Dive Bar Politics, Your Next Chili Cheeseburger, and More A.M. Intel

What's new at The Roost

The Roost in Atwater Village is a near-legendary dive bar, known for its cash only booze, colorful cast of regulars, and that enduring popcorn machine. Well with new owners as of a few years ago, the machine is long gone, having been replaced by a food program that is surprisingly worthwhile, says LA Weekly. They're doing noodle plates and lots more now, mostly because the bar's conditional booze license makes it so that food must be served — and that popcorn didn't count.

No more Noodle World

Westwood's Noodle World has closed after two decades in business, says the Daily Bruin. The longstanding restaurant is actively looking for a new space, after negotiations with their landlord fell through at the last minute.

The Big Tomy's experience

Ever driven by one of the endless Tommy's knockoffs and wondered if they were any good? You're not alone. LA Taco checks out Big Tomy's, a nearly under the 405 option in West LA that does the usual chili burgers, chili cheese fries, and all that heart-clogging stuff. It's a funny, satirical read.

Long Beach's new hangout spot

Michael's on Naples in Long Beach has long been known as a great dinner spot for pizza and other Italian favorites, but the popular restaurant recently launched a new rooftop lounge situation that looks mighty enticing, particularly once the sun goes down. Take a look.

Michaels on Naples

Highland Park's food hall hearing

There's been talk of a new food hall coming to York in Highland Park for some time now, though so far it's been slow going. Well as The Eastsider reports, just this week a hearing was held to help determine the viability of the place within the neighborhood, plus whether or not they'll be able to serve booze. Let's wait and see how this one shapes up.

Knead & Co.’s big green party

Knead & Co. at Grand Central Market is hosting a party with Green Wish, a local non-profit that gives money to eco-friendly charities like Food Forward, Muir Ranch, Friends of the LA River, and more. The food and music fest goes down Sunday, August 14 at GCM from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Ted Hopson’s ten favorite dishes around LA

Bellwether chef/owner Ted Hopson sat down with LA Mag to discuss some of his favorite dishes around Los Angeles, and it’s a mighty fine collection of eats. First up is the pan drippings with bread from Republique, followed by those cold sesame and crab noodles from Cassia. There’s love for Chengdu Taste, Ruen Pair, and Wexler’s along the way too, plus a special shout-out to the longstanding La Estrella truck.

Bru Haus hits the five year mark

Wilshire Boulevard’s Bru Haus came about during the micro-resurgence of German beer and sausage halls about five years back, but they’ve made it through the other side to become a solid neighborhood option. To celebrate their half-decade in the game, look for a variety of $5 cheap eats all week long, including a strong happy hour menu, $5 ongoing draft beers, and a private party at the end of the week.