"Elena’s is a Greek/Armenian restaurant that’s been operating just south of downtown Glendale since the ’80s. The dining room has marble columns (naturally), and the Greek music blasting over the speaker and a massive flatscreen airing MSNBC are thrilling touches. This is your spot for lentil soups, Greek salads, lule kebabs, and lemony stuffed grape leaves—plus, the warm flatbread with whipped garlic sauce they give you to start the meal. If you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up, one cup of their Armenian coffee will pick you up, twirl you around, and send you flying into the stratosphere." - sylvio martins, brant cox, nikko duren, garrett snyder