The Best Wine Bars (and Restaurants With Real Wine Programs) on the Eastside

A Los Feliz local’s guide to where I actually drink wine.

Living on the Eastside — especially in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, or Atwater Village — means you’re surrounded by some of the most interesting, intimate, thoughtfully curated wine spots in Los Angeles. These are the places with personality, community, and just the right amount of Eastside edge.

As someone who lives in Los Feliz, spends a lot of time exploring the neighborhood, and helps people understand the lifestyle behind Los Feliz real estate, these are the places I personally go for a glass of wine, a great meal, and a night out that still feels local.

LOS FELIZ

1. Covell

Covell is a Los Feliz institution and one of the best wine bars in the city. No menu — just a conversation with the team, who will pour you something perfect. It’s warm, lived-in, and exactly what a neighborhood wine bar should feel like.

Why I love it:
• Excellent pours every time
• Grown-up, relaxed atmosphere
• A classic Los Feliz night

2. Wife and the Somm

This small, charming wine bar and shop in the Village is intimate, friendly, and rooted in the walkable Los Feliz lifestyle. They lean natural but keep things grounded and approachable.

Why I love it:
• Thoughtful, natural-leaning wines
• Small, cozy space
• Feels like a real neighborhood living room

3. Cara Bar (Cara Hotel, Los Feliz)

Elegant, calm, and architectural — Cara Bar is one of the most beautiful wine experiences in Los Feliz. With its serene courtyard, curated wine list, and design-forward interiors, it’s perfect for slower evenings.

Why I love it:
• Soft, beautiful atmosphere
• Elevated, curated wine program
• A hidden gem in the heart of Los Feliz

SILVER LAKE / EAST HOLLYWOOD

4. Little Ripper

This daytime café turns into a low-key natural-wine spot in the evenings. It’s tiny, friendly, and very Silver Lake — perfect for a casual glass before dinner.

Why I love it:
• Under-the-radar, intimate, local
• Fresh, interesting natural wines
• Ideal for the walkable Silver Lake lifestyle

5. Justine’s Wine Bar

A stylish, soft, moody wine bar with a curated list and beautiful atmosphere. Cozy inside, glowy at night — and exactly the kind of place Eastside locals tuck into.

Why I love it:
• Gorgeous interior
• Wonderful for date nights
• Feels like a neighborhood secret

6. Voodoo Vin

Bold, confident natural wine. A respected program with small plates that rotate and always impress. This is one of the Eastside’s most beloved wine-forward destinations.

Why I love it:
• One of LA’s best natural wine lists
• Creative, vibrant energy
• A treat for adventurous wine drinkers

7. Doto

Minimal, elegant, beautifully designed. Their wine list pairs perfectly with a sophisticated, seasonal menu. It feels polished but still deeply neighborhood-driven.

Why I love it:
• Thoughtful, refined wine pairings
• Calm, design-forward setting - open for breakfast, great for a little work lunch, and even has happy hour!
• Ideal for a more elevated night out

8. Tabula Rasa

Lively, warm, indie energy — Tabula Rasa has become an East Hollywood staple. They host events, bring in great wines, and keep things approachable and fun.

Why I love it:
• Great by-the-glass options
• Community feel
• Always a good vibe

9. Botanica

Botanica’s food is extraordinary, but their wine program is equally impressive — bright, Mediterranean-leaning, and curated with intention.

Why I love it:
• Food and wine pair beautifully
• Light, airy atmosphere
• Perfect for long dinners or celebrations

10. Melody Wine Bar

Indoor-outdoor, fun, casual, always interesting. Melody hosts pop-ups, pours natural wines, and keeps the energy relaxed.

Why I love it:
• Great community atmosphere
• Interesting wine lineup
• Perfect for weeknights with friends

11. Spina

One of my favorite restaurants in all of LA. is in Atwater Village - Spina is intimate, cozy, romantic, and has a beautifully curated Italian-leaning wine list that pairs perfectly with their handmade pasta. It feels like slipping into a warm European corner without leaving the Eastside.

Why I love it:
• Exceptional fresh pasta
• Elegant, personal, intimate
• A true Silver Lake / East Hollywood gem

12. Pizzana (Sunset)

Pizzana isn’t just about pizza — their wine program is excellent, and their Inkind perks + monthly free pizza offer make it a smart neighborhood go-to. Consistent, delicious, and perfect for pairing a glass of wine with great food.

Why I love it:
• Excellent wine specials
• Fresh pizza + pasta
• inkind perks + monthly free pizza (!!)
• Easy, fun, neighborhood-friendly

WHY THESE SPOTS MATTER

These places are more than wine bars — they shape the lifestyle of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and the greater Eastside. They’re part of the community fabric, the nightly rituals, the walkable culture, and the vibe that make people fall in love with these neighborhoods.

And as someone helping clients explore Los Feliz homes, Silver Lake hillside streets, Franklin Hills views, and Eastside neighborhoods, I can say confidently that people choose the Eastside for exactly this:
the intimate, local, creative way of living.

Related Readings:

Choosing a Los Feliz Neighborhood

Hidden Corners of Los Feliz

Exploring Los Feliz Architecture

The Oaks — Neighborhood Guide

Culture / Lifestyle landing page

Hidden Corners of Los Feliz: The Quiet Spots Only Locals Know

Hidden Corners of Los Feliz: The Quiet Spots Only Locals Know

Los Feliz has its lively moments — the cafés, the Village, the walk up to the Observatory — but some of the best parts of living in Los Feliz happen in the quiet corners neighbors know by heart. These tucked-away spots show a different side of the community: calm, scenic, and full of the details that make Los Feliz neighborhoods so loved.

This guide highlights the hidden overlooks, stair streets, and off-the-path walks that locals treasure — and that quietly reveal what it feels like to call this area home.

1. The Little Overlook Above Vermont Canyon

Just above the Vermont Canyon tennis courts, a short dirt spur leads to a small overlook with open views and evening light. It’s close to everything, yet it feels like its own world.

Why locals love it:
• Breezy, peaceful, and uncrowded
• Soft sunset light over the hills
• A quiet moment just steps from the Village

Places like this are part of why Los Feliz hillside homes have such enduring appeal — nature and neighborhood blended together.

2. Franklin Hills Stair Streets

Franklin Hills is full of historic stair streets — Radio Walk, Prospect Walk, Earl Street — each offering a charming mix of architecture, plants, and views from angles you can’t see from the road.

Why locals love them:
• Great everyday movement
• Architectural variety on every step
• Neighborhood views at the top

These stair streets reflect the character of Franklin Hills homes: elevated, charming, tucked into the hills, and uniquely walkable.

3. The Lower Observatory Loop

Away from the main trail, the lower path around the Observatory hill is shaded, gentle, and surprisingly quiet. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the neighborhood’s connection to Griffith Park.

Why locals love it:
• Less crowded than the main walk
• Gentle incline
• Consistent canyon views

This area is part of what makes Los Feliz one of LA’s most walkable hillside neighborhoods.

4. The Village Triangle Back Walk

Behind the busiest blocks of the Village is a small triangle of residential streets — Finley, Kismet, Hillhurst — that feels calm and tree-lined even as life buzzes one street over.

Why locals love it:
• Architecture-rich residential pocket
• Shade and quiet
• Perfect for a 10–15 minute reset

It’s a great example of the blend of culture and quiet that defines Los Feliz lifestyle living.

5. Hidden Benches in Fern Dell

Fern Dell’s quieter pockets sit just beyond the main entrance. Two small benches along the creek area offer deep shade, water sounds, and a peaceful break from the day.

Why locals love it:
• Cool and shaded
• Nature sounds
• A break from the city without leaving the neighborhood

Hidden spots like this are part of why homes near Griffith Park remain so desirable — easy access to calm, natural spaces.

Why These Spots Matter

These hidden corners reveal some of the most authentic parts of Los Feliz neighborhood life — the stair streets, the overlook views, the shaded paths, the calm pockets in the middle of the city. They’re the places residents visit again and again, the places that make people fall in love with the area, and the places that help explain why Los Feliz real estate remains consistently sought-after.

If you ever want a walking route tailored to your street or a deeper look at your favorite pocket of the neighborhood, I’m always happy to help.

Related Reading:

• Choosing a Los Feliz Neighborhood
• Exploring Los Feliz Architecture
• The Oaks — Neighborhood Guide

4 Design Trends That Will Define 2026 (And What’s Out)

By a Los Feliz real estate agent specializing in design-forward homes.

Design trends don’t materialize out of nowhere. They react to what homeowners crave, what feels comforting, and what finally feels dated. And after a decade of near-identical white kitchens and fast furniture, the pendulum has swung — hard.

Across Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and the Eastside, I’m seeing the same shift over and over again during walkthroughs, buyer tours, and pre-listing consults: 2026 will be the year people choose warmth, texture, history, and craft.

Below are the four trends that will define 2026 — plus the styles buyers are quietly (or loudly) turning away from.

1. Warm, Natural Textures & Materials

The era of clinical minimalism has officially run its course. Homeowners are moving toward materials that feel grounding and tactile: wood, stone, limewash, handmade tile, linen, boucle, and textured plaster.

These surfaces age well, hide wear, and give homes a “lived-in luxury” feel — the kind Los Feliz buyers respond to immediately.

How to bring this into your home:

• Replace high-gloss paint with a soft matte or limewash finish

• Add a natural fiber rug (jute, sisal, or wool)

• Swap chrome hardware for aged brass or bronze

• Add a wood accent: a warm oak bench, butcher-block island, or walnut console

Why it matters in Los Feliz:

Hillside homes and older Spanish Revivals look best when the materials feel connected to California — grounded, sun-warmed, and natural. Buyers rarely use the word “texture”… but they always feel it.

What’s OUT for 2026:

❌ high-gloss lacquer finishes
❌ smooth white walls with zero texture
❌ bright white marble look-alikes

2. Vintage Pieces and the Rise of “Collected Style”

Fast furniture is on the decline. Vintage is having a moment not because it’s trendy, but because it adds depth and soul instantly.

Los Feliz homeowners are mixing heirloom wood pieces, sculptural mid-century finds, and thrifted accessories into otherwise modern interiors.

Buyers consistently comment on homes that feel “collected” instead of “staged.”

How to bring this into your home:

• Pick one vintage hero piece (a chair, console, or mirror)

• Use one-off ceramics or art books instead of mass-market accessories

• Shop local: Los Feliz Flea, Silverlake Flea, Pasadena Antique Mall

Why it matters in Los Feliz:

Character-rich neighborhoods deserve interiors that match the soul of the architecture. Vintage pieces ground newer renovations and keep them from feeling flat or generic.

What’s OUT for 2026:

❌ matching bedroom sets
❌ furniture purchased as complete “collections”
❌ mass-produced decor with faux patina

3. Handmade, Heritage & Artisan Craft

Craft is back — and it’s not subtle.

Homeowners are investing in small-batch ceramics, handmade tiles, woven light fixtures, artisan wallpaper, carved stone basins, and anything with story + skill.

This aligns with the bigger shift toward sustainability and personal expression. Modern buyers can spot cheap materials instantly — and they respond emotionally to quality.

How to bring this into your home:

• Replace one fixture with a handmade pendant

• Add a ceramic table lamp with visible texture

• Install a backsplash with zellige or clay tiles

• Swap wall art for a textile or fiber piece

Why it matters in Los Feliz:

Homes here — especially in The Oaks, Franklin Hills, and Los Feliz Village — were built during eras that valued craftsmanship. Incorporating artisan elements gives even a modest bungalow a sense of intentionality.

What’s OUT for 2026:

❌ flimsy, mass-produced lighting
❌ big-box decor “walls of sameness”
❌ fake-industrial furniture

4. The Slow Decline of Glossy White Everything

The all-white trend dominated from 2012 through 2022, held on through 2023, and is finally losing its grip.

What’s replacing it?

• soft neutrals

• muted tones

• earth-driven palettes

• rooms with depth, shadow, and tonal variation

High-gloss cabinetry and polished white quartz countertops now signal an older renovation.

How to bring this into your home:

• Introduce taupe, sand, mushroom, or greige

• Add wood shelving to break up a stark kitchen

• Replace part of a backsplash with textured tile

• Blend black + brass metals for balance

Why it matters in Los Feliz:

Buyers consistently respond more strongly to kitchens and baths with warmth and depth. These spaces photograph better and feel more expensive in person.

What’s OUT for 2026:

❌ all-white shaker kitchens
❌ glossy cabinetry
❌ cold LED lighting
❌ white quartz with gray veining

So What Does This Mean for Los Feliz Homeowners?

A home doesn’t need a full renovation to feel current. The trend you’ll see throughout 2026 is quiet luxury — warmth, texture, authenticity, and a sense of personal history.

These shifts help a home live better and sell better.

If you want to update without a remodel:

• Choose one space (entry, kitchen, or primary bedroom)

• Layer in warmth + texture

• Add one vintage anchor piece

• Introduce handmade elements

• Reduce white gloss and increase natural materials

Buyers don’t need a perfect home — they respond to homes that feel intentional.

What’s Out for 2026 (The Quick List)

• all-white interiors

• furniture “sets”

• cold modern minimalism

• shiny surfaces

• staging that looks generic

• fast furniture

• LED “daylight” bulbs

• faux-industrial decor

Wrap-Up

Los Feliz has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to design. These 2026 trends simply bring homeowners back to what California architecture has always done well: warmth, texture, materials, and intention.

If you’re updating your home — or preparing to sell — design choices matter. They influence how your home photographs, how it feels during a showing, and how buyers emotionally connect to it.

For more local insights, here’s my guide to Los Feliz real estate advice →

💬 Why Locals Never Leave Los Feliz

It’s not just a neighborhood — it’s a feeling.

Los Feliz isn’t the kind of place you pass through on the way to somewhere else. It’s the kind of place people find and never want to leave.

Ask anyone who’s lived here for more than a year and you’ll hear the same things: the walks, the trees, the sense of community, the quiet hum of creativity. Maybe it’s the architecture. Maybe it’s the Sunday morning routine. Maybe it’s that everyone has a favorite coffee shop, a favorite street, and a dog that knows every inch of the park.

There’s no single reason people stay — but here are a few of the ones that come up again and again.

🌳 You Can Still Take a Walk and Clear Your Head

Between Griffith Park trails, the residential hills of The Oaks, and Vermont’s tree-lined sidewalks, Los Feliz is one of the rare LA neighborhoods that makes walking a joy, not a chore. Even just a quick loop through the Franklin Hills or a slow stroll past the vintage homes in Laughlin Park feels like a reset.

“I can walk to get coffee, walk to the farmers market, walk to pick up my kid from preschool. That’s the magic.”
— Catherine, resident since 2016

🐾 Everyone Has a Dog, and Everyone’s Dog Has Friends

From Griffith Park’s off-leash area to the patio at All Time, Los Feliz is built for dogs — and the people who love them. (Don’t believe us? We rounded up 7 Dog-Friendly Spots Locals Actually Use.)

It’s common to know your neighbors by their dog's name first.

“We joke that our Doberman has a better social life than we do. She’s a regular at Skylight and HomeState.”
— Marcus, resident since 2020

🧠 It’s Artistic, But Grounded

There’s a reason so many writers, musicians, architects, and designers quietly call Los Feliz home. The vibe is creative without being performative. It’s not about being seen — it’s about being home.

“We’ve lived in New York, San Francisco, even Topanga. But Los Feliz is the only place where life feels inspiring and easy.”
— Rami & Taylor, residents since 2018

🏘️ The Homes Have Character — and Stories

From Spanish Revivals in The Oaks to hidden modernist gems by Gregory Ain and John Lautner, the architecture in Los Feliz isn’t just pretty — it’s layered with history. Some of LA’s most iconic Old Hollywood homes are tucked into these hills. Take a drive through The Oaks and you’ll see what we mean.

“We didn’t just buy a house — we bought a story. And we’re still writing it.”
— Nina, resident since 2010

☕ Your Coffee Shop Knows Your Order — and Your Dog’s Name

Whether you’re a regular at Maru, Dinosaur, or a once-a-week Courage delivery person, Los Feliz runs on caffeine and community. Every spot has its people. Every order has its ritual.

And yes — someone will hold your table if you forgot to order the pastry first.

📍 Why People Stay

Los Feliz is the kind of neighborhood that makes you feel known — even when no one says a word. It’s LA, but quieter. Historic, but alive. Walkable, but full of hidden corners. It’s not for everyone — and that’s kind of the point.

Thinking about calling Los Feliz home?
Explore the neighborhood or read what buyers and sellers wish they knew sooner →

The Eastside Pizza Trail

From Hot Honey to Wood-Fired Perfection — Here’s Where to Go When the Craving Hits

The Eastside may be better known for tacos, but make no mistake — we know our pizza. Whether you’re after a crispy square with just the right burn or a Neapolitan-style pie you eat with a fork (but never do), this stretch of Los Angeles delivers.

This trail isn’t meant to be completed in a day — it’s more of a choose-your-own-carb adventure. Some are old favorites. Others are still under the radar. All of them are worth a spot in your weekly rotation.

🧀 Hail Mary Pizza — Atwater Village

Classic, funky, wood-fired perfection. A neighborhood anchor with creative seasonal toppings and a natural wine list to match. Bonus: You can sit at the counter and watch the oven do its thing.

→ Don’t miss: The tomato pie with fresh mozzarella, and literally anything with anchovy

🔥 Pizzana — Silver Lake

Brentwood imports don’t always work east of the 101, but Pizzana earned its spot fast. Neo-Neapolitan with a sourdough crust and a devoted fan base.

→ Don’t miss: The Cacio e Pepe pizza. Trust us.

🍯 Triple Beam — Highland Park

Roman-style slabs sold by the inch. The vibe is casual, the crust is crunchy, and you’ll wish you ordered more.

→ Don’t miss: The spicy soppressata with hot honey
→ Pro tip: Order next door at Hippo if you need a little something extra — and don’t sleep on the wine shop across the way.

🐄 D Town Pizza — Echo Park

Detroit-style and unapologetic. Super cheesy, perfectly greasy, and worth the wait. Grab a beer at Sunset Beer Co. afterward to balance things out.

→ Don’t miss: The pepperoni square and cheesy bread (it’s basically a meal)

🍕 Tomato Pie — Los Feliz

The longtime local. Nostalgic New York slices with Eastside attitude. Great for a late-night bite or a no-fuss takeout order that always hits.

→ Don’t miss: The white pie with spinach and roasted garlic

✨ Bonus: Secret Pizza at El Prado

Yes, the beloved wine bar in Echo Park serves pizza after 9 p.m. It’s not on the menu. You just have to know. Now you do.

🐶 7 Dog-Friendly Spots in Los Feliz (That Locals Actually Use)

My girl, Lennon

7 Dog-Friendly Spots in Los Feliz (That Locals Actually Use)

Los Feliz is one of the most walkable, pet-loving neighborhoods in Los Angeles — but not every “dog-friendly” spot lives up to the hype. If you’re a local, you know your pup deserves more than just a water bowl on the sidewalk. Here’s where Los Feliz dog owners actually go, based on real neighborhood favorites.

1. Griffith Park Trails (Vermont Canyon Entrance)

The Vermont Canyon entrance to Griffith Park offers miles of shady trails perfect for morning walks. Start near the Greek Theatre and loop up to the Observatory for city views, or stick to the flatter fire roads for an easy stroll. Pro tip: Bring extra water — the park fountains aren’t always reliable.
Leash rules: Officially leashed, but wide open spaces make for easy walking.

2. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Patio (Hillhurst & Franklin)

This corner location is practically an unofficial dog meet-up. Shaded tables, friendly baristas, and a constant stream of pups make it ideal for social dogs.
What locals love: Staff often bring out water bowls without being asked.

3. The Dog Park at Silver Lake Reservoir

Okay, it’s not technically Los Feliz, but the quick drive is worth it. The small and large dog enclosures give pups plenty of space to run leash-free.
When to go: Early mornings before it gets crowded, or late afternoons for cooler temps.

4. Alcove Café Patio

One of the neighborhood’s most popular brunch spots doubles as a dog-friendly hangout. The sprawling patio means your dog isn’t stuck under your chair, and servers are quick with water bowls.
Best time: Weekdays — weekends get packed.

5. Barnsdall Art Park

While not an off-leash spot, Barnsdall’s grassy hills and sweeping views make it a great place for a calm, leashed walk. Sunset picnics here are a neighborhood tradition.
Insider note: Dogs aren’t allowed inside the historic buildings, but you can wander the grounds freely.

6. Bru Coffeebar

This boutique coffee shop on Hoover has a small but very dog-welcoming patio. It’s less crowded than Hillhurst spots and perfect for working remotely with your pup in tow.

7. Tailwaggers Los Feliz

More than just a pet supply store — it’s a hub for dog owners. Whether you need a quick nail trim, new treats, or just a dog biscuit on your walk, this spot delivers.

Moving to Los Feliz With a Dog?

The right home makes all the difference for both you and your pup. If you’re looking for homes in Los Feliz with fenced yards, walkable streets, and easy access to these spots, I can help you find the perfect fit.

• Driving Through The Oaks Tells the Story

• Laughlin Park: Los Feliz's Exclusive Gated Community

Many of my Los Feliz homebuyers prioritize walkability, parks, and pet-friendly streets when choosing a home. As a top Los Feliz realtor focused on lifestyle and design-forward homes, I regularly help clients compare micro-neighborhoods based on the dog-friendly amenities highlighted here.

Click here for Los Feliz real estate advice

Best Bagel Shops on the Eastside of Los Angeles (That Are Actually Worth the Hype)

Let’s just admit it — LA’s bagel renaissance is real, and the Eastside is leading the charge. Whether you're team wood-fired or just here for the schmear, these are the spots worth walking to, waiting for, or ordering from.

As a Silver Lake local, I walk to Maury’s and get Courage delivered — because yes, the line really is that long.

1. Maury’s Bagels – Silver Lake

Bright, salty, chewy — this is the neighborhood bagel shop I walk to. The smoked fish is unmatched, and the counter staff have just the right amount of East Coast edge. If you're house hunting nearby, you’ll find it’s the stop after morning showings.

Neighborhood: Silver Lake (Sunset Junction)
Pro Tip: Whitefish salad on a sesame. And a pickle.

2. Courage Bagels – Virgil Village

The hype is real. These Montreal-style beauties come wood-fired, open-faced, and stacked with seasonal California toppings. The tomato bagel alone has its own fan base. I get mine delivered — not because I don’t love a good sidewalk chat, but because that line is no joke.

Neighborhood: Virgil Village / East Hollywood
Pro Tip: Order online before you’re even hungry.

3. Belle’s Bagels – Highland Park

A Highland Park hero. This walk-up window cranks out chewy, boiled bagels with attitude — and the pastrami egg & cheese should have its own IMDB page. A favorite for anyone who has “coffee and a bagel” listed as a lifestyle choice.

Neighborhood: Highland Park (York Blvd.)
Pro Tip: Go early — they sell out fast.

4. Yeastie Boys – Echo Park + Silver Lake (Truck)

Look, it’s a vibe. Funky branding, wild topping combos, and a rotating set of Eastside stops make this the wild card of the bunch. Not your traditional deli bagel, but the energy is pure LA.

Neighborhood: Varies (often Echo Park / Silver Lake)
Pro Tip: Follow them on IG for the daily truck location.

5. Brooklyn Bagel – Los Feliz / Atwater Village

Old-school and under-the-radar. You go here when you want a no-frills, New York-style bagel and coffee without a wait. Not flashy — but that’s the point.

Neighborhood: Atwater Village / Los Feliz border
Pro Tip: Grab a dozen on Sunday. You’ll thank yourself Monday.

🗺️ Want the Map?

We made a cartoon-style Eastside Bagel Trail Map to go with this post — perfect for printing, saving, or just planning your next carb crawl.
([Map link will go here once generated])

More from us:

• Dog-Friendly Spots in Los Feliz

• Culture Landing Page

• Driving Through The Oaks

Many of my Los Feliz homebuyers ask about the neighborhood’s food and walkability, which is why lifestyle posts like this matter when people are choosing where to live. As a Los Feliz real estate agent who specializes in lifestyle-driven neighborhoods and architectural homes, I see these spots influence what buyers value most.

Click here for Los Feliz real estate advice

Insider's Guide: Locals and visitors to Los Feliz looking for the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

The Best Kept Secrets in Los Feliz

If you're looking for the best places to eat, drink, and explore in Los Feliz, look no further! This insider's guide will give you the scoop on all the best-kept secrets in this vibrant neighborhood. From hidden gems like Cafe Stella to well-known favorites like Silverlake Wine, there's something for everyone in Los Feliz. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring!

Cafe Stella - A Hidden Gem

If you're in the mood for some truly exceptional French fare, head to Cafe Stella. This hidden gem is tucked away on a quiet street in Los Feliz, but don't let its location fool you - Cafe Stella draws a crowd every night of the week. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely meal or a quick bite, Cafe Stella is sure to please. And be sure to save room for dessert - the chocolate mousse is out of this world!

Lou Wine Shop Natural and Unusual Wine

No matter what your wine preference may be, you'll find something to suit your taste at Lou Wine. This local favorite offers an impressive selection of wines from all over the world, as well as a knowledgeable staff who are always happy to help you find the perfect bottle. In addition to their great selection of wine, Lou Wine also offers a small menu of appetizers and charcuterie boards - perfect for snacking while you sip!

Skylight Books - A Cultural Destination

Located in the heart of Los Feliz Village, Skylight Books is much more than just your average bookstore. In addition to offering a wide variety of books, both new and used, Skylight Books hosts events ranging from author readings and book signings to poetry readings and live music. It's also adjacent to El Cid, one of the best live music venues in Los Angeles, making it the perfect place to start (or end) your evening out on the town.

Conclusion:

Los Feliz is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and there's no better way to experience it than by exploring all it has to offer. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to check out these hidden gems next time you're in the area. Bon appetit!

Los Feliz locals spill their secrets

If you're looking for a cool, hip neighborhood in Los Angeles, you can't go wrong with Los Feliz. This laid-back community has everything you could want, from great coffee shops and trendy restaurants to scenic hiking trails and adorable boutiques. But where do the locals go when they want to enjoy all that Los Feliz has to offer? We asked around and here are some of our favorite hidden gems.

Coffee Commissary - Big Bear Natural Foods

If you're a coffee lover, you need to check out Coffee Commissary. This organic coffee shop is located inside of Big Bear Natural Foods, a health food store that's been serving the Los Feliz community for over 20 years. The coffee is roasted in small batches and there are always new and interesting flavors to try. Even better, it's affordably priced and the staff is always friendly.

Oaks Gourmet Market & Deli

Looking for a great place to grab lunch? You can't go wrong with Oaks Gourmet Market & Deli. This casual eatery serves up fresh sandwiches, salads, and pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients. The portions are large enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite, but not so big that you'll feel guilty afterwards. And if you have any dietary restrictions, they're more than happy to accommodate. Just ask!

Skylight Books

No visit to Los Feliz would be complete without stopping by Skylight Books, one of the best independent bookstores in the city. In addition to an extensive selection of both new and used books, they also host readings and other events on a regular basis. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing for your next great read.

There's no shortage of things to do in Los Feliz, but sometimes it's nice to venture off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems that only locals know about. From great coffee and tasty deli sandwiches to charming bookstores and scenic hiking trails, there's something for everyone in this vibrant LA neighborhood. So next time you're looking for something new to do, don't hesitate to ask a local for their recommendations. You might just find your new favorite spot!

P22 - LA's Most Famous Mountain Lion

P-22 is alive and well and living in Los Feliz

In the northern end of Los Feliz lies Griffith Park, the second largest urban park in California with over 4,000 acres of land. The park is home to only one mountain lion known as P-22 and it was originally spotted in the surrounding park area around February 2012. The lion is suspected to have arrived from nearby Santa Monica Mountains, which meant it would have had to travel over 20 miles with some of that distance across highways 101 and 405.

Within the last four months the lion has been struggling against mange, a parasitic skin disease that causes hair loss and infections. Scientists used trail cameras located in areas across the park to investigate how P-22 contracted the illness, and it turns out the mountain lion was living with an infestation of mites. Scientists treated the lion for mange as well as rodenticide poisoning, as rodenticide can travel within a food chain and build up within top predators.

P-22 is still able to successfully hunt and gather food on its own, but it will require attention to make sure a relapse of the illnesses do not occur. Scientists and park rangers are keeping tabs on his location with a GPS tracker as well as using park cameras to observe the lion’s fur growth and movement. Due to the potential dangers to wildlife, consumers will no longer be able to purchase higher doses of rodenticide starting in July. Scientists have even suspected that the chemicals found in rodenticide can increase the vulnerability of animals to mange or other illnesses.

 The mountain lion, P-22, is providing scientists with data on how a lion species survives within Griffith park, but at the same time, P-22 is reminding the community of Los Feliz the delicate balance of wildlife living within the middle of Los Angeles. Los Feliz and nearby cities, such as Glendale, understand the importance of protecting wildlife environments. With P-22 recovering from its illnesses, the community can set this event as a precedent for future improvements upon ensuring the safety of natural habitats for both humans and animals.

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How to Hike to the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park

Wanna great view of the city, the behind the scenes look at the sign, and be kinda back to nature in the city?

Here's how to hike the trail through Griffith Park to the Hollywood sign and hopefully get a good view of the city, that is, if the Southern California smog cooperates.

As with everywhere else in SoCal, you first have to drive to the trail. Unless you live in the heart of West Hollywood, take the 10 West to the 101 and exit Gower Street. Turn right onto Beachwood and keep driving north until you see a small sign for the Hollyridge Trail. Get here early so you have a place to park.

This is another short, easy hike that can be completed in less than an hour. Still, be sure to bring water because it can get very warm on the hike up into the hills.

Shortly after the trail begins, it splits. The main road will continue straight, but the trail will continue left around the bend. Make sure to stay left here and head up the trail.

The trail will split again and you can see the Hollywood sign on your left. Though it seems like going left toward the sign would make sense, go right at this split where the road ends. This will be about the halfway point, and the views will unfold all around you, from Downtown Los Angeles to the coast.

Unfortunately, the closest you can legally get to the sign is a few feet up behind it, behind a chain link fence. Maybe I should have specified and said this was a hike to the back of the Hollywood sign… Either way, the best of the hike is probably the views.

Most of us are SoCal natives anyway and the Hollywood sign is something of a cliché, but views, especially views of L.A., are a rarity.

The hike does create a sense of scale that you can’t get from a picture. Each letter is easily 100 feet tall, and standing up behind them it’s impressive to think they’ve been standing and weathering wind, sun and rain since August 1978. And before that, the original letters stood for 57 years and endured vandalism and pranks throughout the ‘80s before being replaced.

The letters are now a cultural and historical monument for the City of Los Angeles, but have become synonymous with the Southern California region and the state as a whole.