Why You Should Travel to The Valley
The San Fernando Valley, or better known as just “The Valley” is very unique place within LA. In particularly it holds a special place our hearts because it’s where Callie was born and raised. Now, we may be a little biased, but we think The Valley is awesome!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, The SFV is a massive suburban area that makes up nearly two thirds of the city of Los Angeles. It’s laid out in an easy grid pattern with streets running east-west and north-south. It is the backdrop to a plethora of amazing cult films, The birth place of the Valley Girl and the porn capital of the world (Chatsworth we’re looking at you…)
The Valley is often thought to be boring and just FAR from anything remotely relevant by the elite folks who live over “the hill”
— as those mountains, and the perceived cultural divide they represent, are affectionately known—
But those of us who live here know there’s so much more to this place than strip malls and great hiking spots! Here’s a few of favorite places to eat, drink, shop and stay in the (818).
THE VALLEY EATS:
CALABASAS
Pedalers Fork A local restaurant with a premium stocked bar, in-house roasted 10 Speed Coffee, an extensive whiskey bar, innovatively delicious food, a boutique bike shop in an intimate atmosphere all under one roof.
Sugar Fish JUST GREAT SUSHI!
Saddle Peak Lodge Hidden romantic mountain lodge with a scenic patio offering up market New American fare and a great brunch, nestled in the canyon on your way to the beach.
SunLife Organic Sunlife is always a good choice for fantastic smoothies or bowls. The quality of their food and drinks is outstanding. We love the ambiance and decor.
WOODLAND HILLS
Juicy Ladies Colorful counter-serve cafe offering organic & vegan fare plus health-conscious juices and drinks.
Leo and Lily’s Casual restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired breakfast & lunch menus; outdoor seating available.
JOEY This place has great food, great ambiance, great service and is located in the ‘oh so trendy‘ NEW Village shopping center. Offering a modern American dining experience with locally and globally inspired, handcrafted menu creations.
Veggie Grill A fast-casual vegan restaurant chain that operates in California, Oregon, and Washington. Just really BOMB veggie spot with a lot of options and definitely doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Tender Greens As they say, This is where damn amazing food is made. Happy Vegan Salad, Just do it!
Anarbagh Restaurant Best indian in The Valley.
Dan’s Super Subs OH MY GAWD. This place was a staple growing up. Venerable, family-run sub shop dealing in a range of sandwiches with steamed buns in casual digs. They also have a “Mega Eating Challenge!” Note: They are closed on Sundays…
Stonefire Grill This place is to die for!!! Originating in The Valley this place is so good! From their wood fire pizzas, pastas and huge salads there hasn’t been anything on the menu we haven’t liked. The Cauliflower pita and garlic bread tho!!!!
CANOGA PARK
Follow Your Heart Country-style market with health–conscious goods, plus a comfy vegetarian eatery with counter seats. A vegan staple in the Valley ALSO the home of veganiase.
Cavaretta’s Italian Deli REAL ITALIAN DELI…Longtime, family-run deli offering Italian sandwiches, salads & hot foods, plus desserts.
RESEDA
Melody’s Mexican Kitchen Bustling art-filled space featuring homestyle Mexican eats, from chilaquiles to tortas, plus a salsa bar.
Flame Pizzeria Convivial hangout serving artisanal, wood-fired pizzas, plus salads, wine & craft beer.
TARZANA
Sol Y Luna Festive themed space with folk art & a mural of Mexican icons, plus guacamole made at the table. The Veggie Burrito is the best we have ever had!
SO Sushi Our secret sushi spot! Its SOOOO good and you will never get tired of that pun! Secrets out.
Kushiyu Sushi rolls share the menu with Japanese-style skewered meats at this relaxed, art-filled eatery.
The Carving Board The best damn sandwiches around and FRESH BAKED COOKIES, yaaa..
CiCi’s Café Family-friendly restaurant known for its massive breakfast selection, including decadent pancakes. Be prepared to wait on the weekends!
Magpies Softserve Sweet spot for house-made soft serve ice cream with vegan options in fun, seasonal flavors with sweet unique toppings.
Tel Aviv Grill Falafels, shawarma & burgers are on the menu at this kosher counter serve with a convivial ambiance.
Vinh Loi Tofu Vegan Vietnamese dishes, many with house-made tofu, are served in a bright, simple space.
Okumura Restaurant Traditional sushi & sashimi specialties crafted in a chic, minimalist setting.
Lum-Ka-Naad Contemporary setup for typical Thai mains such as pad Thai & curries, plus unique regional dishes.
Scratch|Bar & Kitchen Casual New American eatery featuring seasonally inspired tasting menus & à la carte dishes.
Bleecker Street Restaurant Buzzy eatery/bar serving global fare, with large windows & mezzanine, patio & dining room seating and live jazz some nights.
SHERMAN OAKS
Umami Burger Lively chain outpost serving elevated burgers & sides plus creative cocktails in a sleek space.
Mizlala Moroccan fried chicken, shawarma & other elevated Middle Eastern dishes in a smart, low-key space.
Le Petit Restaurant Super intimate bistro offering a Parisian-style setting & traditional French recipes. Great for a date night!
Garden Café Wood-fired pizza tops an American menu at this casual, modern spot with an outdoor patio.
STUDIO CITY
FireFly Upmarket American cuisine with a library like foyer, a hopping bar & a romantic patio dining area.
Leonor’s Mexican Vegetarian Simple, family-run restaurant offering an all-vegetarian menu of traditional Mexican dishes.
SunCafe Sit-down spot featuring a multilevel patio, beer, wine bar and komucha on tap. A variety of raw, vegan cuisine. Everything is good but our favs are the marinated beet salad, nachos and bbq cauliflower
H.O.P.E. Healthy Organic Positive Eating Bright, modern cafe serving vegan & vegetarian Thai cuisine.
Carneys Restaurant Longtime fast-food shack serving burgers, hot dogs & fries since 1975 in a vintage railcar.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
Krimsey’s Cajun Kitchen The worlds FIRST vegan cajan restaurants. Their menu is small, because they are focused on authenticity and flavor. SO GOOD!
Skaf’s Grill Casual storefront turning out shawarma, kibbeh & other familiar Lebanese dishes in a casual setting.
Wat Thai of Los Angeles Set in a REAL Buddhist temple this place is extremely unique. Every Sunday they have different Thai vendors come and set up booths with authentic Thai food! YUM
Republic Of Pie Gourmet coffee with fresh-baked pies & baked goods in a room of reclaimed wood, metal & glass.
Salsa and Beer This is a bold statement because The Valley is known for its above average Mexican restaurants but this is THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD. Hands down!
NORTH VALLEY
Brent’s Deli Bustling deli doles out sizable sandwiches & other classics along with an all-day breakfast menu.
Odyssey Sitting hilltop with expansive views it’s the best view in The Valley! serving American favorites & brunch.
THE VALLEY DRINKS:
There are a few things The Valley is known for dive bars, the Northridge earthquake and we take complete credit for the extreme usage of the word “like”. One of our favorite parts about The Valley is its dominant presents of amazing dive bars. They are dark, dingy, cheap and we love everything about them! A few years ago they were the only place to go on a Friday night but a lot has changed! The Valley has upped it’s game when it comes to a night out on the town. Here are a few of the places we like to drink in the SFV.
CALABASAS
SageBrush Cantina Mexican fare, including fajitas & tacos, in a vibrant setting also offering margaritas & live music.
WOODLAND HILLS
The White Harte Informal British-style pub with dark woods, exposed beams & a patio, plus an eclectic American menu.
The Local Peasant White-tiled spot for creative dishes like truffle bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, craft beer & cocktails.
TARZANA
Maui Sugar Mill Saloon Straightforward saloon outfitted with wood-paneled walls, velvet couches & billiards.
Unwind A hidden gem! The decor is gorgeous, the drinks are curated, the food is amazingly delicious, and the staff is friendly.
Dark Horse Tavern Elevated pub fare, craft beer on tap & barrel–aged bourbon in a relaxed locale with rustic decor.
SHERMAN OAKS
The Barrell DIVE BAR!
Blue Dog Beer tavern Sports bar serving burgers & pub grub, with a popular happy hour, a log cabin feel & patio seating. ~ Dog Friendly!
On The Thirty Gourmet bar snacks, including pizza, paired with cocktails & 30 craft beers on tap in a vibrant, loungey space.
The Chimneysweep Lounge: Beer & mixed drinks served in a chill, eclectic hangout with electronic jukebox & pool table. – Also Dave Grohl is a regular here, so….
Augustine Wine Bar Hip spot for wines by the glass or bottle served amid vintage decor including a circa-1912 piano.
Tipple & Brine Creative seafood plates pair with whiskeys at this rustic-chic eatery with plank walls & bare bulbs.
STUDIO CITY
Black Market Liquor Bar Global small plates & craft cocktails served in a cozy, late-night spot with a curved brick ceiling.
The Fox and the Hound Longtime pub serves up hearty British fare & brews in a comfy venue with sports TVs & weekly events.
Laurel Tavern Cool gastropub showcasing burgers & other fare plus craft beers in woody digs with outdoor seating.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
The Federal bar Stylish bar & nightclub in an early-20th-century bank building with a club upstairs.
Tonga Hut Laid-back tiki bar offering fruity drinks, lava-rock fountains & eclectic tunes on the jukebox.
The Other Door Performance venue hosting live music, comedy nights, New Orleans crawfish boils & more.
NoBAR Dimly lit, relaxed spot offering cocktails, pool & an indie/alt jukebox.
Idle Hour Mixology-focused cocktail lounge in a famed example of vernacular architecture, aka a giant barrel!
LAKE BALBOA
Pogos DIVE BAR!
RESEDA
The Copper Bucket Cash-only vintage dive bar with retro decor & games including pool, darts, shuffleboard.
THE VALLEY SHOPS:
If you have never ventured into the The Val, we are here to tell you it’s HUGE! One thing is for sure though, you can’t go two blocks without seeing a strip mall. Doesn’t matter what your looking for, The Valley has it somewhere! And WAY cheaper than on the other side of that mountain ridge. Whether it’s a cute new outfit or a new surfboard The Valley has you covered.
CALABASAS
The Commons at Calabasas An upscale retail and entertainment outdoor complex. Head over here for your Starbucks, Sephora and Lululemon fix! Also, you might spot a Kardashian!
Calabasas farmers market A weekly outdoor market offering locally sourced produce & flowers, soaps, plus wines & food products.
WOODLAND HILLS
Bobbi Rocco SUPER cute women’s boutique. Whenever we have an event or I just need a shopping fix I pop in either their Topanga Blvd or Sherman oaks store (or check their insta) to up my fashion game. It really is a “One-Stop-Shop” for new, trendy and affordable fashions.
Westfield Topanga Ok, we normally wouldn’t put a WHOLE mall on here but this mall is SO big and they have everything your little heart desires! If you cant find it here, it probably doesnt exist!
Val Surf Serving up surf and snowboard gear in The Valley since 1973
Sports LTD This place has been the number-one specialty ski, snowboard, SUP and wakeboard shop in Los Angeles since 1965.
TARZANA
Goodwill Ok, ok.. I know what your thinking…Goodwill? and to that I say YES! this location is ridiculous! We have found everything from leather coach purses to $300 jeans with tags on them all for EXTREMELY low prices! The latest find was 3 vintage mens pendeltons for $2 each! happy digging!
Jane Tarzana Women’s boutiques with a variety of options! I stop in for the $10 rack! There is ALWAYS something I can find on it!
SHERMAN OAKS
Buffalo Exchange Our FAVORITE vintage chain that buys, sells, trades trendy & used clothing & accessories for men & women.
American Vintage Cool vintage clothing shop. They have shoes, handbags, belts, jewelry, Halloween costumes, masks and all the cowboy boots your heart desires. All are decent prices and totally worth looking through.
Iguana Vintage Clothing Men, Women, and Children vintage clothing from the 1920’s to the 1990’s. A serious one stop shop for clothing and costumes!
STUDIO CITY
Goorin Bros. Hat Shop Just the coolest hat shop around!
William B + friends Los Angeles-based women’s apparel, accessories, shoe and gift boutique with affordable prices.
Paper Source For everything from unique and gifts to stationary, or if you simply need a greeting card for your friend’s birthday.
Free People Women’s clothing chain with a bohemian-inspired collection of dresses, jackets, shoes & accessories.
Book Star Housed in the old Studio City Theatre which opened in 1938 and was once an old movie theatre. They carrying books, music and DVDs.
Canyon Beachwear Bathing suits
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
Kathy’s E Antique Boutique This longtime, hole-in-the-wall boutique is practically a landmark among local resale lovers. Vintage clothes galore!
Naimie’s Beauty Center A two-story beauty emporium with top-of-the-line cosmetics and hair products.
The Iliad Bookshop Longtime used bookstore with a massive inventory, specializing in literature & the arts.
Metropolis Bikes Funky bicycle shop with many different bike styles, a range of parts & accessories & repair services.
THE VALLEY HOTELS:
When it comes to staying in the Valley there are a whole bunch of motels, hotels and holiday inns. I mean, lets face it…your in the burbs. One thing is for sure, you’re definitely not gonna have to deal with the hustle and bustle of Hollywood Blvd and the bar crowds at 2am disturbing your slumber. Maybe your visiting family or you want to be near Universal Studios with the kids, there are plenty of options with affordable prices and low key locations. Here are a few impressive hotels near Ventura Blvd.
STUDIO CITY
Sportsmen’s Lodge Literally right in the middle of anywhere you want to be. These legendary halls pre-date the film industry! They opened their doors in the 1880’s and was the hang-out of choice for newly minted celebrities such as Clark Gable, Bette Davis, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Today they offer guest full-service accommodations in a newly renovated and updated space with a classic hollywood feel. If you’re searching for the true Hollywood experience, Sportsmen’s Lodge is the answer.
BLVD Hotel & Spa This place embodies the soul and spirit of Southern California. A fusion of contemporary style and efficiency, the BLVD Hotel & Spa offers intimate appeal with personal customer service and a dizzying array of amenities.
El Royale Hotel A charming and intimate boutique hotel with a rich Hollywood history tucked in to the base of the Hollywood Hills. The cutest individual little bungalows with personal carports and every room has been completely renovated. They also carefully maintained the personal and historic touches somehow!
BURBANK
The Tangerine Hotel We LOVE this kitchy little hotel!! An affordable, retro-chic spot in Burbank. Super close to Universal Studios and The Hollywood Walk. They have awesome whimsical rooms, complete with individual wall murals. Free continental breakfast each morning and a heated outdoor pool complete with ample lounge chairs and umbrella tables. A sweet getaway sure to impress.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
The Garland a Hollywood boutique hotel featuring the perfect balance of retro-cool and casual sophistication. Elegant grounds with a woodsy feel that remind us of up north and a fantastic pool area. The whole place is just breathtaking and we love it!
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
Living in the Valley, I can’t believe i’ve only been to two places on this list!
I look forward to checking off a few more in the near future. Very awesome collection of places 🙂
Right!! The Valley is packed full of little gyms!