So, I understand the merits of vegetarianism, I do not eat meat about 95 percent of the time. I love juicing, raw fooding, vegan cupcakes, etc. but whenever I sit down at Canters on Fairfax, the omnivore jumps out of nowhere. I once was told by an actor in Northern California that sometimes he makes the 425 mile drive from his house to go get a pastrami sandwich. There's nothing like a plate of hot food after a sweaty gig in the adjacent Kibitz room (My band played/ate there a dozen times this year). And the matzo ball soup, while not quite as good as grandma's, comes pretty darn close (that's mainly veggie, except, I think, the broth). My friends and I throw food around there like it's going out of style. Trading half a tuna for half a Caesar salad, tossing bagel chips at each other in the heat of debate (it comes with the matzo ball soup).

If your brain needs an omega three break during your late night studies, grab some bagel and lox! Gotta get that Screenplay pounded out by next weekend? The coffee at Canters is pretty strong and the waitstaff is truly inspirational. They've got attitude, stories, and many have been around quite a few years. It's a non-kosher greasy spoon with yiddish flavor, where the extroverted come to be reclusive and the timid come to rock out!

Of course, if you're trying to avoid a Gastric bypass, hop down the street to Swingers at 8020 Beverly Blvd. It's literally around the corner from Canters. The place is decked out with a Warhol-retro vibe, open until 4 in the morning and everything I've ever eaten here is fantastic. It's fairly healthy and when I want a vegan burrito this is the perfect place. If you're in the mood for finger food, you can load up on a few dozen side dishes they have, most of which are fairly affordable and range from quinoa, goat cheese, sauteed zucchini, or my personal fave, the homemade guacamole. Honestly, their menu is vast, and not just with shakes, smoothies, entrees and desserts. There is a fairly substantial booze section in case you want to continue your late night buzz! For anyone who has a long drive ahead, the rocket shake will give you the fuel you need. It's your basic chocolate shake but it's got an extra dose of espresso, AND some espresso beans thrown in for good measure.

If you're looking for a quicker fix, we have a third option where you can do no wrong. The Astro Burger is a great late night alternative. There's a few of them, I recommend the one at 7475 Santa Monica Blvd. They're open until three in the morning and offer everything from fried zucchini (a veggie favorite) to the pineapple shake (my personal favorite.) It's a classic example of Los Angeles at its melting pot multicultural best. They offer an assortment of yummified mouth-watering pleasantries from Greece and Mexico, AND a vegetarian menu filled with deluxe items (I must admit I haven't tried them all - but will.) For all you carnivores, there's more than enough for your palate. Astro Burger is a guilty omnivore's dream- and easier to stay on the veggie side of the gastronomical line than other restaurants previously mentioned (sorry Canters). As far as veggie burgers go, there is no rival for their garden burger. I prefer the non-soy patty, a blend of mushrooms, onions, herbs, and low fat cheese. There is a soy cheese available upon request, but I'm personally avoiding soy for now so can't vouch for it.