Be the Star you are in Hollywood
Hollywood is undoubtedly the symbol of the of the entire entertainment industry and a way of life for the rich and famous. When you think of Hollywood a few things probably come to mind; Cruising down Sunset Blvd, the star-studded Walk of Fame and velvet-roped nightclubs with bouncers that are excited to tell you your’e not on the list! It can be a bit overwhelming at times but with over 25 million visitors a year, Hollywood is an essential part of the Los Angeles experience!
If you live here in LA you probably stay as far away from the all the hustle and bustle of these tourist attractions as possible; but if you know where to look there plenty of remarkable places hiding amongst the craziness. When Leo and I first met, I was living in the heart of Hollywood right on Melrose ave. It was awesome! Not so great for my bank account… but I got to experience Hollywood in a whole new light. Now granted, I was born and raised in The Valley so the only time I ever ventured into Hollywood was to take an out of state friend or family member to see the Hollywood sign, to see a show at The Greek Theatre or to do the occasional night clubbing in my early 20’s. Other than that it was just a traffic & possible DUI headache that I wanted nothing to do with.
But, while living in Hollywood we made it a point to get out there and discover some really magnificent places; after all, everything was a $5.00 Uber ride away. The city itself has so much to offer and we are excited to share our opinion of the best places in Hollywood to eat, drink, shop and stay.
HOLLYWOOD EATS:
HOLLYWOOD
The Roof on Wilshire This place holds a special place in our hearts… It was our very first date! The food and drinks are so good but the view will keep you coming back! Perfect date night place! Get the bowl of goodness! SO bomb!
Dommie’s Home Cookin you would never guess the mouthwatering vegan food coming out of this place! It’s very unassuming, offering meat-free versions of fried chicken, tacos, burgers & other comfort foods.
Division 3 Walk-up window for breakfast & lunch takeout with dog-friendly patio for alfresco meals.
Crossroads Vegan mediterranean / tapas and small plates
Birch In the heart of Hollywood but with a Silverlake vibe this little gem is a hollywood must! Try the Avocado and Strawberry Salad! Also we have heard their squid is the best around!
DeSano Pizzeria Some of the best pie on the west side in our opinion. Counter-serve pizzeria crafting Neapolitan-style pies in a roomy, relaxed space with picnic tables and the staff is just so friendly!
Petit Trois This cozy spot with Parisian flare offers classic French fare & a full bar from the team behind Trois Mec. Oui like it (see what we did there?)
Salt’s Cure A sleek, modern spot serving inventive California-sourced dishes, including housemade charcuterie. BRUNCH!
El Compadre Have you really been to Hollywood if you haven’t been to this place yet? A real Hollywood staple dishing out Mexican fajitas, tacos & heavy pour margaritas in a casual, colorful environment.
Cleo We adore this little trendy eatery in the Redbury Hotel. It serves Mediterranean tapas alongside inventive cocktails & wine
Trois Mec Seriously a one of a kind place! Ludo Lefebvre & pals run a tiny, reservations-only global spot with a tasting menu & open kitchen. This place is truly a night to remember!
Sugarfish Best damn sushi around. Try the trust me! –(Tons of locations all over LA)
WEHO
Church Key Such a great bottomless brunch spot! Eclectic New American cuisine & craft cocktails delivered in an upscale lounge. Live jazz on Tuesdays, Dim Sum, Donuts, alcoholic otter pops and complimentary popcorn! What more do you want!!?!?
Urth Caffe This place is an LA must! The food is amazing! Salads, sandwiches, breakfast… all of it! The coffee outstanding and the selection plentiful. We LOVE their Japanese Green Tea Latte – It’s incredible!! – Plan for the crowds!
Gracias Madre Seriously YUM! This place is such an amazing plant based, meatless Mexican fare, all vegan & organic, plus a big tequila & drink menu, in a chic space. Oh and they have CBD infused drinks!
HANCOCK PARK
Republique A really upscale café, bakery, bar, bistro with modern French plates served in a striking space with communal tables, plus a cocktail bar.
Pizzeria Mozza Nancy Silverton & Mario Batali turn out acclaimed wood-burning-oven pizzas & antipasti in busy digs.
MID-CITY:
Green Table Cafe A Plant-Based Italian Cafe. Serving up smoothies, juices, Açaí bowls, salads, “burgers” & delicious vegan desserts, all fresh, all local!
Earle’s on Crenshaw A storied hot dog stand turned storefront for beef, turkey & vegan links, all served to go.
My Two Cents One of our favorite restaurants in LA! This small, hip eatery with a rustic-chic vibe offers elevated Southern-style soul food with vegan options & ice teas. As they say, from the soil to your soul they are committed to using fresh LOCAL organic Ingredients.
LARCHMONT VILLAGE
Erin McKenna’s Bakery LA Quaint NYC import bakery free of harmful ingredients, specializing in dairy-free, kosher, gluten-free cupcakes, cookies & other baked goods.
Cafe Gratitude – Larchmont Just the best! A plant-based restaurant specializing in gourmet cuisines. They strive to create a menu and environment that supports health and sustainability for both our community and the planet.
SILVER LAKE
By CHLOE Colorful, earthy strip-mall space for handmade vegan burgers, baked fries & dairy-free ice cream.
My Vegan Gold SO good! Healthful parlor serving a creative menu of Asian-inspired vegan fare for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Casita Del Campo Local fixture since 1962 serves classic Mexican fare in colorful space with indoor or patio seating.
Salt & Straw This is some of the best ice cream we have tried. This Portland based franchise is a game changer for ice cream in Los Angeles. Deeeeelectable ingredients, unique flavors and prices that won’t break the bank.
Little Pine located in the heart of silver lake, this little gem offers mediterranean inspired California cuisine featuring 100% plant-based produce and ingredients.
Magpies Sweet spot for housemade soft serve ice cream in fun, seasonal flavors with the most unique unbelievable toppings.
GRIFFITH PARK
Trails Cafe Great little spot for after a hike. this little café is located inside Griffith park. Serving up simple sandwiches & pastries with woodland outdoor seating. Avocado sandwich is BOMB. Go get it!!
Fred 62 Classic 24/7 diner supplying updates on staple dishes, including veggie & gluten-free options.
Lucifers Pizza Award Winners of Best Pizza in L.A. Best Gluten Free Pizza in L.A &. Best Vegan Pizza in L.A. nuff said.
Alcove Cafe and Bakery Hipsters pack the patio of this cozy counter-serve bungalow famed for American eats & craft drinks.
Pine & Crane Casual eatery offering a seasonal menu of Chinese & Thai small plates, plus noodle & rice dishes.
HOLLYWOOD DRINKS:
When it comes to drinks in Hollywood there’s a few things you should know. There are T O N S of places to choose from! Most of which are overpriced and under poured. Packed full of tourists and or some shitty night club you have to wait in line for… But on the other hand, some of LA’s best bars can be found in the heart of Hollywood. Here are some of our favs!
HOLLYWOOD
Library Bar Handcrafted, unusual mixed drinks star at this trendy spot at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Frolic room Opened since 1934, this place is awesome! Photos of movie stars deck the walls at this historic, no-frills bar, famous for its jukebox. Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland were known to imbibe here AND Elizabeth Short (the Black Dahlia) was seen before her death.
No Vacancy At the Hotel Juniper, a swanky, shadowy bar mixes sophisticated cocktails amid decor recalling the bygone days of Hollywood.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s Funky ’70s retro bar with era-appropriate garage sale decor, an Airstream trailer & backyard BBQ.
Lost Property Bar Handsome, low-lit & moody lounge for mixology & cocktails with a focus on whiskey.
Village idiot Welcoming wood-&-brick gastropub with modern American pub grub, including house-butchered meats.
Sassafras Saloon Mixology-focused bar & lounge offers cocktails, live music & an New Orleans vibe.
The Know Where Bar Dimly lit, 1930s-inspired wine & beer stop with a vintage vibe & classic music on vinyl records.
Next Door Lounge There’s a 1920’s vibe with a twist at this clubby speakeasy, serving old-school drinks & bar bites.
The Woods Strip-mall bar delivering specialty drinks in a hunting lodge-style space with antler chandeliers.
La Descarga A Cuban-themed nightspot with a dress code offering a cigar lounge & burlesque–style salsa acts.
Harvard and Stone Buzzy bar with a factory like vibe offers inventive cocktails, live music & burlesque some nights.
Dirty Laundry Trendy bar in a former speakeasy with a secret entrance with DJs, dancing, inventive drinks & sly house rules.
The Spare Room Elegant, old-timey cocktail lounge & game parlor with polished wood bowling lanes & classic games.
WEHO
Bar Lubitsch Trendy, Russian-themed bar is laid-back, but draws crowds looking to dance on the weekends.
The Abbey Cocktails & shared plates are served at this lively gay lounge with outdoor terraces & dance floor.
Now Boarding Swanky, aviation-themed bar with midcentury-modern decor, live music & happy-hour specials.
Saint Felix Stylish yet comfy gay-friendly lounge offers global fare & inventive drinks, plus outdoor seating.
Doheny Room Sexy spot full of old-Hollywood glam, American bites & classic cocktails with a twist.
Barney’s Beanery We like this place for so many reasons! It has a rich history and boisterous atmosphere. There is a serious buzz in the air! Opened in 1927, the Beanery was frequented by stars like Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, John Barrymore and Clark Gable. Then in the ’60s, it became a popular hangout for L.A.’s ill-fated musicians like Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin (whose favorite booth was #34).
Harlowe Bar Cool & sophisticated haunt offers classic cocktails on tap & small bites by Eric Greenspan.
LARCHMONT VILLAGE
Pour Vous Parisian-style club with a dress code featuring velvet banquettes, live music & burlesque dancers.
SILVER LAKE
The Thirsty Crow Handcrafted cocktails & a long list of whiskeys in a saloon-style setting, plus a lively happy hour.
Silverlake Lounge No-nonsense, cash-only institution showcasing local indie rockers, plus comedy & drag queen nights.
The Satellite Hip neighborhood mainstay for local & established indie bands often presents free shows.
4100 Bar Chill spot pulls in patrons with handcrafted cocktails, inviting couches & an intimate atmosphere.
The Echo The Echo is a music venue and nightclub, located in the Echo Park, Their also known for their punk rock shows, which attract long lines of fans.
GRIFFITH PARK
The Morrison Scottish pub serving upscale burgers & pub eats in addition to a huge selection of beer & whiskey.
Covell Daily wines by the glass, plus craft beer & light nibbles, draw locals to this cozy, urbane spot.
HOLLYWOOD SHOPS:
As if the gorgeous beaches, thriving food scene, celebrity sightings, and perpetually sunny weather aren’t enough, Los Angeles is also home to some of the best shopping experiences on either coast. We don’t know about you but we LOVE thrift shopping and LA gives us more than we can handle! Most of the places below are second hand stores but believe us when we tell you your about to find your new favorite piece!
HOLLYWOOD
Melrose ave A shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Los Angeles that starts at Santa Monica Boulevard, at the border between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. It ends at Lucille Avenue in Silver Lake.
Melrose Trading Post Sunday open-air market featuring a range of vendors selling antiques, vintage goods & collectibles.
Crossroads Trading Our go to consignment store with new & used clothing, shoes & accessories, including brand-name items for AHHHmazing prices! Enjoy the hunt!
Jet Rag Roomy vintage clothing store offering used apparel for men & women with $1 sales on Sundays.
Iguana Vintage Clothing Vintage clothes!
Rose Bowl Flea Market Large monthly flea market featuring an eclectic array of crafts, apparel, antiques & other goods.
Counterpoint Records & Books Enduring shop specializing in rare & used albums & books, including 1st editions.
Amoeba Music Music fans head to this bustling shop for its huge selection of vinyl, video & CDs, plus live shows.
Hollywood Toys and Costumes Longtime retailer boasts a diverse selection of costumes for all ages, makeup, wigs & collectibles.
Reformation Stylish boutique selling its own line of contemporary women’s clothing made from vintage fabrics.
WEHO
Sunset Kids We love this store! Cutting edge kids fashion
AHHS The Ultimate Gift Store
MID-CITY
American Rag Stylish outpost stocks a variety of trendy designer clothing for men & women in a modern interior.
The Way We Wore Used designer clothes, shoes & accessories from every era, plus a library of vintage swatches.
LARCHMONT VILLAGE
Chevalier’s Books Compact bookshop featuring titles in a variety of genres & subjects, plus frequent author signings.
Library Shabby-chic store selling women & men’s casual wear, plus shoes, bags, jewelry & other accessories.
Larchmont Village Florist Flowers!
Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese Family-owned shop provides fine wines from around the world, artisanal specialty foods & deli fare.
Landis Gifts & Stationery Charming shop dealing in stylish cards, notebooks & other paper goods, plus candles & housewares.
Larchmont Beauty Center One of the best places to score hard-to-find cult beauty supplies.
Diptyque A Paris-based luxury goods company that produces a high-end line of scented candles, perfumes, face and body care
SILVER LAKE
Painted Bird Quaint secondhand store featuring an array of vintage clothing, shoes & accessories for men & women.
Mohawk General Store Modern shop for trendy, designer apparel, shoes, swimwear & lifestyle accessories for men & women.
Clover Fashion boutique carrying clothes for men & women plus jewelry, gifts & housewares.
Foxhole Offbeat boutique focusing on new, recycled T-shirts & denim apparel for men & women.
HOLLYWOOD HOTELS:
Finding a Hotel to stay at in Hollywood can be hit or miss. Honestly most of them are roach motels that are over due for a health inspection or they are extremely over priced pretentious places with booshie staff. If you plan on staying in Hollywood don’t skimp out because of price; You’ll definitely be sorry. Here are a few of our favs that NEVER disappoint.
HOLLYWOOD
The Roosevelt There is so much to say about this place! From its historic background to the location! It opened its doors on May 15, 1927, and is the oldest continually operating hotel in Los Angeles! The first Academy Awards ceremony was held at here on May 16, 1929, Marilyn Monroe lived at the hotel for two years early in her career and Shirley Temple learned to do her famous stair step dance routine on the hotel stairs. Every time we come her we can feel the golden era of Hollywood in the air! It’s our go to for lounging by the pool and It’s literally right on Hollywood blvd so you get the full experience!
The Magic Castle This Hotel is truly magical! It’s an old converted apartment complex and they kept it 1950’s/1960’s reminiscent. The staff is very accommodating and always happy! The rooms are very clean and the bed was really comfy. Hot shower with lots of water pressure. They have a 24hr heated outdoor pool, Free snacks (candy, chips, granola bars, microwave popcorn), An ice cream machine (until 9pm), movies and board games to borrow, free fountain soda machine in the halls, cider was in the lobby. They truly strive to provide the best, most personalized service you could ever imagine.
Chateau Marmont A true Hollywood Landmark! Set in a 1920’s French, castle-like building on the Sunset Strip, this iconic, upscale hotel renowned for celebrity guests opened in 1929 and still holds up to todays standards of what Hollywood is all about! The ambience is incomparable. It has a total Old Hollywood vibe. We just love it!
Mama’s Shelter This place is just the coolest boutique hotel around! The location is great, right on Selma and Wilcox it’s super central in the heart of Hollywood without being on the Blvd. The vibe is so awesome! We stayed here before the rooftop bar was open (which we hear has unbelievable views of the Hollywood sign and DTLA) The room was so awesome, comfy beds, there were Darth Vader & Storm Trooper masks in the room and you can take pic on the TV and share them to your socials…. Just remember, Mama knows best!
WEHO
The Standard A true original since day one, The Standard, Hollywood is located in the heart of West Hollywood on the legendary Sunset Strip. From the wavy Mid-Century Modern facade to the blue AstroTurf pool deck to the floor-to-ceiling shagged lobby, the hotel abounds with curious, unexpected touches at every turn.
The Charlie Hotel If you know us by now, you know we are suckers for a place where the walls know more than that Hotel staff does. A little history gets us goin’! This landmark was first built & established in 1924 by the Ruth Gordon family. Word has it that numerous movie star legends have roamed these grounds in the past, living out their glorious days to the fullest! Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Gloria Swanson to just name a few.
SILVER LAKE
Hotel Covell An independent hotel focused on luxury and satisfaction. Their boutique suites are highly designed for the complete experience of comfort, peace and style. Each suite feels like an apartment, complete with an array of amenities that are ideal for hosting short or long-term guests. Most importantly, They strive to be a place to make your home-away-from-home.
Well there it is folks. Leave us a note in the comments and let us know when you try these awesome LA staple and what you think! As always we are on a constant hunt to find new digs so if you know of some places we should try please let us know!! Check back often as we will update this list as we explore and find new spots in this great city!
XO
Callie & Leo
HOLLYWOOD FUN FACTS:
Only one species of frog goes “Ribbit”, but it has become a national and global cliché because that frog resides in Hollywood and was used for sound effects. – Source
Muhammad Ali’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the only star which is not on the sidewalk; rather, it is on the wall of the Kodak Theatre to honor his request that he “did not want to be walked on.” – Source
The blinking light atop the Capitol Records Tower spells out the word “Hollywood” in Morse code, and has done so since the building’s opening in 1956. – Source
In 1920’s the Hollywood-sign was lit by thousands of light bulbs and the guy who changed the burnt ones, lived in a little cabin near the sign. – Source