On a first date, when we inevitably start discussing our career aspirations, I’ll proudly state that one day I’d like to serve as mayor of Palms, California.
While this proclamation doesn’t lead to many second dates, it does motivate me to seek out the finest restaurants, bars and other businesses this side of National Boulevard — in hopes they’ll join my to-be-formed Palms Chamber of Commerce (note: yes, I realize Palms is still part of Los Angeles proper… but if WeHo can secede, any enclave can!).
In the spirit of exposing Angelenos to a neighborhood that flies under the radar of awesomeness, here are a few places to check out when you visit Palms.
1. Get your haircut at David R. Barber Shop. There’s no question who’s running the show at this strip mall gem, as namesake proprietor David R. greets you warmly before you’re placed in the capable hands of one of his 3-5 stylists on duty wearing matching “David R. Barber” embroidered shirts. They’re all meticulously professional, and if you’re lucky your seat will be within mirror-view of the TV, always showing international soccer. Hand your $14 (cash only) over to David R., who handles all transactions and strut your fresh new ‘do at all the Palms hot spots.
2. Eat yummy Thai food at Thai Boom. Uppity Cheviot Hills and Beverlywood types fawn over the Frank Gehry-esque Natalee Thai, but your better bet is about a mile west on Venice Boulevard at this authentic and perplexingly-named eatery. I usually get one of the noodle dishes (pro tip: add mixed veggies for a buck), a large Tom Yum soup and perhaps their tangy shredded papaya salad and eat like Thai royalty for 2-3 meals.
3. Buy your rec-league soccer uniforms at Fanaticos. Granted, there isn’t much competition in this category, but rummaging through the racks (wow, is that a Romanian National Team jersey!?) as some undecipherable-to-Gringo-ears game from Mexico blares from the flat screen takes me to my happy place. The owner, Pascal, is super personable and also does custom orders — so look no further when needing to outfit your company's team in the local rec league. I’ve seen this place open as late as 10pm, so you know where to go for that last-minute Cristiano Ronaldo costume next Halloween.
4. Your go-to first Tinder date should be Blind Barber. OK, it’s technically a block outside of Palms, and yes, it takes some cajones for a guy to tell a stranger “hey, meet me at an unmarked barber shop around the back side of a Best Buy”, but you’re sure to impress that right-swiping hottie at this faux-speakeasy. Saunter through the shop’s back door and into a mood-lit craft cocktail lounge, where libations (and a menu of artisan grilled cheese sandwiches) are prepared with the utmost care.
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