Where to Eat Along the New K Line, from a South LA-er
New, Shiny K Line at the Leimert Park Station
The new LA lightrail, Crenshaw/LAX K Line is finally up and running, joining the E (Expo) Line to South LA, Inglewood and eventually LAX. It was not an easy road.
Originally set to open in 2014, it was delayed to 2019, and there appeared to be a year-by-year delay until eventually they stopped completion providing dates altogether! As they became more sure of its completion, late 2022 started circulate, but it was still unclear. It was only when they started inviting select community groups and organizations to opening parties when it seem real. It was going to happen!
Wow, so pretty and clean on grand opening day
As a local Leimert Park resident, the ongoing delays and annual extensions were extremely distruptive to traffic, the local community and small business owners as large swaths of land were cordoned off, and traffic patterns diverted. Where there used to be a sidewalk, was not a construction area.
I never thought I’d see the day. LA Times estimates it to be over $90 million over budget. Wiki says the total cost was just over $1.7 billion, and Eric Garcetti announced it cost over $2.1 billion. It was no small feat. The thought to connection a main transit corridor to South LA was gained ground after the 1992 LA Riots. In my mind, the vision was to provide more equality, access through public transportation.
I’m glad they did make some changes. Originally, the Leimert Park stop was slated to be an above ground stop, but due to feedback it was luckily changes to an underground stop. That decision felt right. I walked around the shining new Leimert Park station yesterday (grand opening!) and being so near Vernon Ave and Crewnshaw Blvd, a major intersection, it would be very disruption to have it above ground. Now the line is underground at Leimert Park but then pops out above ground as it moves south on Crenshaw (which will eventually feature a 1.3 public art/park area called Destination Crenshaw!).
If you’re near the Downtown Inglewood Station - check out my Inglewood post for more favorites like the best vegan food, and local cafe fare :)
With the newly opened Crenshaw / Line K lightrail in place, we must now ask the important questions:
Where should I eat along the new K Line?
To help you, I have meticulously curated a list of local gems I’ve collected during my 6+ years learning and appreciating South LA. It’’ll never be complete so if you know of others drop me a line (linhdy@outlook.com).
Thus, please satisfy your hunger at one of the below local establishments [and sometimes I include noteworthy things to do because y’know, sometimes we get full and want to enjoy the other joys of life!]
Martin Luther King Jr Station
Tak’s Coffee Shop
Earl’s on Crenshaw - chili dogs, hot dogs; a real local establishment
Tak’s Coffee Shop - greasy spoon diner with your standard egg-omelette fare and a twist with a few Japanese-Chinese inspired dishes
Kim’s Chinese on Crenshaw - the local Chinese joint
Southern Girl Desserts (in the mall) - banana pudding and sweet potato cupcake all the way
[Things to Do] The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall
Southern Girl Desserts
Leimert Park Station
Ackee Bamboo
Hot and Cool Cafe
Ackee Bamboo - slow-food, but great food! Highly recommend. Careful of those generous portions on the plates.
Delicious Southern Food - Southern Food at it’s finest
Wah Gwaan Jamaican Kitchen & Bar - new Jamaican joint holding down the corner
Hot and Cool Cafe - coffee, smoothies, and small but might menu of food options. Soul Bowl is my favorite.
Harun Coffee - coffee, opens early
Taco Mell - easy to-go Mexican
[Things To Do] Art + Practice Art Gallery - art, please
Check out my Leimert Park food post for more where-to-eats:
If it’s a weekend, you’re in luck because at Leimert Park Plaza there’s a series of pop-up tents, drum circles, and food vendors so, click below to read more:
Hyde Park Station
Grilled Fraiche (Hyde Park) - burritos, soups, salads (online ordering is here)
Westchester / Veterans Station
The Fries Man
Mr Fries Man (Gardena) - making fries a meal
Randy’s Donuts (Inglewood) - don’t pass up that giant donut
Dirdawa Cafe - Ethiopian
La Michoacana Ricas Nieves Montebello - dessert and palatas (popsicles)
Three Weaver’s Brewing Company - best South LA brewery, and great, relaxed atmosphere
Future stops at LAX aren’t open yet, but once they do in hopefully 2023, I’ll be updating this post to include LAX eats! Cannot wait.
A Short Walk And Worth It
For those who are walkers, these local and favorites are a manageable stroll away from a lightrail station. I couldn’t not mention them, as they are sooo very unique and satisfying. Go-forth and eat more:
Aduke Nigerian Cuisine
Why go: Incredibly flavorful, rich, and memorable Nigerian food. My favorite was the Efo Riro Stew (spinach, tomato and your choice of meat - I got fish). I almost cried with joy when I took a bite. Unlike any other dish I’ve ever had. The swallow, which I think of as their version of white rice or plain, white potato aka carbs - compliments the savory dishes and is not to be missed. I got the Fu fu (cassava) version but they also have pounded jam option!! I’m drooling just thinking about them.
909 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
Aliki’s Greek Taverna
Moussaka at Aliki’s Greek Taverna
Why go: For the Gyros, Greek salad, falafel, moussaka, and let’s not forget dessert like baklava. I never tire of a good, balanced feta and spinach spanakopita. The crunch of the phyllo dough, and the salt of the cheese is perfection. Reviews say they are slow, but the food is good and authentic. Customer experience can be inconsistent. But for a die-hard food lover, I am looking forward to their custard dessert, Galaktoboureko.
5862 Arbor Vitae St, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
Let us not forget there’s a Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (Inglewood) nearby. As you are well familiar with this LA establishment I feel Roscoe’s deserves no introduction - but go there for them chicken, fries and (my favorite) biscuits!!
K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Metro LA Lightrail line)
If you found this guide helpful, let me know - would love to know your thoughts. Say Hi! linhdy@outlook.com
