Guidebook for Los Angeles
Shopping
Clover
2756 Rowena AveIf you need to get a present or just want to shop.
Bookstore open for browsing and Cafe is open for take out.. Park in the back lot...
149 locals recommend
Stories
1716 Sunset BlvdBookstore open for browsing and Cafe is open for take out.. Park in the back lot...
If you are a member...
Best Buy, Panda Express, Starbucks, Chase etc are in the same mall.
114 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
2901 Los Feliz BlvdIf you are a member...
Best Buy, Panda Express, Starbucks, Chase etc are in the same mall.
New small targets are popping up. The largest store is in Burbank. One downtown but I hear it is a tad more expensive. The one in Eagle Rock on Colorado is a regular target and easy to get to and park.
190 locals recommend
Target
2626 Colorado BlvdNew small targets are popping up. The largest store is in Burbank. One downtown but I hear it is a tad more expensive. The one in Eagle Rock on Colorado is a regular target and easy to get to and park.
Mohawk General Store
4011 Sunset BlvdGreat style. A bit on the expensive side.
Outdoor shopping mall with a movie theater and Barnes and Noble. Indoor Glendale Galleria Mall right across the street.
Restaurants and stores like Apple, Anthropologie, Tiffany's, etc.
642 locals recommend
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana WayOutdoor shopping mall with a movie theater and Barnes and Noble. Indoor Glendale Galleria Mall right across the street.
Restaurants and stores like Apple, Anthropologie, Tiffany's, etc.
Fun to take visitors to this L.A. landmark. Great food to be had, fresh peanut butter, sausage, etc. French and Brazilian restaurants are good. On same property as The Grove outdoor mall with a trolley and water feature. Nordstroms, etc.
819 locals recommend
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd StFun to take visitors to this L.A. landmark. Great food to be had, fresh peanut butter, sausage, etc. French and Brazilian restaurants are good. On same property as The Grove outdoor mall with a trolley and water feature. Nordstroms, etc.
Walking distance. Next door to Cookbook. Great for gifts, cards, or self-care items like candles, water bottles, and jewelry.
11 locals recommend
Shout and About
1547 Echo Park AveWalking distance. Next door to Cookbook. Great for gifts, cards, or self-care items like candles, water bottles, and jewelry.
There might not be a sign in front. Walk in and folks will be playing music on the instruments. Very chill
Old Style Guitar Shop
510 N Hoover StThere might not be a sign in front. Walk in and folks will be playing music on the instruments. Very chill
Food Scene
The most delicious tacos in Los Angeles! Close to Dodger Stadium. Unfortunately, there can be a long line to order. There is a sweet patio in the back. Try the sample plate! I replace the chicharron taco.
395 locals recommend
Guisados
1261 Sunset BlvdThe most delicious tacos in Los Angeles! Close to Dodger Stadium. Unfortunately, there can be a long line to order. There is a sweet patio in the back. Try the sample plate! I replace the chicharron taco.
Delicious vegan! Park in the back lot.
311 locals recommend
Sage Plant Based Bistro and Brewery Echo Park
1700 Sunset BlvdDelicious vegan! Park in the back lot.
Blair's Restaurant
2901 Rowena AvenueHigher end and delicious. Nice atmosphere. Not kid friendly.
Famous for deep dish pizza but have full Italian menu. Large portions. Can get full with the folks from The Echo late at night.
232 locals recommend
Masa of Echo Park Bakery & Cafe
1800 Sunset BlvdFamous for deep dish pizza but have full Italian menu. Large portions. Can get full with the folks from The Echo late at night.
Silverlake Ramen
2927 Sunset BlvdAn amazing deal! My son's favorite. There can be long lines...
Outside is deceiving. Really good breakfast food. Lots of couples with babies!
31 locals recommend
Modern Eats
2590 -D Glendale BlvdOutside is deceiving. Really good breakfast food. Lots of couples with babies!
Tsubaki
1356 Allison AveJapanese izakaya. Close to Dodger Stadium. OTOTO sake bar next door.
Honey Hi
1620 Sunset BlvdBreakfast and lunch all day. Coffee and smoothies.
Always fun to take visitors here. Lots of food stands. I assume open for take out. There are also some spice shops.
968 locals recommend
Grand Central Market
317 S BroadwayAlways fun to take visitors here. Lots of food stands. I assume open for take out. There are also some spice shops.
El Compadre
7408 Sunset BlvdClassic old school Mexican Food Restaurant. Close to Dodger Stadium.
Right around the block on EP and Baxter. Known for its weekend brunch where you’ll find lines. They serve dinner and drinks as well. You can stop by and get a coffee and a pastry or a full meal. Just a few blocks from the house. I can’t vouch for the dinner food.
15 locals recommend
lady byrd cafe
2100 Echo Park AveRight around the block on EP and Baxter. Known for its weekend brunch where you’ll find lines. They serve dinner and drinks as well. You can stop by and get a coffee and a pastry or a full meal. Just a few blocks from the house. I can’t vouch for the dinner food.
Authentic Oaxacan food that gringos seem to love. They even have fried crickets if you'd like.
56 locals recommend
Guelaguetza Restaurante
3014 W Olympic BlvdAuthentic Oaxacan food that gringos seem to love. They even have fried crickets if you'd like.
Barbrix
2442 Hyperion AveLove this place. Great food and wines with outdoor dining.
Fabulous Italian cuisine. Hottest reservations in town, lucky if you get a reservation. Walk up at 4:00 pm and ask for a walk-in reservation.
Donna's
Fabulous Italian cuisine. Hottest reservations in town, lucky if you get a reservation. Walk up at 4:00 pm and ask for a walk-in reservation.
The Lonely Oyster
Casual trendy neighborhood restaurant. Raw bar, seafood and cocktails.
Combo A
1411 Echo Park AveTasty, fast and easy Chinese plate place run by a fabulous family.
Neighborhood Vietnamese place. Lunch specials. Great for takeout or delivery.
109 locals recommend
Gingergrass Silverlake
2396 Glendale BlvdNeighborhood Vietnamese place. Lunch specials. Great for takeout or delivery.
Gyoza Bar
Speakeasy vibes. Same owner as HiroNori in Pasadena.
Lingua Franca
Great spot to drop by when walking or biking by the L.A. River.
Warm woody high design gem. Excellent vegetarian menu recently expanded to include meat dishes.
125 locals recommend
Elf Cafe
2135 Sunset BlvdWarm woody high design gem. Excellent vegetarian menu recently expanded to include meat dishes.
In Frogtown, modern take on Mexican seafood. Great to sit at the bar and watch them prepare the food or enjoy the outdoor area. The crowd is from 30s to 60s, anyone not a kid.
Loreto
In Frogtown, modern take on Mexican seafood. Great to sit at the bar and watch them prepare the food or enjoy the outdoor area. The crowd is from 30s to 60s, anyone not a kid.
Triple Beam Pizza
Quarter Sheets Pizza
It is getting rave reviews!
There can be a long line sometimes. Grab a coffee, excellent baked goods, and hike up to the Observatory or just enjoy nature at their picnic tables.
133 locals recommend
The Trails
2333 Fern Dell DrThere can be a long line sometimes. Grab a coffee, excellent baked goods, and hike up to the Observatory or just enjoy nature at their picnic tables.
Entertainment & Activities
Bowling with drinks and food. I think that it is adults only in the evenings.
72 locals recommend
Lucky Strike Lanes LA Live
800 W Olympic BlvdBowling with drinks and food. I think that it is adults only in the evenings.
Close by with merry go round or pony rides in Griffith Park.
328 locals recommend
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo DrClose by with merry go round or pony rides in Griffith Park.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaIt is closer than you think.
It can be fun! It is a great market and it is quite big. It can be a scene. Sundays opens at 8am. 1600 Ivar. You can park in the underground parking for Bed, Bath and Beyond for a fee or try the Chase Bank lot on Vine and Sunset or if you can find street parking.
242 locals recommend
Hollywood Farmers’ Market
1600 Ivar AveIt can be fun! It is a great market and it is quite big. It can be a scene. Sundays opens at 8am. 1600 Ivar. You can park in the underground parking for Bed, Bath and Beyond for a fee or try the Chase Bank lot on Vine and Sunset or if you can find street parking.
LA River Kayak Safari
2825 Benedict StKayak right in our backyard in the L.A. River.
Our local "barcade" with lots of classic games to play with a wine and beer bar and a restaurant that has been written up.
106 locals recommend
Button Mash
1391 Sunset BlvdOur local "barcade" with lots of classic games to play with a wine and beer bar and a restaurant that has been written up.
You can get cheap tickets in the nosebleed section to watch the all-American sport of baseball. Guests have been known to walk through the park and then rideshare home.
877 locals recommend
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully AveYou can get cheap tickets in the nosebleed section to watch the all-American sport of baseball. Guests have been known to walk through the park and then rideshare home.
This is a great place to bring kids to the beach with bathrooms, showers, and a pool for an entry fee. There is also a cute restaurant on the bike path with a view of the beach. Get there early for parking since fills up. It is not my favorite beach due to the odd wave break.
152 locals recommend
Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast HwyThis is a great place to bring kids to the beach with bathrooms, showers, and a pool for an entry fee. There is also a cute restaurant on the bike path with a view of the beach. Get there early for parking since fills up. It is not my favorite beach due to the odd wave break.
You can walk or drive here. Picnic on the grass, walk around the perimeter, order a coffee at the boathouse cafe, and rent a swan paddle boat. An urban park with great diversity.
Lake Echo Park
You can walk or drive here. Picnic on the grass, walk around the perimeter, order a coffee at the boathouse cafe, and rent a swan paddle boat. An urban park with great diversity.
Wheel Fun Rentals
751 Echo Park AveIncredible views of the city. Parking is very expensive on the road. Better to park at Trails and walk up or take public transportation.
Griffith Observatory
Incredible views of the city. Parking is very expensive on the road. Better to park at Trails and walk up or take public transportation.
Arts & Culture
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand AveInspiring architecture! I love downtown.
The Broad
221 S Grand AveBecause everyone seems to be going... I haven't yet.
The Getty has amazing architecture and a wonderful view of Los Angeles and the ocean. The art is hit and miss.
2309 locals recommend
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrThe Getty has amazing architecture and a wonderful view of Los Angeles and the ocean. The art is hit and miss.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdThis is the quintessential Los Angeles mid century archictecture that has been filmed for movies, print ads and commercials. Spectacular views of the city from the pool and living room area. Look it up online to see when and if it is open to the public.
18 locals recommend
Stahl House
1635 Woods DrThis is the quintessential Los Angeles mid century archictecture that has been filmed for movies, print ads and commercials. Spectacular views of the city from the pool and living room area. Look it up online to see when and if it is open to the public.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Echo
1822 Sunset BlvdCheck out their live music.
Silverlake Wine
2395 Glendale BlvdWine tastings a few times a week and great wines.
el prado
1805 Sunset BlvdHipster bar for wine and beers.
Little Joy
1477 Sunset BlvdHipster Bar close to Dodger Stadium.
In DTLA, a restaurant with an outdoor patio with a great view of the city. Sometimes there is jazz music. Very good food. Out of towners love it...
786 locals recommend
Perch
448 S Hill StIn DTLA, a restaurant with an outdoor patio with a great view of the city. Sometimes there is jazz music. Very good food. Out of towners love it...
Smaller bar and might quieter than some others. I think they are into organic wines.
60 locals recommend
Bar Bandini
2150 Sunset BlvdSmaller bar and might quieter than some others. I think they are into organic wines.
Walk up the stairs by Lowboy and drink a margarita in their back patio.
19 locals recommend
Bar Flores
1542 Sunset BlvdWalk up the stairs by Lowboy and drink a margarita in their back patio.
Lowboy
1540 Sunset BlvdOn Sunset, famous for their smash burgers and beers.
Check out the fun bar with lots of dance nights as well as concert listings in the back theater. Eat dinner at Salazar's an walk on over. Usually a younger crowd early 30s and under.
98 locals recommend
Zebulon
2478 Fletcher DrCheck out the fun bar with lots of dance nights as well as concert listings in the back theater. Eat dinner at Salazar's an walk on over. Usually a younger crowd early 30s and under.
Tilda
1507 Echo Park AveWine bar that is next door to Baccetti in walking distance.
Sake bar with small plates next door to Tsubaki.
Same folks and you don't need a reservation. There is valet or park on the streets and see the Victorian houses in Angelino Heights.
OTOTO
1360 Allison AveSake bar with small plates next door to Tsubaki.
Same folks and you don't need a reservation. There is valet or park on the streets and see the Victorian houses in Angelino Heights.
Parks & Nature
Fun to paddle around the lake or walk around for an afternoon stroll and look for turtles swimming among the lily pads or bird or people watch. I love the cafe for an iced coffee.
563 locals recommend
Echo Park Lake
Fun to paddle around the lake or walk around for an afternoon stroll and look for turtles swimming among the lily pads or bird or people watch. I love the cafe for an iced coffee.
The easiest way to get onto the trails is to walk up Avon Park Terrace to Park. There is a little opening that leads you right to the trail. You can loop around in about 45 minutes.
53 locals recommend
Elysian Park Trail
Elysian Park TrailThe easiest way to get onto the trails is to walk up Avon Park Terrace to Park. There is a little opening that leads you right to the trail. You can loop around in about 45 minutes.
The Los Angeles River has been restored for excellent urban nature! You can bike on the path or walk and see blue herons, white egrets, and mallards. You can park at Lewis McAdams Park and go south, stop at Spoke or Lingua Franca. On some weekends in the spring and summer, you can Kayak down the river!
Los Angeles River Bike Path Access
The Los Angeles River has been restored for excellent urban nature! You can bike on the path or walk and see blue herons, white egrets, and mallards. You can park at Lewis McAdams Park and go south, stop at Spoke or Lingua Franca. On some weekends in the spring and summer, you can Kayak down the river!
Great access to the beach with a restaurant and a pool for a fee. Arrive early! or uber. I prefer the beach off of Ocean Park further south.
152 locals recommend
Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast HwyGreat access to the beach with a restaurant and a pool for a fee. Arrive early! or uber. I prefer the beach off of Ocean Park further south.
It is a nice flat 3 mile walk with a great view of the Hollywood sign. To see the sign go the dog park up the way...
152 locals recommend
Hollywood Reservoir
G6451 Weidlake DrIt is a nice flat 3 mile walk with a great view of the Hollywood sign. To see the sign go the dog park up the way...
Really it is a museum amongst amazing gardens. Worth a visit with a lovely tea service during the holidays.
999 locals recommend
Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford RdReally it is a museum amongst amazing gardens. Worth a visit with a lovely tea service during the holidays.
You can hike up if you park at the Trails Cafe on Ferndell. There are various trails up. Otherwise parking is about $10 an hour if you can find it. There are shuttles as well.
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdYou can hike up if you park at the Trails Cafe on Ferndell. There are various trails up. Otherwise parking is about $10 an hour if you can find it. There are shuttles as well.
Everything Else
Walgreens
105 E Glenoaks BlvdClosest pharmacy
Mauricio is the best! An honest guy who is efficient. If anything, he doesn't recommend enough work to be done. Very economical and just a nice man.
Jomag Auto Repair
Mauricio is the best! An honest guy who is efficient. If anything, he doesn't recommend enough work to be done. Very economical and just a nice man.
Carbon Health Urgent Care Echo Park
It is not a bad option for urgent care.
CVS Pharmacy
They are open 24 hours and next to Whole Foods.