Expert Picks: Justin Gage
Updated: December 07, 2006
Justin Gage runs the eclectic audio blog An Aquarium Drunkard, which features daily music news, reviews, MP3 samples and podcasts. He also hosts the Aquarium Drunkard Show, broadcast live each week from LA's Little Radio.
On this page:At Home: Los Angeles, On the Road.
At Home: Los Angeles
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Amoeba Music
Read Reviews6400 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)
"This place makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Music geeks the world over know Amoeba is Mecca, and make the pilgrimage accordingly. Literally the size of a warehouse, you can find about anything here, be it vinyl or CD, and with half the store devoted to a used section, you can often find gems on the cheap."
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Drawing Room
Read Reviews1800 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)
"A very short walk from my abode in Los Feliz, the Drawing Room, with its cheap swill, solid jukebox and neighborhood vibe provides a nice atmosphere to regularly knock 'em back."
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Sea Level Records
Read Reviews1716 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)
"Sea Level is my neighborhood record store; thankfully it comes complete with an extensive collection, friendly/ knowledgeable staff, and regular in-store performances. Dig."
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Griffith Park Observatory
Read Reviews2800 E Observatory Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)
"Griffith Park backs up to my neighborhood. We can walk to the trails under 15 minutes and climb to the Observatory in less than 45. The Observatory just re-opened after a five year renovation closure. Good time check it out."
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Little Radio
Write a review1218 Long Beach Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (map)
"Full disclosure: I DJ a show here once a week, but even if I didn?t, Little Radio would make this list. In the past two and half years, they?ve established themselves as the premiere Internet radio station. Plus they got Sonic Youth to play their warehouse digs last summer."
On the Road
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Poogan's Porch Upstairs
Read Reviews72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 (map)
"I?ve been frequenting this Charleston institution since I was a kid. Housed in a spacious old southern home in downtown Charleston, the Porch?s southern cuisine and Bloody Maries are only matched by its charm."
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Ten Thousand Waves Japanese
Read Reviews3451 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (map)
"My wife and I hit Santa Fe whenever we are even in remote proximity. One of the many reasons is to visit Ten Thousand Waves. Zen in the best way, check out the private outdoor tubs at this Southwestern spa. If it?s a clear, starry night book a tub for a soak after dark."
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Grit
Read Reviews199 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601 (map)
"A decade ago, as an undergrad in Athens, I probably ate three meals a week at The Grit. Vegetarian in name only, The Grit is home to some of the best southern, soul food in the deep South, sans meat. Order the 'vegetable' plate off the daily specials chalk board."
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Port Of Call
Read Reviews838 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116 (map)
"Home to my favorite cheese burger, Port-of-Call holds the distinction of once pulling me in twice for lunch during a three day visit. If you know New Orleans and her food, you know this is a big statement. Order the baked potato loaded all the way."
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Bimbo's 365 Club
Read Reviews1025 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)
"When it comes to music venues, Bimbos is where it?s at. Big and loungy, the joint caters to those wanting to be up and close near the action, as well as patrons who are interested in taking the tunes in from afar next to the fireplace."
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