Fried Squid.

BBQ Pork Belly Sandwiches.

Balsamic Pork Ribs.

Squash included with the Ribs.

Flat Iron Steak.

Animal is definitely not a cheap eat and not for the weak of heart (literally).  Very rich, savory and fatty foods all over this menu with a nice selection of beer and wine.  By far, the best dish was the BBQ pork belly sandwiches.  And if you watch the Food Network, this is the place that makes a chocolate desert with bacon.  Animal is the brain child of the chefs behind "Two Dudes, One Pan."

435 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9225

Turkey.

Turkey.

Another Turkey.

Chicken.

Chicken.

Beef With Pineapple.

Sweet Fries and Onion Strings.

Cheese Fries.

Chili Cheese Fries.

Fat Tire!

Rotisserie Chicken.

Salmon.

Chicken Kebob.

Lamb Shank.

Another look.

This is a pretty decent west side establishment.  They are open late, they have hookahs and you can bring your own alcohol (no corkage fee) which is a plus.  The food overall was good.  My favorite is the lamb shank.  I haven't tried the other locations but this one is pretty legit.

Step 1:

1/2 pound buffalo burger (leanest meat you can get, less fat than a turkey burger), swiss cheese, grilled onions and mushrooms

Step 2:

Add yer fixins'... shredded lettuce, onions, spicy mustard, cheese sauce (yum), tomato, jalepeno.

Step 3:

Eat and enjoy!  Oh and don't forget the beer!

15301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 995-4552

221 N San Fernando Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 848-4856

Pastor.

Pollo.

Not to be confused with Cactus Hollywood which is on Vine near Melrose.  This spot is on Beverly near Kingsley.  First off, they still accept credit cards so that's a nice plus.  The burritos seem to be bigger with tastier meats, especially the chicken.  I've been burned too many times at the Hollywood location with the chicken being too chewy or hard.  Basically, with the Hollywood chain you want to hit that spot up close to midnight when they have all the hot sauces laid out and the burritos are made the right way.  When you go during lunch, it's hit or miss... sometimes it's really good, sometimes it's a disappointment.

The same could be said with the Beverly location but this last time I got a burrito so filled with Pastor I had trouble finishing it which is saying alot.  You get a handful of chips also and some extra sauce, never really asked for the other types they have but I will next time.  Once again, this location is also hit or miss but for different reasons, none of them being portion size.  Start off with something simple like asada I guess, avocado is always a plus however if you get the crema and cheese they overdo it and you might end up with a fat clump of cheese right in the middle of your burrito. 

I'm pretty picky with my burritos but Cactus is a pretty sure spot to fall back on when you are looking for some good eats in a pinch.

4370 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 662-0759

Have a great weekend and eat tacos! 

El Atacor

3520 N Figueroa St Ste 4
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 342-0180

Carnitas Michoacan

1901 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 224-9044

Tacos Mexico

Corner of 9th and Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90189

El Taurino

2306 W 11th St
lot on Hoover
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 738-9197

Trucks on Union/Washington; Olympic/Soto; Echo Park/Sunset; trucks in North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Reseda... etc. etc.  You know where they are... go eat!

Chicken pepper steak.  Not "authentic" but decent sandwiches nonetheless. 

11112 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 985-4929

Small out of the way place in Burbank with pretty good chili dogs.  They have everything including breakfast and Mexican food and the prices are decent.  The dogs have a slight snap to them, the buns are soft and the chili is pretty darn good.  Overall makes for a good combo.  And the fries are thick cut and delicious.  If you are a fan of chili and/or chili dogs give this place a shot. 

3122 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 842-0244

101 Cafe - Hollywood.

The Griddle - West Hollywood.

Lucky Boy - Pasadena.

Twains - Studio City.  (I love Twains!)

Good - Silverlake.

Norms - Santa Monica.

Cables - Woodland Hills.

Nate'n Al's - Beverly Hills. (Honestly, this place is weak, look at the hash brown serving!)

Clifton's - Downtown LA. (Honorary mention since breakfast ends at 11am.)

Cheese Pie.

Mediterranean Veggie Pie.

Vito's Terra Firma.

West Hollywood joint serving up some great pies!

846 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 652-6859