Local Guide to Los Angeles

Los Angeles city skyline bathed in pink light at dusk with palm trees in the foreground

Welcome to Southwestern Law School

Southwestern offers easy access to a variety of hotels, restaurants, and public transportation options. Whether you're visiting for an admissions event or exploring your new home, this guide will help you navigate the local area and make the most of your time in L.A. 

Where to Stay 

Los Angeles offers a wide range of hotel options to suit your needs. Here are some recommendations based on their proximity to campus. 

  1. Hotels in Downtown LA

    Approximately a 10-Minute Drive to Campus

  2. Hotels Near LAX Airport

    30 Minutes to 1 Hour Drive to Campus

  3. Hotels Near Burbank Airport

    30 Minutes to 1 Hour Drive to Campus

    For those flying into Burbank, staying in Universal City offers convenience and comfort. 

Where to Eat 

Los Angeles boasts one of the most vibrant and diverse food scenes in the world, with influences from every corner of the globe. From casual street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s no shortage of culinary adventures. Here’s a selection of must-try spots near Southwestern and beyond: 

  1. Koreatown Favorites

    Koreatown offers some of the best Korean cuisine outside of Korea, with everything from BBQ to comforting soups and stews. 

    • Langer’s Delicatessen – Just a short drive away, this iconic deli is famous for its world-renowned pastrami sandwiches served on freshly baked rye bread. 
    • Hangari Kalguksu – Known for its handmade knife-cut noodles, this Koreatown gem serves up comforting bowls of kalguksu (noodle soup) with rich, flavorful broths. 
    • Sun Nong Dan – Popularized on social media for its braised short rib with melted cheese. Sun Nong Dan offers a twist on the Korean dish Kalbi Jim, available in both spicy and traditional soy-based options. 
    • Jinsol Gukbap – Famous for its namesake dish, Gukbap, which translates to “soup-rice.” This hearty soup is commonly enjoyed by mixing cooked rice into the broth. 
    • Yuchun – A popular spot for Korean cold noodles. While noodles in cold broth may seem unfamiliar, Yuchun’s Bi-bim-naengmyun (spicy cold noodles) is refreshing and a must-try. Don’t miss their kimchi dumplings, either. 
    • Ahgassi Gopchang – Known to BTS fans as one of Jin’s favorite spots, Ahgassi Gopchang specializes in KBBQ, including gopchang (intestine). Though not all-you-can-eat, the quality of the food will leave you satisfied. 
    • Witch’s Fried Chicken – Witch’s does fried chicken right. Located in a grocery store, it’s perfect for takeout or a quick bite at one of their tables. Their sauce options make this fried chicken experience exceptional. 
    • Monty’s Good Burger – Looking for a vegan option? Monty’s offers 100% plant-based burgers, fries, shakes, and more. Be sure to try the tater tots—you won’t regret it. 
    • Borit Gogae – Authentic, traditional Korean home-style cooking centered on barley rice. Their viral barley rice set menu comes with a generous spread of side dishes, and their LA galbi (grilled beef short ribs) is highly recommended. 
    • Liu’s Cafe – A Michelin Guide-recognized Chinese-American diner, bakery, and cafe. Try the braised pork belly rice and pineapple buns. 
    • Oakobing – Satisfy your sweet tooth with Korean-style shaved ice, featuring a variety of flavors like green tea, oreo, injeolmi (roasted soybean powder), and more. 
    • Sunright Tea Studio Koreatown - Quench your thirst with handcrafted tea drinks, from creamy milk teas to refreshing fruit teas, topped with their signature cheese foam or boba. 
    • BCD Tofu – A Koreatown classic serving up hearty bowls of soft tofu soup with customizable spice levels and an array of banchan (side dishes) 24/7. 
    • Guelaguetza - A vibrant Oaxacan gem offering authentic mole dishes, tlayudas, and mezcal-based cocktails in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. 
    • Parks BBQ – A top-tier Korean BBQ destination featuring premium cuts of meat including USDA Prime and Kobe-style beef, cooked to perfection right at your table. 
    • MuMu Bakery & Cafe – A charming cafe featuring Asian-inspired pastries, fluffy jiggly cheesecakes, and artisan coffee. 
    • MKD Noodles – A hidden gem for noodle enthusiasts, serving handcrafted knife-cut noodles in rich, savory broths and flavorful saucesll with classic Korean sides. 
    • Yeems Coffee – A cozy coffee spot specializing in expertly crafted espresso drinks, unique seasonal lattes, and freshly baked pastries in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Try their Vienna lattes! 
    • Alchemist Coffee Project – A specialty coffee shop offering Intelligentsia coffee, expertly brewed pour-overs, specialty lattes, and a cozy, modern ambiance. 
    • MemoryLook Coffee – A sleek Koreatown cafe known for its cream-layered coffee drinks and gourmet donuts. The cafe features a cozy, minimalist two-story interior, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, and best of all, ample parking. 
  2. Downtown and Arts District Hotspots

    Only minutes from Southwestern, downtown L.A. offers a dynamic mix of restaurants, from fine dining to casual bites. 

    • Bavel – A Mediterranean restaurant with a modern twist, serving dishes like hummus, lamb, and some of the best flatbreads in the city. 
    • Damian – Enjoy upscale Mexican cuisine crafted by renowned chef Enrique Olvera. Signature dishes include duck carnitas and sweet corn tamales. 
    • Bestia – Known for its creative pastas and wood-fired pizzas, this trendy Italian spot offers a must-visit experience for foodies in an industrial-chic setting. 
    • Holbox – A James Beard nominated, and Michelin Guide rated casual Mexican seafood restaurant located in the Mercado La Paloma food hall. Holbox serves some of the best Mexican seafood in the city, including fresh ceviche and Baja-style fish tacos. 
    • Avenue 26 Tacos – Despite no longer being located on Avenue 26, this taco spot has a convenient location in Little Tokyo with plenty of parking. Enjoy quality tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at an affordable price. 
    • Original Farmer’s Market – A historic LA landmark offering an eclectic mix of more than 100 gourmet grocers, specialty retailers and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world in a vibrant, open-air setting. 
    • Girl and the Goat – A culinary hotspot blending bold, globally-inspired flavors in creative small plates, served in a trendy, bustling atmosphere. Try the goat empanadas or the confit goat belly for something adventurous. 
    • Baar Baar – A contemporary Indian restaurant with the spirit of a vibrant cocktail bar, serving reimagined classics like butter chicken and spinach chaat alongside bold, inventive drinks inspired by your favorite Bollywood movies. 
    • Manuela – A rustic-chic restaurant showcasing locally sourced seasonal vegetables, grains, fish, and game in the heart of the Arts District. Must-try dishes include the cast-iron cornbread and the popover benedict. 
    • Guerilla Tacos – From humble beginnings as a taco truck to its thriving brick-and-mortar home, Guerrilla Tacos is a culinary gem celebrating LA’s diverse flavors with creative offerings like the iconic vegetarian sweet potato taco. 
    • Badmaash Downtown – A hip Indian gastropub blending traditional flavors with modern twists, featuring dishes like chicken tikka poutine and spiced lamb burgers. 
  3. Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites

    Venture off the beaten path to discover unique flavors and experiences in L.A.’s hidden gems. 

    • Mariscos Jalisco (Boyle Heights) – Famous for its legendary tacos dorado de camaron (fried shrimp tacos), this food truck is a local favorite. 
    • Leo’s Taco Truck (Mid-City) – This fleet of taco trucks serves some of the best al pastor tacos in the city, with perfectly marinated pork shaved from a spit and topped with pineapple. 
    • Joyce (Downtown) – A Southern-inspired restaurant offering crowd-pleasers like crawfish hush puppies, Gullah Geechee-style braised kale, and a seafood platter perfect for sharing. 
    • Kuya Lord (East Hollywood) – A fast-casual Filipino spot serving rice bowls and family-style trays with a chef’s twist on traditional dishes like lechon and prawns. 
    • Kogi Taco Truck – Chef Roy Choi’s famous food truck offers the original Korean-Mexican taco fusion. With multiple locations, it’s easier than ever to track one down. 
    • Marugame Monzo (Little Tokyo) – Authentic handmade udon with creative fusion twists. Sit at the bar to watch the noodles being made fresh in-house. Recommended dishes include miso carbonara udon and uni cream udon. 
    • Doomie’s NextMex (Hollywood) – A vegan Mexican taqueria serving comfort food with gluten-free options. Satisfy your cravings with massive burritos, chimichangas, and tacos. 

Getting Around 

Los Angeles offers several convenient public transportation options to help you get to campus and explore the city.

Metro Rail 

The Metro system is a great way to avoid L.A. traffic and easily access Southwestern’s campus. 

  • Wilshire/Vermont Station: Just steps from campus, this station connects you to the Metro Red and Purple lines, making it easy to travel across the city. 
  • Union Station: Another major stop in downtown L.A. connecting to multiple lines, including the Blue, Expo, and Red lines. 

Buses 

For even more flexibility, the LA Metro bus system is extensive and operates frequently. The 18 and 720 buses stop at Wilshire and Vermont, conveniently located right by the campus. 

 

Bullocks Wilshire building against a blue sky

Accessing Campus 

The campus is located at 3050 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010. 

Driving Directions 

  • From the Hollywood Freeway (101): 
    Take the Vermont exit and head south to Wilshire Boulevard. Turn left on Wilshire, then right on Wilshire Place. The parking entrance is at the end of the block on the right. 
  • From the Santa Monica Freeway (10): 
    Take the Vermont exit and head north. Continue north to 7th Street, turn right on 7th, then left on Wilshire Place. The parking entrance is immediately on the left. 
  • From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 
    Take the 405 Freeway north to the 10 Freeway east. Exit at Vermont and head north. Turn right on 7th Street, then left on Wilshire Place. The parking entrance is on the left. 
  • From Downtown Los Angeles: 
    Take Wilshire Boulevard west, turn left at Hoover Street, then right on 7th Street. Turn right on Wilshire Place for the parking entrance on the left. 

Rideshare 

For those using rideshare services like Lyft or Uber, please use 675 S. Westmoreland Avenue. This address is just off Wilshire Blvd. 

Parking 

Visitor parking is available on campus for a nominal fee (currently $10). Metered street parking is also available around the campus perimeter. Parking fees are waived for prospective students. 

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