| Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
-Pablo Picasso |
Ready for some Hammer-burgers?
The Hammer Museum
High on Datebook's list of small museums that offer big museum experiences (without the leg ache of walking through endless galleries on marble floors) is UCLA's Hammer.
The multiple galleries usually house several shows, all connected by an outdoor walkway that puts a refreshing and punctuating space between each exhibit. The Hammer can be counted on for exceptional and thorough curation as well as choices of artists which will surprise and challenge you. In other words, an afternoon at the Hammer can be counted on to stimulate conversations that will go on for weeks.
They also have a charming courtyard cafe and offer multiple programs including films and readings. In short, it's a perfect little museum for those who feel suffocated by Saks, but love to shop boutiques. Speaking of shopping, the book store is fantastic.
| Cost | Adults $7, Seniors $5 |
| Location | 10899 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024 view map |
| Hours | Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 11am - 7 pm
Thurs, 11am - 9pm Sun, 11am - 5pm |
| Website | http://www.hammer.ucla.edu/ |
| Telephone | (310) 443-7000 |
| Parking | In the lot below. $3 for the first three hours with museum validation |
The Counter
So, you've spent an afternoon at the Hammer and considering all that art has got your tummys growling for some art of the culinary variety. Why not take all the creative juices you've got flowing over to The Counter, a make-your-own-burger bar, where you can cook up something as creative as it is delicious?
At The Counter, burgers (turkey and vegetarian included) are cooked to your specifications, with your choice of toppings from a handy checklist of what seem to be endless possibilities. From healthy to horrid, they haven't missed a beat when it comes to stuff to pile on your meat!
The beer's on tap, the fried pickle chips sound bizarre, but once you have one, you won't be able to stop. Hanging out in the friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with a skateboard-inspired art exhibit of its own, is the perfect way to close an art-viewing day.
| Price range | $$ |
| Location | 2901 Ocean Park Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405 view map |
| Hours | Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 12pm-9pm |
| Website | http://www.thecounterburger.com/ |
| Telephone | (310) 399-8383 |
| Parking | Street |
| Type of Cuisine | Burgers n' beer |
| Payment | major credit cards accepted |
| Dress code | Casual |
$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.