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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sporanza
A dinner only Italian neighbourhood bistro where you’ll want to sit out on the patio and enjoy the atmosphere.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Little Pine
A 100% Vegan restaurant started by electronic musician and animal rights activist Moby. This place is what vegan dreams are made of.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MatchaBar
For all things matcha including lattes & sweet treats, this right here is the place.
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.
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.
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.
Forage
A little family-owned eatery serving up local & seasonal Californian dishes for dine-in or takeout.
Roo
A newly opened Aussie cafe that’s taking Silver Lake where you can pick up a beverage and small & simple bites to eat.
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.
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.
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.
Creatures of Comfort
A New York fashion & lifestyle store which houses a mix of cool and contemporary brands alongside its own in-house collection.
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.
Clare V
For cute & colourful bags and accessories.
More tips for Los Angeles
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.
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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 =))))