If anything in Los Angeles reminded me of Vegas it would be Universal City Walk. Located just outside of Universal Studios, the city walk is a flashing neon mess that happens to be filled with shops, restaurants, and other various things. It's easy to get lost in the kaos that makes up this place. The overall theme, I'm guessing here, is Hollywood movie magic, maybe... Giant screens are set up across from the Hard Rock Cafe that play old music videos, a giant, blue King Kong hangs off the side of one of the buildings, giant postcards adorn one area, and a red carpet leads up to the ticket booths at Universal Studios. Throw on top of this some crazy murals from Wolf Gang Puck's Cafe, a cowboy and horse bursting out of the Saddle Ranch Chop House, and neon lights everywhere. It seems every place has it's own gimic. The only problem is that all of this is thrown into a very small area making it very clostrophobic.
I can't honestly say that the shopping isn't great and the the dining selection isn't the best. It's all very touristy. As far as dining is concerned they offer selections such as B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant, Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. Cade Tu Tu Tango, Tony Roma's, Wasabi, and Camacho's among others. There are also quick service areas that serve Dodger Dogs, a KFC express, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Panda Express. But fear not the LA staples Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Coffee Bean are also served up here; I'm not sure about you but that makes me, a complete LA girl, feel better. My suggestion is to look at the place before you go in. Each time I've been here I found restaurants that I wouldn't eat in because I didn't think that they were clean enough, and that's not the prissy LA side of me that's talking.
I can't honestly say that the shopping isn't great and the the dining selection isn't the best. It's all very touristy. As far as dining is concerned they offer selections such as B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant, Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. Cade Tu Tu Tango, Tony Roma's, Wasabi, and Camacho's among others. There are also quick service areas that serve Dodger Dogs, a KFC express, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Panda Express. But fear not the LA staples Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Coffee Bean are also served up here; I'm not sure about you but that makes me, a complete LA girl, feel better. My suggestion is to look at the place before you go in. Each time I've been here I found restaurants that I wouldn't eat in because I didn't think that they were clean enough, and that's not the prissy LA side of me that's talking.
Shipping isn't much better. There are the big name stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Skechers, Guess, Fossil, and Billabong, but that's it. The rest are really tacky, overpriced souivner shops. If that's what you are looking for I'm not going to knock it, but I do offer this advice. Only buy the stuff that you can't find anywhere else. This is going to be things like Universal merchandise, Hard Rock t-shirts, and Dodger paraphanelia. If the items that you are looking to buy are generic (ie, Oscar statues, Hollywood t-shirts, or anything that says Los Angeles) don't buy it here. All of this can be found for much better prices in Hollywood, more specifically on Hollywood Blvd between Vine and Highland.
Admission to the City Walk is free, but they get you get to pay $11 just to park your car. $20 if you would like perfered parking. The area is also open until 10 pm on Sunday thru Thursday and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
by onesundaymorning on April 7, 2008
Universal CityWalk
100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, California 91608