Italian Favorites

Business #1: Stefano's Pizza
Business #2: Buca Di Bepo
Business #3: Bay Cities

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Stefano's has been my favorite place to get pizza, ever since I was a kid. They have quality New York style pizza that is amazingly delicious. It is also at a great location on Third St and Arizona right next to the movie theater, so it is very convenient.

Buca Di Bepo is by far one of my favorite italian restaurants to go to. It is perfect for big family dinners because they have huge portion sizes.

If you want to find the best sandwich in Santa Monica, you go to Bay Cities. The bread is thick and rich. There is always a big line because it is so popular. I go there like twice a month because I cant help myself to not go back.

Submitted by: Anonymous

Sunday Brunch

Business #1: Slice Pizza Kitchen
Business #2: Bay Cities
Business #3: 17th St. Cafe & Bakery

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Slice Pizza Kitchen has amazingly tasty pizza. For just $10 you can get a cheese pizza that will leave you satisfy and leaving you to crave more. Whenever im walking around Santa Monica, my friends and i would always go to Slice and split a pizza for just $5 each. They have tables outside where you can eat, converse and enjoy your meal. Slice is the spot to go when your feeling something italian on a low budget.

Bay Cities is the iconic deli of Santa Monica. Every now and then you can spot a celebrity ordering the famous Godmother sandwich. Theres no argument that every resident of Santa Monica have to try their sandwiches. Attending Santa Monica High School has made me visiting Bay Cities at least once a week to have a well deserved lunch after a long day. If Bay Cities were ever to close down, i can guaranteed Santa Monica would never be the same.

17th St. Cafe & Bakery located on 17th and Montana is an ideal place for a Sunday brunch. They offer free muffins that you can eat with a cup of coffee meanwhile you wait for your order and have great customer service. Their menu is full of a variety of tasty omelettes and breakfast meals that will make you a returning customer. They provide healthy food and reasonable portions that will make your money's worth. I highly recommend spending your brunch here.

Submitted by: Anonymous

Cycles and Skates

Business #1: The Counter
Business #2: Helen's Cycles
Business #3: Rip City Skates

Why I can't live without these three businesses: The Counter on Ocean Park is a fun place to visit every couple of weeks. Upon entering, you are greeted by a friendly host, Jordan who usually can sit you right away. The burgers and fries are delicious. I enjoy The Counter because it seems to be the best sit down burger joint in southeast Santa Monica. It also is conveniently located near clover park and ice cream and coffee shops. Without The Counter, I would have the make the tedious drive to West LA to get to Islands.

I have always depended on Helen's Cycles for bike related needs. My family has purchased several bikes there and they have a reasonable policy for tune-ups and repairs. They hire locally and workers are reliable and concerned for their customers. Sometimes, they will even fix bikes for free if they feel the repair was too simple to require a payment.

Although I haven't been here recently, Rip City Skates is a wonderful small family business for skateboarding. The man who owns the shop is friendly and very patient. I never even had to look around because he always knew exactly what I needed. I also like how it is located away from commercial traffic on Santa Monica Blvd. It makes the shopping experience less stressful and parking is easy.

Submitted by: Anonymous

Unusual Snacks

Business #1: Famima
Business #2: The Pier
Business #3: Bay Cities

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Famima is always a place where I can indulge myself with a snack that is different from your usual. Whenever I crave for an Asian treat I always turn to Famima. They have a wide variety of Asian goodies that fulfill my taste buds, like the famous Pocky's. What I enjoy most is their variety of drinks. I can either buy the typical Arizona iced tea or try something different like a Leninade. This store offers great options of snacks that always has me guessing.

I can't remember how many times I have gone to the Pier. Although they are expensive I always find myself going to the pier at least once a month. Here I am able to socialize and gather with my friends under the bright sun or beautiful night sky. I can either play a game of table hockey or enjoy myself to a game of basketball. Their arcade is the best place to have fun. I will never forget the memories that the pier has brought to my friends and I.

Although I have only gone to Bay Cities once, I cannot stress how good their sandwiches are. Being part Italian I can truly taste the authentic meat and pastas. Not only do they have a deli, but they have a market. Here I found myself wandering around the aisles looking and the different type of food options. They have things from Italian pastries to wine. At this store I felt overwhelmed with the amount of Italian products the store carried. I will for sure come back whenever I need a true Italian meal. 

Submitted by: Anonymous

Shoes in every color

Business #1: Foster's Freeze
Business #2: Vans
Business #3: Albertson's

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Smell of the burgers, fries and hot dogs after a hard swimming in the SMC pool is the best thing that could be right other side of the street. One bite from a Foster's Freeze double cheese could recover all the nutrition that the body lost in the practice, even more. It's a classic hamburger with the taste of 1980's on it. With all old men and women going there that have lots of things to say is good place to hang out sometimes.

Vans: Red, purple, blue, black, yellow, sponge bob, mickey mouse, any color and any style you would like your shoes be. It's a station for any skate boarder in LA. They would stand front of the store, staring at the samsung 32" LCD hanging from the ceiling behind the glasses and watch the professional skate boarder do back flips and trick. Not just an entertainment for the skate boarder, also for the people who are waiting for the bus in the bus station.

If you have driven on the Wilshire Street, You absolutely noticed the shiny blue sign that says Albertson's on it. You might wondered why there is no door that you can get in from the front and then you find out that the door is on the back. it's funny because it happened for me when first time I saw Alberton. I was new, so didn't know the door is on the back. The first thing that you see when getting in the Albertson is the brown breads and cake the are all sitting next to each other and waiting for you to buy them. One bite from one of the cakes in the morning of a sunny saturday can make your whole weekend. The smile on the black man's face behind the cabinet is adorable.