While North Inglewood’s charming, sylvan avenues played stunt double for the Yourtown, Midwest backdrop of Wayne’s World, much of the city’s residual grittiness reflects the loss of its adored Lakers to the Staples Center (Map 9). But if Laker great Magic Johnson has his way, Inglewood will be just fine. Johnson gets the assist for bringing a burst of commercial energy to the area. Grabbing a selection from Randy’s Donuts before you hop on your plane at LAX is the best way to show whoever you’re visiting that you care (about tasty breakfast sweets). True friends make sure at least one is maple-frosted.

Landmarks

• Betfair Hollywood Park • 1050 S Prairie Ave
310-419-1549
When you’ve just got to play the ponies . . .

• Great Western Forum •
S Prairie Ave & Manchester Terrace
310-330-7300
The Lakers’ and Kings’ former home is now the Faithful Central Bible Church. There’s irony for you.

• Pann’s • 6710 La Tijera Blvd
323-776-3770
One of the best remaining examples in the country of ‘50s coffee shop design—and they serve a down-home tasty breakfast.

• Randy’s Donuts • 805 W Manchester Blvd
310-645-4707
Giant donut perched on top of this beloved donut stop.

Nightlife

• Betfair Hollywood Park • 1050 S Prairie Ave
310-419-1549
Race track, nightclub, live music, games, etc.

Restaurants

• Ibex Ethiopian Restaurant • 630 N La Brea Ave
310-673-3392 • $$
Traditional Ethiopian cuisine, like we’d really know.

• La Costa Mariscos • 597 S La Brea Ave
310-672-2083 • $
Latin-styled fast food with the accent on seafood.

• La Perla • 10623 S Prairie Ave
310-677-5277 • $$
Ernestina Murillo’s kitchen serves up Latin American cuisine.

• Little Belize • 217 E Nutwood St
310-674-0696 • $$
Get your Belizean fix on at this inexpensive spot.

• Pann’s • 6710 La Tijera Blvd
323-776-3770 • $$
One of the best remaining examples of ‘50s coffee shop design.

• Thai Plate • 10311 Hawthorne Blvd
310-412-0111 • $$
This neighborhood-style restaurant’s specialty is Northern Thai cuisine.

Shopping

• Zahra’s Books & Things • 900 N La Brea Ave
310-330-1300
African-American bookstore that hosts great readings and events.