Dole Whip Float at GoPoke

Chinatown–International District’s new family owned poke shop makes an incredibly fresh, pure-flavored version of Hawaii’s raw fish salad, mixed in batches, so it’s lightly marinated. But don’t sleep on the frosty pineapple Dole Whip (yep, the same stuff people line up for at Disneyland) topped with the salty dried plum powder known as li hing mui, an Aloha state obsession. —Allecia Vermillion

Chicken Katsu at Hurry Curry

Packed at lunchtime, the second outpost of the beloved LA fast-casual Japanese curry house is a wasteland by evening—perhaps because food this fried is best by day. Too bad, for an especially tasty chicken katsu with bold Japanese curry happens here, along with some of the best marinated fried chicken (karaage) in town. Sake too! —Kathryn Robinson

Pulled Pork at Wood Shop BBQ 

When the legendary barbecue truck got an address, a city fell to its knees. Take the hickory smoked pulled pork: a moist and smoky stunner one enjoys by the pound, in a brioche bun sandwich, or lavished atop jalapeño-spanked mac and cheese with pink pickled onions. The shop is tiny, but the meat survives takeout. —KR

Khao Mun Gai at Sugar Hill

A Pike/Pine coffee shop space turned bar specializes in hip-hop and Thailand’s signature chicken-and-rice street food dish. Tender chicken and fragrant rice pack real flavor—even before you add the sauce’s zing. The vinyl collection lining the walls inspires the sound-track; petite platters of fried chicken skin fuel a night of Hill carousing.  —AV

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