Los Angeles

Burbank sports an exceedingly low crime rate and an affordability (free parking everywhere!) that makes it a big draw for families—and consequently the chains families patronize. It’s also the best way to fly into the LA metro area—through the wonderfully sleepy Bob Hope Airport. To the west of Warner Brothers lot, Magnolia Boulevard is an up-and-coming destination strip, featuring vintage shops, kitschy stores and a few hip bars full of young “Industry” types.

Landmarks

• The Burbank Studios • 3000 W Alameda Ave
Former NBC Studios; “Beautiful Downtown Burbank” was here.

• Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation •
10621 Victory Blvd
This Spanish/Mission revival-style monument shows up in the occasional tv show and movie.

• Warner Ranch • W Verdugo Ave & Pass Ave
818-954-6000
That NY fountain where TV’s “Friends” dance in the opening credits? Right here on the ranch.

Nightlife

• Champs Sports Pub • 4103 W Burbank Blvd
818-840-9493
Old school sports pub, in both upkeep and M.O.

• Dimples • 3413 W Olive Ave
818-842-2336
Claims to be the “first karaoke club in America.”

• Flappers • 102 E Magnolia Blvd
818-845-9721
Traditional comedy club with actually decent food.

• Library Lounge • 322 N Pass Ave
818-842-8887
Graciela’s swanky-yet-cozy hotel bar with killer martinis.

• No Bar • 10622 Magnolia Blvd
818-753-0545
Plush, darkly fabulous interior belies the seedy exterior.

• The Snug • 4108 W Magnolia Blvd
Laid back neighborhood bar in the heart of the Valley.

• Tinhorn Flats Saloon and Grill • 2623 W Magnolia Blvd
818-567-2470
Classic neighborhood joint dressed up like a Wild West saloon.

Restaurants

• Bistro Provence • 345 N Pass Ave
818-840-9050 • $$
Inviting and unpretentious bistro serving high-quality French cuisine.

• Buchanan Arms • 2013 W Burbank Blvd
818-845-0692 • $$
Sample British eats seated ‘neath a portrait of the Queen.

• Chili John’s • 2018 W Burbank Blvd
818-846-3611 • $
Best chili this side of the Mississippi.

• Coley’s • 10842 Magnolia Blvd
818-761-4944 • $
Jerk, curry, and island soul served with a side of plantains.

• Coral Café • 3321 W Burbank Blvd
818-566-9725 • $
Burbank landmark serves breakfast 24/7, along with wholesome American favorites.

• Full O’ Life • 2515 W Magnolia Blvd
818-845-7411 • $
Health food store/restaurant.

• Kuru-Kuru Sushi • 521 N Hollywood Way
818-848-3355 • $$
Generous portions of high quality, reasonably priced sushi in a friendly atmosphere.

• Le Petit Chateau • 4615 Lankershim Blvd
818-769-1812 • $$$
Romantic little French bistro.

• Mucho Mas • 10405 Burbank Blvd
818-980-0300 • $
Mexican standards on the patio or in a cozy cavern.

• Poquito Mas • 10651 Magnolia Blvd
818-994-8226 • $
Cheap, fresh Mexican chain.

• Porto’s Bakery & Café • 3614 W Magnolia Blvd
818-846-9100 • $
Yummy Cuban sandwiches and an amazing array of baked goods.

• Tallyrand • 1700 W Olive Ave
818-846-9904 • $
Greasy spoon institution with all the fixins.

• Taste Chicago • 603 N Hollywood Way
818-563-2800 • $
Sweet Home Chicago comfort food.

• Tony’s Bella Vista • 3116 W Magnolia Blvd
818-848-3389 • $
Italian standards in a friendly, straw-covered-Chianti-bottle setting.

• Urban Eats • 3501 W Magnolia Blvd
818-848-1106 • $
Fresh, healthy . . . good.

Thanks to its easy access to the 5, 101 and 134, Burbank is a favorite of commuters who don’t want to pay city prices. If your car does have something weird go wrong with it, Victory Boulevard sports a Murderer’s Row of quality specialty mechanics. Speaking of cars, it’s not unusual to see Jay Leno zipping up Hollywood Way, probably coming from or going to the classic car show at Bob’s Big Boy.

Shopping

• Atomic Records • 3812 W Magnolia Blvd
818-848-7090
Used records. An eclectic inventory at reasonable prices.

• Dark Delicacies • 3512 W Magnolia Blvd
818-556-6660
Everything for your D&D/goth/horror/fantasy friend (we all have one).

• Fry’s Electronics • 2311 N Hollywood Way
818-526-8100
Huge electronics store with a B-movie, spaceship-themed exterior.

• It’s a Wrap • 3315 W Magnolia Blvd
818-567-7366
Clothes previously worn by your favorite TV stars.

• Jelly Bean Factory • 927 N Hollywood Way
818-848-4806
Governor Reagan would be in paradise.

• Monte Carlo Deli & Pinocchio Restaurant •
3103 Magnolia Blvd
818-845-3516
Authentic Italian market.

• Otto’s Hungarian Import Store & Deli •
2320 W Clark Ave
818-845-0433
All manner of Hungarian delicacies and deliciousness.

• Playclothes • 3100 W Magnolia Blvd
818-557-8447
Vintage retailer that does the wardrobe for Mad Men.

• Rocket Fizz • 3524 W Magnolia Blvd
818-846-7632
Indie sodas and candies galore.

• The Train Shack • 1030 N Hollywood Way
818-842-3330
Fun model train store.