Before the Date…
The holidays may envoke visions of Santa, presents, or carolers but for some of us it’s more about lighting the menorah than lighting the tree. Good thing we can have a small taste of Hannukah any time of the year! With a classic pastrami, stiff cocktails from our Asian bretheren, and a live show it makes any night here the festival of lights.
So call up your favorite party friends and head for Pico to a night on the town Hannukah style.
St0p #1: 7:30pm
JEWISH CUISINE
from a historic jewish deli
What to Know
This local deli was opened in 1948 (the same year as Israel) and has some incredible history. It’s highly suggest watching this episode of The Migrant Kitchen before you head in. It’s a beautifully made dive into the LA Jewish Deli experience and gives you a much deeper understand of Factor’s.
The area furthest from the entrance is the original deli. Sitting in there offers the full original experience.
You can order the pastrami thick hand cut or thin machine…you do you but that thick cut is something else.
Alternative: If you’re not in need of the full classic deli experience head to Hasiba for shakshuka, hummus, and falafel.
St0p #2: 9pm
STIFF COCKTAILES
WITH YOUR ASIAN BRETHEREN
What to Know
Honestly, this is a Chinese take out restaurant but you’ve come here to sit at the bar and grab a drink. We decided on a Chinese restaurant for our Hanukkah special to give a toast to all the Chinese restaurants out there making dinner for Jewish families on Christmas. Be bold while walking in…Gan Bei!
They have a ridiculous menu full of tiki style drinks. All of them are $10 which is a killer deal seeing that they load half a bottle into a Mai Tai. We didn’t get a Flaming Virgin but was told “it has lots of 151 in it”
Fernando and the staff are super fun and friendly here. They pretty much let you have the bar once you sit down at it, and by that we mean you are the bartender. Insta pics eat your heart out.
St0p #3: 10pm
DANCE PARTY
in a historic venu
What to Know
This little music venue has been around since 1937. The historic music connections are in the blues and jazz world with Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles playing here in the past. Regardless of the acts you’re going to have a fun time here with tickets ranging from $10-$20/person.
Unlike many other LA music venues the drinks here are reasonably priced. You can get a shot and a beer, mezcal margaritas and cocktails all for $12.
When you arrive there will, most likely, be people sitting at booths around the edges and tables in the middle. Those tables in the middle are up for grabs so if you want to take a break from dancing they’re all yours.