Guidebook for Los Angeles

Lee
Guidebook for Los Angeles

Drinks & Nightlife

Greet patio to share a beer and watch the sunset over fried apps. Try the giant pretzel! There is usually a band playing on the boardwalk right across from the patio so it is very festive during summer afternoons.
56 recommandé par les habitants
The Waterfront Venice
205 Ocean Front Walk
56 recommandé par les habitants
Greet patio to share a beer and watch the sunset over fried apps. Try the giant pretzel! There is usually a band playing on the boardwalk right across from the patio so it is very festive during summer afternoons.
Probably the best restaurant right on the Boardwalk - it gets packed during the day and for sunset sessions so plan ahead and give your name to the hostess early! Loud music and a medium sized patio for people watching. Go for the sunset and eat if you are hungry!
321 recommandé par les habitants
The Commons Ale House
129 Broadway
321 recommandé par les habitants
Probably the best restaurant right on the Boardwalk - it gets packed during the day and for sunset sessions so plan ahead and give your name to the hostess early! Loud music and a medium sized patio for people watching. Go for the sunset and eat if you are hungry!
Speakeasy themed with great cocktails. One of the only spots that you can guarantee a dance party if there is dancing to be had. Check out the upstairs first and then head downstairs if you want to kick it up a notch! Live bands and DJs are often playing.
212 recommandé par les habitants
Townhouse Venice
52 Windward Ave
212 recommandé par les habitants
Speakeasy themed with great cocktails. One of the only spots that you can guarantee a dance party if there is dancing to be had. Check out the upstairs first and then head downstairs if you want to kick it up a notch! Live bands and DJs are often playing.
This is a pretty restaurant that gets a younger crowd on the weekends (post-college dance party). Yummy margaritas & famous fish tacos but it isn't my cup of tea at all ;)
258 recommandé par les habitants
James' Beach
60 N Venice Blvd
258 recommandé par les habitants
This is a pretty restaurant that gets a younger crowd on the weekends (post-college dance party). Yummy margaritas & famous fish tacos but it isn't my cup of tea at all ;)

Food Scene

1/2 priced breakfast until 9am. Great ocean views. Not the most "local" or "cool" spot but worth a visit if you find yourself strolling the boardwalk in the early AM.
86 recommandé par les habitants
Fig Tree
431 Ocean Front Walk
86 recommandé par les habitants
1/2 priced breakfast until 9am. Great ocean views. Not the most "local" or "cool" spot but worth a visit if you find yourself strolling the boardwalk in the early AM.
Local, understated coffee spot reminsent of Venice before the word "hipster" existed
300 recommandé par les habitants
Groundwork Coffee Co.
671 Rose Ave
300 recommandé par les habitants
Local, understated coffee spot reminsent of Venice before the word "hipster" existed
Delicious/healthy smoothies and hot drinks/tonics. Food is pretty good. A great outdoor patio. Quick takeaway snacks, meals, drinks.
113 recommandé par les habitants
Kreation Organic Kafe & Juicery
1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd
113 recommandé par les habitants
Delicious/healthy smoothies and hot drinks/tonics. Food is pretty good. A great outdoor patio. Quick takeaway snacks, meals, drinks.
My favorite spot for a low-key breakfast and people watching. Try the Veggie Rad breakfast sandwich, Breakfast Burrito or the Acai Bowl! Great coffee too! Their lunch is great as well and they are open until 3pm. They have wifi!
174 recommandé par les habitants
Flake
513 Rose Ave
174 recommandé par les habitants
My favorite spot for a low-key breakfast and people watching. Try the Veggie Rad breakfast sandwich, Breakfast Burrito or the Acai Bowl! Great coffee too! Their lunch is great as well and they are open until 3pm. They have wifi!
Newly opened - food is alright but the ambience is very hip, very "Venice". Good people watching, bakery, dinner, full bar (a rare thing in Venice!), gorgeous patio and inside seating. Macrame planters. Worth a visit for to-go food or a sit down meal. Brunch is very crowded but mid-week is good for laptop lunches - they have wifi!
347 recommandé par les habitants
The Rose Venice
220 Rose Ave
347 recommandé par les habitants
Newly opened - food is alright but the ambience is very hip, very "Venice". Good people watching, bakery, dinner, full bar (a rare thing in Venice!), gorgeous patio and inside seating. Macrame planters. Worth a visit for to-go food or a sit down meal. Brunch is very crowded but mid-week is good for laptop lunches - they have wifi!
One of the newest trendy spots on the West Side. Same owners as Gjelina. Very busy, good people watching. Take away or cute patio benches. Try the: granola bowl, Banh Mi sandwich, Grain Bowl, Roast Chicken Plate, Smoked fish! No wifi here.
447 recommandé par les habitants
Gjusta
320 Sunset Ave
447 recommandé par les habitants
One of the newest trendy spots on the West Side. Same owners as Gjelina. Very busy, good people watching. Take away or cute patio benches. Try the: granola bowl, Banh Mi sandwich, Grain Bowl, Roast Chicken Plate, Smoked fish! No wifi here.
One of the most trendy, blogged about restaurants in LA. Fantastic food. The best!! Impossible to get reservations and the wait is often 45min-1.5h so plan ahead! Put your name on the waitlist and go for a stroll down AK. Good for brunch and dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for incognito celebs. Head next door (GTA) for takeaway.
1064 recommandé par les habitants
Gjelina Take Away
1427 Abbot Kinney Blvd
1064 recommandé par les habitants
One of the most trendy, blogged about restaurants in LA. Fantastic food. The best!! Impossible to get reservations and the wait is often 45min-1.5h so plan ahead! Put your name on the waitlist and go for a stroll down AK. Good for brunch and dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for incognito celebs. Head next door (GTA) for takeaway.
Wine Bar with a simple, yummy menu that has great music and people watching. During the days (M-F) it is like "adult study hall" with everyone working on laptops. Think Silicon Beach ;)
251 recommandé par les habitants
Zinqué
1440 Lincoln Blvd
251 recommandé par les habitants
Wine Bar with a simple, yummy menu that has great music and people watching. During the days (M-F) it is like "adult study hall" with everyone working on laptops. Think Silicon Beach ;)
Coffee and wifi in the nice back patio.
138 recommandé par les habitants
TOMS Flagship Store
1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd
138 recommandé par les habitants
Coffee and wifi in the nice back patio.
One of my favorite local spots!!! Good people/music, fantastic Californian-Mexican food. Salmon or Barbacoa Tacos, Bacon to die for (add it to their burger!), Kale Quinoa side, potato bravos, Salads..
181 recommandé par les habitants
Cerveteca
523 Rose Ave
181 recommandé par les habitants
One of my favorite local spots!!! Good people/music, fantastic Californian-Mexican food. Salmon or Barbacoa Tacos, Bacon to die for (add it to their burger!), Kale Quinoa side, potato bravos, Salads..
Yummy, great scene, a bit on the pricey side. Worth a visit while strolling the up and coming, gritty Lincoln Blvd. Lots of boutiques nearby. They have wifi so could be a good work spot!
320 recommandé par les habitants
Superba Food + Bread
1900 Lincoln Blvd
320 recommandé par les habitants
Yummy, great scene, a bit on the pricey side. Worth a visit while strolling the up and coming, gritty Lincoln Blvd. Lots of boutiques nearby. They have wifi so could be a good work spot!
Cool covered/indoor patio that projects surf movies on the walls and has a good crowd. Probably the most popular sushi in the area. Very Venice!
138 recommandé par les habitants
Hama Restaurant
213 Windward Ave
138 recommandé par les habitants
Cool covered/indoor patio that projects surf movies on the walls and has a good crowd. Probably the most popular sushi in the area. Very Venice!
Good for takeaway coffee - if you haven't heard of it, google Bulletproof coffee! It is the original spot for this new health craze.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Bulletproof Cafe Santa Monica
3110 Main St
29 recommandé par les habitants
Good for takeaway coffee - if you haven't heard of it, google Bulletproof coffee! It is the original spot for this new health craze.
Nice festive decorations with a big patio overlooking the picturesque Ocean Blvd. Margaritas and delicious Mexican food. Good crowd!
35 recommandé par les habitants
Blue Plate Taco
1515 Ocean Ave
35 recommandé par les habitants
Nice festive decorations with a big patio overlooking the picturesque Ocean Blvd. Margaritas and delicious Mexican food. Good crowd!
Cozy seafood restaurant that reminds me of Maryland or the Hamptons in terms of decor/menu. Fantastic views on the small patio. Great if you are shopping nearby!
63 recommandé par les habitants
Blue Plate Oysterette
1355 Ocean Ave
63 recommandé par les habitants
Cozy seafood restaurant that reminds me of Maryland or the Hamptons in terms of decor/menu. Fantastic views on the small patio. Great if you are shopping nearby!
Blue Bottle. Need I say more?
158 recommandé par les habitants
Blue Bottle Coffee
1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd
158 recommandé par les habitants
Blue Bottle. Need I say more?
Yummy, $$$ juices/smoothies. Mainly cold-pressed.
104 recommandé par les habitants
Moon Juice
507 Rose Ave
104 recommandé par les habitants
Yummy, $$$ juices/smoothies. Mainly cold-pressed.
Delicious raw, vegan, healthy food! But they serve cocktails and cooked stuff too, so don't be scared! Sort of an LA staple among the nouveau hippie crowd. ;)
488 recommandé par les habitants
Cafe Gratitude
512 Rose Ave
488 recommandé par les habitants
Delicious raw, vegan, healthy food! But they serve cocktails and cooked stuff too, so don't be scared! Sort of an LA staple among the nouveau hippie crowd. ;)
RAMEN! yum. Nice outdoor patio. A must for comfort food nights.
85 recommandé par les habitants
JINYA Ramen Bar
11239 Ventura Blvd
85 recommandé par les habitants
RAMEN! yum. Nice outdoor patio. A must for comfort food nights.
Beautiful upscale nautical/beachy super chic restaurant with a delicious seafood based menu and craft cocktails perfect for a special dinner date.
109 recommandé par les habitants
Salt Air
1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd
109 recommandé par les habitants
Beautiful upscale nautical/beachy super chic restaurant with a delicious seafood based menu and craft cocktails perfect for a special dinner date.
Fancy menu, great cocktails & beautiful rich hipsters. One of the only spots that serves liquor so there tends to be a small but good crowd in the bar area at night (this is rare in Venice!).
396 recommandé par les habitants
The Tasting Kitchen
1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd
396 recommandé par les habitants
Fancy menu, great cocktails & beautiful rich hipsters. One of the only spots that serves liquor so there tends to be a small but good crowd in the bar area at night (this is rare in Venice!).
Healthy, yummy smoothies. NOT a corporate, Jamba Juice style spot - my fave place to grab a healthy snack to go! Very neighborhoody.
19 recommandé par les habitants
Main Squeeze
2727 Main St
19 recommandé par les habitants
Healthy, yummy smoothies. NOT a corporate, Jamba Juice style spot - my fave place to grab a healthy snack to go! Very neighborhoody.
Sultry, dark, fusion high-end cuisine with great music, yummy cocktails and a full bar (rare in the area!). Relatively new and is pretty popular for those in the know ;)
47 recommandé par les habitants
Wallflower
609 Rose Ave
47 recommandé par les habitants
Sultry, dark, fusion high-end cuisine with great music, yummy cocktails and a full bar (rare in the area!). Relatively new and is pretty popular for those in the know ;)
Best spot to enjoy gourmet tacos and a beer during the day! The sunny patio overlooks the boardwalk, where there is often a live jam band playing. Ask when The Doors cover band is playing inside!
19 recommandé par les habitants
The Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen
323 Ocean Front Walk
19 recommandé par les habitants
Best spot to enjoy gourmet tacos and a beer during the day! The sunny patio overlooks the boardwalk, where there is often a live jam band playing. Ask when The Doors cover band is playing inside!
Newest foodie spot to hit Abbot Kinney!
93 recommandé par les habitants
Felix
1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd
93 recommandé par les habitants
Newest foodie spot to hit Abbot Kinney!
Healthy California style cuisine with a back patio. Can drink healthy juices or wine!
14 recommandé par les habitants
Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails
1239 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
14 recommandé par les habitants
Healthy California style cuisine with a back patio. Can drink healthy juices or wine!

Shopping

Cute basic clothes!
American Apparel
701 Ocean Front Walk
Cute basic clothes!
Great Californian boutique for ladies. On the pricier side because it is nice trendy labels. Dresses, bikinis, jeans, home goods, jewelry. Very "SoCal Boho" fashion-wise!
23 recommandé par les habitants
Planet Blue
2940 Main St
23 recommandé par les habitants
Great Californian boutique for ladies. On the pricier side because it is nice trendy labels. Dresses, bikinis, jeans, home goods, jewelry. Very "SoCal Boho" fashion-wise!
Abbot Kinney is becoming more commercial (which the locals don't like) but I am flagging this store to give you a taste of some of the great shopping found on AK.
18 recommandé par les habitants
rag & bone
8533 Melrose Ave
18 recommandé par les habitants
Abbot Kinney is becoming more commercial (which the locals don't like) but I am flagging this store to give you a taste of some of the great shopping found on AK.
This long standing local boutique has hit-or miss items but is definitely worth a visit for anyone from a pre-teen to a hip mom. Dresses, bohemian garb, hats, jewelry. Look for local brand "Flynn Skye".
13 recommandé par les habitants
Principessa
1323 Abbot Kinney Blvd
13 recommandé par les habitants
This long standing local boutique has hit-or miss items but is definitely worth a visit for anyone from a pre-teen to a hip mom. Dresses, bohemian garb, hats, jewelry. Look for local brand "Flynn Skye".
Lincoln Blvd is worth a stroll in this area. It is the edgy/city like part of town. A handful of boutiques such as this home goods store. Super boho/hip/mid century!
59 recommandé par les habitants
General Store
1801 Lincoln Blvd
59 recommandé par les habitants
Lincoln Blvd is worth a stroll in this area. It is the edgy/city like part of town. A handful of boutiques such as this home goods store. Super boho/hip/mid century!
Super hip, cute store for guys. I would buy everything in here! It's a mix of the typical Californian vibe, outdoorsy, hip, surfer, stylish, Deus Ex Machina ish.
Tradesmen Los Angeles
Super hip, cute store for guys. I would buy everything in here! It's a mix of the typical Californian vibe, outdoorsy, hip, surfer, stylish, Deus Ex Machina ish.
Large outdoor mall adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade. Good stores and restaurants such as True Foods Kitchen or Sonoma Wine Garden. Worth a visit if you want to shop or see a movie!
178 recommandé par les habitants
Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica Place
178 recommandé par les habitants
Large outdoor mall adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade. Good stores and restaurants such as True Foods Kitchen or Sonoma Wine Garden. Worth a visit if you want to shop or see a movie!
Local designer of bohemian chic vintage dresses. Similar to the Reformation brand but more hippie/flowy dresses.
10 recommandé par les habitants
LILY ASHWELL
10 recommandé par les habitants
Local designer of bohemian chic vintage dresses. Similar to the Reformation brand but more hippie/flowy dresses.
There are often Flea Markets held here over the weekends - check Arts & Flea for details. Lots of home items, local goods and vintage clothes. There are food trucks too!
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd
1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
There are often Flea Markets held here over the weekends - check Arts & Flea for details. Lots of home items, local goods and vintage clothes. There are food trucks too!

Entertainment & Activities

Well known motorcycle store with locations only in Bali, Milan, etc. They have great coffee, wifi, shopping for guys and parties in their parking lot on Sundays! Details on their social media.
185 recommandé par les habitants
Deus Ex Machina - Emporium Of Post Modern Activities
1001 Venice Blvd.
185 recommandé par les habitants
Well known motorcycle store with locations only in Bali, Milan, etc. They have great coffee, wifi, shopping for guys and parties in their parking lot on Sundays! Details on their social media.
Brand new movie theater at the mall! Haven't been yet.
51 recommandé par les habitants
ArcLight Cinemas - Santa Monica
395 3rd Street Promenade
51 recommandé par les habitants
Brand new movie theater at the mall! Haven't been yet.
One long pedestrian street with every name-brand store imaginable and lots of street performers and (average) restaurants. Worth a visit! I would also suggest The Misfit, Cabo Cantina or Sushi Roku.
1595 recommandé par les habitants
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street Promenade
1595 recommandé par les habitants
One long pedestrian street with every name-brand store imaginable and lots of street performers and (average) restaurants. Worth a visit! I would also suggest The Misfit, Cabo Cantina or Sushi Roku.
Dine in theater with reclining ottoman chairs, full bar and good food that you can order and eat during the movie. One of the best spots to watch a movie! Just make sure to plan ahead, as they often sell out.
198 recommandé par les habitants
AMC DINE-IN Marina 6
13455 Maxella Ave
198 recommandé par les habitants
Dine in theater with reclining ottoman chairs, full bar and good food that you can order and eat during the movie. One of the best spots to watch a movie! Just make sure to plan ahead, as they often sell out.
This Pier is a fun sightseeing activity but I am including it to give a head's up about my favorite summertime activity - Thursday concerts at the pier! You will see tons of people rushing to the pier on Thursday late afternoons. Crowds pack the beach adjacent to the pier to picnic and party while the sun is setting. Just make sure to hide the alcohol containers because they do have police patrols ;) The bands play on the pier so you can check it out there if you don't have a friend to picnic with. There is a beer garden and food stalls at the actual pier as well.
2744 recommandé par les habitants
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier
2744 recommandé par les habitants
This Pier is a fun sightseeing activity but I am including it to give a head's up about my favorite summertime activity - Thursday concerts at the pier! You will see tons of people rushing to the pier on Thursday late afternoons. Crowds pack the beach adjacent to the pier to picnic and party while the sun is setting. Just make sure to hide the alcohol containers because they do have police patrols ;) The bands play on the pier so you can check it out there if you don't have a friend to picnic with. There is a beer garden and food stalls at the actual pier as well.

Essentials

Very popular yoga studio. It's legit! Teachers like Vinnie, Calvin & Vytus have a huge following so show up early! (30 min for Vinnie's classes). Also love Cayley and all the others!
73 recommandé par les habitants
YogaWorks Main St
2215 Main St
73 recommandé par les habitants
Very popular yoga studio. It's legit! Teachers like Vinnie, Calvin & Vytus have a huge following so show up early! (30 min for Vinnie's classes). Also love Cayley and all the others!
Yoga/Spin studio. Yoga is just ok but the spin is good and the combination classes (spin 30 min, yoga 30 min) are great!
40 recommandé par les habitants
STUDIOSPIN
245 Main Street
40 recommandé par les habitants
Yoga/Spin studio. Yoga is just ok but the spin is good and the combination classes (spin 30 min, yoga 30 min) are great!
Great for drop in, easy to medium level yoga! Very nice community vibe.
71 recommandé par les habitants
The Yoga Collective
512 Rose Ave
71 recommandé par les habitants
Great for drop in, easy to medium level yoga! Very nice community vibe.
Super cute boutique and hair salon (cuts and color for the hip Venice crowd) - they recently relocated so do your research to get in touch with the owner.
Cabin West
Super cute boutique and hair salon (cuts and color for the hip Venice crowd) - they recently relocated so do your research to get in touch with the owner.
My favorite nail salon!
11 recommandé par les habitants
Main Attraction Nail & Spa
2654 Main St
11 recommandé par les habitants
My favorite nail salon!
Yes, that Gold's Gym! Popular with the weightlifting crowd.
111 recommandé par les habitants
Gold’s Gym
360 Hampton Dr
111 recommandé par les habitants
Yes, that Gold's Gym! Popular with the weightlifting crowd.
I am pretty sure this is a good spot for guys to get their hair cut while sipping on a beer. Girls too!
trim.
512 D Rose Ave
I am pretty sure this is a good spot for guys to get their hair cut while sipping on a beer. Girls too!
Venice's newest health food store with a great selection of natural health/wellness/beauty items, ready made food, coffee & tonics. Worth a visit! If you return the glass bottles, you get a $1.50 recycling credit!
317 recommandé par les habitants
Erewhon Market
585 Venice Blvd.
317 recommandé par les habitants
Venice's newest health food store with a great selection of natural health/wellness/beauty items, ready made food, coffee & tonics. Worth a visit! If you return the glass bottles, you get a $1.50 recycling credit!
Cheap, great, no-frills massages. Open late at night! Deep Tissue for like $40-ish/hour!
12 recommandé par les habitants
The Massage Place
245 Main St
12 recommandé par les habitants
Cheap, great, no-frills massages. Open late at night! Deep Tissue for like $40-ish/hour!
Women-only Korean spa with a nice little restaurant. If you don't know what happens at a Korean spa - google it! I love the scrubs and could spend hours soaking and rotating to the various treatment rooms/saunas. I prefer the massages booked in the private room (after a scrub) but the easiest/cheapest option is the scrub/massage combo. A must try for those with an open mind and need for some pampering! Warning - full nude!
28 recommandé par les habitants
Olympic Spa
3915 W Olympic Blvd
28 recommandé par les habitants
Women-only Korean spa with a nice little restaurant. If you don't know what happens at a Korean spa - google it! I love the scrubs and could spend hours soaking and rotating to the various treatment rooms/saunas. I prefer the massages booked in the private room (after a scrub) but the easiest/cheapest option is the scrub/massage combo. A must try for those with an open mind and need for some pampering! Warning - full nude!
Coed Korean Spa - this is a great activity for anyone up for adventure and willing to try something new! Google it for details. I recc for a night of pampering, people watching and a yummy Korean dinner! Bring a friend, family member or a significant other =)
111 recommandé par les habitants
Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire Blvd
111 recommandé par les habitants
Coed Korean Spa - this is a great activity for anyone up for adventure and willing to try something new! Google it for details. I recc for a night of pampering, people watching and a yummy Korean dinner! Bring a friend, family member or a significant other =)

Sightseeing

Have you heard of the local cult? Google it ;) It's actually a gorgeous building owned by a celeb that hosts yoga, meditation, sound bath, dance, etc. community events. Think Burning Man hippies!
Full Circle
305 Rose Ave
Have you heard of the local cult? Google it ;) It's actually a gorgeous building owned by a celeb that hosts yoga, meditation, sound bath, dance, etc. community events. Think Burning Man hippies!

Arts & Culture

Great gallery nestled among the amazing boutiques on Abbot Kinney. The whole area is worth a stroll (or few!).
C.A.V.E. Gallery
55 N Venice Blvd
Great gallery nestled among the amazing boutiques on Abbot Kinney. The whole area is worth a stroll (or few!).
This street is worth a visit after eating at Gjusta - cute galleries and eclectic stores are popping up. Open to the public during the Venice Art Walk!
Curio by Anne Faith Nicholls
324 Sunset Ave
This street is worth a visit after eating at Gjusta - cute galleries and eclectic stores are popping up. Open to the public during the Venice Art Walk!