Imbued with the cross-pollinated sensibility of The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste and Roadside America, this is the best of the obscure, the absurd, and the perverse in Los Angeles. In other words, L.A. Bizarro is the Fodor's Guide to/from the land of Never, Never.
Most information available to people traveling to or living in L.A. is geared to mainstream tastes and the peanut-munching crowds. Finally, here's a guide for those who view the world though a psychedelic lens. Inside you'll find a guide to eateries, sex shops, curious tourist attractions, nude beaches, dive bars, off-the-beaten-path museums, murder sites, cemetaries, and more.
L.A. Bizarro includes directions, admission fees, phone numbers, hours of operation, and all the usual details found in traditional "Dad's-screaming-at-Mom-who-holds-the-tourist-guide" books. From the Witch House to a curiosity shop that sells body parts, there are hundreds of funky sites, road trips, restaurants, and places to stay--complete with photos, guides, and tips.
I imagine any big city has absurd and perverse events/stories/locations. I lived in Southern California for 17 years, and never came upon some of the listings here. But the "Entertainment Industry" factor comes into play here and, well, that's what these books are for: entertainment, which is always a good reason to read.
Definately outdated (Coles has since closed among others) this is still the most fun LA guide I've found yet. Tons of great resturants (Bahookas, Pinks, Phillipes are all mentioned in here as well as The Pacific Dining Car) and great shops and just full of wonderful infromation and stories. Included with every entry is an address and a phone number so call ahead before going to make sure some of these places are still in business. I've used it to find some amazing second hand shops and some amazing food. I would recommend this to anyone as either good reading or a travel guide to some of the quirky things about LA.
Ps. Some of the entries in here are for adult entertainment and the pictures in here are not suitable for children.
Even if you never visit L.A. or use this book as a travel guide, it's SO entertaining (this is the first version and there is a newer one from 2009). Highlights the vast area's kitsch, lowbrow and whatever is plowed under in favor of newer, glossier, "classier" attractions (pooh - who needs 'em?!). However tempted I've been to lend out my dogeared copy, I hesitate in case I never get it back. Buy it, read it, LOVE IT!!!
Fun book whether you live in LA or not. So many fascinating places and stories. Fun to go to restaurants and other places that they mention. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a quirky guide to LA.