Life doesn’t get any better than this, at least not in L.A. You hold in your hands the best our city has to offer in food, drink, entertainment, nightlife, recreation and shopping — with a bunch of simply fascinating places thrown in (don’t miss “Best Use of Beeswax in a Pastry”). This annual Best of L.A. issue has more places than ever, more than 300 in all. In keeping with these tough economic times, we’re emphasizing things that are good values. You won’t find Spago, but you will find out where to suck the head off a shrimp and rollerskate with goths. Enjoy.

—L.A. Weekly staff

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