Nightmare on Wilshire
With many of us being transplants to LA from far-away states where the foliage looks quite different this time of year, it can almost seem like an especially foreign land during the month of October. Creepy Jack-O-Lanterns pave front doorsteps and grocery stores are selling those little decals you can put in your windows of candy corn and witches on broomsticks. All of this being the only indications to warn us that the holidays are here. Maybe you’re like me and you’ve been here for a few years so you aren’t forced to work while everyone else gets dressed up to explore nightlife with all their ghouls. Maybe you also live in Koreatown because where early gentrification is, you are too because, duh, cheap rent! Or maybe none of these random facts apply and you just want somewhere fun to be for all hallows eve. If so, you should absolutely check out the Platform 35 food hall on the corner of Wilshire and Normandie!
Not only will you find great foodies from their vendors Calibunga, The 8th Notch, Berlins German Doner, Guisados, Mattonis, and Ling Ho but there will also be a costume contest along with some other festivities. All you have to do is stop in on your way to your nightlife adventures and take a picture in your best Halloween costume in front of one of their eateries — winner will receive a FREE lunch! I love to stop in to this food hall whenever I need to get work done but also just to grab a bite to eat before heading on over to Breakroom 86, known for its secret entrance in the back of The Line Hotel.
With such a new presence, Platform 35 is doing its best to maintain the energy of all holiday festivities and it shows! You can’t help but feel welcomed and at home when you walk in and see people playing life-sized connect-four-like games. Did I mention they have a genius designated driver program just in case you need a safe ride to your next destination? Don’t be cooped up in the house this year, scrolling through your Instagram feed, feeling left out of all the fun, come out and live a little!
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You know that place in the series FRIENDS where Rachel, Monica, Ross, Phoebe, Chandler and Joey meet up before or after work to hang and somehow randomly meet new people? They would sit and talk about their days, Phoebe might even get up and play the guitar while Ross played some synthy sounds in adlib. Have you ever wished you had a place like that to meet up and kick back with all your busy LA friends? No need to plan it out or anything because everyone just knows the routine… Well here is your place! Platform 35 is equipped with all the modern necessities like charging ports, bright open windows overlooking the city, designated driver programs at night, life-sized game stations and call-buttons for when you’re furrowed-brow-focused on the presentation you’re working on but need a drink delivered to your table stat! You cannot miss this thriving market hall marked by the light up banner and elaborate stairway connecting to the sidewalk on Wilshire. Did I mention it’s right next to the subway entrance? Stop in to LA’s version of “chill” and make yourself at home at the Platform 35 Food Hall.