Top 24 Hour Hang Outs

    It's around two in the morning and either you've just left the swankiest nightclub in Hollywood or maybe just got out of a late night movie screening. Regardless of the late hour, you don't want the night to end and could be a little bit on the hungry side. As busy and bustling as Los Angeles seems during the day, it can be difficult to find anywhere that stays open after the bright sun fades away. La2Day is here to show you where to go after closing time to keep the party going or just to refuel after a late night on the town. Quite surprisingly, many hip and entertaining locations stay open 24 hours to suit all of those "night owl's" needs. Even though last call for alcohol usually comes at 2 AM, we've found a handful of open late restaurants and hangouts all across town so you never have to go straight home.

Mel's Drive- In

8585 Sunset Boulevard

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 854- 7201

 AND

1660 North Highland Ave.

Hollywood, CA 90028

(323) 465- 3111

    Located on the heart of the Sunset Strip, Mel's Diner has been around for as long as I can remember, catering to the late night Hollywood scene. Step in at midnight or four AM and find the place hopping with bar goers, actors, or the regular old "Joe" grabbing a bite to eat. As an ode to the 50's drive- in, Mel's unique design scheme adds funky flare to the Los Angeles nightlife. Classic baby blue booth seating and retro décor only liven up a late night meal with friends. My favorite part: each booth comes along with a 25 cent jukebox selector so you can hear your own oldies selection. Besides the catchy tunes, Mel's serves up traditional American style grub for all to enjoy, ranging from curly fries, hamburgers, or even a simple salad. Truthfully, you can't go to the diner without at least sampling on of their authentic shakes, made with real ice cream. Recently opened on Highland, Mel's Celebrity Bar serves drinks of all sorts and is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. "The Scorpion," a famous group concoction, includes different types or rum, brandy, and fruit juices in a 64 ounce pitcher.

Kitchen 24

1608 North Cahuenga Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 465-2424

    Modern American cuisine is reinvented at the newly opened Kitchen 24, as the all hour hotspot caters to families by day and club goers by night. With a charming and contemporary design, the restaurant serves up specialty cocktails until 2 AM. Unique creations like the "Baby Blues" include rum, mint, basil, lime and muddled in blueberries. With an organic objective, cocktails even come in the form of the "K24 Organic Elixir," proving that even liquor can be healthy. Besides the wide array of champagnes, beers, and even early morning coffee liquors, Kitchen 24's menu appeals to all palates. Stop in at any hour of the day or night for an intense and heart breakfast menu. Besides, who doesn't like pancakes at 4 AM? The kitchen serves up everything from hamburgers, soups, and salads to my personal favorite, the "Smac and Cheese." This tasty comfort food is made with three smoky cheeses and topped off with peas and herbs. According to their mission statement, Kitchen 24 strives to "combine traditional Diner attributes such as value, comfort, accessibility and consistent All-American cuisine with a fun and modern menu, design and atmosphere," and I simply must agree.

Fred 62

1850 N Vermont Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 667-0062

    Just a few minutes out of the city, one can find twenty four seven diner style grub. Fred 62's offers up a taste of the classic old age diner taste with a new age funk and flair. Retro colors and black and white celebrity portraits grace the walls above cool car- like booths. The eclectic crowd ranges from hipsters to senior citizens looking for an early bird special. The restaurant even houses a classic counter with and oldies ice cream fountain at the very end. Stroll in at any hour and find yourself immersed with a diversity of dishes like the "Bearded Mr. Frenchy" corn flake infused toast. Unique names such as the "Dime Bag" are used to describe a traditional pancake and eggs combo meal. Even if you just stop by for a drink, don't forget to order the "Mac Daddy and Cheese Balls" coated in bread crumbs or some "Cali Calamari" for an added kick. Hit up Fred's for a classic meal filled with funk and a bit of humor.

Benito's Taco Shop

6751 Santa Monica Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 466-9333

    It's late and you're not quite in the mood for a sit down meal. If fast, delicious subsistence is on your mind then Benito's is the perfect twenty four hour spot for you. Los Angeles's original taco shop has been around for years, attracting hungry patrons at all hours of the night. The cozy shop houses the infamous "Rolled Taco" and never fails to fill up a grumbling stomach. Inexpensive prices, fast service, and delicious Mexican style food make Benito's a great one stop shop late at night. Try a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or indulge in the super nacho platter. Benito's specialty includes shredded beef rolled into crispy tortillas and generously covered in guacamole. If you want food fast and aren't into the drive- thru burger patty, then Benito's is definitely the place for you. Get great portion sizes quickly at any hour of the night at this traditional, convenient taco shop.

Canter's Deli

419 North Fairfax Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 651- 2030

     Located in the center of the Fairfax Kosher district, this classic Jewish Deli has been serving up great meals since 1931. According to their website, Canters has sold over 24 million bowls of traditional chicken soup over the course of their existence, proving just how delicious their home-style dishes can be. Canter's represents all that a deli should with comfortable burgundy booths, pickles served at every table, and a bakery that makes the mouth water. Come in and enjoy customary classics, like the pastrami sandwich or any club filled with the freshest deli meat. The menu ranges from bagels with lox to salads packed with veggies and cold cuts. The cocktail lounge or "Kibitz Room" stays open to around 2 AM filled with beer on tap and low key tunes. Canter's has embodied the traditional Jewish Deli in the heart of Los Angeles for ages, making it a true landmark for the city.

By Gena Oppenheim