The hipster hood: A Complete Guide to Silver Lake, Los Angeles

If there were a prize for the most hipster areas of Los Angeles, Silver Lake would surely take home the trophy. Bringing together funky blocks lined with boutique coffee shops, vegan eats, farm to table restaurants, trendy bars, street art and indie music venues, Silver Lake is the reigning queen of cool.

Explore the area like a local and check out our guide for the best places to eat, shop and explore!

What to See & Do in Silver Lake 

Farmers Markets

Every Tuesday and Saturday on the corner of Sunset and Edgecliffe Drive, this neighbourhood market is where you can pick up fresh produce, vintage clothing, jewellery and cut flowers. It’s got all the essentials with a side of style and it’s a great place for a stroll with coffee or fresh OJ in hand.

3700 Sunset Blvd

Tues 2pm-7:30pm; Sat 8am-1pm

Get a massage at Dream Collective

With their boho-chic interiors and calming atmosphere, this right here is your one-stop shop for a healing therapeutic massage as well as where you can pick up carefully selected apothecary items, dainty jewels and crystals.

1404 Micheltorena St

Dance Class at The Sweat Spot

If in doubt, dance it out, am I right? A place to enjoy ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, dance fitness, twerking, Gaga, Pilates and a variety of emerging dance styles, pop in here for a dance class like no other. 

3327 Sunset Blvd

Refresh your do at The Hive Salon

A beautifully designed neighbourhood salon created by brother and sister team Lissa and Charles Renn. Along with the hair salon, the space also functions as an art space, the Apiary gallery which supporting a growing community of artists with art openings and events.   

1402 Micheltorena St

Pamper yourself at GBY Beauty

A chic spot for tans, brows & lashes. They’ve also got some unique services like freckle tattooing & 24Kt gold tooth gems. As they say: only in L.A!

3120 Sunset Blvd

A Guide to Eats & Drinks in Silver Lake

Pine and Crane

A popular Chinese Taiwanese restaurant in the heart of Silver Lake where they source seasonal produce from their family’s local Asian vegetable farm where possible. Get in early and don’t be afraid to wait for a seat, this is one of the hottest meal tickets in town and for jolly good reason.

1521 Griffith Park Blvd

Silver Lake Wine

With in-store wine tastings every Thursday evening, Silver Lake Wine is the spot for picking up a bottle to enjoy at home or where you can mix and mingle with the neighbourhood over boutique wines from all over the world. Their Thursday night tasting flight is a steal at $15 per person.

2395 Glendale Blvd 

Millies

A neighbourhood staple that’s been around since 1926, Millies is the spot for a big brunch with dishes like omelettes, vegan burritos and all the naughty classics like pancake stacks & corned beef hash. Be prepared to wait on weekends!

3524 Sunset Blvd

Sawyer

With a stunning indoor bar & restaurant as well as outdoor patio seating, tuck into dinner at Sawyer or brunch on weekends for farm to table style dining in a beautiful setting.

3709 Sunset Blvd

Moon Juice

A plant sourced alchemy store where you can pick cold-pressed juices & milks crafted from unique organic ingredients like adaptogenic super herbs and mushrooms. Try the “Power Dust” if you’re looking for inspiration… or… whatever.

2839 Sunset Blvd

Mz Zh

Where the queue is usually spilling out onto the road on the corner of Sunset and Maltman is where you’ll find the hidden new Israeli spot known as Mz Zh (pronounced “Mah Zeh”). Their menu is rustic, vegetable-heavy, Israeli-inspired, and designed to share.

3536 Sunset Blvd

La Colombe

A simple coffee spot where there’s no shortage of great brew. This is one of the trendiest joints in the area, so be prepared for some hipster dipster baristas.

3900 Sunset Blvd

Sporanza

A dinner only Italian neighbourhood bistro where you’ll want to sit out on the patio and enjoy the atmosphere.

2547 Hyperion Ave

By Chloe

By Chloe’s Silverlake location brings this much loved East Coast favourite over to L.A. with a vegan menu that includes dishes like baked fries and vegan burgers. Don’t leave without trying the dairy-free soft serve!

2520 Gelndale Blvd

Intelligentsia

A casual coffee bar with a focus on great coffee in an industrial-chic setting. Commonly regarded as the epitome of coffee shops in the hood, so be sure to expect a wait time for a table.

3922 Sunset Blvd

Wolfdown

It’s all in the name at this American Asian inspired hot spot. Enjoy dishes like silken tofu and Fluffernutter Baked Alaska in this enchanting treehouse inspired interior.

2764 Rowena Blvd

Botanica Restaurant + Market

Created by two food writers, Botanica is a restaurant and market in one which is inspired by Californian cuisine. Their clean & fresh space serves up colourful, vegetable-heavy dishes that are created to make you feel good.  

1620 Silver Lake Blvd

Flore Vegan

A homey space for casual Vegan fare like sandwiches, huevos rancheros & cashew cheese plates. Plenty of gluten-free options are also on the menu!

3818 Sunset Blvd

Little Pine

A 100% Vegan restaurant started by electronic musician and animal rights activist Moby. This place is what vegan dreams are made of.

2870 Rowena Blvd

Blue Star Donuts

Originally from Portland, Blue Star has just made its way down to Silver Lake with their unique flavours as well as vegan options. Grab a coffee & donut from here and soak up those Sunset Blvd rays.

3438 Sunset Blvd

Ohana Superette Poke

It wouldn’t be L.A. without a poke bowl. Stop in here for all the Hawaiian classics with a modern twist. Fresh, fast, and downright delicious.

2852 Sunset Blvd

My Vegan Gold

There’s no shortage of vegan eats in Silverlake and you can’t go past My Vegan Gold for an affordable, no-frills, plant-based meal.

4319 Sunset Blvd

Naturewell

My go-to spot for acai bowls in L.A where first you pick out your granola from their bulk bins before having it topped off with blended acai, nut butter & berries. Sit outside on the curb because it’s the perfect place to people watch.

3824 Sunset Blvd

MatchaBar

For all things matcha including lattes & sweet treats, this right here is the place.

3534 Sunset Blvd

Dayglow

As Silver Lake as it gets, Dayglow coffee bar has an extensive selection of speciality grade coffee from all over the world, complete with neon signs and millennial pink walls to match.

3206 Sunset Blvd

The Friend

This fun neighbourhood bar complete with disco balls and pinball machines is the spot for a cheeky little cocktail and a boogie. Try ‘The Traveler’- a concoction of Hatch Chili Infused Avion Tequila with Agave and Mole Bitters.

2611 Hyperion Ave

Night + Market Song

If you’re looking for a good Thai street food, Night + Market Song has got it all. A menu that’s boldly seasoned, cheap and traditional, where all food is sent out family style from the kitchen.

3322 Sunset Blvd

Forage

A little family-owned eatery serving up local & seasonal Californian dishes for dine-in or takeout.

3823 Sunset Blvd

Roo

A newly opened Aussie cafe that’s taking Silver Lake where you can pick up a beverage and small & simple bites to eat.

1523 Griffith Park Blvd

Guide to Silver Lake Los Angeles | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

A Guide to Shopping in Silver Lake

Slick City Records

A barber and record store in one which also houses an impressive vintage t-shirt collection.

3323 Sunset Blvd

Mollusk

This one you might also recognize from our guide to Venice Beach,  Mollusk is the place to go for all things surf related and have a dreamy collection of pastel surfboards in store. Their Silver Lake store is filled with 50’s California vibes and if you’re looking for cute printed tees and accessories, this is the place to go.

3511 Sunset Blvd

The Social Type

California inspired stationery and knick-knacks where you can pick up cards, invitations, gift wrap and notebooks! It’s hard to leave here empty-handed.

2522 Sunset Blvd

Creatures of Comfort

A New York fashion & lifestyle store which houses a mix of cool and contemporary brands alongside its own in-house collection.

3902 Sunset Blvd

Ragg Mopp Vintage

Owner Mychelle Mordenteo opened the doors to Ragg Mopp at 22 years old, 19 years ago now and hasn’t looked back. Carrying a curated & carefully picked selection of vintage items, this Veteran boutique is a mix of casual & high-end clothing & accessories from the 1880s to 1990s.

3816 Sunset Blvd

Clare V

For cute & colourful bags and accessories.

3339 Sunset Blvd

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Sophie Chan
Sophie Chan

Hey! I’m Sophie, a kiwi fashion & lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. When I’m not on the East Side of Los Angeles, you will likely find me navigating my way through an airport, New York City, or a new city living my best Euro life.

Find me on: Instagram

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dmr88
3 years ago

I have never been in Silver Lake before. I added my visit list now. Thank you for informations. I am ready to start Silver Lake journey =))))