Designed to resemble an almost-cartoonish depiction of an urban street, Universal CityWalk gets mention here because it's unique. Situated next door to Universal Studios--you must walk through it if you use Universal City's main parking structure--CityWalk is dominated by brightly colored, surreal oversize storefronts. The heavily touristed faux street is home to a number of restaurants, including B. B. King's Blues Club, the newest Hard Rock Cafe, and a branch of the Hollywood Athletic Club featuring a restaurant and pool hall. It's been called the commercial equivalent to the gated community, a place where the fear-driven middle class can shop and dine in sanitized safety. In terms of shopping, CityWalk is not worth a special visit, but kids will love the carnival atmosphere and the Warner Brothers store. You can get an online preview at www.mca.com/citywalk. Universal Center Dr., Universal City. tel. 818/622-9841.