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Best Pop Up Dining In Los Angeles

610 friends eating dining
(credit: Monkey Business Images/shutterstock)

Got a hunger for some pop-up dining around the greater Los Angeles area? If that's the case, then you have a myriad of options.For those unfamiliar with this concept, pop-up eateries are eateries that typically arise from a private home, former factory or similar space. They can also be found various times of the year during festivals. With the space and sprawl that is Los Angeles, it is not terribly uncommon to find such events.

LASA
(credit: Sunny D./yelp)

LASA
727 N. Broadway, Unit 120
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 443-6163
www.lasa-la.com/#welcome-lasa

When it comes to LASA, guests are sure to find something to their liking. Founded by Filipino-American brothers Chef Chad Valencia and Chase Valencia, lasa means taste or flavor in Tagalog. The two started their trek in the summer of 2013 with a series of intimate backyard dinners among the Valencia brothers and their friends. LASA has grown since then and has hosted more than 50 dinners in both Highland Cafe in Highland Park and at the Elysian in Frogtown. Their experience at the Elysian led to an even bigger following and demand for their food, with 120 seats selling out within minutes after opening reservations to the general public. Their menu offers a host of options, including vegetarian choices. Now in partnership with Chef Alvin Cailan (Eggslut), LASA continues as a weekend residency (Friday - Sunday) at the culinary incubator, Unit 120, situated in the Far East Plaza in Chinatown. According to the brothers, LASA is operating as a restaurant project with the ultimate goal being establishing their very own brick and mortar restaurant in Los Angeles.

Le Comptoir
(credit: Nguyen L./yelp)

Le Comptoir
3606 West 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 290-0750
www.lecomptoirla.com

Are you in the mood for an ever-changing menu showcasing seasonal ingredients from Le Comptoir's own organic urban garden Gladys Avenue Farm in Long Beach? If so, you will be enjoying offerings that are both innovative and classical. Le Comptoir means a counter in French -- our favorite place to eat which also symbolizes a casual and informal setting. The menu offers diversity (six courses that are vegetable inspired), with a nice wine pairing to go with it. Chef Gary Menes best describes the experience as demystifying fine dining, omitting white table cloths and numerous sets of silverware in favor of a fun, interactive and informative setting. Visitors will find Menes behind the counter, feeding, delighting and educating diners on the culinary lessons that have formed who he is today

Ktchn Dtla
(credit: Jeff V./yelp)

Ktchn Dtla
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 400-8216
ktchnla.squarespace.com

When searching for an innovative culinary group headed to underutilized spaces for unexpected dining experiences, look no further. Ktchn Dtla offers weekly pop-up brunches, catered private events, technical cooking classes and parties. Patrons looking for a sound brunch or early lunch place can be served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday).

Interactive Dining Wolvesmouth
(credit: Kent D./Yelp)

Wolvesmouth
at the Wolvesden (Arts District Downtown)
Wolve
Los Angeles, CA 90012
wolvesmouth.com

You'll have to join the mailing list for a chance to experience this fine cuisine, but it will be well worth the anticipation. Wolvesmouth is an underground restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, and is often referred to as "the toughest reservation in LA." Patrons can not only enjoy great food, but they can also bring their own wines and other drinks of choice. There are a variety of courses available to tempt your tastebuds, with time in between courses to stretch your legs and check out the various taxidermy pieces around the loft. Yes, you may think taxidermy and food do not make the best mix, but think again when visiting the Wolvesmouth. Expect to devote a good two hours or more to enjoying all the food and drink; this is not the place if you're looking for a quick in-and-out meal. Sit back and enjoy all it has to offer.

Sunday Kitchen Pop-Up Restaurant
(credit: Patty L./yelp)

Sunday Kitchen Pop-Up Restaurant
9907 1/2 South Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 553-1011

Finding a nice (but affordable) dining experience in Beverly Hills can leave you a little hungry at times. With that being said, head on over to this locale on South Santa Monica Boulevard and you likely won't be disappointed. Given you can enjoy five courses, make sure you bring your appetite. Offerings include soft shell crabs, pork belly, scallops, fried chicken bun, braised oxtail and more. Open 3 to 9 p.m. on Sundays, this business is the perfect way to end your weekend, albeit with a full stomach when you leave here.

Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com

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