Ultimate iPhone Campout Guide: LA Century City
Having just undergone a complete makeover, the new Westfield Century City shopping center has become a definitively modern, upscale, outdoor shopping experience. There's really no reason to ever leave the mall, which features a gourmet food court, restaurants such as Houston's and Gulfstream, a plethora of clean, free bathrooms, and a number of bars and lounges. But for campers awaiting the release of the iPhone, here's a list of nearby Century City lodging options, bathrooms, eateries, pubs, and free wifi.
Apple's iPhone will be released June 29 in the United States. And you want to be ready. In partnership with Gizmodo, each Ultimate iPhone Campout Guide maps a choice Apple Store plus nearby cheap hotels, good eats, cool drinks, free bathrooms, accessible wifi, and other local delights. If you have your own ideas, share them via email or in the comments below.
The Cellar
1880 Century Park E
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 277-1584
Located in the heart of Century City, this watering hole has been serving up bar food, burgers, and booze in a warm, pub atmosphere for nearly fifty years. Tuesday is … karaoke night, and Wednesday features martini specials. [link]
Free Wifi: Beverly Hills Public Library
444 N Rexford Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 288-2220
Just two miles down Santa Monica Boulevard, wayward iPhone enthusiasts will find the Beverly Hills Public Library: a haven of comfortable seats and unlimited free wifi, … not to mention free bathrooms. [link]
Clementine
1751 Ensley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 552-1080
This exquisite family-owned neighborhood bakery and cafe offers casual ambiance, not to mention a deli case full of unique salads like Thai slaw, orecchiette pasta …
salad, and Middle Eastern pepper salad. Also on offer is a breakfast menu teeming with delectable egg dishes, homemade granola, house-cured gravlax, and fresh backed scones. Then there's a lunch menu that breathes new life into the art of the sandwich, plus green salads such as Cobb and Greek, two fresh soups every day, and a selection of baked goods like gingersnaps, apple turnovers, and butterscotch brownies. [link]
Mrs Winston's Green Grocery
1999 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 553-4100
This healthy, organic grocery offers a DIY salad and sandwich bar with goodies like kale, quinoa, sunflower sprouts, and mango salsa. They also generally have a couple of … soups on offer, one of which tends to be vegan. It's a very easy place to grab a quick, reasonably priced, healthy meal that you can take with you. [link]
Free Bathroom: Starbucks
2049 Century Park E
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 286-3023
Ask for the bathroom key at this Starbucks, located in the Watt Plaza, and they'll direct you to the free building facilities. [link]
Free Bathroom: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
1940 Century Park E
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 553-5254
You'll need to ask for a key, but the bathroom is free and they shouldn't give you any trouble at this conveniently located Century City Coffee Bean just outside the … mall. [link]
Free Bathroom: City Bean Coffee
2121 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 203-0079
Yes, they have a free, public bathroom, but that's not all: They also roast some of the finest estate coffees available. They've been named the "Best Java in LA" by … Los Angeles Magazine, and the Zagat Survey has called them the "Best Buy" for coffee in Southern California. But you're just here to use the bathroom, right? [link]
Stars Inn Motel
10269 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 556-3076
The Stars Inn is a 20 unit family-run motel located directly across from the Century City Shopping Center. All rooms are equipped with direct-dial telephones, cable … television, and refrigerators. Rates range from $65 to $85. [link]
Carmines II
10463 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 441-4706
This New York-style Italian restaurant has been open since 1975 and is popular for classics like osso buco and veal picatta. Pastas can be a little pricey, but salads …
like the goat cheese and penne (mixed European field
greens, sundried tomatoes, and pine nuts) are a great deal at around $11.
The restaurant and bar also features live piano Tuesdays through Saturdays. [link]
Apple Store Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 286-6820
Occupying a central location at the Century City Shopping Center, this Apple Store is (normally) open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 … p.m. [link]