Gridskipper

Many tourists flock to this outdoor Santa Monica consumer temple, lured by the promise of sunny weather and free-wheeling, sunny California culture. I know those things sound nice, but it's pretty gross here. The… street performers are occasionally talented, but many of them are actually just homeless people shouting loud enough to attract a crowd. It's a weird scene is what I'm saying. [link]

The Grove next door probably earns more money at this point, but the Farmers' Market is the heart and soul of the huge 3rd & Fairfax complex. It's been in place since the '30s, and is sort of a prototypical… mall, except with food instead of clothes. The various food stalls here are of various levels of quality; the best include the Brazilian, Mexican, and Indonesian spots. [link]

Strips malls equal depressing chain stores in most towns, but in LA they often house some of the best eating and drinking in the city. This one is a case in point, since it's home to super-cool bar The Woods (laidback,… stylishly wood-paneled) and local ice cream treasure Mashti Malone's, which offers all kinds of unusual flavors, like saffron rosewater. [link]

A random strip mall propelled to fame by leasing space to an awesome restaurant. Lou does small plates and quality ingredients and nice wine — all while refraining from any kind of snobbery or high-falutin-ness.… If that still doesn't sound like your thing, you can do some laundry or get some discounted items or a "Thai massage" without re-parking your car. [link]

One of Hollywood's earliest, most ridiculous, and miraculously still thriving establishments. The cardboard boxes up top that they call apartments are stupidly overpriced but seemingly full, and after an early run… of unsuccessful restaurants, the right establishments have set up shop. The Hungry Cat is a genuinely excellent seafood and cocktail joint, and Kabuki serves pretty gross, but really cheap, sushi in a trendy, buzzing atmosphere. Plus there's a Border's and a Bed, Bath & Beyond to make it feel like a real mall (and stars on the sidewalk to remind you you're in LA). (photo) [link]

OK, from the outside this looks like any other slightly run-down mall. But! Most of the stores and restaurants are Filipino, making it instantly more interesting. There are a couple of clothing and tchochke stores… that otherwise can't be found outside the Philippines, as well demo-specific restaurants like Jollibee and Goldilocks (hello, chicken adobo and ube muffins!). (photo) [link]

One of my personal favorites, since beautiful ceramic bowls are available alongside all manner of Hello Kitty products. The small outdoor mall was designed to evoke Japan, and it kind of works. The gift stores are… fantastic (anime porn!) and the snack shops are good — takoyaki, mochi ice cream, cakes shaped like poodles, and frozen yogurt that isn't Pinkberry are all in abundance here. (photo) [link]

This two-story strip mall could well be called Relaxation Plaza or Cheap Luxury Centre. You can indulge in Shanghai-style (the least healthful Chinese cuisine) delicacies at one of the restaurants, head over to… Beard Papa for a cream puff as big as your hand, and walk upstairs for some reflexology. It's wondrous. (photo) [link]

Sure, it's a hell of a jaunt, but a lot of Angelenos make regular pilgrimages to this two-mall outlet behemoth. Actually, a lot of people from even farther away make it a point to come here, too. There are run-of-the-mill… discount stores as well as outlets for rather nice brands like Gucci and Burberry. And if at the end of the day you still haven't spent enough cash, the Morongo Casino is beckoning from just next door. [link]