Three Must-Visit Hidden Hotspots Near Beverly Hills

When you’re done fighting crowds on Rodeo Drive, find your way to three immersive hidden gems near Beverly Hills.

By David Hochman

Beverly Hills is famous for its iconic spots—Rodeo Drive shopping sprees, “Pretty Woman” nostalgia at the Beverly Wilshire, evenings at the Wallis Annenberg Center. I typically recommend a more adventurous day, and suggest exploring a few lesser-known corners near L.A.’s most glamorous enclave.

Here are three hidden gems near 90210 to delight your mind, body, and palate for a uniquely immersive experience.

PADEL UP

If Beverly Hills feels a bit sleepy, try taking your game to the next level—literally. Padel Up is turning heads (and smashing balls) on the Skydeck at nearby Westfield Century City. It’s not just another tennis — or, gasp, pickleball — experience. Padel tennis is a buzzy sport, popular in Europe and South America, that blends the best of tennis, squash or racquetball, and my preferred paddle sport here in Los Angeles — paddle tennis. Padel is addictive, fast-paced and surprisingly glamorous.

You’re on a court surrounded by glass walls, where every angle counts. Balls bounce off the walls, and suddenly, you’re playing a high-speed mix of strategy and reflexes that’s impossible not to love. Whether you’re a seasoned net sports person or just learning to serve, Padel Up welcomes all comers. They’ve got gear to rent and you can buy lessons with Abraham Alvarez, a former Venezuelan National Junior #1 tennis player.

The pop-up courts opened last month (there are two at this location) and you can book time through the Padel Up app or website. Even if you don’t play, it’s cool to watch. Check it out on The Skydeck, Level 03, above Vans & GUESS.

H&H BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Henrique Huyer is the charming owner behind my favorite Beverly Hills-area churrascaria. Tucked inside the ground floor of the Beverly Center, H&H redefines the traditional Brazilian steakhouse in a grand yet intimate space that’s less fussy and full of itself than the icons down the street on La Cienega’s Restaurant Row. Here, the welcoming rodizio service stands apart from places like Fogo de Chão with an impressive selection of premium meats (Wagyu picanha, garlicky culotte steaks, and beef ribs are the best), carved tableside by attentive gauchos bearing skewers. Beyond the grill, H&H has an extensive salad bar featuring over 30 sides, including Brazilian staples like feijoada and hearts of palm salad. The sleek, contemporary decor adds a touch of sparkle, and there’s a drinks menu with outstanding caipirinhas and rare Brazilian wines.

THE ESCAPE GAME

It takes some effort to find The Escape Game in Century City Mall. It’s in a quiet corner near Eataly and across from Rolex. The real challenges are within. The cinematic escape room experience pushes the boundaries of immersion, storytelling and quality—and this is from someone who’s played a lot of Los Angeles escapes. The top room here is “Prison Break,” a 9/10 level game that splits players into two separate cells in a meticulously recreated 1950s-style prison, complete with real prison toilets and gritty details that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a noir film. To break free, players must communicate and collaborate across their cells, solving puzzles that lead to a nerve-wracking journey through the warden’s office.

For those who like something splashier, “The Depths” plunges players into a sunken laboratory filled with secrets (and lock boxes, puzzles and vexing riddles). Set inside a submarine, this room challenges you to unravel the mystery of Dr. Humphreys, a brilliant researcher who has vanished amid rumors of disturbing experiments. I like the abandoned lab vibes, where players must decipher clues and avoid lurking dangers beneath the water’s surface. This is the most high-tech room in this location, and gives you an hour of adrenaline-pumping thrills.

In short, it’s a collection of five-star escapes in a part of town that takes its stars quite seriously.

Via Forbes