No conversation about hip and trendy Los Angeles is complete without the inclusion of Silver Lake, an enclave for creatives, foodies and anyone who appreciates a little uniqueness in a sea of monotony. For this month’s edition of Around LA I’m taking you a mere twenty minute drive from my home in Hollywood to Silver Lake, a singular community that offers an escape from the every day hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
The iconic Micheltorena Stairs provide the perfect backdrop.
While the neighborhood of Silver Lake does encompass a large area, the part I’m sharing with you today covers less than one mile along Sunset Boulevard, making it the perfect walkable half-day trip for all of you out of towners. If you are looking for things to do in Silver Lake, look no further.
Eat & Drink
3337 1/2 Sunset Blvd
Alfred Coffee doesn’t need any introduction and this Silver Lake outpost is every bit as cute and Instagram-worthy as its Melrose counterpart. The best part about this particular Alfred Coffee? The Micheltorena Stairs are right across the street so you can scoop up your classic, “But first.” cup before heading across the street to take photos galore on the iconic rainbow colored stairs. Instagram gold.
Coffee always comes first.
Recommended: Their coffee isn’t anything special; rather it’s the ambiance and packaging that make the shop. I order a chai tea latte (iced or hot) nine times out of ten.
3320 Sunset Blvd
This gem of a coffee shop is dog friendly and has a quiet, shaded patio out back where we can bring your pup and work. Not only does Muddy Paw Coffee Company donate a percentage of all sales to local animal shelters, they also regularly host animal rescue events.
The cutest shop front around.
Recommended: The espresso mojito is one of a kind. It’s an odd mix of flavors but it somehow works. I have also been told their espresso and Mexican mocha are amazing.
3909 Sunset Blvd
The Black Cat’s history deserves a mention before we get into the dining experience you’ll be treated to. The original Black Cat Tavern, established in November of 1966, was an LGBT bar and was home to one of the first riots in the United States protesting police harassment of the LGBT community. The subsequent riots, raids and protests that occurred following the original January 1, 1967 protest became a platform to discuss excess police force against the LGBT community.
The building was many things over the years before eventually being rechristened The Black Cat. The name is meant as a tribute to the original historic tavern, as evidenced throughout the building. Photos of LGBT activists and protestors line the walls of the interior and the original signage hangs out front once again as a nod to the past.
It’s hard to say what’s more impressive about this gastropub, the sleek and polished interior or the heavenly food and drink menu; both are equally as flawless.
Black Cat’s fried Brussel sprouts can’t be beat.
Recommended: Their Happy Hour menu is one of the best in town. My favorites are their bacon wrapped dates and fried Brussel sprouts. If you stop by early enough in the day you can even feast on beignets. To drink I recommend their Salty Dog or an Aperol Spritz.
3112 Sunset Blvd
I have professed my love for Knuckle & Claw, a New England style crab shack, before and I’m going to do it again. To be honest their prices can feel a bit steep for the amount of food you get unless you order one of their Super Specials. If you do go with a Special you will be treated to a variety of rolls and add-ons and walk away feeling like you got a great deal.
The ambiance is great, the staff are always friendly and fabulous and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a limited but eclectic selection of beer that pairs perfectly with their food.
No stop at Knuckle & Claw is complete without raw oysters.
Recommended: Order one of their Super Specials so you get to taste all the types of their rolls. Go on a Thursday to get $1 oysters.
3322 Sunset Blvd
This gem offers traditional Thai street food with a twist. Chef Kris Yenbamroong won Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef of 2016 title so you’re guaranteed to be in for something special. The Silver Lake restaurant features a brightly colored interior and truly gorgeous dishes. You’ll leave Night Market Song happy and content thanks to the fun interior and delicious menu.
The fried chicken sandwich is a thing of beauty.
Recommended: The fried chicken sandwich is a MUST. It’s big and crunchy and seasoned in a completely unique manner. Everything on the menu is delicious, but the fried chicken sandwich is the star of the show.
3827 Sunset Blvd
This little gem is so tiny if you blink you might miss it, but if you happen to stop by you’ll find the most delicious and uniquely flavored creamy gelatos inside. Their prices are reasonable and they have outdoor seating, making it a perfect stop for an after dinner treat or to give your weary feet a break.
Grapefruit and plum, a perfect pairing.
Recommended: Branch away from traditional flavors and try the plum gelato. It is absolutely divine, especially in conjunction with a scoop of grapefruit. You can also make your own ice cream sandwich between two cookies which my husband gave two thumbs up.
2939 Sunset Blvd
This dimly lit, ornately adorned craft cocktail bar is an experience in and of itself. Add to it the hand crafted drink menu and truly talented bartenders and you’re in for a treat. Thirsty Crow is an intimate little joint that gets crowded and busy so don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot.
Recommended: The Arya Stark made from gin, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and bitters and their Moscow Mules.
See & Do
3515 Sunset Blvd
Shinola reminds me of a leather store I became obsessed with while in Amsterdam and still, seven months later, dream about. Shinola sells handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods, and journals and every single item in their store is flawless. The price tags can be steep but anything you purchase is pretty much guaranteed to last a lifetime. Even if you aren’t in the market for new leather goods you have to stop by to see their immaculate interior.
So much beauty in such a small space.
3532 Sunset Blvd
Buck Mason is a newcomer to Silver Lake, though there is an original outpost on Abbot Kinney in Venice. This is strictly a men’s store but had to be included because their aesthetic is so spot on. The clean, minimal store features only classicly cut pieces and accessories and is definitely worth a pop in if you are shopping for any of the men in your lives.
Minimalist perfection
3902 Sunset Blvd
ReForm School is the kind of gift store I grew up frequenting in Seattle that are few and far between these days. Inside you can find goods ranging from home décor to handmade items to downright nostalgic pieces. Reform School is known for featuring unique, perfectly presented items by local artists and is a great place to shop if you want to take a piece of LA back home with you.
It’s next to impossible to walk out of ReForm School with anything less than a full shopping bag.
Farmers Market
3700 Sunset Blvd
If you are in Silver Lake on a Tuesday or a Saturday, boy are you in for a treat! Twice a week Silver Lake has a small but extensive outdoor farmers market full of everything from produce to vintage clothing to jewelry. The market reminds me of a mini Pike Place Market in Seattle more so than other markets in the area. If you’re gluten free (me!) or vegetarian you’re going to feel like you have died and gone to heaven when you set foot in there!
Renew & Relax
3824 Sunset Blvd
Another spot that feels straight out of Seattle, Naturewell sells juices, all kinds of magical elixers, bulk nuts and grains, and all kinds of health food snacks. It’s one of those places where you stop in for a mid-day smoothie and walk away with a bag full of unusual munchies.
A rainbow of juices.
Recommended: acai bowl (you get to pick your own granola!), the Coconut Kale smoothie
2809 Sunset Blvd
This down to Earth yoga studio offers dozens of classes a week as well as workshops and special events. Newbies to yoga who find themselves at Urth are almost certain to fall in love with the practice thanks to the knowledgeable, committed instructors. It should be noted that this is a no frills yoga studio. If you’re looking for somewhere trendy to take a class, keep looking. If you want to develop a deeper understanding of yoga and the benefits it can have on your body, look no further.
3324 Sunset Blvd
These are the iconic brightly painted rainbow stairs you see featured by just about every Los Angeles blogger at one time or another. They’re great for a workout but more often than not nowadays serve as a backdrop for Instagram and blog shoots. When I visited there was a line of four people waiting to snap their perfect shot.
It may be a bit cliché, but these stairs really are worth a visit to Silver Lake on their own. Bonus points if you stop at Alfred Coffee across the street prior to visiting and take your “But first” cup with you.
“In pursuit of magic”
Honorable Mention
3916 Sunset Blvd
This dressed up diner is known for its homey feel, amazing food, and friendly staff. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and an extensive menu that features all your favorite comfort foods.
Recommended: hash browns, avocado benedict, baked chicken
3626 Sunset Blvd
Cliff’s Edge is reaching iconic status thanks to its incredible setting. Dining at Cliff’s Edge is like dining in a luxurious tree house…seriously. There are comfortable pillows to sit on amongst trees and the scenery is exquisite. The food is nothing special but the service is excellent and the ambiance is so romantic you probably won’t even notice.
Recommended: Brussel sprouts as an appetizer, truffle fries, black cod
3524 Sunset Blvd
If you’re looking for a vintage LA dining experience Millie’s Café can’t be missed. Millie’s was established in 1929 and has been committed to serving the best ingredients since day one. They make every single menu item from scratch, down to their freshly ground French roast coffee.
Recommended: salmon benedict, french toast and don’t forget their gluten free options!
I hope you enjoyed today’s tour of Silver Lake! This is only the smallest of peeks into what the diverse character-filled neighborhood has to offer. If you are planning on visiting Los Angeles I highly recommend exploring the area further in person because you are certain to find your own places to love.