Wil Wheaton's Geek Guide to LA

When he's finished picking up his books at Comics Factory right next door, Wil usually heads to the Pasadena branch of Zankou for a falafel wrap. The popular chain is … known for its rotisserie chicken. "If you think someone is a vampire," Wil advises, "take them to Zankou. If they can survive their incredible garlic paste, your blood is safe." [link]

Known as "the last of the great American railway stations," this is more than just the main passenger station for trains in the Los Angeles area -- it's a rare, living … piece of history. Wil says, "I love to ride the train, whether it's to San Diego for Comic-Con, up the coast to SLO, or out to Kansas on the Southwest Chief. Union Station is one of the best throwbacks to an era when Los Angeles felt like it really was on the edge of the continent, and while our idiotic city planners have raped and destroyed much of our heritage over the last two decades so that we can have more strip malls and big box department stores, Union Station remains unchanged." [link]

Wil enjoys driving the stretch of PCH between Malibu and Ventura, especially when his destination is this camping and dog-friendly beach. "While most people will tell you … how beautiful the California coastline is up North -- and they're right, by the way -- our section of PCH down here is often overlooked. Once you get North of Malibu, up near Zuma, it's easy to forget that you're just an hour or so away from the craziness of Santa Monica." [link]

"Remember where Pee Wee's bike was stolen? It happened right next door to the Grenadier." The shop was filled with floor-to-ceiling racks of games from all genres, and … housed a basement full of circular tables for RPGs, card tables for games like Nuclear War or Arkham Horror, and giant banquet tables with terrain for miniature games like Warhammer 40K. The current location, on Hollywood Way, is a lot like the original, but Wil says he'll always miss the old one, where he bought his first Car Wars Deluxe Edition. [link]

Wil's favorite hiking trail offers a little known glimpse of late 19th century Los Angeles. In addition to the spectacular views of the San Gabriel and San Fernando … valleys, the trail leads to the ruins of Thaddeus S. C. Lowe's scenic mountain railway, as well as what remains of the hotel, chalet, observatory, and small zoo that it delivered early tourists to. Wil calls the ruins of Echo Mountain, which is an official historic landmark, "one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles." [link]

A goalie from age 16 to 22, this is where Wil learned to play hockey. He also met legendary player Gordie Howe, also known as Mr. Hockey, at this very rink, which Wil … describes as "small and a little skanky." He adds, however, that "they still do cheapskate nights on Thursdays, and you can rent the ice for late night broomball on the weekends." [link]

According to Wil, this Pasadena pub is one of the few places in LA that can pour a Guinness correctly. "Finally, an authentic English Pub that hasn't been ruined by the … fucking hipsters," he says of the tavern, which offers an array of unique beers, 63 of which are on tap. [link]

Located a stone's throw from USC, this hugely popular taco shop is celebrated for its mouth-watering mulitas and exceptional al pastor. Wil, however, goes for the tacos, … which are also apparently very good. "They have the best tacos in town," he insists. "It says so right on the wall. In paint, so you know it's true." [link]

The leading American center for robotic exploration of the solar system, LA's JPL spacecraft have visited all known planets except Pluto (er, well, you know what we … mean), for which a mission is currently under study. Wil says: "I spent my teenage years on a pretend spaceship at Paramount, and when I went home each night, I went to sleep in the shadow of JPL in La Crescenta. I remember going to their annual open house when they'd only get a thousand or so people through the gates over the whole weekend. If you can't go to open house, but you can get a group together, they'll give you a private tour of the facility." Just be sure to make your reservation in advance. [link]

The planetarium features a new dome, star projector, digital laser projectors, seats, sound system, and lighting, and the observatory offers both optical and solar … telescopes for free public viewing. A lot of longtime Angelenos have fond memories of this well-loved spot, and Wil is no different. "I've been going to the Observatory as long as I can remember," he says, "and it's just as magical for me today as it was when I was a little kid. I really miss the laserium." Don't we all, buddy, don't we all. [link]

The non-secret is out: Wil Wheaton is a big ol' geek. It should come as no surprise, then, that he lists this geek's paradise as one of his all-time favorite LA … destinations. "A huge collection of comics, run by the same awesome family since Superman crash-landed on our planet a bazillion years ago. You're just as likely to run into Jon Singleton as you are a Very Fine copy of Sandman number one," he says of the shop, which originally opened in 1979 and offers comics, exclusive signed editions, and toys. [link]

Wil calls this relatively new Pasadena store his "new Friendly Local Game Shop," and says that it's "probably the greatest game shop in the San Gabriel Valley, and … certainly one of the best in all of Los Angeles ... The owner, Chuck, invites gamers in for different games every night of the week, and open gaming is encouraged whenever the store is open. As a bonus, there's no gamer 'funk' to speak of, except on those weekends when we all show up for a 40K Armageddon marathon." [link]

This original art deco theater was built in 1936 and served for over 50 years as a first-run movie house. In 1994 it was converted into (in Wil's humble opinion) one of … the best live music venues in LA. "It's like they took the best parts of the Wiltern and the Palladium, filtered out everything we hate about them both, and stuck them on the Miracle Mile," he explains. "Also, it was featured in Night of the Comet." [link]

With their great selection of comic books and friendly staff, this Pasadena shop has become one of Wil's regular stops. "Comics Factory has been my shop since I moved out … to Pasadena nearly ten years ago. In addition to all my regular books and trades, they have a huge manga section and an awesome collection of anime DVDs for rent." [link]

Owned by a pal's brother, this charming sidewalk cafe is one of Wil's favorite places grab a quick midweek breakfast with his wife. "I'm a vegetarian," he explains, "and … they'll make huevos rancheros for me without any huevos, but extra avocado and onions and black beans and stuff." In addition to this willingness to offer substitutions, the cozy, romantic place is well-received by grateful Pasadenans for its fabulous food and great service. [link]

Located next door to ACME, this is where Wil and his fellow ACME castmates would head for dinner and drinks after shows. "I've closed that place down more times than I'm … willing to admit," says Wil of the cozy Italian eatery, which is lauded for its pizzas and homemade pastas. [link]

This little La Brea theater is where Wil paid his sketch comedy writing dues, learned how to improvise, and had what he calls "some of the greatest days of my writing and … performing life." He still loves going, especially the current Saturday night show -- a sketch comedy that changes every week and features celebrity hosts. Wil, who used to write and perform the news segment, says "It's like SNL, but funny." [link]