Coming to L.A. Live: Custom burgers and pizza at Smashburger, Live Basil Pizza

Smashburger and Live Basil Pizza are the latest eateries set to join downtown L.A.’s sports and entertainment hub, L.A. Live. Both restaurants are slated to open Jan. 21 in the space previously occupied by ESPN Zone.

Smashburger, which has four other locations in California, including Culver City, is a fast-casual restaurant that serves more than a dozen signature burgers and customizable burgers ($4.99-$6.99). Menu items include chicken and beef burgers, a veggie burger, salads, onion rings and fries, Haagen-Dazs shakes and a selection of domestic and local beers.

The Live Basil Pizza at L.A. Live will be the Denver chain’s first California location. On the menu are fully customizable Neapolitan pies and a selection of signature pizzas including “The Hot One” ($8.50) -- with red sauce, Italian cheese blend, natural pepperoni, spicy giardiniera, fresh jalapenos, red pepper flakes and spicy oil -- and “Rick’s Favorite” ($9.50) -- with red sauce, fresh mozzarella, Italian cheese blend, bacon, red onions, imported olive oil and fresh basil. Each pizza is baked in an open-flame oven in a little over two minutes.

Live Basil Pizza will also offer gluten-free and vegan options, salads and a selection of beer and wine by the glass.

Both restaurants are to be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Live Basil Pizza and Smashburger are chains of the Denver-based company Consumer Concept Group.

Live Basil Pizza: 1011 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, (213) 746-5483, www.livebasilpizza.com.
Smashburger: 1011 S. Figueroa St., Ste. B 101, Los Angeles, (213) 631-3355, www.smashburger.com.

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