You cannot go wrong by having a good hearty breakfast at The Original Pantry on the corner of Ninth and Figueroa in downtown LA. I prefer the cheese omlete (ask for it well set) and a side order of ham steak. Both plates will come with their own sides of fried potatoes and a great sourdough toast. The lines can be long, but it is worth the wait. I second (third?) the suggestions of Langer's and Phillipe's. The pastrami at Langer's is without peer, and the barley soup is a killer as well. When you visit Phillipe's, go across the street to Union Station, the last of the great old railway terminals (built in 1939, I believe). Olvera Street is a nice place to visit for a simple taco or gordita or sope, but avoid the high end restaurants there -- they are tourist traps. Go for the small stands -- authentic and inexpensive. And no trip to LA is complete with a trip to Tommy's on the corner of Beverly and Rampart -- order your burgers only at the stand on the corner, not at the annex across the parking lot. Extra cheese and extra chili are yours for the asking. Don't wear your best suit. Also, I understand that Fatburger has opened a 24 hour eatery near the campus of USC. Order a Double Fatbuger, charbroiled, with grilled onions, extra cheese and bacon, and two orders of fat fries. Dress it as you please, though I prefer heavy mayo, heavy lettuce and a bit of relish. No other hamburger you will ever eat so long as you live will make you forget it.......
