Matching Up Head to Head

Spas

Burke Williams Massage Center: Beverly Hot Springs is fine if being shushed by naked octogenarians is your idea of pampering. We prefer the hushed environment, nicely appointed lounges and extensive treatment menu at Burke Williams. 1460 4th St., Santa Monica, (310) 587-3366.

Beverly Hot Springs: Westsiders may like light-touch masseuses and tap-water spas; we’ll take the straight-from-the-aquifer baths at Beverly Hot Springs and its staff of shiatsu masters. 308 N. Oxford Ave., L.A., (323) 467-0913.

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Burgers

Apple Pan: So perfect are these Tillamook cheddar-topped burgers on warm, crisped buns that usually go-go Angelenos are willing to patiently wait, and wait, for one. 10801 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., (310) 475-3585.

Jayburger: Jay’s chili-laden double-decker is masterful, messy and sublime. Locals love it so fiercely that they picketed when the landlord threatened eviction. 4481 Santa Monica Blvd, L.A., (323) 666-5204.

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Bookstores

Dutton’s: Frequent author readings, seasoned employees and an extensive stock ranging from children’s books to adult erotica make this the Westside’s literary center. 11975 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, (310) 476-6263.

Skylight: What a neighborhood bookstore should be, complete with smart staff, comfy places to sit, a great schedule of readings and events, and an exhaustive section devoted to local authors and books on L.A. 1818 N. Vermont Ave., L.A., (323) 660-1175.

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Gift Shops

Fred Segal: A Fred Segal package carries nearly the cachet of a Tiffany blue box. This retailer is the mother lode of style. 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, (310) 458-9940; 8100 Melrose Ave., L.A., (323) 651-4129.

Wacko/Soap Plant/Luz de Jesus: A superstore of oddball knickknacks, cool toys, alternative art and unusual books, Soap Plant peddles indispensable goods. 4633 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., (323) 666-7667.

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Sports Clubs

Sports Club LA: If you’ve got the bucks, this 100,000-square-foot dream gym offering extras like valet parking, personalized dietitian services and a rooftop golf driving range is the place to work out, network and star-watch. You’ll never see Shaq at the Y. 1835 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A., (310) 473-1447.

Hollywood Y: Clean, uncrowded and free of the posing and posturing endemic to Westside gyms, the Hollywood Y offers great classes, new equipment and even great child care. 1553 Schrader Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 467-4161.

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Architectural Statements

The Getty: Praised by critics even more than the collection within, Richard Meier’s hilltop masterpiece manages grandeur and elegance. 1200 Getty Center Drive, West L.A., (310) 440-7300.

Disney Hall: L.A. finally gets a masterwork from its local boy. Unlike the institutional Getty (is it a museum--or a bank?), Disney Hall will lift all spirits under its roof. 111 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A., (213) 972-7211.