Winter Warmth, But Make It Sichuan | Erwa Cold Pot Fish

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.

Big news: Obsessed LA is co-hosting its first-ever event next Saturday, December 13th! I can’t wait to bring this community together and actually put faces to names. The response so far has been incredible, and I’m genuinely excited for what we’re building. RSVP Here: Eventbrite

Ok, let’s call it what it is. LA is fully pretending it’s winter right now. Hot lattes are back in rotation, jackets have reappeared like we actually need them, and cozy restaurants are setting the tone for the week.

Let’s get into the obsessions… ’tis the season after all.

The spice hit me before I could even read the menu. One breath in and the Sichuan peppercorn is already in your face in the best way. Erwa Cold Pot Fish doesn’t ease you in, it starts immediately. You think you came for a meal, but what you’re really walking into is a full-on sensory experience.

This is Sichuan comfort at its peak. The “cold pot” isn’t actually cold. It’s a simmering, fragrant bowl packed with fish, veggies, chiles, and a numbing heat that manages to be both comforting and intense. It hits you slow, then all at once.

I grabbed the signature fish pot and immediately understood why this place has a quiet fanbase. The broth is rich, the spice has depth (not just “hot”), and the fish stays very tender. It’s a dish where you keep finding new flavors halfway through. Imagine peppercorn warmth, tomato sweetness, smoky chili oil, and suddenly you’re twenty bites in and wondering how you’ve never been here before.

I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this place sooner. Erwa Cold Pot Fish is a true sleeper. I liked it so much I’ve already accepted that I’ll be making this SGV drive on a regular basis. Enter the land of the peppercorn.

Have you ever walked into a bar and felt like you stepped into another era? That’s literally Idle Hour. The building itself is a two-story tall wooden barrel. It is one of the last surviving examples of LA’s novelty architecture. It’s wild, fun, and immediately sets the tone that it isn’t going to be a typical night out.

Take a step inside the barrel and the whole place shifts. The wood wraps around you, the lighting goes warm, and suddenly you’re in a space that feels part nostalgia, part modern hangout. It’s a bar with personality, not a theme.

As you would expect from such a dynamic spot, the menu is full of wild cocktails and still a section for the classics as well. This is a place where you go with friends, linger over drinks and maybe grab a bite.

Idle Hour is proof that you don’t need velvet booths or a ten-page cocktail menu to have a good time. Sometimes all you need is a giant barrel, a great drink, and a space that lets you breathe. Go experience history.

If your interests lean even a little bit dark or offbeat, The Mystic Museum is the perfect detour. It’s small, weird in a curated way, and instantly pulls you into its own world. The rotating exhibits hit everything from retro horror to paranormal artifacts. It’s honestly the perfect amount of strange.

If you naturally gravitate toward darker aesthetics, vintage horror, paranormal lore, or anything slightly macabre, you’ll immediately love this spot like l did. And if you’re someone who’s usually on the fence about this stuff, this might be the gentlest entry point you’ll find. It’s approachable weirdness, not the kind that tries to scare you. Really just the kind that makes you think, “Alright… this is actually pretty cool.”

If you’re into the darker side of things, this is a quick, fun detour that fits perfectly before a Burbank dinner or as a way to break up the usual weekend routine. Go get spooked.

Hollywood
A cozy neighborhood holiday market hosted by Obsessed LA & VS Hospitality. Featuring local makers, small-batch goods, seasonal treats, and an easy weekend vibe. Perfect for grabbing gifts and supporting small businesses.
Register Free →

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Arts District
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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Hollywood
A high-energy, nostalgia-fueled night where everyone screams early-2000s anthems together. Cathartic, loud, chaotic, and always a guaranteed fun time.
Tickets →

I came to Jilli on Saturday and things escalated quickly in the best way. The makgeolli was way too easy to drink, the Korean “tapas” plates were impossible not to keep ordering, and the room had that cozy energy that made us want to stay longer than planned.

Everything comes out in these small, simple portions that make the whole meal feel lighter and more fun. You’re sharing bites, passing plates and having opinions. In a weird way, it’s social without trying to be social. And then there’s the makgeolli: smooth, slightly sweet, and dangerously easy to keep pouring. We definitely went a little too hard on it, but honestly that might be the most accurate way to experience this place.

The vibe inside is intimate without being too small. It hits that perfect midpoint between a casual weeknight hang and a place you’d bring someone you want to impress. If a little too much makgeolli sounds like your ideal night, you know where to click.

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