4 Restaurants to Try Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles: May 22

Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.

For a view of Abbot Kinney with natural wine: Force of Nature in Venice

I felt excited when Venice’s short-lived listening bar Only the Wild Ones, a project from the Butcher’s Daughter founder Heather Tierney, resurrected last summer and even more intrigued to learn it had a new rooftop counterpart: a patio wine destination called Force of Nature from Crudo e Nudo’s Leena Culhane. Head behind Only the Wild Ones’ DJ booth station and climb the zig-zaggy stairs to reach Force of Nature’s second level patio space that serves natural wines, non-alcoholic drinks, and small snacks. While downstairs has a fuller food menu to choose from, you might be able to get some stellar charcuterie sent upstairs for your group; the main focus, however, remains on the fun wine pours (the bar heavily sources from women-owned wineries) and mellow views of Abbot Kinney Boulevard below. 1031 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291. — Nicole Fellah, Eater editorial manager

For late-night Korean barbecue happy hour: Brothers Galbi in Koreatown

Brothers is a longtime favorite all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue joint for my family and I recently discovered, following a show at the Forum, that they have late night happy hour between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. The happy hour consists of a small discount on either of the all-you-can-eat menus and deals on beer and soju. You’ll want to go the path that includes their namesake LA galbi, a tender and sweet marinated short rib. Although the high-quality meats and service are incredible — staff helps grill everything for you — Brothers’ banchan and soups keep me coming back. I love the sourness of the accompanying kimchi jjigae; the kabocha potato salad is superlative. You can also order sides of pineapple, which are ideal to grill alongside thinly sliced pork belly for a Korean version of Los Angeles’s beloved al pastor. 3680 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. — Kat Thompson, audience editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest

For sunny sidewalk arepas: Chainsaw Cafe in Melrose Hill

Once a beloved underground pop-up doling out icebox pies, Karla Subero Pittol’s Chainsaw is now firing seven days a week at its daytime cafe in Melrose Hill. A line often trails to the door of the pint-sized restaurant, where stoneware plates holding blistered arepas or specials like pescadito frito emerge from the kitchen. The bracingly acidic passionfruit lime icebox pie remains the star, but there’s also carne machaca arepas, cafe quesillo, and filling lomo saltado. Seats here are in high demand — there’s a good chance you will end up perched on a low wooden chair on the sidewalk, privy to the idle gossip of groups around you. 5022 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Southern California/Southwest

For a wine bar hang on a long holiday weekend: Sam’s Place in Highland Park

Sam’s Place is the one that got away for Eater Los Angeles. We try to cover as many openings as possible but somehow missed the debut of this gem on a quiet Highland Park Street. Owners and Hermosillo alums Scotty Cantino and Ben Jones don’t seem to mind flying slightly under the radar. The pair have steadily built a following that packs the place, whether on the patio, at the L-shaped bar, or on custom banquettes. Wine and beer choices have been thoughtfully selected, like a summer-perfect chenin blanc by the glass and reasonable $7 draft of Reissdorf Kölsch. Marinated olives and almonds are helpful for the slightly hungry, while aji amarillo wings and tahini-laced Japanese sweet potato will sate those with bigger appetites. As the hi-fi system cranks out a tune, settle in on Memorial Day, or any night this weekend, to savor a relaxing outing with friends. 5530 Monte Vista Street, Highland Park, CA. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest