8 California Spots That Fell Out Of Favor And 8 Fresh Picks Locals Are Loving
Trends come and go, and nowhere is that more true than in California’s ever-evolving food and hangout scene.
Some once-beloved spots have lost their spark, fading from local favorites to forgettable detours.
But as doors close, new ones open, and fresh picks are stepping in with bold flavors, cool vibes, and plenty of local love.
Whether you’re chasing the next big thing or just curious where the buzz is now, California’s got a new lineup worth checking out.
1. Pink’s Hot Dogs – Los Angeles
The iconic hot dog stand that once had lines wrapping around the block now feels more like a tourist checkbox than a culinary destination.
Founded in 1939, Pink’s celebrity photos and signature dogs still draw crowds, but locals whisper that the quality doesn’t match the hype.
Wait times can stretch to 45 minutes for what amounts to an overpriced hot dog with clever names. The novelty has worn thin for Angelenos who’ve moved on to more inventive street food.
2. Umami Burger (LAX Terminal B) – Los Angeles
Remember when Umami Burger was the talk of the town? Their airport outpost exemplifies their fall from grace.
Trapped travelers pay premium prices for burgers that arrive lukewarm and underwhelming, a shadow of the chain’s former glory. Service moves at glacial speed, with harried staff juggling too many orders.
What was once a revolutionary umami-focused concept has become just another forgettable airport dining option that locals actively avoid when flying.
3. Saddle Ranch Chop House – West Hollywood
Nothing screams “tourist trap” quite like Saddle Ranch’s mechanical bull and cotton candy towers.
This Sunset Strip mainstay banks on its Instagram-friendly gimmicks while serving mediocre steaks at premium prices.
Local foodies roll their eyes at the rowdy atmosphere that prioritizes selfie opportunities over culinary quality.
The novelty of watching drunk tourists attempt bull-riding wears thin quickly, leaving Californians to seek authentic Western fare elsewhere.
4. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – San Francisco (Pier 39)
Perched at tourist-heavy Pier 39, Bubba Gump relies on “Forrest Gump” nostalgia while serving frozen seafood at inflated prices.
Bay Area natives steer clear of this chain that feels increasingly dated, with its movie trivia and gift shop atmosphere. The harbor views can’t compensate for the formulaic menu and assembly-line preparation.
San Franciscans, blessed with access to fresh seafood, have long abandoned this spot to the out-of-towners clutching souvenir cups.
5. The Cheesecake Factory – Beverly Hills
This mammoth restaurant with its novel-length menu was once the height of suburban sophistication.
The Beverly Hills location still draws crowds, but locals now mock its over-the-top Egyptian-inspired decor and massive portions of mediocre food.
Waiting hours for a table only to receive dishes drowning in cream sauce has lost its appeal.
California’s food scene has evolved beyond these caloric behemoths, with natives preferring smaller, chef-driven concepts over the Factory’s assembly-line approach.
6. Mel’s Drive-In – Hollywood/West Hollywood
Trading on nostalgia and 1950s Americana, Mel’s once charmed with its retro vibe.
Today, it’s primarily a pit stop for tourists seeking an “American Graffiti” experience while paying inflated prices for basic diner fare.
The chrome and neon still gleam, but locals know the burgers are nothing special.
After midnight, it becomes a last resort for club-goers rather than a culinary destination. Native Angelenos have moved on to diners serving creative takes on classics.
7. Buca di Beppo – Universal CityWalk, Universal City
Family-style Italian food served in a kitschy setting once seemed novel. Now, this chain’s Universal CityWalk location epitomizes the theme park approach to dining – all spectacle, minimal substance.
The Pope room and walls cluttered with photos can’t distract from the uninspired pasta drowning in sauce.
Locals have graduated to authentic Italian eateries where quality ingredients speak louder than portion size or gimmicky decor.
8. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Brea
Once the crown jewel of suburban dining, BJ’s Brea location has lost its luster as craft beer culture evolved.
The cavernous space still fills with mall shoppers seeking Pizookies, but beer aficionados scoff at their commercial brews. Service feels increasingly corporate and impersonal.
Orange County locals have graduated to authentic brewpubs with rotating taps and innovative food pairings, leaving BJ’s to families seeking the comfort of a predictable chain experience.
9. Pijja Palace – Los Angeles
Sports bars and Indian cuisine collide in this wildly inventive Silver Lake hotspot.
Flat screens broadcast games while patrons devour tandoori spaghetti and curry leaf pizza that somehow makes perfect, delicious sense.
Founded by Avish Naran in 2022, this place reinvents what fusion can be. The malai rigatoni has developed a cult following among LA’s food obsessives.
Reservations have become the hottest ticket in town as locals flock to experience Indian-Italian mash-ups in a lively atmosphere.
10. Saffy’s – Los Angeles
Husband-wife team Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis struck gold again with this Middle Eastern gem in East Hollywood.
The centerpiece wood-fired shawarma spit hypnotizes diners as it slowly rotates, promising perfectly seasoned meat wrapped in house-made laffa bread.
Locals buzz about the turmeric prawns and saffron rice. The restaurant’s warm coral-hued interior feels like stepping into a stylish friend’s dinner party.
Californians proudly bring out-of-town guests here to show off the city’s evolving food scene.
11. Dunsmoor – Los Angeles
Wood-fire cooking gets the spotlight at this Glassell Park sensation where Chef Brian Dunsmoor celebrates early American cooking techniques.
Vegetables emerge transformed from the flames, while heritage grains become transcendent cornbread that locals cannot stop talking about.
The rustic space with exposed beams creates a dinner party vibe. Angelenos appreciate the historical approach to California cuisine, with dishes that feel both nostalgic and revolutionary.
The restaurant has become a weekend pilgrimage for serious food enthusiasts.
12. Yangban – Los Angeles
Korean American cuisine gets a fresh interpretation at this Arts District hotspot where traditional techniques meet California ingredients.
The kimchi pancake topped with Dungeness crab has achieved legendary status among LA food circles. Chefs Katianna and John Hong create dishes that honor Korean heritage while pushing boundaries.
The bright, airy space buzzes with energy as locals debate whether to order the whole chicken or the bulgogi ssam set. Either way, the house-made banchan steals the show with seasonal ingredients.
13. Holbox – Los Angeles
Tucked inside Mercado La Paloma, Chef Gilberto Cetina’s seafood counter serves Yucatán-inspired ceviches that have food critics swooning.
The kanpachi aguachile arrives electric with flavor, making locals forget they’re dining in a food hall. Lines form early for the legendary scallop tacos.
The minimalist setup puts all focus on impeccably fresh seafood prepared with precision.
Angelenos whisper about the off-menu specials that showcase whatever Chef Cetina found at the fish market that morning.
14. Good Good Culture Club – San Francisco
The Liholiho Yacht Club team’s vibrant Mission District spot celebrates pan-Asian flavors with unbridled creativity.
The rooftop dining area buzzes as San Franciscans feast on Laotian fried rice and Filipino BBQ skewers under string lights.
Colorful murals and plants create a joyful atmosphere matching the playful menu. Locals appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to equitable labor practices as much as they love the explosive flavors.
The pork and shrimp lumpia has developed a dedicated following that keeps reservation slots filled weeks in advance.
15. Copra – San Francisco
Chef Srijith Gopinathan’s love letter to South Indian coastal cuisine has San Franciscans rethinking what Indian food can be.
The moody, sophisticated space in Fillmore provides the perfect backdrop for dishes showcasing coconut in all its forms.
The seafood-focused menu features local catches prepared with traditional spice blends. Bay Area residents rave about the Malabar crab and the ghee-roasted potatoes.
Expertly crafted cocktails incorporate curry leaves and cardamom, creating perfect pairings for the bold flavors.
16. Kiln – San Francisco
Housed in a former pottery studio, this Hayes Valley newcomer showcases open-fire cooking with Northern California ingredients.
The central hearth serves as both workstation and theatrical centerpiece where chefs transform seasonal vegetables into smoky masterpieces.
San Franciscans come for the ember-roasted oysters but stay for the camaraderie of the communal tables. Natural wines flow freely as diners watch their food cook over flames.
The restaurant’s zero-waste philosophy and whole-animal butchery practices have earned it a devoted following among environmentally conscious locals.