Guidebook for Los Angeles
Drinks & Nightlife
Greet patio to share a beer and watch the sunset over fried apps. Try the giant pretzel! There is usually a band playing on the boardwalk right across from the patio so it is very festive during summer afternoons.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Waterfront Venice
205 Ocean Front WalkGreet patio to share a beer and watch the sunset over fried apps. Try the giant pretzel! There is usually a band playing on the boardwalk right across from the patio so it is very festive during summer afternoons.
Probably the best restaurant right on the Boardwalk - it gets packed during the day and for sunset sessions so plan ahead and give your name to the hostess early! Loud music and a medium sized patio for people watching. Go for the sunset and eat if you are hungry!
321 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Commons Ale House
129 BroadwayProbably the best restaurant right on the Boardwalk - it gets packed during the day and for sunset sessions so plan ahead and give your name to the hostess early! Loud music and a medium sized patio for people watching. Go for the sunset and eat if you are hungry!
Speakeasy themed with great cocktails. One of the only spots that you can guarantee a dance party if there is dancing to be had. Check out the upstairs first and then head downstairs if you want to kick it up a notch! Live bands and DJs are often playing.
212 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Townhouse Venice
52 Windward AveSpeakeasy themed with great cocktails. One of the only spots that you can guarantee a dance party if there is dancing to be had. Check out the upstairs first and then head downstairs if you want to kick it up a notch! Live bands and DJs are often playing.
This is a pretty restaurant that gets a younger crowd on the weekends (post-college dance party). Yummy margaritas & famous fish tacos but it isn't my cup of tea at all ;)
258 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
James' Beach
60 N Venice BlvdThis is a pretty restaurant that gets a younger crowd on the weekends (post-college dance party). Yummy margaritas & famous fish tacos but it isn't my cup of tea at all ;)
Food Scene
1/2 priced breakfast until 9am. Great ocean views. Not the most "local" or "cool" spot but worth a visit if you find yourself strolling the boardwalk in the early AM.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fig Tree
431 Ocean Front Walk1/2 priced breakfast until 9am. Great ocean views. Not the most "local" or "cool" spot but worth a visit if you find yourself strolling the boardwalk in the early AM.
Local, understated coffee spot reminsent of Venice before the word "hipster" existed
300 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Groundwork Coffee Co.
671 Rose AveLocal, understated coffee spot reminsent of Venice before the word "hipster" existed
Delicious/healthy smoothies and hot drinks/tonics. Food is pretty good. A great outdoor patio. Quick takeaway snacks, meals, drinks.
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kreation Organic Kafe & Juicery
1202 Abbot Kinney BlvdDelicious/healthy smoothies and hot drinks/tonics. Food is pretty good. A great outdoor patio. Quick takeaway snacks, meals, drinks.
My favorite spot for a low-key breakfast and people watching. Try the Veggie Rad breakfast sandwich, Breakfast Burrito or the Acai Bowl! Great coffee too! Their lunch is great as well and they are open until 3pm. They have wifi!
174 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Flake
513 Rose AveMy favorite spot for a low-key breakfast and people watching. Try the Veggie Rad breakfast sandwich, Breakfast Burrito or the Acai Bowl! Great coffee too! Their lunch is great as well and they are open until 3pm. They have wifi!
Newly opened - food is alright but the ambience is very hip, very "Venice". Good people watching, bakery, dinner, full bar (a rare thing in Venice!), gorgeous patio and inside seating. Macrame planters. Worth a visit for to-go food or a sit down meal. Brunch is very crowded but mid-week is good for laptop lunches - they have wifi!
347 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Rose Venice
220 Rose AveNewly opened - food is alright but the ambience is very hip, very "Venice". Good people watching, bakery, dinner, full bar (a rare thing in Venice!), gorgeous patio and inside seating. Macrame planters. Worth a visit for to-go food or a sit down meal. Brunch is very crowded but mid-week is good for laptop lunches - they have wifi!
One of the newest trendy spots on the West Side. Same owners as Gjelina. Very busy, good people watching. Take away or cute patio benches. Try the: granola bowl, Banh Mi sandwich, Grain Bowl, Roast Chicken Plate, Smoked fish! No wifi here.
447 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gjusta
320 Sunset AveOne of the newest trendy spots on the West Side. Same owners as Gjelina. Very busy, good people watching. Take away or cute patio benches. Try the: granola bowl, Banh Mi sandwich, Grain Bowl, Roast Chicken Plate, Smoked fish! No wifi here.
One of the most trendy, blogged about restaurants in LA. Fantastic food. The best!! Impossible to get reservations and the wait is often 45min-1.5h so plan ahead! Put your name on the waitlist and go for a stroll down AK. Good for brunch and dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for incognito celebs. Head next door (GTA) for takeaway.
1062 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gjelina Take Away
1427 Abbot Kinney BlvdOne of the most trendy, blogged about restaurants in LA. Fantastic food. The best!! Impossible to get reservations and the wait is often 45min-1.5h so plan ahead! Put your name on the waitlist and go for a stroll down AK. Good for brunch and dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for incognito celebs. Head next door (GTA) for takeaway.
Wine Bar with a simple, yummy menu that has great music and people watching. During the days (M-F) it is like "adult study hall" with everyone working on laptops. Think Silicon Beach ;)
251 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zinqué
1440 Lincoln BlvdWine Bar with a simple, yummy menu that has great music and people watching. During the days (M-F) it is like "adult study hall" with everyone working on laptops. Think Silicon Beach ;)
Coffee and wifi in the nice back patio.
138 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
TOMS Flagship Store
1344 Abbot Kinney BlvdCoffee and wifi in the nice back patio.
One of my favorite local spots!!! Good people/music, fantastic Californian-Mexican food. Salmon or Barbacoa Tacos, Bacon to die for (add it to their burger!), Kale Quinoa side, potato bravos, Salads..
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cerveteca
523 Rose AveOne of my favorite local spots!!! Good people/music, fantastic Californian-Mexican food. Salmon or Barbacoa Tacos, Bacon to die for (add it to their burger!), Kale Quinoa side, potato bravos, Salads..
Yummy, great scene, a bit on the pricey side. Worth a visit while strolling the up and coming, gritty Lincoln Blvd. Lots of boutiques nearby. They have wifi so could be a good work spot!
320 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Superba Food + Bread
1900 Lincoln BlvdYummy, great scene, a bit on the pricey side. Worth a visit while strolling the up and coming, gritty Lincoln Blvd. Lots of boutiques nearby. They have wifi so could be a good work spot!
Cool covered/indoor patio that projects surf movies on the walls and has a good crowd. Probably the most popular sushi in the area. Very Venice!
138 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hama Restaurant
213 Windward AveCool covered/indoor patio that projects surf movies on the walls and has a good crowd. Probably the most popular sushi in the area. Very Venice!
Good for takeaway coffee - if you haven't heard of it, google Bulletproof coffee! It is the original spot for this new health craze.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bulletproof Cafe Santa Monica
3110 Main StGood for takeaway coffee - if you haven't heard of it, google Bulletproof coffee! It is the original spot for this new health craze.
Nice festive decorations with a big patio overlooking the picturesque Ocean Blvd. Margaritas and delicious Mexican food. Good crowd!
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blue Plate Taco
1515 Ocean AveNice festive decorations with a big patio overlooking the picturesque Ocean Blvd. Margaritas and delicious Mexican food. Good crowd!
Cozy seafood restaurant that reminds me of Maryland or the Hamptons in terms of decor/menu. Fantastic views on the small patio. Great if you are shopping nearby!
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blue Plate Oysterette
1355 Ocean AveCozy seafood restaurant that reminds me of Maryland or the Hamptons in terms of decor/menu. Fantastic views on the small patio. Great if you are shopping nearby!
Blue Bottle Coffee
1103 Abbot Kinney BlvdBlue Bottle. Need I say more?
Yummy, $$$ juices/smoothies. Mainly cold-pressed.
104 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Moon Juice
507 Rose AveYummy, $$$ juices/smoothies. Mainly cold-pressed.
Delicious raw, vegan, healthy food! But they serve cocktails and cooked stuff too, so don't be scared! Sort of an LA staple among the nouveau hippie crowd. ;)
488 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Gratitude
512 Rose AveDelicious raw, vegan, healthy food! But they serve cocktails and cooked stuff too, so don't be scared! Sort of an LA staple among the nouveau hippie crowd. ;)
RAMEN! yum. Nice outdoor patio. A must for comfort food nights.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
JINYA Ramen Bar
11239 Ventura BlvdRAMEN! yum. Nice outdoor patio. A must for comfort food nights.
Beautiful upscale nautical/beachy super chic restaurant with a delicious seafood based menu and craft cocktails perfect for a special dinner date.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salt Air
1616 Abbot Kinney BlvdBeautiful upscale nautical/beachy super chic restaurant with a delicious seafood based menu and craft cocktails perfect for a special dinner date.
Fancy menu, great cocktails & beautiful rich hipsters. One of the only spots that serves liquor so there tends to be a small but good crowd in the bar area at night (this is rare in Venice!).
395 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Tasting Kitchen
1633 Abbot Kinney BlvdFancy menu, great cocktails & beautiful rich hipsters. One of the only spots that serves liquor so there tends to be a small but good crowd in the bar area at night (this is rare in Venice!).
Healthy, yummy smoothies. NOT a corporate, Jamba Juice style spot - my fave place to grab a healthy snack to go! Very neighborhoody.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Main Squeeze
2727 Main StHealthy, yummy smoothies. NOT a corporate, Jamba Juice style spot - my fave place to grab a healthy snack to go! Very neighborhoody.
Sultry, dark, fusion high-end cuisine with great music, yummy cocktails and a full bar (rare in the area!). Relatively new and is pretty popular for those in the know ;)
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wallflower
609 Rose AveSultry, dark, fusion high-end cuisine with great music, yummy cocktails and a full bar (rare in the area!). Relatively new and is pretty popular for those in the know ;)
Best spot to enjoy gourmet tacos and a beer during the day! The sunny patio overlooks the boardwalk, where there is often a live jam band playing. Ask when The Doors cover band is playing inside!
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen
323 Ocean Front WalkBest spot to enjoy gourmet tacos and a beer during the day! The sunny patio overlooks the boardwalk, where there is often a live jam band playing. Ask when The Doors cover band is playing inside!
Felix
1023 Abbot Kinney BlvdNewest foodie spot to hit Abbot Kinney!
Healthy California style cuisine with a back patio. Can drink healthy juices or wine!
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails
1239 Abbot Kinney BoulevardHealthy California style cuisine with a back patio. Can drink healthy juices or wine!
Shopping
American Apparel
701 Ocean Front WalkCute basic clothes!
Great Californian boutique for ladies. On the pricier side because it is nice trendy labels. Dresses, bikinis, jeans, home goods, jewelry. Very "SoCal Boho" fashion-wise!
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Planet Blue
2940 Main StGreat Californian boutique for ladies. On the pricier side because it is nice trendy labels. Dresses, bikinis, jeans, home goods, jewelry. Very "SoCal Boho" fashion-wise!
Abbot Kinney is becoming more commercial (which the locals don't like) but I am flagging this store to give you a taste of some of the great shopping found on AK.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
rag & bone
8533 Melrose AveAbbot Kinney is becoming more commercial (which the locals don't like) but I am flagging this store to give you a taste of some of the great shopping found on AK.
This long standing local boutique has hit-or miss items but is definitely worth a visit for anyone from a pre-teen to a hip mom. Dresses, bohemian garb, hats, jewelry. Look for local brand "Flynn Skye".
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Principessa
1323 Abbot Kinney BlvdThis long standing local boutique has hit-or miss items but is definitely worth a visit for anyone from a pre-teen to a hip mom. Dresses, bohemian garb, hats, jewelry. Look for local brand "Flynn Skye".
Lincoln Blvd is worth a stroll in this area. It is the edgy/city like part of town. A handful of boutiques such as this home goods store. Super boho/hip/mid century!
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
General Store
1801 Lincoln BlvdLincoln Blvd is worth a stroll in this area. It is the edgy/city like part of town. A handful of boutiques such as this home goods store. Super boho/hip/mid century!
Super hip, cute store for guys. I would buy everything in here! It's a mix of the typical Californian vibe, outdoorsy, hip, surfer, stylish, Deus Ex Machina ish.
Tradesmen Los Angeles
Super hip, cute store for guys. I would buy everything in here! It's a mix of the typical Californian vibe, outdoorsy, hip, surfer, stylish, Deus Ex Machina ish.
Large outdoor mall adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade. Good stores and restaurants such as True Foods Kitchen or Sonoma Wine Garden. Worth a visit if you want to shop or see a movie!
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica PlaceLarge outdoor mall adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade. Good stores and restaurants such as True Foods Kitchen or Sonoma Wine Garden. Worth a visit if you want to shop or see a movie!
Local designer of bohemian chic vintage dresses. Similar to the Reformation brand but more hippie/flowy dresses.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LILY ASHWELL
Local designer of bohemian chic vintage dresses. Similar to the Reformation brand but more hippie/flowy dresses.
There are often Flea Markets held here over the weekends - check Arts & Flea for details. Lots of home items, local goods and vintage clothes. There are food trucks too!
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd
1010 Abbot Kinney BoulevardThere are often Flea Markets held here over the weekends - check Arts & Flea for details. Lots of home items, local goods and vintage clothes. There are food trucks too!
Entertainment & Activities
Well known motorcycle store with locations only in Bali, Milan, etc. They have great coffee, wifi, shopping for guys and parties in their parking lot on Sundays! Details on their social media.
185 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deus Ex Machina - Emporium Of Post Modern Activities
1001 Venice Blvd.Well known motorcycle store with locations only in Bali, Milan, etc. They have great coffee, wifi, shopping for guys and parties in their parking lot on Sundays! Details on their social media.
Brand new movie theater at the mall! Haven't been yet.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ArcLight Cinemas - Santa Monica
395 3rd Street PromenadeBrand new movie theater at the mall! Haven't been yet.
One long pedestrian street with every name-brand store imaginable and lots of street performers and (average) restaurants. Worth a visit! I would also suggest The Misfit, Cabo Cantina or Sushi Roku.
1595 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeOne long pedestrian street with every name-brand store imaginable and lots of street performers and (average) restaurants. Worth a visit! I would also suggest The Misfit, Cabo Cantina or Sushi Roku.
Dine in theater with reclining ottoman chairs, full bar and good food that you can order and eat during the movie. One of the best spots to watch a movie! Just make sure to plan ahead, as they often sell out.
198 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
AMC DINE-IN Marina 6
13455 Maxella AveDine in theater with reclining ottoman chairs, full bar and good food that you can order and eat during the movie. One of the best spots to watch a movie! Just make sure to plan ahead, as they often sell out.
This Pier is a fun sightseeing activity but I am including it to give a head's up about my favorite summertime activity - Thursday concerts at the pier! You will see tons of people rushing to the pier on Thursday late afternoons. Crowds pack the beach adjacent to the pier to picnic and party while the sun is setting. Just make sure to hide the alcohol containers because they do have police patrols ;) The bands play on the pier so you can check it out there if you don't have a friend to picnic with. There is a beer garden and food stalls at the actual pier as well.
2744 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Muelle de Santa Mónica
200 Santa Monica PierThis Pier is a fun sightseeing activity but I am including it to give a head's up about my favorite summertime activity - Thursday concerts at the pier! You will see tons of people rushing to the pier on Thursday late afternoons. Crowds pack the beach adjacent to the pier to picnic and party while the sun is setting. Just make sure to hide the alcohol containers because they do have police patrols ;) The bands play on the pier so you can check it out there if you don't have a friend to picnic with. There is a beer garden and food stalls at the actual pier as well.
Essentials
Very popular yoga studio. It's legit! Teachers like Vinnie, Calvin & Vytus have a huge following so show up early! (30 min for Vinnie's classes). Also love Cayley and all the others!
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
YogaWorks Main St
2215 Main StVery popular yoga studio. It's legit! Teachers like Vinnie, Calvin & Vytus have a huge following so show up early! (30 min for Vinnie's classes). Also love Cayley and all the others!
Yoga/Spin studio. Yoga is just ok but the spin is good and the combination classes (spin 30 min, yoga 30 min) are great!
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
STUDIOSPIN
245 Main StreetYoga/Spin studio. Yoga is just ok but the spin is good and the combination classes (spin 30 min, yoga 30 min) are great!
Great for drop in, easy to medium level yoga! Very nice community vibe.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Yoga Collective
512 Rose AveGreat for drop in, easy to medium level yoga! Very nice community vibe.
Super cute boutique and hair salon (cuts and color for the hip Venice crowd) - they recently relocated so do your research to get in touch with the owner.
Cabin West
Super cute boutique and hair salon (cuts and color for the hip Venice crowd) - they recently relocated so do your research to get in touch with the owner.
Main Attraction Nail & Spa
2654 Main StMy favorite nail salon!
Yes, that Gold's Gym! Popular with the weightlifting crowd.
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gold’s Gym
360 Hampton DrYes, that Gold's Gym! Popular with the weightlifting crowd.
I am pretty sure this is a good spot for guys to get their hair cut while sipping on a beer. Girls too!
trim.
512 D Rose AveI am pretty sure this is a good spot for guys to get their hair cut while sipping on a beer. Girls too!
Venice's newest health food store with a great selection of natural health/wellness/beauty items, ready made food, coffee & tonics. Worth a visit! If you return the glass bottles, you get a $1.50 recycling credit!
317 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Erewhon Market
585 Venice Blvd.Venice's newest health food store with a great selection of natural health/wellness/beauty items, ready made food, coffee & tonics. Worth a visit! If you return the glass bottles, you get a $1.50 recycling credit!
Cheap, great, no-frills massages. Open late at night! Deep Tissue for like $40-ish/hour!
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Massage Place
245 Main StCheap, great, no-frills massages. Open late at night! Deep Tissue for like $40-ish/hour!
Women-only Korean spa with a nice little restaurant. If you don't know what happens at a Korean spa - google it! I love the scrubs and could spend hours soaking and rotating to the various treatment rooms/saunas. I prefer the massages booked in the private room (after a scrub) but the easiest/cheapest option is the scrub/massage combo. A must try for those with an open mind and need for some pampering! Warning - full nude!
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Olympic Spa
3915 W Olympic BlvdWomen-only Korean spa with a nice little restaurant. If you don't know what happens at a Korean spa - google it! I love the scrubs and could spend hours soaking and rotating to the various treatment rooms/saunas. I prefer the massages booked in the private room (after a scrub) but the easiest/cheapest option is the scrub/massage combo. A must try for those with an open mind and need for some pampering! Warning - full nude!
Coed Korean Spa - this is a great activity for anyone up for adventure and willing to try something new! Google it for details. I recc for a night of pampering, people watching and a yummy Korean dinner! Bring a friend, family member or a significant other =)
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wi Spa
2700 Wilshire BlvdCoed Korean Spa - this is a great activity for anyone up for adventure and willing to try something new! Google it for details. I recc for a night of pampering, people watching and a yummy Korean dinner! Bring a friend, family member or a significant other =)
Sightseeing
Have you heard of the local cult? Google it ;) It's actually a gorgeous building owned by a celeb that hosts yoga, meditation, sound bath, dance, etc. community events. Think Burning Man hippies!
Full Circle
305 Rose AveHave you heard of the local cult? Google it ;) It's actually a gorgeous building owned by a celeb that hosts yoga, meditation, sound bath, dance, etc. community events. Think Burning Man hippies!
Arts & Culture
Great gallery nestled among the amazing boutiques on Abbot Kinney. The whole area is worth a stroll (or few!).
C.A.V.E. Gallery
55 N Venice BlvdGreat gallery nestled among the amazing boutiques on Abbot Kinney. The whole area is worth a stroll (or few!).
This street is worth a visit after eating at Gjusta - cute galleries and eclectic stores are popping up. Open to the public during the Venice Art Walk!
Curio by Anne Faith Nicholls
324 Sunset AveThis street is worth a visit after eating at Gjusta - cute galleries and eclectic stores are popping up. Open to the public during the Venice Art Walk!