the BEAT of the week: Monday Movie Nights at Echoplex.

For whatever reason, watching movies in places other than movie theaters can often make the experience a million times more exciting. Throw in some free popcorn and some excellent movie choices, and you've got guaranteed fun ahead.

UNIQUE LA, the creators of the largest independent design show in the country and a great advocate for modern homemade artisan goods in this city, is getting into the film spirit. They'll be putting on monthly movie nights in the vast space of Echoplex in Echo Park, and next up on the marquee this next Monday is the '90s classic Clueless. Perfect excuse to reminisce and watch a wonderful film -- and yes, there will be free popcorn! (Plus drink specials all night and pizza for sale from Two Boots!)

Tickets for each show is $10. Check out the upcoming lineup of films here.

Monthly Movie Nights at the Echoplex featuring Clueless will take place next Monday, March 12 at 8pm at Echoplex, located at 1154 Glendale Blvd. in Echo Park.

-- Chau Tu

Eat Out. Two Boots.

Admittedly, when I first heard about NYC's pizza joint Two Boots moving into the hip corridor of Echo Park, I didn't think it was a big deal. But famished after a show at the neighboring Echo and enticed by its stained glass/crazy mural decor, the pizza called to me...and I'm so glad I answered.

Just like the rest of its neighborhood, Two Boots has an extra ounce of cool. The place is small, but has a pretty sweet covered patio, and is bright and wild with a (new?) jukebox and the aforementioned mural. And yet, you still can't distracted from the pizza. There are the usual varieties like BBQ chicken (above) and the Mr. Pink (chicken and tomatoes), but take a risk with the Bayou Beast (shrimp, crawfish, andouille and jalapenos) or the intimidating Slayer we came across last weekend (above, that spicy concoction with drizzles of pesto), and you won't be disappointed. The flavors are fresh and rich, and the crust is crispy and surprisingly not greasy.

Plus it's cheap--two slices and a drink comes to $9 even--and did I mention the jukebox? Perfect for late-night eats too: Two Boots stays open until midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Two Boots is located at 1818 W. Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: theBEAT