Not For Tourists Guide to Los Angeles 2025
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About this ebook
The Not For Tourists Guide to Los Angeles is the essential urban handbook that thousands of Los Angelenos rely on daily. The map-based, neighborhood-by-neighborhood guidebook divides the city into fifty-seven mapped neighborhoods and pinpoints all of the essential services and entertainment hot spots with NFT’s user-friendly icons.
Want to drive around the palm tree-peppered concrete jungle like a pro? NFT has you covered. How about sunbathing on a beach? We’ve got that, too. The nearest Hollywood club, holistic health practitioner, sports outing, or shopping destination—whatever you need—NFT puts it at your fingertips. The guide also includes:
- A foldout highway map covering all of Los Angeles
- More than 150 neighborhood and city maps
- A guide to TV and movie studio locations
- Listings for the best shopping destinations
Everything from supermarkets, cafés, bars, and gas stations, to information on twenty-four-hour services, beaches, public transportation, and city events—NFT will help you find a boutique for an Oscars gown, and then show you how to get there.
Not For Tourists
Not For Tourists (NFT) released their first book, a guide to Manhattan, in May of 2000. Today, NFT is an urban lifestyle brand that works closely with city and neighborhood editors in Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, and New York. Their offices are in New York City.
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Not For Tourists Guide to Los Angeles 2025 - Not For Tourists
Designed by:
Not For Tourists, Inc
NFTTM—Not For TouristsTM Guide to Chicago
Printed in China
Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-8105-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-5107-8106-1
ISSN 2162-724X
Copyright © 2024 by Not For Tourists, Inc.
23rd Edition
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book is as up-to-date as possible at press time. However, many details are liable to change—as we have learned.
Not For Tourists cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this book.
Not For Tourists does not solicit individuals, organizations, or businesses for listings inclusion in our guides, nor do we accept payment for inclusion into the editorial portion of our book.
Skyhorse Publishing books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes. Special editions can also be created to specifications. For details, contact the Special Sales Department, Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or [email protected].
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
Skyhorse® and Skyhorse Publishing® are registered trademarks of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.®, a Delaware corporation.
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
Please follow our publisher Tony Lyons on Instagram @tonylyonsisuncertain.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Dear NFT User,
There are certain things Chicagoans know: the best stories happen on the Red Line late at night; your out-of-town relatives are going to ask you about Al Capone; there’s a 50/50 chance your alderman is going to be indicted this year; the winters make you stronger and the summers make you lazier; and every New Yorker you know will tell you how shocked they are that there aren’t cows and corn filling up your downtown (Wow, this actually is an amazing city!
).
But you don’t need us to tell you that Chicago is much more than this. As possessive and proud Chicagoans are of their city, they’re even more so of their neighborhoods, each one offering its own unique experience. Travelling from one to the next is like a different vacation onto itself, and that’s where we come in. Consider us your insider to the best of your own city. You’re the ultimate urban adventurer and we can’t wait to be your companion on the journey.
Thank you for picking up the Not For Tourists Guide to Chicago. As the only guidebook of the city written by fellow Chicagoans that includes detailed map-by-map descriptions of every neighborhood in Chicago (as well as Evanston, Oak Park, and Skokie), we hope to worm our way into your heart as your indispensable right-hand tool for navigating this dynamic and energetic city that we love. So if you’re new to us, welcome! And if you’re coming back, thanks for continuing to trust us enough to show us around in public…
Table of Contents
Central LA
Map 1 • Beverly Hills
Map 2 • West Hollywood
Map 3 • Hollywood
Map 4 • Los Feliz
Map 5 • Silver Lake / Echo Park / Atwater
Map 6 • Miracle Mile / Mid-City
Map 7 • Hancock Park
Map 8 • Korea Town
Map 9 • Downtown
Map 10 • Baldwin Hills
Map 11 • South Central West
Map 12 • South Central East
Map 13 • Inglewood
Map 14 • Inglewood East / Morningside Park
West Side & the Beach
Map 15 • Pacific Palisades
Map 16 • Brentwood
Map 17 • Bel Air / Holmby Hills
Map 18 • Santa Monica
Map 19 • West LA / Santa Monica East
Map 20 • Westwood / Century City
Map 21 • Venice
Map 22 • Mar Vista
Map 23 • Rancho Park / Palms
Map 24 • Culver City
Map 25 • Marina del Rey / Westchester West
Map 26 • Westchester / Fox Hills / Ladera Heights / LAX
South Bay
Map 27 • El Segundo / Manhattan Beach
Map 28 • Hawthorne
Map 29 • Hermosa Beach / Redondo Beach North
Map 30 • Torrance North
Map 31 • Redondo Beach
Map 32 • Torrance South
East Side & Pasadena
Map 33 • Eagle Rock / Highland Park
Map 34 • Pasadena
Map 35 • Pasadena East / San Marino
Map 36 • Mt. Washington
Map 37 • Lincoln Heights
Map 38 • El Sereno
Map 39 • Alhambra
Map 40 • Boyle Heights
Map 41 • City Terrace / East LA
The Valley
Map 42 • Chatsworth
Map 43 • Granada Hills / Northridge
Map 44 • Mission Hills / North Hills
Map 45 • Canoga Park / Woodland Hills
Map 46 • Reseda
Map 47 • Van Nuys
Map 48 • North Hollywood
Map 49 • Burbank
Map 50 • Burbank East / Glendale West
Map 51 • Glendale South
Map 52 • Tarzana / Woodland Hills
Map 53 • Encino
Map 54 • Sherman Oaks West
Map 55 • Sherman Oaks East
Map 56 • Studio City / Valley Village
Map 57 • Universal City / Toluca Lake
Parks & Places
San Pedro
Malibu
Long Beach
Elysian Park
Griffith Park
Disneyland
Exposition Park
Farmers Market
The Huntington
LA Convention Center
Magic Mountain
The Studios
Universal Studios Hollywood
Topanga State Park
UCLA
USC
Beaches & Marinas
Hermosa Beach
Manhattan Beach
Redondo Beach
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Venice Beach
Zuma Beach
Marina del Rey
Long Beach Marina
Cabrillo Marina
Redondo Beach Marina
Playa del Rey / Dockweiler Beach
Sports
Tennis
Hiking
Swimming Pools
Golf
Billiards / Boxing
Bowling
Yoga
Miscellaneous Sports
Dodger Stadium
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Rose Bowl
Crypto.com Arena
Honda Center
Dignity Health Sports Park
Malls
Burbank Empire Center
Beverly Center
Westfield Century City
Del Amo Fashion Center
South Bay Galleria
Glendale Galleria
The Grove at Farmers Market
Hollywood & Highland
Burbank Town Center
Northridge Fashion Center
Paseo Colorado
Santa Monica Place
Westfield Fashion Square
Westfield Topanga
Third Street Promenade
Transit
Burbank Airport
LAX
John Wayne Airport
Long Beach Airport
Airlines
Union Station / Amtrak / Metrolink
LA Metro
LA Bus Lines
Driving
General Information
Practical Information
Calendar of Events
Radio Stations
For the Kids
Hospitals
Libraries
LGBT
Zip Codes
Post Offices
Police
Landmarks
Hotels
Farmers Markets
Dog Parks
Arts & Entertainment
MOCA
LACMA
Getty Center
Getty Villa
Greek Theatre
Hollywood Bowl
Dolby Theatre
Music Center
The Wiltern Theatre
Bergamot Station
Movie Theaters
Museums
Bookstores
Nightlife
Restaurants
Shopping
Street Index
Driving in LA
Highway Map
Downtown LA Map
Map 1
When the outside world pictures Los Angeles, it often defaults to well-lit images of Beverly Hills: palm trees, 23 broad avenues, nice cars, snappy rich folk. Shopping Rodeo Drive is high-stakes fun, but locals avoid it. To store the best BH memories, visit during the holidays, when the decorations above Wilshire Boulevard beam their glitzy charm. If you’re just visiting, enjoy the town’s only freebie: two hours gratis in a public parking lot.
Landmarks
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences •
8949 Wilshire Blvd
310-247-3000
Brake for red carpets and klieg lights! Many premieres are held here.
• Beverly Hills Civic Center •
Santa Monica Blvd & N Rexford Dr
310-285-1000
Infrastructure for the rich and famous.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel • 9641 W Sunset Blvd
310-276-2251
Legends have stayed at the Pink Palace.
• Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire • 9500 Wilshire Blvd
310-275-5200
Pretty Woman stayed here.
• Greystone Mansion • 905 Loma Vista Dr
310-285-6830
Formerly the Doheny Mansion, now part of a lovely public park.
• Greystone Park • 905 Loma Vista Dr
310-285-6830
Amazing views of Beverly Hills at this public mansion estate. Luke and Laura got married here, and you can too.
• Prada • 343 N Rodeo Dr
310-278-8661
Architect Rem Koolhaas gives BH something else to look at.
• The Witch’s House • 516 Walden Dr
Fairytale haunt straight out of Hansel and Gretel.
Nightlife
• The Blvd • 9500 Wilshire Blvd
310-275-5200
Hotel bar with clubby feel.
• The Club Bar • 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd
310-551-2888
Classy hotel bar.
Restaurants
• The Belvedere • 9882 Little Santa Monica Blvd
310-975-2736 • $$$$
Upscale hotel dining.
• The Blvd • 9500 Wilshire Blvd
310-275-5200 • $$$$
Pretty Woman in us all.
• Boa • 9200 W Sunset Blvd
310-278-2050 • $$$$
Steaks on the Sunset Strip.
• Brighton Coffee Shop • 9600 Brighton Way
310-276-7732 • $$
Comfort food.
• Crustacean • 468 N Bedford Drive
310-205-8990 • $$$$
High-end Vietnamese.
• The Farm of Beverly Hills • 439 N Beverly Dr
310-273-5578 • $$$
Yeehaw darlings! Farm-fresh salads and entrees.
• The Grill on the Alley • 9560 Dayton Way
310-276-0615 • $$$$
Hollywood power lunch spot.
• La Scala • 434 N Canon Dr
310-275-0579 • $$$$
Classic Italian.
• Le Pain Quotidien • 9630 S Santa Monica Blvd
310-859-1100 • $$
Classy French sandwich shop.
• Mastro’s Steakhouse • 246 N Canon Dr
310-888-8782 • $$$$$
Great steaks; don’t miss the upstairs piano bar.
• Maude • 212 S Beverly Dr
310-859-3519 • $$$$$
Heady, inspired ever-changing tasting menus in intimate setting.
• Mulberry Street Pizzeria • 240 S Beverly Dr
310-247-8100 • $$
Thin-crust pizza.
• Mulberry Street Pizzeria • 347 N Canon Dr
310-247-8998 • $$
Thin-crust pizza.
• Nate ‘n Al’s • 414 N Beverly Dr
310-274-0101 • $$
New York-style deli.
• The Polo Lounge • 9641 W Sunset Blvd
310-887-2777 • $$$$$
The Grande Dame of hotel dining.
• Spago Beverly Hills • 176 N Canon Dr
310-385-0880 • $$$$$
Flagship restaurant that begat the airport food court empire.
• Sprinkles Cupcakes • 9635 S Santa Monica Blvd
310-274-8765 • $
LA’s version of Magnolia bakery.
• Xi’an • 362 N Canon Dr
310-275-3345 • $$$
Healthy and delicious Chinese in a BH atmosphere.
To get closer to earth, try Beverly Drive south of Wilshire—get lunch at The Farm and browse art books at Taschen.
Shopping
• Chanel Boutique • 9560 Wilshire Blvd
310-278-5500
You can channel Coco here.
• The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills • 419 N Beverly Dr
310-278-2855
High-quality cheese, even better olives. Also wine counseling.
• Gearys • 351 N Beverly Dr
310-273-4741
The place for wedding gifts and now wedding rings.
• Giorgio Armani • 436 N Rodeo Dr
310-271-5555
It’s Rodeo Drive, baby.
• Gucci • 347 N Rodeo Dr
310-278-3451
Ignore the imitations; this is the original.
• Neiman Marcus • 9700 Wilshire Blvd
310-550-5900
High-end department store.
• Prada Epicenter • 343 N Rodeo Dr
310-278-8661
The conceptual Rem Koolhaas-designed store.
• Saks Fifth Avenue • 9600 Wilshire Blvd
310-275-4211
Chi-chi department store.
• Sprinkles Cupcakes • 9635 S Santa Monica Blvd
310-274-8765
Cupcakes with intimidating pedigree.
• TASCHEN • 354 N Beverly Dr
310-274-4300
For all your art and fetish needs.
Map 2
Fun fact: While it is, in many ways, the heart of Los Angeles—featuring some of the area’s most iconic locations, from the Sunset Strip to Chateau Marmont—West Hollywood is technically its own city. It’s also the center of all things LGBTQ+ in Los Angeles. Don’t miss the spectacular costumes (and ogling masses) of the Halloween parade.
Landmarks
• Brain Dead Studios • 611 N Fairfax Ave
323-917-5053
Only the ticket prices will remind you that it’s the 21st century.
• Case Study House #22 • 1636 Woods Dr
Pierre Koenig’s architectural triumph that sums up the whole spirit of late twentieth-century architecture.
• CBS Television City • Beverly Blvd & N Fairfax Ave
323-575-2345
Wanna be on The Price is Right? Come on down!
• The Chaplin Studios • 1416 N La Brea Ave
323-802-1500
Charlie Chaplin’s charming English Tudor-esque studios, now the Jim Henson studio.
• Chateau Marmont • 8221 W Sunset Blvd
323-656-1010
Chic hotel where John Belushi died.
• Pacific Design Center • 8687 Melrose Ave
310-657-0800
Nicknamed The Blue Whale
for obvious reasons.
• Pan Pacific Park • 7600 Beverly Blvd
323-939-8874
It’s a storm drain! We mean, it’s a park!
• Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs • 709 N La Brea Ave
323-931-4223
A line around the block; it’s that famous.
• Rock Walk • 7425 W Sunset Blvd
323-874-1060
Mann’s Chinese has John Wayne, the Rock Walk has Slash.
• Runyon Canyon Park • Franklin Ave & N Fuller Ave
818-243-1145
Once Errol Flynn’s estate, now a very popular off-leash hiking trail.
• Santa Monica Blvd •
Santa Monica Blvd & N La Cienega Blvd
The heart of gay West Hollywood.
• Schindler House • 835 N Kings Rd
323-651-1510
A desert camp inspired this brilliant creation by architect Rudolph Schindler.
• Sunset Strip • W Sunset Blvd & N Doheny Dr
Its clubs are still the center of LA’s (bridge and tunnel) nightlife.
• Whisky A Go Go • 8901 W Sunset Blvd
310-652-4202
Music venue for legendary bands of yore.
Nightlife
• The 3rd Stop • 8636 W 3rd St
310-273-3605
Beer bar.
• The Abbey • 692 N Robertson Blvd
310-289-8410
Mix, mingle, and make out in this West Hollywood gem.
• Andaz Lounge • 8401 W Sunset Blvd
323-656-1234
Raw vegetables and groundbreaking cocktails. Try a Mr. Plant.
• Bar 1200 • 1200 Alta Loma Rd
310-657-1333
So mellow, the star at your shoulder ain’t no thing.
• Bar Lubitsch • 7702 Santa Monica Blvd
323-654-1234
The vodka flows at this Russian bar.
• Barney’s Beanery • 8447 Santa Monica Blvd
323-654-2287
A low-rent (but fun) LA institution.
• The Comedy Store • 8433 W Sunset Blvd
323-656-6225
See Jeffrey Ross’s signature. Two-drink minimum.
• Delilah • 7969 Santa Monica Blvd
323-745-0600
A swanky dinner & drinks spot with a 1920s vibe.
• The Dime • 442 N Fairfax Ave
Unassuming yet hip watering hole.
• El Carmen • 8138 W 3rd St
323-852-1552
Among the best margaritas in LA.
• Fiesta Cantina • 8865 Santa Monica Blvd
310-652-8865
Sticky floor worth the best drink deals in town.
• Formosa Café • 7156 Santa Monica Blvd
323-850-1014
Train car drinks and rooftop bar. Avoid the food.
• Genghis Cohen • 740 N Fairfax Ave
323-653-0640
Acoustic music and Chinese food.
• Hollywood Improv • 8162 Melrose Ave
323-651-2583
Most of the big names stop here. Two-drink minimum, natch.
• The Improv Comedy Lab • 8162 Melrose Ave
323-651-2583
Experimental offshoot of the Improv with sketch and stand up.
• Kibitz Room • 419 N Fairfax Ave
323-651-2030
Divey McDive Bar with lots of live music.
• Largo • 366 N La Cienega Blvd
Jon Brion on Friday nights: a perfect LA experience.
• Laugh Factory • 8001 W Sunset Blvd
323-656-1336
Nightly comedy shows featuring local and mainstream talent.
• Melrose Umbrella Company • 7465 Melrose Ave
323-951-0709
Smart cocktails within well-appointed, umbrella-bedecked interior.
• Micky’s • 8857 Santa Monica Blvd
424-279-9239
Drag queens and hot go-go boys every Monday.
• Molly Malone’s • 575 S Fairfax Ave
323-935-1577
The ultimate neighborhood pub.
• Mondrian Skybar • 8440 W Sunset Blvd
323-848-6030
Excuse me, you’re standing on my Manolos…
• Monsieur Marcel • 6333 W 3rd St
323-939-7792
Parisian wine bar in the Farmer’s Market.
• Plaza • 739 N La Brea Ave
323-939-0703
Drag queens and ranchero music…ay yi yi!
• Rainbow Bar and Grill • 9015 W Sunset Blvd
310-278-4232
Those who rock will be saluted at this hairband hangout.
• The Roger Room • 370 N La Cienega Blvd
310-854-1300
Elegant drinks if you can get through the crowd.
• The Roxy • 9009 W Sunset Blvd
310-278-9457
A bastion of the Sunset Strip.
• Snake Pit Ale House • 7529 Melrose Ave
323-653-2011
Fairfax District’s version of a Hollywood dive.
• The Surly Goat • 7929 Santa Monica Blvd
323-650-4628
Westside beer-snob Mecca. They’ve always been nice to us.
• The Tower Bar • 8358 W Sunset Blvd
323-848-6677
Restaubar in mobster Bugsy Siegel’s old pad.
• Troubadour • 9081 Santa Monica Blvd
Legendary club where Tom Waits got his start.
• The Viper Room • 8852 W Sunset Blvd
310-358-1881
After Johnny fled to France, scensters say it lost its bite.
• Windows Lounge • 300 S Doheny Dr
310-273-2222
Elegant hotel bar.
WeHo boasts some of the most cohesive and walkable mini-neighborhoods in town (e.g., Third Street west of Fairfax, the demographically amorphous area of Melrose between Doherty and La Brea, or Fairfax north of Beverly). Don’t miss the weekend movie + party events at the Silent Movie Theatre.
Restaurants
• Andre’s Italian Restaurant • 6332 W 3rd St
323-935-1246 • $
Italian cafeteria complete with plastic flowers. Since 1963.
• AOC Wine Bar • 8700 W 3rd St
310-859-9859 • $$$$
Little plates, big wine selection, and savvy servers.
• Beverly Hills Juice • 8382 Beverly Blvd
323-655-8300 • $
Drink this juice. Your intestines will thank you.
• Blu Jam • 7371 Melrose Ave
323-951-9191 • $$
Terrific brunch and coffee bar.
• Bossa Nova • 8630 Sunset Blvd
310-657-5070 • $$
Savory Brazilian dishes. Open til 4 am.
• Café Angelino • 8735 W 3rd St
310-246-1177 • $$
Flaky thin crust pizzas.
• Canter’s Deli • 419 N Fairfax Ave
323-651-2030 • $$
Classic deli with swinging lounge attached.
• Chateau Marmont • 8221 W Sunset Blvd
323-656-1010 • $$$$
Celeb-heavy scene, cuisine-light menu.
• Dan Tana’s • 9071 Santa Monica Blvd
310-275-9444 • $$$$
Old H’wood glamour…if you can get a table…
• Dialog Cafe • 8766 Holloway Dr
310-289-1630 • $$
Lunch spot with salad bar. A little on the pricey side.
• Fish Grill • 7226 Beverly Blvd
323-937-7162 • $
No-frills, super-fresh fish.
• Flavor of India • 7950 Sunset Blvd
323-745-5181 • $$$
Dolly Parton likes the chicken tikka masala.
• Fogo de Chao • 133 N La Cienega Blvd
310-289-7755 • $$$$
An orgy of meat cooked Brazilian churrasco-style.
• Gardens of Taxco • 8470 Santa Monica Blvd
323-654-1746 • $$
Odd little fixed-price institution with verbal menu.
• The Griddle Café • 7916 W Sunset Blvd
323-378-6311 • $$
Brunch with the stars—of the WB.
• The Gumbo Pot • 6333 W 3rd St
323-933-0358 • $$
Best Cajun in LA.
• Hamburger Mary’s • 8288 Santa Monica Blvd
323-654-3800 • $$
LA’s worst kept secret.
• Hugo’s • 8401 Santa Monica Blvd
323-654-3993 • $$
Power brunches.
• The Ivy • 113 N Robertson Blvd
310-274-8303 • $$$$
Broker a deal over traditional American fare.
• Jar • 8225 Beverly Blvd
323-655-6566 • $$$$
Upscale comfort food.
• Joan’s on Third • 8350 W 3rd St
323-655-2285 • $$
Foodies can eat-in or carry out.
• Joey’s Cafe • 8301 Santa Monica Blvd
323-822-0671 • $$
Fresh and delicious breakfast and lunch.
• Jon and Vinny's • 412 N Fairfax Ave
323-334-3369 • $$$
All-day pizza-pasta casual spot from Animal dudes.
• Jones • 7205 Santa Monica Blvd
323-850-1726 • $$
Pizza and pasta in leather pants. With cocktail in hand.
• La Paella • 476 S San Vicente Blvd
323-951-0745 • $$$
As authentic as you’ll find this side of Barcelona.
• Los Tacos • 7954 Santa Monica Blvd
323-848-9141 • $
Cut your hangover off at the pass with the best Mexican in WeHo.
• Loteria Grill • 4228 W Pico Blvd
323-465-2500 • $
Muy fresicita.
• M Cafe • 7119 Melrose Ave
323-525-0588 • $$
Contemporary macrobiotic. Only in LA.
• Mandarette • 8386 Beverly Blvd
323-655-6115 • $$
Chinese fusion.
• Murakami Sushi • 7160 Melrose Ave
323-692-1450 • $$
Good, relatively cheap sushi, but skip the rice-heavy bowls.
It sounds like a terrible marketing cliché, but this area really does have something for everyone (unless you hate fun). You can grab your pooch for a hike in Runyon Canyon, check out the great author events at Book Soup, or scope out music at the notorious venues of the Sunset Strip.
• Night + Market • 9043 Sunset Blvd
310-275-9724 • $$
Thai street food. More good than gimmick.
• Petrossian • 321 N Robertson Blvd
310-271-6300 • $$$$
Little nibbles of caviar and other conspicuous bites.
• Real Food Daily • 414 N La Cienega Blvd
310-289-9910 • $$
One of the healthiest-tasting restaurants in town.
• Republique • 624 S La Brea Ave
310-362-6115 • $$$$
Modern French-European amid vaulted architecture.
• Robata Jinya • 8050 W 3rd St
323-653-8877 • $$
Get the spicy ramen or the tasting menu. Slurp!
• Saddle Ranch • 8371 W Sunset Blvd
323-656-2007 • $$
Late-night chophouse with a mechanical bull.
• Singapore’s Banana Leaf • 6333 W 3rd St
323-933-4627 • $
Where the President of Singapore chows down when in LA.
• Son of a Gun • 8370 W 3rd St
323-782-9033 • $$$
Seafood rebels. The shrimp toast is mandatory.
• Swingers • 8020 Beverly Blvd
323-591-0046 • $
Classic late-night diner, both loved and hated.
• Tiago Espresso Bar + Kitchen • 7080 Hollywood Blvd
323-466-5600 • $
Chorizo breakfast burritos, good coffee, and standard lunch fare.
• Toast Bakery Cafe • 8221 W 3rd St
323-655-5018 • $$
Great for celebrity spotting while you brunch.
• Toi • 7505 W Sunset Blvd
323-874-8062 • $$$
Late night, hard rock Thai.
• Urth Caffé • 8565 Melrose Ave
310-659-0628 • $$
All organic lunch place, plus coffee and sweets.
Shopping
• Agent Provocateur • 7961 Melrose Ave
323-653-0229
Sexy undies annually contribute to Hollywood’s baby boom.
• American Rag • 150 S La Brea Ave
323-935-3154
Trend-setting designer and vintage looks at a price.
• Blick Art Materials • 7301 Beverly Blvd
323-933-9284
Corporate but comprehensive. Good selection of art magazines.
• Book Soup • 8818 W Sunset Blvd
310-659-3110
The Roxy of LA bookstores.
• Bristol Farms • 9039 Beverly Blvd
310-248-2804
Upscale grocery. Newest and biggest of its kind.
• Claire Pettibone Designer • 7415 Beverly Blvd
(310) 360-6268
Swanky bridal boutique
• Crate & Barrel • 438 N Beverly Dr
310-247-1700
There’s never too many crates or barrels on your registry.
• Decades • 8214 Melrose Ave
323-655-1960
Discover the history…and future…of fashion.
• Denmark 50 • 7974 Melrose Ave
323-653-9726
Stare-worthy Danish mid-century furnishings.
• Jet Rag • 825 N La Brea Ave
323-939-0528
Vintage; Sunday is $1 sale day in the parking lot.
• Light Bulbs Unlimited • 8383 Beverly Blvd
323-651-0330
Every bulb under the sun.
Historic Canter’s Deli rocks the cheesecake and the self-published Guns ‘N Roses memoirs. It’s not true that Orson Welles ate 18 hot dogs in one sitting at Pink’s but we dare you to match the feat.
• Mashti Malone’s • 1525 N La Brea Ave
323-874-6188
2,500 year old Persian ice cream.
• Melrose Trading Post • 7850 Melrose Ave
323-655-7679
Get your bartering on and benefit boho teens’ school.
• Nordstrom • 189 The Grove Dr
323-930-2230
Awesome shoe department.
• The Pleasure Chest • 7733 Santa Monica Blvd
323-650-1022
Our cleanest, best managed, most famous sex shop.
• Politix • 8522 Beverly Blvd
310-659-1964
Best mens' shoes in LA.
• Sam Ash Music • 7360 W Sunset Blvd
323-850-1050
Like the nearby Guitar Center, but far less intimidating.
• Samy’s Camera • 431 S Fairfax Ave
323-938-2420
The only place to go to for cameras in LA.
• South Willard • 970 N Broadway #205
323-653-6153
For the cultured gentleman.
• Trashy Lingerie • 402 N La Cienega Blvd
310-652-4543
Trashy, yes, but they also sell high-quality custom-fitted lingerie.
Map 3
Though Hollywood has cleaned up its act in the last few years, it’s still a hodgepodge of neighborhoods. Ethnic enclaves like Thai Town and Little Armenia provide the most fun and best food, but tourists still flock to the Hollywood and Highland area, where they’re happy to be ripped off by Supermen and Jack Sparrows. Still, they clear out at night to make room for Hollywood’s new elegant
clubs, where velvet ropes open for anyone willing to pay for bottle service.
Landmarks
• Capitol Records Building • 1750 Vine St
323-462-6252
Designed to look like a stack of records—remember those?
• Crossroads of the World • 6671 W Sunset Blvd
323-463-5611
Former 1930s shopping center with a nautical theme, now deemed a cultural landmark.
• Egyptian Theater • 6712 Hollywood Blvd
323-306-4302
The beautiful home of American Cinematheque features an eclectic variety of features, shorts, and documentaries.
• El Capitan Theatre • 6838 Hollywood Blvd
818-845-3110
Live shows with movies in opulent historic theater.
• Gower Gulch • W Sunset Blvd & N Gower St
Studio-adjacent intersection where cowboy extras used to congregate. Now a Western-themed strip-mall.
• Hollywood Bowl • 2301 N Highland Ave
323-850-2000
Eclectic music and picnicking under the stars.
• Hollywood Forever Cemetery •
6000 Santa Monica Blvd
323-469-1181
The only place in LA where you can still see Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power.
• Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel • 7000 Hollywood Blvd
323-856-1970
Recently renovated and rumored to be haunted by Marilyn Monroe.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame •
Hollywood Blvd & N Gower St
323-469-8311
Tourists love this shrine to often-mediocre celebs.
• Hollywood Wax Museum • 6767 Hollywood Blvd
323-462-5991
Celebrities in wax. Greeeat.
• Lasky-DeMille Barn • 2100 N Highland Ave
323-874-4005
The birthplace of the Motion Picture Industry and now the Hollywood Heritage Museum.
• Magic Castle • 7001 Franklin Ave
323-851-3313
Spend the night or catch a show—if you know a member.
• Ovation Hollywood •
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Sterile, touristy mall that houses the Oscars.
• Pantages Theater • 6233 Hollywood Blvd
323-468-1700
Go for the big Broadway shows.
• Paramount Studios • 5555 Melrose Ave
323-956-5000
The last movie studio actually IN Hollywood.
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not • 6780 Hollywood Blvd
323-466-6335
More oddities, less exhausting than Guinness Book.
• TCL Chinese Theatre • 6925 Hollywood Blvd
323-461-3331
See how your shoe size measures up against Sylvester Stallone’s.
Nightlife
• The 3 Clubs • 1123 Vine St
Low-key Hollywood hangout.
• Avalon • 1735 Vine St
323-462-8900
Old Palace, now Oakenfold and the Streets.
• Bardot • 1737 Vine St
323-462-8900
Smallish club with a quiet bar room.
• Birds • 5925 Franklin Ave
323-465-0175
Unpretentious restaurant/bar favored by the carefully disheveled.
• Blue Palms Brewhouse • 8440 Balboa Blvd
818-818-5599
Well-curated beer bar/gastropub. Taps change regularly!
• Boardner’s • 1652 N Cherokee Ave
323-462-9621
Quiet watering hole becomes dance club.
• Burgundy Room • 1621 N Cahuenga Blvd
323-465-7530
If Johnny Rotten and Blondie had a kid. And the kid was a bar.
• The Cat & Fiddle • 742 N Highland Ave
323-468-3800
Pub plus patio draws Brits in search of better weather.
• Catalina • 6725 W Sunset Blvd
323-466-2210
New location, same groovy jazz.
• Covell • 4628 Hollywood Blvd
323-660-4400
Hollywood’s friendliest wine bar, converting noobs into oenophiles.
• El Floridita • 1253 Vine St
323-871-8612
Salsa club (with lessons!).
• Frolic Room • 6245 Hollywood Blvd
323-462-5890
Where Spacey searched his soul in LA Confidential.
• The Hotel Café • 1623 N Cahuenga Blvd
323-461-2040
New York-style acoustic club draws a crowd.
The star-marked length of Hollywood Boulevard will, it seems, always remain somewhat seedy—although it’s nothing like it was in Pretty Woman. Today it’s tacky souvenir shops, bumpin’ clubs, and a few surprisingly good restaurants and bars. For the best time in Hollywood, get off the Boulevard itself—but don’t miss its great Sunday farmers market. In the summer, catch a flick among the graves at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
• Musso & Frank Grill • 6667 Hollywood Blvd
323-467-7788
Hollywood’s oldest bar with spectacular martinis.
• No Vacancy • 1727 N Hudson Ave
323-465-1902
Speakeasy-style place that’s ridiculously over the top.
• The Oaks Tavern Hollywood • 6423 Yucca St
323-472-7195
Cocktails. Chandeliers. Velvet. Pure swank.
• Sassafras • 1233 Vine St
323-467-2800
Delightfully aged cocktails and old-timey bands.
• Warwick • 6507 Sunset Blvd
(323) 460-6667
Curated cocktail bar in posh bi-level space.
• The Well • 6255 W Sunset Blvd
323-467-9355
Daddy’s owners draw up a similar watering hole.
Restaurants
• Al Wazir Chicken • 6051 Hollywood Blvd
323-856-0660 • $
Great chicken and all the other usual Mediterranean business.
• Astro Burger • 5601 Melrose Ave
323-469-1924 • $
Tasty meat-free burgers.
• Beachwood Cafe • 2695 N Beachwood Dr
323-871-1717 • $$
Brunch: Yes. But stay away from way-annoying bingo night.
• Bricks & Scones • 403 N Larchmont Blvd
323-463-0811 • $$
Afternoon tea, a study area…how civilized.
• Cactus Taqueria • 950 Vine St
323-464-5865 • $
Cheap, fast, good tacos and more.
• California Chicken Café • 6805 Melrose Ave
323-935-5877 • $
Popular cop hangout: the safest chicken in town.
• California Donuts • 5753 Hollywood Blvd
323-871-0778 • $
Cake or yeast, the best damn donuts in LA.
• Crispy Crust • 1253 Vine St
323-467-2000 • $$
Great delivery, a truly crispy crust.
• Fabiolus Café • 6270 W Sunset Blvd
323-467-2882 • $$
Dine in, deliver, or take-away Italian.
• Frog Frozen Yogurt Bar • 1550 N Cahuenga Blvd
323-333-0863 • $
Tasty, independently owned Pinkberry-style business.
• La Poubelle • 5907 Franklin Ave
323-465-0807 • $$$
Gallic gourmet dining and ‘80s music.
• Le Oriental Bistro • 1710 N Highland Ave
323-462-3388 • $
Chinese for real.
• Los Balcones del Peru • 1360 Vine St
323-871-9600 • $$
Peruvian entrees & ceviches.
• Miceli’s • 1646 N Las Palmas Ave
323-466-3438 • $$
Classic Hollywood Italian since 1949 (warning for the easily annoyed: singing waiters here).
• Musso & Frank Grill • 6667 Hollywood Blvd
323-467-7788 • $$$
Old-fashioned American. Go once. It’s a legend.
• Osteria La Buca • 5210 Melrose Ave
323-462-1900 • $$
Sophia Loren would eat at this tiny Italian ristorante.
• Osteria Mozza • 6602 Melrose Ave
323-297-0100 • $$$
Worth the wait and the price—and you’ll learn what real Italian food is.
• Palms Thai • 5900 Hollywood Blvd
323-462-5073 • $$
Thai Elvis impersonator!
• Petit Trois • 718 N Highland Ave
323-468-8916 • $$$$
French bistro, Hollywood style, with cocktails.
• Pizzeria Mozza • 641 N Highland Ave
323-297-0101 • $$$$
Ridiculously good pricy pizza.
• Providence • 5955 Melrose Ave
323-460-4170 • $$$$$$
Super-fancy seafood tasting menus.
Musso & Frank Grill has been in the martini business since before Hollywood was even Hollywood. Brit expats especially enjoy a pint at The Cat & Fiddle. Get a drink and pick a table that takes advantage of one of the best views of Los Angeles at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills. El Floridita is a fun salsa club in a strip mall on Fountain and Vine. And The Hotel Café is LA’s best loved acoustic venue.
• Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles •
1514 N Gower St
323-466-7453 • $$
Southern-fried bonanza.
• Running Goose • 1620 N Cahuenga Blvd
323-469-1080 • $$
Favourite tapas spot.
• Sqirl • 720 N Virgil Ave
323-284-8147 • $$
Breakfast and lunch from a damn good jam-maker.
• Stout Burgers & Beer • 1544 N Cahuenga Blvd
323-469-3801 • $$
Burgers and beer till 4 am.
• Sushi Ike • 6051 Hollywood Blvd
323-856-9972 • $$$
Good sushi in the last strip mall you’d expect it.
• Yamashiro • 1999 N Sycamore Ave
323-466-5125 • $$$$
Romantic Japanese with a view.
Shopping
• Amoeba Music • 6200 W Sunset Blvd
323-245-6400
Cavernous music store…used CDs, DVDs too. A dangerous place to carry your wallet.
• The Conservatory • 1900 N Highland Ave
323-851-6290
Gorgeous, minimalist floral creations.
• The Daily Planet • 5931 Franklin Ave
323-957-0061
Books, magazines, and unusual gifts.
• Domaine LA • 6801 Melrose Ave
323-932-0280
Friendly wine store with super-knowledgeable staff.
• Hollywood Toys & Costumes • 6600 Hollywood Blvd
323-464-4444
Quality medieval armor.
• Home Depot • 5600 W Sunset Blvd
323-461-3303
Reliable for all things home and garden.
• Larry Edmunds Bookshop • 6644 Hollywood Blvd
323-463-3273
Need to find a movie still from the ‘30s? It’s here.
• The Oaks Gourmet • 1915 N Bronson Ave
323-871-8894
Part sit-down restaurant, part wine, cheese, and deli offerings.
• The Tropics • 7056 Santa Monica Blvd
323-469-1682
Greenery galore.
Map 4
Los Feliz continues to have ample room for everyone—from grannies wearing old cardigans to hipsters wearing…old cardigans. You’ll find multimillion-dollar playpens on the hill, as well as crowded studio apartment buildings. Los Feliz is home to some of LA’s most beloved and relevant attractions—Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Greek Theater—proving that, even in Los Angeles, sometimes you really can believe the hype.
Landmarks
• American Film Institute • 2021 N Western Ave
323-856-7600
The next David Lynch might be honing his craft here right now. Or not.
• Barnsdall Art Park • 4800 Hollywood Blvd
323-660-4254
Griffith Park may get all the glory, but Barnsdall Art Park is a great place to wander around on a lazy Sunday.
• Ennis-Brown House • 2607 Glendower Ave
323-660-0607
Frank Lloyd Wright’s version of a Mayan temple.
• The Figure 8 Mural • 4334 W Sunset Blvd
Former cover art, this mural is now a tribute to departed indie fave Elliott Smith.
• Greek Theatre • 2700 N Vermont Ave
844-524-7335
A more intimate alternative to the Hollywood Bowl.
• Hollyhock House • 4800 Hollywood Blvd
323-913-4030
Another brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright design, open for public tours, love the fireplace.
• Jumbo’s Clown Room • 5153 Hollywood Blvd
323-666-1187
Seedy strip club where Courtney Love first exposed her celebrity skin.
• Silverlake Conservatory of Music •
4652 Hollywood Blvd
323-665-3363
Neighborhood music school and hang-out courtesy of Chili Pepper Flea.
• Vermonica • Santa Monica Blvd & N Vermont Ave
Quirky display of LA streetlamps from various eras.
• Vista Theatre • 4473 Sunset Dr
Single-screen 1920s theatre rescued from ruin by director Quentin Tarantino.
Nightlife
• Akbar • 4356 W Sunset Blvd
323-665-6810
Your friendly neighborhood homo/hetero hangout.
• Blipsy Barcade • 369 N Western Ave
323-461-7067
Dive bar/arcade? Yes please. Do the Playboy pinball.
• Drawing Room • 1800 Hillhurst Ave
323-665-0135
Tiny strip-mall dive, no pretense, TV ‘n’ locals.
• The Dresden • 1760 N Vermont Ave
323-665-4294
Longtime home of Marty & Elayne’s famed lounge act (RIP); still hosts live entertainment nightly with no cover charge.
• Eagle LA • 4219 Santa Monica Blvd
323-669-9472
The place to meet the leather-daddy of your dreams.
• Harvard and Stone • 5221 Hollywood Blvd
747-231-0699
Craft cocktails near Thai Town.
• Jay’s Bar • 4321 Sunset Blvd
323-928-2402
A lovely li’l gastropub.
• Jumbo’s Clown Room • 5153 Hollywood Blvd
323-666-1187
The seediest little joint in Hollywood.
• La Descarga • 1159 N Western Ave
323-466-1324
Old Havana nightclub on a scary stretch of Western Ave.
• Tiki-Ti • 4427 W Sunset Blvd
323-669-9381
Fortify yourself with a famous Blood of the Bull.
• Ye Rustic Inn • 1831 Hillhurst Ave
323-662-5757
If ye want pink drinks, get thee the hell out.
With the Griffith Observatory twinkling down on the neighborhood, Los Feliz reminds us that the stars are among us, even where you least expect. It’s not uncommon to see your favorite celebrity catching a film at the Vista or grabbing a bite on Hillhurst. Whether you’re enjoying the world’s best breakfast dish (the smoked salmon stack at the Alcove Café), or enjoying a round at the Drawing Room, Los Feliz is the perfect place for brunch, booze, and the pursuit of happiness.
Restaurants
• Alcove Cafe & Bakery • 1929 Hillhurst Ave
323-644-0100 • $
Brunch, lunch, gourmet food market, beautiful patio out front.
• The Black Cat • 3909 W Sunset Blvd
323-661-6369 • $$$
Another French-inspired food and cocktail spot. Meow!
• Café Los Feliz • 2118 Hillhurst Ave
323-664-7111 • $
Neighborhoody gem. Exquisite tarts and cinnamon rolls.
• Cafe Stella • 3932 W Sunset Blvd
323-666-0265 • $$$$
Trendy French bistro and wine bar.
• Casita Del Campo • 1920 Hyperion Ave
323-662-4255 • $$
It’s all about the margaritas.
• The Deli at Little Dom’s • 2128 Hillhurst Ave
323-661-0055 • $$
Unassuming gem, adjacent to popular eatery.
• El Cid • 4212 W Sunset Blvd
323-668-0318 • $$$
Spanish dinner and a show!
• Electric Lotus • 1739 N Vermont Ave
323-953-0040 • $$
Hip Indian disco.
Figaro Bistrot • 1802 N Vermont Ave.
323-662-1587
Sidewalk tables and red banquettes alike are topped by baskets of croissants.
• Forage • 2764 Rowena Ave
323-407-6377 • $$
Local produce making modern deli salads and desserts.
• Fred 62 • 1850 N Vermont Ave
323-667-0062 • $$
Retro-styled diner with surprising menu.
• Home • 1760 Hillhurst Ave
323-990-8016 • $$
No place like this outdoor eatery. Try the waffle fries.
• The Kitchen • 4348 Fountain Ave
323-664-3663 • $$
Late-night comfort food.
• La Pergoletta • 1802 Hillhurst Ave
(323) 664-8259 • $$
• Little Dom’s • 2128 Hillhurst Ave
323-661-0055 • $$$
Cheap? Not really. Tasty? Yes, indeed.
• Lucifers Pizza • 1958 Hillhurst Ave
323-906-8603 • $
Famous for the gothic decor and the Veggie Supremo.
• Marouch • 4905 Santa Monica Blvd
323-662-9325 • $$$
Not a joke: the Chef’s Special really is.
• Night + Market Song • 3322 W Sunset Blvd
323-665-5899 • $$$
Fun all-in-the-family Thai food experience.
• Pa Ord Noodle • 5301 Sunset Blvd
323-461-3945 • $
Cheap, delicious Thai with legit, face-melting spice.
• Pazzo Gelato • 3827 Sunset Blvd
323-662-1410 • $
Because gelato is the best of all frozen treats.
• Ruen Pair • 5257 Hollywood Blvd
323-466-0153 • $$
So good chefs come here after work.
• Sanamluang • 5176 Hollywood Blvd
323-660-8006 • $
Huge plates of noodles at 3 am.
• Sapp Coffee Shop • 5183 Hollywood Blvd
323-922-1081 • $
Not only coffee, but Thai boat noodles. Anthony Bourdain liked it.
• The Trails • 2333 Fern Dell Dr
323-871-2102 • $
Comfort food esconced in pastoralia.
• Trattoria Farfalla • 1978 Hillhurst Ave
323-661-7365 • $$$
Inexpensive, reliable Italian.
• Yai’s on Vermont • 1627 N Vermont Ave
323-644-1076 • $$
Kinda greasy but still divine. Comfy booths and great patio.
• Zankou Chicken • 5065 W Sunset Blvd
323-665-7842 • $
Palm-licking, Beck-serenaded chicken.
Figaro Bistrot on Vermont squeezes in desperate brunchers for fries and crepes. The Dresden Room solidified its fame with a cameo in 1996’s prerequisite LA film Swingers.
Shopping
• Bar Keeper • 614 N Hoover St
323-669-1675
From spirits to shakers, everything you need for fancy cocktailery.
• Bicycle Kitchen • 4429 Fountain Ave
323-662-2776
Non-profit community bicycle workshop.
• Gipsy • 3915 W Sunset Blvd
323-660-2556
Ponchos, Che tees, Mexican silver, and assorted funkiness.
• Lark Cake Shop • 3337 W Sunset Blvd
323-667-2968
Succulent rum cakes.
• Le Pink & Co. • 3208 Sunset Blvd
323-661-7465
Girly gifts, olde-time candy treats.
• McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. • 2117 Hillhurst Ave
323-667-0674
Fancy groceries for the carnivores among us.
• Pacific Auto Service • 4225 Santa Monica Blvd
323-666-7689
Jimmy may be a little eccentric, but he knows how to fix a car.
• Secret Headquarters • 3817 W Sunset Blvd
323-666-2228
Embrace your secret comic book obsession here.
• Squaresville • 1800 N Vermont Ave
323-669-8464
A staggering collection of vintage clothing, including high-end labels like Gucci and Pucci.
• Wacko / Soap Plant • 4633 Hollywood Blvd
323-663-0122
Books, tchotchkes, party favors, and obscure tees.
• Y-Que Trading Post • 1770 N Vermont Ave
702-544-1048
Gifts, trinkets, Pluto: Never Forget
T-shirts.
Map 5
The hip kids are becoming slightly wealthier adults, with retail following the trendy money: Sunset Junction is now home to the longest meals in town, fancy salons, local designer boutiques, and enough specialty stores to fill a giant supermarket, from cheese to spices. But don’t grow up too fast—there’s still plenty of fun nightlife, from live music venues to cool cocktail lounges.
Landmarks
• Angelus Temple • 1100 Glendale Blvd
213-816-1109
Founder claimed the Lord led her to the site.
• Dodger Stadium • 1000 Elysian Park Ave
866-363-4377
With a view like this, who needs luxury boxes?
• Echo Park • Glendale Blvd & Park Ave
The paddle boats alone are worth a trip.
• Elysian Park • 835 Academy Rd
213-485-5054
LA’s oldest park, crisscrossed with hiking trails.
• Richard Neutra Houses • 2200 Silver Lake Blvd
A can’t-miss for architecture buffs.
• Rowena Reservoir • Hyperion Ave & Rowena Ave
This strategically landscaped reservoir contains 10 million gallons of water and cost a few more million to build.
• Silver Lake Reservoir • Silver Lake Blvd & Duane St
Take a jog, a stroll, and a dog! There is an off-leash dog park at the reservoir’s base.
Nightlife
• Bigfoot Lodge • 3172 Los Feliz Blvd
323-662-9227
It’s too bad boy scouts don’t drink.
• Club Tee Gee • 3210 Glendale Blvd
323-407-6848
Dependable watering hole since 1946.
• The Echo • 1822 W Sunset Blvd
213-413-8200
Eastside hipster haven for DJ electronica and dancing.
• Gold Room • 1558 W Sunset Blvd
213-482-5859
Looks scarier from the outside than it is.
• Little Joy Cocktail Lounge • 1477 W Sunset Blvd
Hipsters have the hegemony on this one; Sunday open mics showcase scribes & neo-Elliott Smiths.
• Los Globos • 3040 Sunset Blvd
323-666-6669 • $Mixing Latin and indie events.
• Red Lion Tavern • 2366 Glendale Blvd
323-662-5337
Year-round Oktoberfest, plus schnitzel.
• The Roost • 3100 Los Feliz Blvd
323-664-7272
Cheap drinks, free popcorn, no frills.
• The Short Stop • 1455 W Sunset Blvd
213-278-0071
Cool dive bar, seasonally packed with Dodger fans.
• Silverlake Lounge • 2906 W Sunset Blvd
323-741-0032
Silver Lake’s holy church of rock ‘n’ roll salvation.
• Tam O’Shanter • 2980 Los Feliz Blvd
323-664-0228
Me want prime rib and beer. Grrr.
• Thirsty Crow • 2939 W Sunset Blvd
323-661-6007
Cool, calm whiskey bar on the retro-Prohibition tip.
Restaurants
• Alimento • 1710 Silver Lake Blvd
323-928-2888 • $$$
Italia via Los Angeles.
• Astro Family Restaurant • 2300 Fletcher Dr
323-663-9241 • $
Relaxed ‘50s modern diner.
• Baracoa Cuban Café • 3175 Glendale Blvd
323-665-9590 • $
Home-style Cuban cooking.
• Barbrix • 2442 Hyperion Ave
323-662-2442 • $$
Affordable Euro-wine and food in LA? Yup, it’s true.
• Blair’s • 2901 Rowena Ave
323-660-1882 • $$$$
Silver Lake’s premier eatery.
• Edendale Grill • 2838 Rowena Ave
323-666-2000 • $$$$
Former fire station serves American favorites…dine in or dine out.
• Giamela’s Submarine Sandwiches •
3178 Los Feliz Blvd
323-661-9444 • $
When you need a reliably good sub: Giamela’s.
• Gingergrass • 2396 Glendale Blvd
323-644-1600 • $$
Upscale Vietnamese food for a gringo palate.
• Hard Times Pizza • 1311 Glendale Blvd
213-413-1900 • $$
Sicilian- and Neopolitan-style pies to take out or eat in.
• India Sweets and Spices • 3126 Los Feliz Blvd
323-345-0360 • $$
Vegetarian delicacies, Indian groceries, and Bollywood hits under one roof.
• Leela Thai • 1737 Silver Lake Blvd
323-660-6100 • $$
Inexpensive, delicious, friendly.
• Los Angeles Police Revolver & Athletic Club Cafe • 1880 Academy Dr
323-221-5222 • $
Dine with the cadets.
• Masa of Echo Park • 1800 W Sunset Blvd
213-989-1558 • $
Neighborhood bakery and pizza house run by Patina vets.
OK—let’s stop rambling on about how this area is oh-so-hip and discuss all the great things to do. Get beautiful views (and make your legs burn) walking the stairs in the hills near the reservoir, or catch some comedy and music at The Echo.
• Red Lion Tavern • 2366 Glendale Blvd
323-662-5337 • $$
Go for the German brats.
• Sage Organic Vegan Bistro • 1700 W Sunset Blvd
213-989-1718 • $$
Large-menu vegan spot. Perfect for a pre-Echoplex bite.
• Silverlake Ramen • 2927 Sunset Blvd
323-660-8100 • $
A perfect cool-weather evening: ramen, then Thirsty Crow.
• Spain • 1866 Glendale Blvd
323-667-9045 • $$
Sangria and paella without the airfare.
• Taix • 1911 W Sunset Blvd
213-484-1265 • $$
Say Tex
and check out Two-fer Tuesdays
for double the wine at this French standard.
• Tomato Pie Pizza Joint • 2457 Hyperion Ave
323-661-6474 • $$
East coast-style pizza for expatriates & those sick of vegan fare.
• The Village Bakery and Cafe • 3119 Los Feliz Blvd
323-662-8600 • $$
Solid sandwiches and utterly delightful pastries.
Shopping
• Echo Park Time Travel Mart • 1714 W Sunset Blvd
213-556-4861
Everything you need before you take a road trip through the fourth dimension.
• Little Knittery • 1808 N Vermont Ave
323-663-3838
Cozy and friendly knitting store with fun classes.
• Potted • 3158 Los Feliz Blvd
323-665-3801
Tiles, fountains, wrought-iron furniture, enthusiastic advice from exterior decorators.
• Rockaway Records • 2395 Glendale Blvd
323-664-3232
5000 square feet of used vinyl and CDs.
• Say Cheese • 2800 Hyperion Ave
323-665-0545
Great smelly cheese tastings.
• Silver Lake Wine • 2395 Glendale Blvd
323-662-9024
Snacks and hors d’oeuvres served with tastings at this convivial wine store.
Map 6
Miracle Mile
is the stretch of real estate on Wilshire Boulevard between La Brea and Fairfax Avenues. Once a snappy, Art Deco-influenced shopping destination, this area has become a bit scruffy with age. You can still see the Art Deco, but now Miracle Mile draws traffic for its Museum Row, including the La Brea Tar Pits, the Academy Museum, and Craft Contemporary. Check out the LA County Museum of Art, recently renovated and expanded and now officially a world-class attraction.
Landmarks
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures •
6067 Wilshire Blvd
323-930-3000
This Art Deco former department store now houses all things showbiz.
• Craft Contemporary •5814 Wilshire Blvd
323-937-4230
The friendliest museum in Los Angeles.
• La Brea Tar Pits • Wilshire Blvd & S Curson Ave
213-763-3499
It’s just a big pool of tar, yet it continues to fascinate us.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art •
5905 Wilshire Blvd
323-857-6000
From King Tut to Jasper Johns, this museum covers it all.
• Lula Washington Dance Theatre •
3773 Crenshaw Blvd
323-292-5852
Renowned African-American dance company with classes and residencies.
• Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits •
5801 Wilshire Blvd
323-934-7243
Don’t miss the La Brea Woman exhibit.
• Petersen Automotive Museum • 6060 Wilshire Blvd
323-930-2277
Like you don’t see enough cars in LA. Mediocre.
Nightlife
• El Rey Theatre • 5515 Wilshire Blvd
323-936-6400
Diverse musical lineup.
• Little Bar • 757 S LaBrea Ave
323-433-4044
Beer and wine only at this friendly BYO food spot.
• The Mint • 6010 W Pico Blvd
323-954-9400
Casual acoustic venue with smokin’ sound system.
Restaurants
• Crazy Fish • 9174 W Olympic Blvd
310-550-8547 • $$$
Insanely popular sushi joint.
• Fu’s Palace • 8751 W Pico Blvd
310-271-7887 • $
Crispy, spicy, sweet, and sour aromatic shrimp.
• Lucy’s • 1373 S La Brea Ave
323-938-4337 • $
A 24-hour tacos, chili dogs, burgers, and anything else bad for you.
• Merkato • 1036 S Fairfax Ave
213-816-3318 • $
Eat with your hands at this Ethiopian joint.
• Natalee Thai • 998 S Robertson Blvd
310-855-9380 • $$
Popular Thai food.
• Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine • 1047 S Fairfax Ave
323-937-8401 • $
Most vegan restaurant in Little Ethiopia.
• Republique • 624 S La Brea Ave
(310) 362-6115 • $$
Gorgeous bougie brunch place for the perfect food photo.
• Rosalind’s • 1044 S Fairfax Ave
323-936-2486 • $$
Local favorite, Ethiopian.
• Tagine • 132 N Robertson Blvd
310-360-7535 • $$$
An eating experience with set menus of small plates.
• Versailles • 1415 S La Cienega Blvd
310-289-0392 • $$
The LA institution’s garlicy Cuban grub will stay with you.
• Wi Jammin • 5103 W Pico Blvd
323-965-9809 • $
A tiny hole-in-the-wall Carribbean restaurant where the local hairdressers hang out.
Shopping
We hesitate to tell you this, because we don’t want to see it overrun, but the bring-your-own-food Little Bar is a nearly perfect way to spend a weekend evening. Where should that BYOF come from? Versailles has crazy good garlic chicken. Or look to The Mint for a night of music or comedy.
• 99 Cents Only Store • 6121 Wilshire Blvd
323-939-9991
99-cent cell phone charger or a half gallon of soy milk.
• Albertson Chapel • 834 S La Brea Ave
323-937-4919
Wanna get married NOW? Civil and Catholic services available.
• City Spa • 5325 W Pico Blvd
323-933-5954
Body wraps, massages, and steam rooms galore.
• Feldmar Watch Co. • 9000 W Pico Blvd
310-274-8016
From Timex to Rolex, they’ve got it all.
• Hansen’s Cakes • 1060 S Fairfax Ave
323-936-4332
Wedding cake central and imaginative birthday creations.
Map 7
Hancock Park was once LA’s most desirable neighborhood, and now that it’s surrounded by the best of the city (Koreatown, the calmer side of Hollywood), it may well be again. The houses are magnificent enough to warrant a stroll through the neighborhood, and on Sunday the Larchmont Farmers Market is the place to be for newly minted stroller pushers.
Landmarks
• Getty House • 605 S Irving Blvd
323-930-6430
The home that LA’s mayors use to par-tay.
• Los Altos Apartments • 4121 Wilshire Blvd
There is a waiting list for apartments in this historic Spanish-style building.
• Wilshire Ebell Theatre • 4401 W 8th St
323-939-1128
Renaissance-style buildings used mainly for private events.
• Wiltern Theater • 3790 Wilshire Blvd
213-380-1400
Cool Art Deco building attracts equally cool, eclectic musical acts.
Nightlife
• Jewel’s Catch One • 4067 W Pico Blvd
323-737-1159
Think Madonna’s Material Girl
days.
Restaurants
• Genwa Korean BBQ • 5115 Wilshire Blvd
(323) 549-0760 • $$
Cheap and delicious filling bbq.
• Kiku Sushi • 246 N Larchmont Blvd
323-464-1323 • $$
All-you-can-eat sushi.
• Le Petit Greek • 127 N Larchmont Blvd
323-464-5160 • $$$
How about a nice dollop of whipped caviar?!
• Noah’s New York Bagels • 250 N Larchmont Blvd
323-466-2924 • $
Bagels and schmear with an NYC theme.
• Village Pizzeria • 131 N Larchmont Blvd
323-465-5566 • $
Might be LA’s best NY-style pizza.
Shopping
• Above the Fold • 226 N Larchmont Blvd
323-464-6397
Good selection of newspapers and magazines.
• Chevalier’s Books • 133 N Larchmont Blvd
323-465-1334
Great children’s section.
• Landis Gifts & Stationary • 584 N Larchmont Blvd
323-465-7003
A little bit of EVERYTHING. The stationery department is especially good.
• Larchmont Beauty Center • 208 N Larchmont Blvd
323-461-0162
Arguably the best beauty supply store in the city.
• Larchmont Farmers Market • 209 N Larchmont Blvd
(818) 591-8161
Pop along every Sunday for regional venders selling outdoors
• Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits, & Cheese •
223 N Larchmont Blvd
323-856-8699
When Two-Buck Chuck just won’t do. Amateurs are just as welcome as oenophiles.
Map 8
Korea Town is a bustling epicenter of nightlife and restaurants nestled against Wilshire Boulevard’s business district. If a non-Korean Angeleno were to free associate about K-Town, three things would probably immediately come to mind: reasonable rents, karaoke, and barbecue. And although the Korean population has given way to a rising Hispanic majority in recent years, many of the storefronts and signs remain in Korean and the culture is imprinted on every corner.
Landmarks
• MacArthur Park • Wilshire Blvd & S Alvarado St
Avoid at night, or you’ll be melting in the dark!
• Southwestern Law School • 3050 Wilshire Blvd
213-738-6700
Legendary Art Deco department store turned law school.
Nightlife
• Cafe Brass Monkey • 3440 Wilshire Blvd
213-381-7047
One of the best of K-town karaokes, enter in back.
• Frank N Hanks • 518 S Western Ave
213-383-2087
Beloved K-town hole in the wall.
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