summary
Start this weekday stroll by heading down memory lane through rows of arcade games, then setting off down a lesser-known path.
A few small detours along the way line you up with some of the best tacos on the east side.
End your journey with a show at a “not so secret” secret venue.
Stop 1
LOCAL BEER, PINBALL AND ARCADE GAMES AT BUTTON MASH
• 7pm until 7:45pm •
Begin your weeknight around 6pm at Echo Park’s favorite barcade Button Mash. The chorus of sounds emanating from either side of the bar instantly brings you back to the mid 90’s. Fortunately for you its 2017 and playing Tapper is a lot more fun with an actual beer in your hand. Wander the rows of machines allowing your ADD to take hold bouncing from one to the next. When you’ve run out of tokens and realize you have no tickets to exchange for Fun Dip or parachute men its time to head further down the road.
Stop 2
byob pick up from stadium wine and beer mini market
• 7:45pm to 8pm, en route to next stop •
Across the street are a few strip malls usually reserved for the LA Dodger crowds itching to grab their final tall boy to suck down as they walk up Vin Scully Drive to the game. Head in to Stadium Wine & Beer to grab a few cervazas as you will need them for your next destination. The brisk walk down Sunset may look a bit daunting at first, however, prepping your stomach for the taco feast that lay ahead matters most…
Stop 3
tacos (and said cervezas) on the back patio of guisado's
• 8pm until 30 minutes before the show starts •
Lines on the sidewalk in Los Angeles usually mean a few things. The queue at Guisados falls in the “people waiting for a great treat” category. The woman behind the front window “magically” turning freshly made masa into grilled tortillas foreshadows the delicacy that lay ahead, a handmade Latin smorgasbord. The mood on the patio is perfectly set with music, murals and people enjoying the simplicity of their food decisions. Don’t let the food stop you from paying attention to your watch because very soon the shows about to start.
Alternative: If beers and tacos are not your thing, the small plates and drink list at Winsome are extensive. Plus it's across the street from the venue.
Stop 4
up close and personal, live AT CLUB BAHIA
• Showtime until after the encore •
The occasional streetlight lines the way for the final leg of this journey, to a venue showered in colorful lights. Club Bahia is a Latin dancehall that opened in 1974 but more recently playing host to acts of all kinds during the week. As you position yourself in the center of the dance floor you’ll notice the neon lit bathroom sign reads “Caballeros” and the interesting interior is something less seen in your typical LA venue. Just then the lights dim, the crowd erupts and you cant believe how close you are to the music.