personally i only smoke cohibas...but not sure where in LA you'll find them...i dont really smoke em anymore, but a good cigar is really a treat after a good meal, and it takes a LONG time to find the one right for you..at least it did for me..
Good brands..?...it all depends on what kind of cigar you like man,lol....what ring size and wrapper...flavor..country.length..etc, there a lot more to cigar then brand name.
Do you like flavored 'gars or unflavored....dark or light...smooth or robust..?
Try Cohibas, Punch's and a few of the cheaper one like white owl,dutch masters...etc
lol...I've heard that the Garcia Y Vegas are real nice....lol...and Swisher makes a good one...lol