Who's Your Mac Daddy?

444 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Rarely would you choose a restaurant solely to try a side dish, but the mac and cheese at this North Carolina-meets-Venice eatery is perfect when you're craving some Southern comfort. Their serving is thick and satisfying and sweetened. Order the Side Car; it makes a meal by letting you select any four sides on their menu. And it comes with cornbread.

6268 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

This tiny neighborhood joint, with tiled walls reminiscent of a subway, brings a touch of New York to L.A. Their menu is undeniably pub grub, but it's not without its interesting flourishes. Here, elbow noodles are baked in a rich, two-cheese Mornay sauce and garnished with a crispy, crunchy brioche breadcrumb top. For a total carb-load, a Blue Moon and a side of sweet potato fries can complete the experience.

1600 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

The lights are low at this goth-chic Hollywood hangout--perfect for hiding your flushed cheeks and watering eyes while you indulge in their jalapeno-laced macaroni and cheese. Don't sweat it, though. If you walk more on the mild side, the baked dish can also be prepared without the peppers. It all depends--are you feelin' hot, hot, hot?

8401 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Given its health-conscious, vegan-minded roots, this WeHo restaurant might not make you think mac, but consider their fusilli dish over the crowd-pleasing Pasta Victor next time. It blends noodles with cheddar, gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses until they're but a zesty, soupy liquid, then covers that with yet another, crispier, layer of cheese. So what if it's not the healthiest thing on the menu--it is one of the tastiest.

8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

The cheese doesn't stand alone but rather two stories above Sunset Boulevard when it's served in this red-tinted West Hollywood restaurant. Although just about everything on the menu here comes dry, the creamy mac and cheese is worth a try. Lightly toasted on top, the cup-size portion is a flavorful dose of chewy noodles with white truffle oil and bits of dungeness crab.

1608 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

Say, yes peas! The mac and cheese you'll enjoy beneath molded silverware chandeliers at this clubby Cahuenga corridor 24-hour eatery is, for whatever reason, called Smac-N-Cheese. It's a hearty helping of tiny elbow noodles, cheddar, mascarpone and smoked gruyere and, indeed, it also hides peas beneath its savory basil herb crust. Perfect anytime of day or night.

672 S La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

It's okay to be a kid in this perennially popular, low-lit eatery. Pile into one of the dark booths, color on the tabletop with the provided crayons and embrace your inner child. Just make sure to bring your grown-up appetite--their mac serving is so hearty it's served as a main course with broccoli and the option of salty applewood smoked ham.

6266 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Sometimes it's best to keep things simple. Get it here just like mom used to make. Mix in a side of broccoli and gorge like you're back home ...elbows off the table, Junior.

4348 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (map)

At once lively and laidback, this Silver Lake comfort food favorite belies a secret twist on the standard mac. Oh yes, you'll want to kiss your date goodnight before you indulge in their garlicky cream-based version of the cheesy classic. After all, its delicious aftertaste is worth savoring for yourself.