Finding Your New Locals
Five Rules for Finding Neighborhood Go-To Spots
By my count, I’ve lived in twenty-one different places throughout my life. Some were minor company moves, a mere few blocks away from my previous residence, while others took me across cities, states, and even countries. And every time my address changed, I swore I’d keep my usual restaurants in rotation and, well, we all know how that goes. Inevitably, I’d lose my spots—the places that made me feel like a regular, where I didn’t need a menu, where the server already had my order ready before I even said hello, the places where my friends knew I would suggest before I even said their names.
I told myself when we went from Silverlake to Altadena, our last major move, that I’d be back at my usual haunts every week (aged ribeye, white beans and a dirty martini at Freedman’s anyone?), but best intentions sometimes make the worst follow-throughs. And at first, I felt a little lost in our new neighborhood. Where was my go-to taco joint? My emergency pizza fix? My Thursday morning coffee spot where I could sit, sip, and pretend to get work done? And with our most recent move, which is only a few miles from our home, many of our favorite spots currently don’t exist for the moment.
But here’s the thing: a new neighborhood means new favorites. It’s about embracing the change, pushing past the hesitation, and seeing what’s out there. So if you’re in the same boat—new zip code, new streets, new everything—here are five rules to help you find your next go-to spot.
Rule One: Embrace the Neighborhood
How many times have you driven past a spot and thought, I should try that place—only to never actually go? Moving is your chance to break that cycle. That Thai spot that always had a full patio? Go. The taquero on the corner slicing pastor from the giant trompo? Pull over. The coffee shop with the people spilling out who seem like they know about the best roaster in town? Hop in line. Give yourself permission to wander and taste your way through the new neighborhood. That’s how you start making it feel like home and find new places to love.
Rule Two: Let a Local Decide
No one knows an area better than the people who already live there. So instead of endlessly scrolling listacles, make a move—invite a neighbor, a co-worker, or friend who’s been around longer than you to coffee or lunch and let them pick the spot. Not only do you get to eat somewhere vetted by an actual local, but you also get to catch up and gossip (which, let’s face it, is one of the top five joys of life). Bonus points if they introduce you to a place that wasn’t on your radar and you can one day claim it as your own.
Rule Three: Be Okay With a Not Liking A Spot
Not every meal is going to be the one. You’re going to sit down at a restaurant that looked promising but turns out to be meh. And that’s okay. Finding your go-to spot is a process of trial and error. Some places won’t hit. Some dishes won’t be what you expected. File it away, respect the process, and move on. The only way to find your favorite restaurant is to eat your way through a few that aren’t.
Rule Four: Commit to Becoming a Regular
Once you do find a spot you like—don’t just keep it in rotation. Lock it in. Show up consistently. Learn a host’s name. Chat with the person behind the bar. Ask about the best thing on the menu, not just what’s popular. Restaurants are about relationships. The more you go, the more it becomes yours. And before you know it, you’re walking in like you’ve been going forever, and your order’s already waiting for you.
Rule Five: Go Where the Crowds Aren’t
There’s always that one restaurant in every neighborhood that gets all the hype. Maybe it’s worth it, maybe it’s not. But don’t get so caught up in chasing the trendy spots that you miss out on the hidden gems. Some of the best food is found in places where the signage is faded, the hours are weird, and the tables are full of locals who’ve been coming for years. Be the person who finds that place and makes it your own.
In the end, give it time. A new neighborhood doesn’t feel like home overnight. But the more meals you eat, the more coffee you drink, and the more conversations you have, the more it starts to feel like yours. So start exploring. Start eating. And before you know it, you’ll have a new list of spots you can’t live without.
On this episode of Snacky Tunes, Darin heads down to San Diego to catch up with Chef Tara Monsod of ANIMAE and Le Coq. She shares her journey from growing up in LA to shaping a new kind of restaurant experience that blends her Filipino heritage with modern flavors. We talk about her culinary philosophy, the energy of her kitchens, and what makes a Saturday night at her spots something special.
Then, we take a trip into the archives for a performance from Freelance Whales, the very first band ever featured on Snacky Tunes. While their debut appearance is buried deep in episode 26 (go find it on Heritage Radio Network if you’re curious), today, we’re spinning their second live session—an early gem from the show’s history.
Also, a quick note: if you’re looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.
For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the latest Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items.
This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin’s back in Bed-Stuy, chopping it up with Chef Jilbert El-Zmetr about his brand-new restaurant, Laziza. From growing up in the family business to globe-trotting his way to Williamsburg, Jilbert shares the journey that led him to open a spot that blends killer mezze, vintage vibes, and a soundtrack straight from his personal vinyl collection.
Then, we keep the Brooklyn love going, digging into the archives for a performance from Bad Credit No Credit. Also, a quick note: if you’re looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.
For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the latest Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items.
Definitely 👍 a great list of 5 and a way to embrace a new neighborhood