Hollywood is iconic and represents a level of glitz and glamour that I did not fully comprehend until I traveled through Europe last winter. I was in line for the bathroom in Amsterdam chatting with a German woman I had just met when I revealed where I was from. I was shocked to see how incredibly excited she was to talk to me about her aspirations to move to Los Angeles and live amongst Hollywood history. It made me realize that the place I call home is a place that may call their dream.
When people visit Hollywood they generally visit top sites like the Chinese Theater and the Walk of Fame, leaving the area without fully recognizing and appreciating what else is has to offer. Just one block off Hollywood Boulevard, removed from the tour buses and costumed characters, you can find a wealth fabulous of eateries, bars and attractions, all of which are 95% tourist free, if you only know where to look.
For this month’s edition of Around LA I’m sharing with you one such area, the two block span of North Cahuenga Boulevard between Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. The area has been a favorite of mine since I first began visiting my now-husband in Los Angeles years ago and is home to some of my most preferred spots in the entire city.
Possibly the most unique spot on today’s tour, The Record Parlour is home to an endless selection of pristine original records.
In last month’s edition of Around LA I took you just down the street from where I live to explore Wattles Mansion and Gardens. This month I’m taking you in the opposite direction and am sharing some of my absolute favorite spots to grab a bite, a cocktail, or a bit of culture in the area.
Eat & Drink
Groundwork Coffee is a generally quiet neighborhood coffee shop that offers friendly baristas and an Instagram-worthy interior. Their free wifi and floor to ceiling windows make it a great place to get some work done away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
Groundwork has their own signature line of coffee and, let me tell you, there is definitely a difference in taste between it and the mass produced version you’ll find at your local Starbucks. If you get to Groundwork early enough in the day be sure to check out their vegan cookies and house made cashew milk. They are not to be missed!
The front counter at Groundwork
Recommended: Iced chai latte, cold brew coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, anything made with their house made cashew milk
Stout is like your favorite local burger joint meets pub…if your favorite local burger joint meets pub served strictly gourmet food and artisanal beer. Each of their creative menu options is 100% certain to satisfy even the pickiest of burger connoisseurs. Open daily until 4:00 AM, Stout is the perfect spot to hit up right after a night out in Hollywood.
Stout’s Truffle Shuffle topped with sauteed mushrooms, Brie and truffle aioli.
Recommended: The Truffle Shuffle, Stout Burger, beer battered onion rings
Ball & Chain is a small, easily passed by bar that has become my favorite spot to watch sporting events. The interior is absolutely stunning and the small size of the venue means that it never gets too loud or rowdy inside.
The gorgeous interior of Ball & Chain.
The food and beer selection are a step up from your local sports bar…think a rotating menu of craft and imported beer and traditional bites with a gourmet twist. Be sure to catch their daily Happy Hour from 3-7. Their prices are insanely low for the quality of food and beer that you get.
Ball & Chain’s loaded potato skins are to die for.
Recommended: Loaded potato skins, loaded nachos, sliders
St. Felix is my forever favorite bar in Hollywood. Not only is the interior absolutely gorgeous, they literally make THE BEST COCKTAILS in the area. Possibly in the city.
Hungry? Not to worry. Their food is equally as delicious as their drinks. If I had to choose one bar to go to for the rest of my days it would be St. Felix. Visit during Happy Hour if you are able, they have the best deals around with their half-off drinks.
The Stockholm Syndrome made with gin, rosemary, fresh mint, muddled strawberries, fresh lime, and pomegranate juice.
Recommended: Stockholm Syndrome, Firecracker (grapefruit vodka with fresh lime juice, cranberry and shaken jalapeños, sweet potato fries, Ahi slider, and the Campfire Gurl Smore for dessert
See & Do
Space 15 Twenty is owned by neighboring Urban Outfitters and is billed as an experimental concept store that fuses retail with art, events and pop-up shops. The outdoor space features everything from private musical performances to yoga classes to art installations, all with a quintessentially LA vibe.
Space 15 Twenty isn’t always in use and acts as a courtyard tucked behind stores and restaurants the remainder of the time so be sure to check out their website for an event schedule.
The sleek exterior of Space 15 Twenty.
This one stop shop for both national and international publications is one of the LA newsstands you see on screen. Buyer beware though…it’s next to impossible to leave without dropping $50 on hard to find magazines!
If you’re looking to step back in time, The Record Parlour is not to be missed. This gem right off the corner of North Cahuenga and Selma has such a cool vibe you’ll never want to leave. They offer an extensive selection of records (15,000+) ranging from Disney classics to Brazilian to classic rock. There is truly something for everyone inside their four walls. If you’re lucky you will even catch a live performance while you’re browsing.
Debating buying an Eagles record even though I don’t currently own a record player.
Renew & Relax
If your time on Cahuenga has turned into a day of gluttony, all hope is not lost. Life Food Organic’s menu is overflowing with delicious raw options, all of which are free of refined sugar, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. Whether you’re looking for a cleanse, cold pressed juice, a quick shot to pick you up, or a vegan tuna sandwich, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.
Life Food Organic also boasts a large selection of natural beauty products and foods along with supplements that are available for purchase.
There is so much to try and love inside Life Food Organic.
Recommended: Green Life smoothie (mango, coconut yogurt, kale, coconut water, spirulina, hemp seed, and cinnamon), Energy Elixir shot (bee pollen and coconut water)
Sweatheory is an untraditional day spa attached to Life Food Organic. They offer infrared saunas, IV drips, crystal healing, and body sculpting. I have not yet visited Sweatheory as a client but from what I have heard and read the staff is knowledgeable and the treatments are top of the line. A post-night out IV drip is definitely in my future.
Honorable Mention
Dining at Aventine is possibly as close as you’ll come to dining in Italy within the city of Los Angeles. It is immaculately decorated, inside and out, and the food is supposedly to die for. You will definitely want to take advantage of the warm LA weather and dine outside if the option is available. Their outdoor garden features a secondary bar, leather couches, and trees lit up in twinkly lights, all of which create a very romantic feel.
If you’re in town on a Monday be sure to take advantage of the fact that everything is half off. Otherwise Aventine is on the pricier side and would be best kept for a special occasion.
Recommended: Rice balls, calamari, any of their pizzas, the Caramel Budino for dessert, an Aperol Spritz to sip
No conversation of North Cahuenga would be complete without the inclusion of Big Wangs. Big Wangs is a sports bar through and through, so be prepared for spilled beer and a rowdy, rowdy crowd if you’re going there to watch any type of sporting event. That said, the bartenders are quick, the drinks are strong, and the food is better than what you’ll generally find at that type of establishment.
Recommended: Monster nachos, mac and cheese skillet, Big Wangs quesadillas, wings
I hope this edition of Around LA makes you look at Hollywood a little differently and will inspire you to explore beyond the main attractions if you visit. As always, feel free to reach out for specific can’t miss attractions if you are in the area!