Despite popular perception, Los Angeles is actually much bigger than the frame of a celebrity Snapchat story. There’s a whole lot of blocks between the Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive, and I’d argue that Fairfax District is way more fun than any red carpet. In fact, the stretch of Fairfax between Melrose and 3rd Street is where my friends and I spent (probably too many) late nights, soaking in art, culture, and milkshakes. Here’s the best way to spend a night in LA, guided by some cool local teens!

The Farmer’s Market
http://www.farmersmarketla.com/

This maze of stalls and tables started out as a couple of dairy farms in 1880, and I’m sure the cows would appreciate the vegetable selection available. The corner of 3rd and Fairfax became the Farmer’s Market in 1934, revitalizing the local economy when farmers used the lot to sell their fresh food. Currently, it’s the perfect place to eat before catching a movie or ogling at luxury window displays at the Grove. Bennett’s Ice Cream, which still makes flavors on the spot, is one of the old-school stalls towards the front, marked by red and white paneling... and a ton of food awards. Nearby, there’s Sushi-A-Go-Go, plus a Brazilian place where you pay by the pound. Wherever you eat, the best drinks are in a nearby alley at this tiny soda shop, The Refresher, carrying everything from fizzy lemonade to 8 different kinds of cherry juice.

Da Poetry Lounge
http://dapoetrylounge.com/

And, since it’s a normal Tuesday night in LA, that means the largest weekly open mic in America is kicking off. Just down the street at the Greenway Court Theater is Da Poetry Lounge, founded in 1998 by Dante Basco, Shihan, DJ Brutha Gimel, and Poetri. For the last two decades, they’ve fostered a safe space for poets in LA, starting at 8 pm every Tuesday. The line wraps around the block every week, and people pack the audience from the back seats all the way to sitting right on the stage. Not only is this the heart of spoken word poetry in Southern California, it’s also the training grounds for the adult and youth slam teams! If you’re feeling brave, you can sign up to read, but remember that there’s a 3-minute time limit for all poems, or they cut the lights and mic to kick you off. Or, just grab a bean bag up front, and get to snapping.

Canter’s Deli
http://www.cantersdeli.com/home

Want to escape the labyrinth of cold-pressed juice bars? Allow Canter’s to enfold you in its fried, doughy, arms. Since 1931, this restaurant has sold over 24 million bowls of chicken soup, the most comforting statistic ever calculated. My personal savory favorites are the massive selection of Eggs Benedict dishes and the pickles. On the sugar side, come in December for sufganiyot, or scarf down an eclair year-round. If you’re going with a friend, the malt milkshakes are big enough to split, and are paired perfectly with some crispy french fries. It’s open 24 hours, and thus perfect for grabbing a snack during a night on the town. 

Cinefamily Movie Theater
http://www.cinefamily.org/

If you are a sleepy toddler like me, be sure to grab a coffee from Canter’s before heading to the Cinefamily Silent Movie Theater. This is a nonprofit organization run by Hollywood writers, directors, and producers, but most importantly: movie lovers. Cinefamily has a massive collection of films from around the world, which they happily share through themed events like Friday Night Frights, showing obscure horror movies every other week, or the Lost & Found Film Club, a monthly program showcasing movies from the murky depths of their archives. Check the schedule beforehand, or just wander in for some old-fashioned popcorn. 

All of this, fantastically, is on the same block in LA! No matter where your night takes you, you’re sure to have a good time. 

Cover Image via ShutterStock