In other burgers and Old Town news, I noticed when I was driving down Raymond last night that a Slater's 50/50 is going to open in the area

For izakaya, there's Oto Oto in Monrovia, HInotori in Arcadia, and Shinsengumi in Monterey Park.

I've heard that they're opening one in Las Vegas, which makes sense with the plethora of Asians who go to Vegas.

They currently do not. There are days (like this past Sunday) where they run out of the glorious stuff! I remember introducing this green condiment to friends who were dining at 101 Noodle Express for the first time and when we finished our food, one of them just started scooping it onto his plate and eating it as if it were a salad!

I was going to suggest Everson Royce in Pasadena, but remembered that they are run by the folks at Silver Lake Wine. Give them a call to see if they have what you need if Pasadena is a reasonable trek for you! http://eversonroyce.com/

+1 on Malbec-steak AND Latin! It is also very within your budget.

For DTLA, you might want to check out Rivera

The drinks I had were indeed fantastic-I had one of their featured cocktails which was called a Peaches and Herb. The arancinis were delicious as was the creamy mozzerela on the caprese.

Of the entrees my party ordered, I liked the gnocchi the best. The appetizers and sides we had were more memorable in my opinion than the entrees.

Service was very good. I think this place is worth checking out, but funds would keep me from making regular stops!

Lemonade will have plenty of choices for you to take out!

I recommend Mil Jugos (also in Santa Ana) for arepas-the green sauces in the squeeze bottles on each table are delicious with them. http://www.miljugos.com/

It's been awhile but I quite enjoyed the chicken at Biergarten when I had it-http://www.biergarten-la.com/#!about

+1 for the Feng Mao Mutton Kebabs.

Hmm...your post makes me realize it's been awhile since I treated myself to a slice of fresh corn and caramelized onion pizza and a spinach pesto slice at Zelo's!

I had some shaved ice at Sinbala last week after not having visited for at least a year and it really hit the spot on that very warm afternoon.

I'm also suggesting a place I haven't been to myself and it's Taix in Echo Park. I thought of it upon reading your post because a friend who grew up in the area says it has been around for ages and that he went there in high school because he was taking French. Looks like it fits very will into your budget as well!

Varnish is a great spot and really fits the description of what you're looking for cocktail bar wise. They really shine when you tell them to just make you something based on your tastes-I've enjoyed pretty much every drink I've had there.
It is a small place and can get pretty crowded on Fridays and Saturdays so definitely try to go there earlier if you can. If there is a wait, I second cdub's rec of getting some libations at the Cole's bar to pass the time or if you two are into tequila, Las Perlas is right across the street.

Abricott is a nice space and even though their breakfast menu has many hearty items, it looks like it has some lighter options that may appeal to your friend. http://www.abricott.com/breakfast.htm

Apparently, they will be opening a location in Temple City at the plaza where TJ Maxx is on Rosemead and Las Tunas if that will make things less pilgrimage like for you!

I went to a birthday dinner at Edendale and they sat about a dozen of us quite comfortably. The restaurant is quite large so I am sure they can accommodate your party if you have more people than we had. The food was ok and I enjoyed the drinks and the people watching more so that may fit the emphasis on the drinks and socializing that you were looking for!

Also, the space that andytseng is talking about at the Raymond looks quite pleasant. I haven't sat there myself but have admired it while going to 1886 for some terrific cocktails! I'm not sure if you have to order off the restaurant menu though instead of the bar menu if you occupy that space so you might want to inquire about that!

Rats-it looks like your route seems to just miss the OC recs I had in mind! It's about 10 minutes south of Anaheim in Santa Ana but if it fits into your schedule, have some arepas (with plenty of their addictive green sauce) and fresh juice at Mil Jugos-http://www.miljugos.com/#!

Indeed it is! I think it's the only JJ Bakery to serve Taiwanese breakfast items in the morning though. It's been awhile since I've gone there and I remember it being pricier than places like Si Hai (though their breakfast business was booming the few times I did stop it!).

I think the JJ Bakery in Arcadia (totally walkable from Sinbala) might have this or something similar on its breakfast menu....opp, just noticed that Sinbala is off the itinerary! A note for next time I guess!

There's 38 Degrees in Alhambra which has a menu you'd expect from an ale house!

I highly recommend the roast chicken sandwich at Fiore!

Noir Food and Wine is a small plates place with reasonably priced wine pours that I enjoy. It's on the smaller side but i think 15 people could fit in their outdoor patio!

I had some nice shaved snow at the A&J in Arcadia. Not sure if other locations have it as well.

I've enjoyed all of the cold noodle dishes I've had at Earthen

There's a Teavana at the Santa Anita Mall as well. There's also a place in Monrovia that I've heard good things about called the Loose Teas-http://www.thelooseteas.com/servlet/S...

I'm not the biggest fan of the macarons at Merely Sweets too. Maybe Europane has spoiled us!? I found the texture off as well being on the drier/crumblier side plus the colors kind of weirded me out. The chocolate hazelnut was purple and the green tea was a light pink color!

Interesting-awhile back some friend and I went to Aburiya Toranoko next door to Lazy Ox and owned by the same folks. We experienced lackluster food and service as well and like your visit-it was for lunch and we had a BBE.

Another one for Mother Moo's here-loving the cornflakes and cream flavor. Carmela is not too far away if you want to make it a day full of ice cream.

A short walk from Mother Moo's is the Wildflour Baking Company and there's Europane Bakery (2 locations in Pasadena) for your pastry fix.

A little outside of your specified geography but Taipei Ning Gi Hot Pot Restaurant in Hacienda Heights has a sauce station where you can customize your own dipping sauce. Don't expect much ambiance though-this place is certainly a hole in the wall.