Intelligentsia's New Venice Competition, Best Al Fresco Dining, Happiest Happy Hours

VENICE: Inexplicably, that gorgeous brick space on Abbot Kinney, which once housed the French 50s 60s furniture store, couldn't find a tenant for the longest time (maybe too expensive?), but someone is finally moving in. Blue Bottle Coffee, a NorCal coffee purveyor, is opening their first SoCal brick and mortar--there's another planned for an Expo Line-adjacent development in Culver City--by spring. Expect high-end coffee, baked goods, and a "simple and elegant" design that pays homage to Abbot Kinney.

ALL OVER: The weather is hot and sunny and rainy season is still a few months off, so brush up on the best places to eat al fresco; from a languid brunch at Alcove to dinner and drinks at Laurel Hardware, it's all on this list.

ALL OVER: Speaking of getting sauced after work, Eater has another great list: the city's best happy hours. Job centers like DTLA and Santa Monica are heavily represented, with the Misfit, Border Grill, Perch, and Rivera all receiving nods.
· Eater LA [Official Site]