Remember childhood? The word “recess” meant fun little break time in which we run around screaming with joy. But add “ion” to recess and you get adults running around screaming their heads off with despair replacing that happy bit of freedom. Have no fear, MetroWize has a plan for the cheapest way to get the most out of your weekend.

The Edison downtown chose the Depression as its theme. Right now, the bar truly relives history by seeing the despair in visitors’ eyes. So we’ll start our weekend there. Fridays from 5-7pm, the Edison hosts a Soup Kitchen: free grilled cheese and tomato soup with the purchase of the featured Depression era cocktail at Depression prices. How many drinks at 35 cents can you down in 2 hours?
The Edison
108 W 2nd St # 101
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0000

As you stumble out of the Edison, ask someone to point you in the direction of the Metro. You’re obviously not in driving condition if you’re heeding MetroWize’s advice. Or perhaps take a nice, long walk to Echo Park, seeking the Gold Room’s neon sign. The Gold Room offers free tacos with the purchase of a drink. Simply ask the bartender what they’ve got cooking and the bowtie-clad server will pour you a stiff one and bring out a plateful of delicious Mexican fare. The bar also offers a special two beers and two shots for $10 total.
Gold Room
1558 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 482-5259

Wake up Saturday by 5pm so you have time to go on-line and visit your favorite art openings guide, we suggest this one, to determine where the free wine, beer and cheese plate awaits. You'll most likely end up in Culver City or Chinatown, or if you're ambitious, carpool between both and hit up the little spots in between. Get cultured, get hammered, get invited to the after-party.

Since the art parties finish early, try to get to bed at a decent hour and wake up on Sunday morning by 9am to go shopping. Every Sunday, Jet Rag hosts $1 binge shopping scavenger feedings. They set up a few rows of giant clothing bundles filled with vintage goodies in the parking lot and periodically open them. Then everyone literally dives in and it’s every man and woman for themselves. Don’t be surprised to get into a pulling war over a sequins top with a strange old man who seemingly has no business being there. We’ve all got to satisfy our consumer kicks somehow.
Jet Rag
825 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 939-0528

Beyond these options, there’s memorizing the food sample rotation schedule at Trader Joe’s, hitting up banks for free coffee and all the ice cream stores in Los Angeles for tastes. It ain't over 'til the fat lady gets so poor she ain't fat anymore!