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The 8 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Los Angeles on Issa Rae's 'Insecure'

By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | October 26, 2021 | Food & Drink Television

Molly and Issa eat at a diner in "Insecure."Molly and Issa meet at Pann's Restaurant in Season 4 Episode 9 of Insecure.

Among the mess, fun and growth, Issa and her friends hit some of the best spots in Los Angeles for food, cocktails and desserts. Whether you’re meeting up for brunch with your BFF or impressing a new date at a chic restaurant, take a piece of advice from Insecure and head to one of these places.

Gracias Madre

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8905 Melrose Ave. 90069

Don’t take it as a bad sign that one of Issa’s first meetings with Condola is at this West Hollywood favorite. Along Melrose, come to Gracias Madre for vegan and organic Mexican cuisine, but stay for the spicy margaritas.

DAMA

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612 E. 11th St. 90015

Remember that dreamy episode that rekindled Issa and Lawrence’s relationship? Maybe you’re trying not to, but be sure to take note of the restaurant where the whole evening began. Right in the Fashion District, DAMA is a Latin American-inspired restaurant and bar with a tropical deco outdoor patio perfect for summer nights.

Alta

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5359 W. Adams Blvd. 90016

Before Season 4 Episode 8 takes that romantic turn, Issa first meets Lawrence at a bar where she scores a free drink after taking a hard fall. While the two sip on their drinks, the place gets busier and busier— and for good reason. It’s one of Los Angeles’ most beloved soul food restaurants that has a delicious, inventive cocktail menu to match.

Hilltop Coffee Inglewood

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170 N. La Brea Ave. 90301

That awkward moment when Issa and Condola are having a meeting and Molly shows up is pacified by the calming nature of Hilltop Coffee. The community-driven cafe has several spots around L.A., but the Inglewood location finds a partner in the Insecure star.

See also: Where to Vacation Like a Bachelor Nation Contestant

Post & Beam

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3767 Santa Rosalia Dr. 90008

Featured in Season 1, this Baldwin Hills eatery offers a selection of California comfort food that is good for the body and soul. There’s a reason they're known for their all-day Sunday brunch. Just take a look at the pecan pie french toast, vegan crab cakes and buttermilk biscuits.

Southern Girl Desserts

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3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 9008

Part of Issa’s inaugural Block Party, this dessert shop brings the taste of Southern hospitality to the West Coast. Southern Girl Desserts have made fans out of not just the cast of Insecure, but Denzel Washington, Mariah Carey, Misty Copeland and Stevie Wonder. You’ll surely want to try out their specialty flavor cupcakes, like peach cobbler and vegan churro.

Pann’s Restaurant

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6710 La Tijera Blvd. 90045

Issa and Molly have multiple meetups at this coffee shop restaurant right off La Tijera Boulevard. Its neon sign and distinctive architecture has made it a recurring location in movies and television, but ultimately the 1950s diner is a fantastic place for an all-American breakfast.

Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant & Market

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This Little Ethiopia cafe is a routine go-to for Issa, and has a particularly significant moment at the end of Season 4. It was a sad scene, but the food at Merkato will definitely lift your spirits even as you watch this BFF duo hit a low point. Be sure to order awaze tibbs and a mango juice to drink.



Tags: restaurants web-og haley-bosselman issa rae insecure

Photography by: Merie W. Wallace/HBO