As a South LA local, I can’t help but find myself at USC and Exposition Park - running errands, lounging in the sun, and pretending that I’m back in college enjoying a carefree, life of possibilities. I love it.

Here is my eating guide for when you’re in the USC area from one #adult to another. This is not a guide for cheap eats where you can stretch your dollar (aka not geared to college kids who want the most affordable, efficient spend by volume). This is a highlight reel for people who aren’t familiar with the food scene near USC. Since I live here, I often bike, drive and run errands around USC. They’ve literally made it so that USC / Exposition Park has its own gravitational pull - where even non-students find themselves there often. There are plenty of places to eat. So I hope to bring some attention to those local restaurants that many may forget exist.

USC Village

The perfectly, planned USC Village, with its brick paths and plazas, has my most frequented errand spot, the Amazon Hub (making use of their free return policy), the Trader Joes (#snackcentral) and a compact Target, fully stocked for the average college student. Once I’m done with my errands, if the lines aren’t too long, I stop by my favorite Village coffee-dessert spot, Dulce for a sweet filled, Snow Capped roti (a sweet bun similar to a Mexican la concha). But try any of their seasonable flavors like Pumpkin roti or their standbys like Red Bean or Matcha roti; one can do no wrong.

For food bowls that leaves me feeling healthy-ish, I grab a lentil avocado bowl [with the much appreciated falafel] at Cava, the largest Mediterranean chain in the USA. It’s kinda like the Greek version of Sweetgreen - where you can choose from their set salad bowl opens or do a la carte. They use streamlined technology and often are efficient, modern and seen as embracing the new wave of fast-casual food and restaurant technology in the US. But on top of that, it just tastes darn good; consistently good and fresh.

If you’re in a hurry, City Tacos hits the spot. Over 20+ taco combinations ranging from vegetarian to meat centric (angus-steak and shrimp are a winner) and a Cali Munch Burrito (which eaters say is about the size of a football) it satisfies the Mexican cravings when your standard street taco tent isn’t available. City Tacos have over seven California locations, so I am hopeful they stick around.

USC Village, 3301 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Official Website

Mercado La Paloma

Perhaps my favorite South LA attraction near USC: the Mercado La Paloma. It’s a food court, Latin-Market maintained by the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation (a non-profit) with a mission to create business opportunities and to retain spending within the local community. This creates an eclectic mix of yummy food-stalls right in the heart of South LA.

Stand out food stalls include:

Much to their credit, Holbox usually gets all the attention at the Mercado. They’re known for their fresh Yucatan food - especially their seafood. It’s perhaps the highest price-point in the Mercado; but it’s also the most memorable and highest quality food (IMHO). Go if you’re into Mexican, fresh seafood in an unfussy atmosphere. Their staff are at your beck and call and you get to watch them prep your meal right in front of you (chef’s table!). Everyone agrees - don’t leave without getting the ceviche. Let’s not forget it was named in the 2021 Michelin LA guide (for what it’s worth) so their accolades keep coming.

Azla Ethiopian started as a stall in the Mercado, opened up a stand-alone show in Leimert Park, has now limited the Leimert Park to a catering kitchen/office only. I was sad to see them go, but happy they live on at the Mercado - their humble beginnings. If they have any specials like Tofu Tibs - get them. They have a strong vegetarian menu; I’ve never had a meat eater complain - as their food is tasty and flavorful (what meat?).

Chichen Itza is the Mexican eatery specializing in Yucatan food which has been named as one of LA’s 99 Top Restaurants and chefs who have been name-dropped in GQ. It’s most notable dish is the tikin-xic (grilled white fish with achiote marinade which comes with rice). If you want more and are a cook yourself, get their cookbook the Chichen Itza Cookbook.

Mercado La Paloma, 3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Official Website

Ebaes

Their menu consists of a mish-mash of Asian food including Japanese (ramen, sushi), and Thai (like Pad Thai); they mainly are known of tapas (small plates) and a daily happy hour (currently 2p-6p daily for specials on sushi rolls, drinks, and appetizers). I mainly go when half of me wants sushi and the other half wants ramen. The atmosphere is dark, izakaya, bar-like - so perfect for a casual date, or just a few drinks and appetizers with friends which can turn into a full on ramen party. Start with happy hour and then see where the night leads.

Ebaes, 2314 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Official website

Bacari

Bacari is best for date nights, happy hour, tapas, small plates, and elevated bar food. Solid food, solid service, solid atmosphere which borders on casual, romantic, city-cozy. Their website boasts a Mediterranean / Italian influenced menu. I can’t say it’s memorable but every time I go, I leave feeling buzzed and content! Order food, order happy hour and you’ll be satisfied. They incorrectly call it their West Adams location, however, don’t be fooled — it’s actually in University Park (West Adams is a few miles west). Bacari was actually founded by 2 USC graduates and now has five locations including the newest Silverlake location where they took over the expansive, former Cliff’s Edge location (impressive!); so go and support local. If you’re looking for a more day-time, cafe situation - then they also own Nature’s Brew next door, which is holds it own on the South Union block.

Bacari, 2308 S Union Ave Los Angeles, CA 90007, Official Website

Jacks N Joe

All-day breakfast fans rejoice - Jacks N Joe to the rescue. Most raved about for their pancakes (flapjacks) and french toast, their offerings include standard omelettes, even a build-your-own omelette. Weekends are known to have a long line and long waits so go early or during off-hours.

Jacks N Joe , 2498 S Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90007

El Huero

Late night, greasy spoon with nachos, tacos, burritos and burgers. Guaranteed belly-filler, says Lay Fiery, a local Google guide. It’s a drive through location so they are great for your late night, quick-eats food craving. I drive by often, and see frequent customers ordering to their hearts desires. I wouldn’t call it authentic Mexican - it’s more Mexican inspired American junk food :) It’s an LA classic that scratches an itch.

El Huero , 3000 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Official Website