The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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Where to: find the hard-to-find place


View ‘Hole in the Wall’ in a larger map

A ‘Hole in the Wall’ is a place, usually pertaining to food, which is considered to be unpopular.  These places are smaller than the average restaurant or places to eat and are not advertised on television. People pass by these places all the time, but never stop in. Not because the food is bad, but typically people are afraid to try new things. These are few of my favorite “Hole in the Wall” places that you, a consumer of food, should check out.

More Than Waffles

More Than Waffles Photo by Shant Kazandjian
More Than Waffles Photo by Shant Kazandjian

(818) 789-5937
17200 Ventura Blvd.
Encino CA 91316 http://www.morethanwaffles.com/

Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Why not treat yourself to a great meal and one of the best customer services that I’ve experienced. As you can see by the name, More Than Waffles serves just that. Although a Belgian waffle is served with all the omelettes on the menu, it isn’t the restaurant’s number one seller according to Katie McCollum.

“Our Mediterranean omelet is our most popular item,” says McCollum, one of the restaurant’s employees.

If you are going to try More Than Waffles for the first time, avoid going on the weekend unless you’re ready for the big crowd.

“Sunday is our moneymaker. We have live entertainment outside. J. Michael Henderson performs every weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I think people really enjoy it, because they’re able to bring their dogs to breakfast,” says McCollum.
Customers agree that the customer service is what brings them back every week.

“Ika Taft, the owner, treats her employees like family. And because of that, we treat our customers like friends. They are more like friends that come eat here every week,” says McCollum.

Johnny Pacific

Johnny Pacific Photo by Shant Kazandjian
Johnny Pacific Photo by Shant Kazandjian

(818) 885-6927
7574 Winnetka Ave.
Winnetka CA 91306
http://www.johnnypacificeats.com/

“The inspiration and influences of Johnny Pacific spans from South America, The Philippines, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and everywhere in between!”
John Walquist, the man behind Johnny Pacific, has surfed all around the world and with him he has brought the recipes to different foods that he enjoyed.

“You know Johnny’s been around the world. He’s brought tastes with him that I’ve never before tasted. It’s a really cool places with really cool guys working here,” says customer Alex Garcia Jr.

With many homemade sauces to choose from, Johnny Pacific customers can create a completely different meal than the rest of their party.

Lunch Special:
2 Empanadas (over 10 to choose from)
½ order of fries or salad
and a drink = $ 6.95

More than enough to fill up the common person

Las Fuentes

Los Fuentes Photo by Shant Kazandjian
Las Fuentes Photo by Shant Kazandjian

(818) 708-3344
18415 Vanowen St.
Reseda CA 91335

Aside from the food they offer, Las Fuentes is one of the most interesting places to eat. Customers will find Mexican culture coming from every direction. Either with a painting, statue, or mural painted on the walls.

It is by far my favorite place to eat Mexican food. For someone who thinks they have a big appetite, I suggest the burrito de carne asada, gringo style (which means they put melted cheese and sauce on top of the burrito), with rice and beans on the side. You will not be disappointed. I guarantee it.

“I’ll make the commute from Arleta just to eat here,” says Josh Arias. “One of the best places to get Mexican food. Definitely.”

Golden Hunan

Golden Hunan Photo by Shant Kazandjian
Golden Hunan Photo by Shant Kazandjian

(818) 363-5511
10334 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge CA 91324
http://www.golden-hunan.com/
With a lot of Chinese food places to choose from, Golden Hunan may not be a restaurant people have eaten at. Especially because I don’t believe Northridge is the primary thought when thinking of Chinese restaurants to go to.

If you are looking for great service and low costs, you should be making plans to go to Golden Hunan. A ‘soup for two’ will fill you and a guest up without even having to order a main dish.

Servers will come by many times during the meal asking if everything is going well. A quality that many restaurants are lacking.

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