Malo

Hollywood Assistants like Malo. And why is that? Because deep down inside, all us Hollywood Assistants desperately wish we were hipsters…and we’re totally not. I’m a firm believer that true hipsters cannot be Hollywood assistants. Sure, you may like Tokyo Police Club and wear black skinny jeans but you’re not a hipster. Of course, hipsters can work in the business, but to be an actual hipster assistant is totally unfeasible. I mean the whole basis of hipster culture is having a ‘fuck you’ attitude to everything. And no offense, making doctor’s appointments for your boss (and sometimes his or her kids!), picking up their dog’s shit, and leaving word thirty times a day does not really fall into that category. A true hipster would have said “fuck you. Pick up your own dog’s shit and try that client on his cell yourself. I’m out” on their very first day on the job. Luckily for us though, there is Malo; where we can all pretend to be of the hipster breed for at least one meal’s worth.

Located in Silver Lake (and please, spare me. Silver Lake is closer to the Grove than Santa Monica by like 15 minutes and like 5 miles), Malo is a hipster Mecca. It’s also one of the best places in LA to come with a big group of friends. Whether you’re sitting in the dimly lit gothic designed indoor dining room or the outside patio with twinkle lights, you’re going to enjoy yourself. The place is loud but not deafening. Full of pretty but modest people. Hipsters may have the connotation of being a bit pompous but Malo is unpretentious. In fact, they’re very welcoming. And that’s something us non-hipster Hollywood assistants can be thankful for.

It wasn’t until my fifth or sixth visit to Malo that a friend finally told me what “Malo” meant (hey, I took French in high school!). At first I was insulted. Bad? Malo is not bad! It’s amazing. But then I realized the name was meant to be ironic. Silly hipsters. And this made me love Malo even more (besides, who wants to go to a restaurant called Bueno?). Malo is far from bad. In fact, it’s delicious. The chips are heaven sent. Really. They’re homemade and incredible. Unlike most Mexican restaurants you do need to purchase your salsa at Malo but do not let this discourage you! Malo is cheap. So having to buy your salsa is not really putting a huge dent in your wallet. Most entrees range from $8 to $16 (and that’s for like lobster). Portions are adequate. But let’s get serious here. The best part of Malo is the mojitos. As a person who enjoys drinking for the sake of getting drunk, I would actually drink a mojito as an actual drink (like a Diet Coke or something). They’re cool, refreshing and luscious. The mojitos are so thirst quenching that I could seriously drink 10 of them (but no one would want to see a Spring Break ’04 flashback).

To bring out your inner hipster you should definitely check out Malo (and make sure you wear your leggings and discuss your recent Coachella experience – “The Cool Kids were great but the Shout Out Louds were unbelievable!”). Dining at Malo will surely be the highlight of your weekend. And then come Monday you’ll slip back into your Banana Republic slacks and start rolling calls like the hapless serf that you are while still dreaming of chips, guacamole and mojitos. Malo has that effect on people because it really is just that bueno.

WHERE: 4326 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
COST: Around $30 for mojito, flautas, chips with guacamole and tip!