01
Best overall pick
The Chicken Koop
Uptown Whittier • Lively Chicken And Beer House • Local Favorite
A bustling spot for crispy chicken, big portions, and a serious craft beer list.
The Chicken Koop is the kind of place locals hit when they want comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or serving size. The menu leans hard into fried and grilled chicken, wings, and playful sides, with plenty of sauces to work through. It’s loud, casual, and ideal for unwinding after work or catching up with friends over a shared platter.
02
Coziest date spot
Crepes & Grapes Café
Historic Uptown Whittier • European-Style Café And Bistro • Best For Date Night
A charming café that pairs sweet and savory crêpes with wine and relaxed Uptown energy.
Crepes & Grapes Café feels worlds away from busy boulevards, with sidewalk tables, candlelight, and a menu built around crêpes, salads, and bistro classics. It works just as well for a slow weekend brunch as it does for a glass of wine and dessert in the evening. Locals lean on it when they want something a little special without leaving the neighborhood.
03
Flavor-packed escape
Bailey's Peruvian Cuisine
Near West Whittier-Los Nietos • Casual Peruvian Restaurant • Best For Bold Flavors
A laid-back Peruvian spot known for rotisserie chicken, lomo saltado, and craveable sauces.
Bailey's Peruvian Cuisine brings a change of pace from the usual Mexican and American standbys, with bright ceviches, hearty stir-fries, and charcoal-kissed chicken. Portions are generous and most plates are easy to share, making it a smart pick for groups who like to sample. The house green sauce has a loyal following, so don’t be shy about asking for extra.
04
Special-occasion choice
Los Amores de Julia
Pico Rivera Shopping District • Upscale Mexican Restaurant • Best For Celebrations
An elevated Mexican dining room with polished plates, cocktails, and live-restaurant energy.
Just a short drive from West Whittier-Los Nietos, Los Amores de Julia offers refined takes on regional Mexican dishes in a stylish space. Expect attentive service, a strong tequila and mezcal lineup, and dishes that are plated with as much care as they are seasoned. It’s a natural choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or when you want to impress out-of-town guests.
05
Game-day go-to
Pizzamania
Telegraph Road Corridor • Old-School Pizza And Sports Hangout • Best For Families And Teams
A no-frills, bustling pizza shop with big pies, pitchers, and plenty of screens for the game.
Pizzamania is classic Whittier: straightforward, crowded, and beloved for its crispy-edged pies and nostalgic feel. The dining room fills up with families, Little League teams, and friends splitting large pizzas and garlic bread after a game or school event. It’s affordable, easygoing, and one of the most reliable ways to feed a hungry group after a long day.