Ultimate iPhone Campout Guide: LA The Grove
The Grove is a swanky new-ish outdoor mall at the busy intersection of 3rd and Fairfax that's always as packed as Disneyland and comes complete with a trolley in case you're too lazy to walk the quarter-mile from one end to the other. Its prime location next to the Farmer's Market means there's plenty to do within walking distance. You won't lack for food, drink, places to relieve yourself of both, and the odd sphere of 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.
Bar: Celadon
7910 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 658-8028
If you're in the mood for something a little more cosmopolitan, the bar inside chic (i.e. dimly lit) restaurant Celadon, which is kitty-corner from the Grove on 3rd, … features designer cocktails named after aphrodisiacs. Oh, and it has beds in it. Though we don't recommend trying to take a nap unless you're really desperate. [link]
Molly Malone's
575 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 935-1577
A short hike (less than a mile) down Fairfax, Molly Malone's was one of the first bars in LA to reopen its doors after Prohibition and has stayed put ever since, for … obvious reasons. The drinks are strong, there's a good selection of beers on tap, and you'll be in heaven if you like pub food. [link]
Free Wifi & Bathrooms: Whole Foods Market
6350 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 964-6800
You can get free wifi inside the Apple store itself (of course), but the Whole Foods across 3rd Street has it as well, if you need a change of scenery. [link]
El Coyote
7312 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-2255
About a half-mile away from the Grove, El Coyote has a menu of cheap, Americanized Mexican food -- you know, lots of cheese melted all over everything, painfully mild … salsa, the stuff you grew up with. The margaritas are also a big draw. [link]
Bagel Broker
7825 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 931-1258
Over on Beverly Boulevard is the Bagel Broker, a beloved bagel shop that has legions of devoted fans. Bagel sandwiches (whether for breakfast or lunch) are …
particular favorites. [link]
Swingers
8018 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 651-2441
Located in the Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel about a half-mile from the Grove, Swingers boasts a classic coffee shop menu at classic coffee shop prices (read: cheap.) They … also serve liquor and have a great jukebox. [link]
Free Bathrooms: Farmer's Market
6333 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-1898
Easy-access facilities can be found at either end of the Farmer's Market, on the Fairfax Avenue and Gilmore Lane sides. There's also variety of plentiful cheap food …
options throughout the market. [link]
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
You can find bathrooms inside the Grove itself (in the foyer of the parking structure; yes, the Grove's garage has its own foyer, complete with chandelier). [link]
Farmer's Daughter Motel
115 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 937-3930
If you want swankier hipster digs, try Farmer's Daughter right across Fairfax from the Grove. Rooms start at $159, and the hotel's cute country design and great service … are definite bonuses. [link]
Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel
8018 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 651-2441
This place still charmingly calls itself a "motor hotel" and honors your precious AAA discount. Rooms start at $98 a night, there's a pool, and they're …
pet-friendly. It's about a half-mile from the Grove. [link]
Apple Store
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 965-8400
The Grove's Apple Store comes complete with near-standard translucent steps carrying you to the upper level like you're ascending to heaven (and, let's be honest, … sometimes it feels that way). [link]
