you why LA’s never short on moments.

My voice is still gone from cheering, which probably means it’s time to stop talking and start eating. Let’s get into everything worth obsessing over this week.

Sometimes, comfort food doesn’t need dim lighting or a reservation; just a neon sign that says Spicy Sugar Thai and the smell of garlic hitting a hot pan. It’s the kind of spot that feels lived in. A few tables, a fish tank, Thai movie posters on the walls, and a hum of regulars who clearly know what they’re doing.

Ask for Shannyn when you go, she’ll treat you like an old friend, even if it’s your first visit. The plates come out fast and hot. I had the pleasure of having the Ramen Stir Fry and Som Tum Thai that really hit home on a cool Sunday evening. I may have underestimated the heat on the Som Tum Thai. Fair warning, they don’t hold back.

Spicy Sugar isn’t trying to reinvent Thai food, they’re just doing it the way it should be done, full of flavor and zero ego. On a busy Mid-City block, this place feels like an easy secret, the kind you almost don’t want to share. If you’re visiting, this is where you go when you’re craving something real.
Burn (Happily) at Spicy Sugar.

Even before the first bite, something about Elena’s Restaurant tells you you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

It’s tucked off Glendale Ave and super easy to miss if you’re not looking. You can feel the cozy blend of Greek comfort and Armenian heart. Hospitality lives in the details here. Miguel, my server, was doing far more than serving, he was hosting. His kindness showed in every small moment. He checked in from across the room, and even went out to his car just to bring me a piece of his favorite Mexican candy. Elena’s knows how to make you feel seen.

The beef gyro plate comes stacked with tender slices, fluffy rice, and pita so soft it feels like cheating. The tzatziki is creamy, sharp, and made to be mopped up. The finale was the baklava that genuinely changed my life.

Let the flavors linger, talk a little too long, and take that extra bite you said you wouldn’t.
Come hungry, leave as family.

Inside a 100-year-old citrus packing house in Whittier, King Richard’s Antique Center is one of those places you have to see to believe. Surrounded by quiet industrial streets, it looks unassuming. That is until you walk in and find 57,000 square feet of antique space waiting to be explored.

It’s officially the largest antique store in California, with over 300 booths filled with everything from mid-century modern furniture to vintage cameras, rock posters, and forgotten Americana that still feels alive. There’s an on-site clock repair shop, a restoration service, and monthly appraisal day. King Richard’s isn’t just a store, it’s a platform. A place where local dealers, restorers, and collectors keep LA’s past alive.

If you’re the kind of person who loves getting lost in LA history, or simply just loves the thrill of the hunt this is your spot.

When you find something you love, tell them Obsessed LA sent you.
Start your treasure hunt.

Downtown LA
Live esports meets car culture at The Orpheum.
Tickets →

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Calabasas Pickleball Club
Gourmet bites, free-flowing whiskey & fire-cooked eats.
Tickets →

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Fairmont Century Plaza
A black-tie evening supporting children’s health in L.A.
Tickets →

Louks Greek Baby Donuts in Downy literally made me grin like a kid again. You’ll find it tucked in a quiet Downey strip, where the air smells like sugar and honey the second you step out of the car.

The counter’s long, the menu’s bright, and the vibe is pure joy. They make their donuts to order, so expect them to be warm and golden when they land in your bag still steaming. You can pick your flavor: classic honey, Oreo crumble, strawberry drizzle, or like me, Cookie Butter.

The first bite hits with crisp edges and a soft center, the kind of sweetness that makes you laugh mid-bite because it’s just that good. Shannon was running the show during my visit, wearing every hat with a smile. She treats the place like her own neighborhood candy shop. Think warm, quick, and genuinely kind. If you’re anywhere near Downey, Louks is worth the detour. If you’re not, picture a box dripping with honey and a moment that’s better than it has any right to be.
Save Room for Louks.

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