The long (hot) weekend is over already.

Cheer up: the NFL season kicks off Thursday. And someday soon, we might even have a team to call our own.

Sliced Wonder: Rascal Open now
Pull a stool up for classic lunch plates — grilled cheese, steak and onions — at this brick-walled American sandwich shop.
801 S. La Brea Ave. (W. 8th St.), West Hollywood (323-933-3229)

Mediterranean Breeze: Sfixio Open now
Neo-Italian atmosphere blows into the old DaVinci space with braised wild boar, house-made pasta, and overstuffed leather couches.
9737 Santa Monica Blvd. (N. Linden Dr.), Beverly Hills (310-385-1800)

Boot Camp: Post 42 Open now
Find rugged vintage gear — from wallets to furniture — at this appointment-only store in a set of authentic WWII barracks bivouacked on La Brea.
107 N. La Brea Ave. (at 1st St), Mid-City West (310-869-3206)

Farm Fresh Drinks: Next Door by Josie Open now
A casual dining room starring adventurous dishes from elk chorizo to beer and bacon caramel corn, complete with cocktails crafted with farmer's market ingredients. 
2420 Pico Blvd. (25th St.), Santa Monica