The monthly BEAT: Hollywood. Kitchen 24.

In my opinion, you can never have too many late night restaurants. And if there were a part of L.A. that I feel needs them the most, it's probably Hollywood. You may just be coming back from a pleasant family outing to the Hollywood Bowl or a movie at the Arclight, or it may be from a crazy night at the club. No matter which way, be thankful for Kitchen 24.

As the website proclaims, it's Hollywood's only 24-hour diner and bar, and you could simply say that the Hollywood diner and bar. While serving up great diner classics like mac and cheese and burgers and all-the-time breakfast fare, the restaurant also has a mix of fancy cocktails, all served in a room full of mirrors and glitzy chandeliers. It's just the right mashup of high and low and weird and cool that Hollywood seems to encompass.

The food, meanwhile, is pretty consistently fantastic. My picks are the Jolly Green Giant omelette or the delicious Mac and cheese, paired with a manmosa -- citrus-flavored beer and orange juice. Talk about mashup, right? Oh and don't forget the homemade cupcakes!

Kitchen 24 is located at 1608 N. Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood and is open 24/7. There is also another branch of the restaurant being opened soon in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Eat It. Macaroni and Cheese.

I had a root canal today, which means I'm eating soft foods. I considered having cream of wheat for dinner, then realized many macaroni and cheeses are soft enough that they don't require too much chewing, and it's a much more satisfying dinner than a hot breakfast cereal. Homemade macaroni and cheese is always best, but if you're functioning on little sleep and had a long day at the office, you'll want to buy pre-made.

And so, a few of the best macaroni and cheeses in L.A. --

Swingers diner (pictured above)

Joan's on Third

O-Bar (lobster mac and cheese)

The Edison (truffle mac and cheese)

Trader Joe's (frozen)

Gelson's (from hot bar at deli)

One of the best homemade mac and cheeses I've had was an Ina Garten a.k.a. Barefoot Contessa recipe--breadcrumbs on top, Swingers-style.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: laist.com

Eat Out. 24/7 Restaurant.

Los Angeles isn't the best place to find good late night dining. The Standard hotel's coffee shop, 24/7 Restaurant, is one of the bright stars in a sea of dark "closed" signs. Don't let the velvet rope at the front door deter you, just tell the door person that you're headed to the restaurant and you'll be welcomed right in.

Centrally located in the heart of the Sunset strip, this round-the-clock diner-style restaurant is really great for a late night meal, snack, or even a well-mixed nightcap. But, drink quickly if you're going to (and if you're not driving!), alcoholic beverages must be consumed (and empty glasses will be swiped from the table) by 2:00 a.m.

Standout items on the 'Overnight' (12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) menu include guacamole with plantain chips, and mac 'n cheese. Or, if you're disciplined even at the midnight hour, an Italian chopped salad that's split-able.

The Standard - Hollywood - is located at 8300 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: standardhotels.com, (323) 650-9090.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: hotels.com

Eat Out. Grace.

Restaurants come and go (and sometimes even come back again!), but having a favorite L.A. spot move locations, only to be replaced by another favorite L.A. spot--that's pretty unheard of. But apparently, that's what's happening as Neal Fraser's Grace moves downtown into the Vibiana Cathedral on 2nd and Main, and John Sedlar opens up a second branch of his acclaimed Rivera into Grace's former Beverly Blvd. space.

Overall, it's good news: not only will L.A. have another great restaurant to add to the list, but Grace also just happens to be honoring the move with some cool specials before closing up shop for its last night of service on June 19.

As of right now, you have one more chance to catch Sundays' Burger Night, where you can have their delectable burgers (you can even opt-in for gruyere or truffle cheese, $18 and $21, respectively) paired with fun-sounding milkshakes like Caramel Tequila, Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Malt and Dreamsicle ($6 each). But if you're not down for a milkshake, opt for a bottle of wine, especially since the restaurant is offering half-off select bottles until closing night.

But my pick for your last Grace on Beverly Blvd. dance? Doughnut Shoppe. This special night usually takes place on Wednesdays (two more chances!), and is sure to continue over in the new space, but you have got to taste these suckers right now. Everyone loves Krispy Kremes fresh off the rolling ramp, or even the more tough dough versions at Winchell's, but Grace's are surely something to be experienced: soft, buttery, melt-on-your-tongue good, with creative and not-overwhelming flavors. Definitely an L.A. specialty.

Sure, Grace is just moving locations and will be in L.A. all the same, but we'll still miss you on Beverly Blvd.! May your doughnuts stay fluffy as you hit downtown.

Grace is located at 7360 Beverly Blvd. in Mid-City, until June 19.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: The doughnuts! Courtesy of Tovan Tran

Eat Out. The Pantry.

If you want some amazing pancakes, wonderful, crispy bacon, or possibly the best cheese omelet ever (and who doesn't, really?), the place to find all these things in one small restaurant is The Pantry. And it's open 24 hours a day, every day and conveniently located downtown near the Nokia and Staples Center.

I've been vegetarian for a little more than six years, but remember the fantastic, crispy bacon that is served here. It's that good.

Going here is a family tradition for the Williamses. Early on an occasional Sunday we'll wait outside (because there's always a wait Sunday morning), and read the paper as we're waiting. Then, after a good 20 minutes of standing outside in the constant LA sunshine, we'll be admitted, already ready with what we want to order.

Unfortunately for vegetarians, after breakfast there aren't many options. Possibly mac 'n' cheese, but the chefs all clad in very sporting tuxedos, do not deviate very much from the menu, unlike so many LA restaurants. Open constantly since 1924, this place is a gem from old Los Angeles and owned by former mayor Richard Riordan.

It's absolutely a place worth visiting, and with most plates around $5, it's an affordable breakfast. Cash only, though.

The Original Pantry Cafe is located at 877 S. Figueroa St.

-- Lauren Williams