Los Angeles

Though it’s hard to exactly pinpoint Toluca Lake’s exact borders, you’ll know it when things turn quietly posh. This churchmouse-quiet community that sits at the base of the Hills provides easy access to NBC Universal, and the plethora of shows that tape there. Riverside boasts a nice collection of yuppie-ish shops and restaurants. Just south of Toluca Lake, Universal City contains the megapopular, postmodern behemoth known as Universal CityWalk. You have been warned.

Landmarks

• Bob’s Big Boy • 4211 Riverside Dr
818-843-9334
The original Bob’s Big Boy, as if the giant “Big Boy” out front didn’t tip you off.

• Campo de Cahuenga • 3919 Lankershim Blvd
818-762-3998
This historic park is not regularly open to the public.

• CityWalk • 100 Universal City Plaza
818-622-4455
Entering City Walk is like walking through the glitzy gates of mega-franchise hell.

• Falcon Theatre • 4252 W Riverside Dr
818-955-8101
High-profile Valley theatre.

• Lake Hollywood Reservoir • Lake Hollywood Dr
323-463-0830
Jog or stroll around lovely “Lake Hollywood.”

• Universal Studios • 100 Universal Center Dr
818-777-1000
New Yorkers scoff at the Studio’s diminutive “tower.”

• Warner Brothers Studios • 3400 W Riverside Dr
877-492-8687
The studio’s water tower serves as a beacon for much of downtown Burbank.

Nightlife

• The Baked Potato • 3787 Cahuenga Blvd
818-980-1615
Low-key jazz with your choice of fancy baked potatoes.

• CiaoCristina! • 4201 W Olive Ave
818-563-2426
Neighborhood Italian joint with a gelato bar and a bar-bar.

• Jon Lovitz Comedy Club • 1000 Universal Studios Blvd
818-824-6545
Big-name headliners in a cozy, beach-themed setting.

• Smoke House • 4420 W Lakeside Dr
818-845-3731
Charming lounge music and stiff old man drinks.

Restaurants

• Buca di Beppo • 1000 Universal Studios Blvd
818-509-9463 • $$
Lively traditional Italian chain, dinner only.

• Ca’ del Sole • 4100 Cahuenga Blvd
818-985-4669 • $$$$
Italian with garden tables.

• CiaoCristina! • 4201 W Olive Ave
818-563-2426 • $$
Neighborhood Italian joint with a gelato bar and a bar-bar.

• Don Cuco • 3911 W Riverside Dr
818-842-1123 • $$
Cheap prices, strong margaritas, kitschy Mexican ambience.

• Miceli’s • 3655 Cahuenga Blvd W
323-851-3344 • $$
Lively, fun Italian known for its singing waiters.

• Priscilla’s • 4150 W Riverside Dr
818-843-5707 • $
Good variety of coffees and pastries in a cozy setting.

• Smoke House • 4420 W Lakeside Dr
818-845-3731 • $$$
Beloved dinosaur steakhouse.

• Wolfgang Puck Bistro • 1000 Universal Studios Blvd
818-985-9653 • $$
Casual California chic.

• Zach’s Café • 10820 Ventura Blvd
818-762-4225 • $$
Satisfying Italian, with one of the city’s best courtyards.

Though the neon assault and outrageous prices ($14 for parking? I thought we were in the Valley) are certainly a turn-off, there is something strangely alluring about CityWalk’s faux urban bonanza. The bars, restaurants, movies and shows are constantly packed with throngs of humanity. It’s become a must-do for tourists, so if you like to get your gawk on and engage in a little people-watching, this is the place to do it.

Shopping

• Cinema Secrets Beauty Supply • 4400 W Riverside Dr
818-846-0579
Fabulous selection, including film makeup.