Where are the best places to do business in LA? Bill Bentley gives us his favorite picks.
Bill Bentley, former
L.A. Weekly music editor and publicist for Slash and Warner Bros. Records, is currently executive editor of the
Sonic Boomers music website and co-producer of
Keep Your Soul: A Tribute to Doug Sahm (Vanguard Records). We tapped Bentley for his favorite places for doing business, Hollywood-style, plus tips on how to look and dress the part.
Best Power Breakfast: Art’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
It’s been at the same address since the mid-’50s, even though it burned down in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It’s better than ever, and close enough to several TV and movie studios that the execs who actually write and cash the big checks still eat there.
12224 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
Best Power Lunch: Loteria Grill Hollywood
A Mexican café with off-road dishes and comfortable chairs—a winning combination in any city, but especially Hollywood. And the acoustics don’t make lip-reading
mandatory.
6627 Hollywood Blvd., L.A.
Best Business Hotel: Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas
A rock ’n’ roll hotel that grew up and became an adult, with a whole new wing of villas that feel like the apartment you’ve always wanted. Not to mention a display case with the very Fender Esquire guitar that Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown used to record “Okie Doke Stomp” in the early ’50s.
1200 Alta Loma Rd., West Hollywood
Best Happy Hour: El Coyote Cafe
It used to be home of the 85-cent margarita, but even at triple that price, this is still one of the best deals in town, not to mention the Mexico City waitress outfits and year-round Christmas lights in the bar.
7312 Beverly Blvd., L.A.
Best Restaurant to Celebrate the Deal: Musso & Frank Grill
One of the oldest restaurants in L.A., it’s retained every bit of charm since it opened nearly 100 years ago. When you slip into one of the big booths, you’ll feel like you’ve finally arrived, even if the waiters aren’t impressed by anything.
6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Best Place to Hear New Music Talent: Hotel Café
A small downstairs room in a transient hotel, it features singer-songwriters whose music will someday touch the world. Plus, it has a second room for those who’d rather talk, a decidedly common affliction in L.A.
1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd., L.A.
Best Record Store: Amoeba Music
This just might be the best record store in the world. The clerks actually love music and know what they’re talking about. They also have retail ESP—along with what you’re looking for, they have what you don’t even know you want.
6400 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A., 323-245-6400