Jordan’s East Los Angeles City Guide

Our California stylist, Jordan, put together a city guide to help you explore the best of Los Angeles’ East Side!

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If you aren’t already aware, LA is very spread out. The best advice I’ve heard for visitors is from Claire Vivier, who said: “Everyone should know not to take a meeting in Santa Monica and a meeting downtown or in Silverlake on the same day. Nor should they try to visit the beach and Hollywood on the same day…nor the Broad and the Getty on the same day…you get the picture. The best advice is to stay on one side of town per day.” Here are my suggestions for the East Side of LA, where I reside. It’s a lively part of Los Angeles, with excellent dining and shopping and feels more urban than the West Side.

SHOPPING

Established in Silverlake by husband-and-wife Kevin and Bo Carney, the Japanese-inspired Mohawk General Store offers an impressive roster of international designer labels for women and men, as well as their in-house line, “SMOCK.” In the neighboring men’s and women’s stores, expect to find carefully curated and modern pieces, along with beautiful home goods. The women’s shop carries brands such as MM6, Acne, Dries Van Noten, Pleats Please by Issay Miyake, Lauren Manoogian, Lemaire, Jacquemus, and more. In the men’s store, you’ll find brands such as Bode, Dries Van Noten, Engineered Garments, Auralee, Carhartt WIP, and more.

Lake was established in 2007 by Melissa Lovoy in the heart of Silverlake. The unpretentious, sunny space is home to brands such as Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Nili Lotan, Citizens of Humanity, and Seur. They also have a nicely refined selection of jewelry and gifts. The friendly staff makes it an even more enjoyable shopping experience.

After Lake, grab a coffee next door at LAMILL and walk just down the street to the OK store, a small but superbly curated shop for anyone with a love for design. I go there for gifts but inevitably also leave with something for my home. Don’t skip over the amazing jewelry! They have two other locations on the Westside.

A little further north is Broome St. General, a family-owned and operated business since 2010 with a delicious coffee bar, fun trinkets, beautiful and sustainable home goods, and an exceptional apothecary selection. Broome St. General is a one-stop shop where it’s impossible to leave empty-handed. They also have a pop-up at Platform in Culver City, which is NOT located on the East Side of LA, but it would feel wrong if I didn’t tell you about it just for that reason.

Platform is worth the drive to Culver City. It’s home to many independent brands. Make sure to stop in Teller, which carries brands such as Donni., STAUD, by Malene Birger, Matteau, Dear Francis, and more. It’s clean and modern and the place to go when you feel like shopping for chic and modern neutral-toned clothing. When you inevitably feel hungry from shopping, stay for a bite at Roberta’s. The pizza never disappoints.

If you’re shopping for kids, stop into Yolk. Yolk has a wonderful array of quality toys, kids' clothing, and fun housewares. Farther east in Highland Park, there’s Merci Milo, the sweetest family-run artisanal toy shop hidden away in an old carriage house. They offer handmade unique toys and accessories from local artisans, traditional toy makers, and global brands. They also have a great selection of nostalgia toys that always get us adults sentimental.

DINING

Bestia pioneered the Arts District in Downtown LA and remains as popular today as it was when it opened. The restaurant serves delicious Italian food that hasn’t changed much since the beginning, and why would it? It's always bustling and the best place to people-watch. Make a reservation ahead of time to secure your spot.

Sushi Gen is a Little Tokyo gem that has been around for ages and is one of LA’s great sushi institutions. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait a bit as it is still extremely popular. The casual vibe, lively atmosphere, and extensive sushi menu make it a must-visit. Don’t be surprised if you make friends with the person sitting next to you at the sushi bar.

Found Oyster is a fun daytime establishment with a delicious raw seafood menu. They offer good “filler” options like fries, fresh bread and butter, and a trout dip to die for. They also have a great natural wine list. While you might have to wait a little for a table, you can hang out and order a bottle with friends to make the time go by faster, or grab a coffee next door. It’s mostly outdoor seating, which is why I suggest visiting during the daytime. Believe it or not, LA can get chilly at night!

Hippo is the go-to spot for almost all of our friends and acquaintances. Described as playfully unserious, it has a super high ceiling, big flower murals, and a great cocktail list. It's a fun time, but the food is also really good! The vibe may not be serious, but the house-made noodles are.

If you’re traveling with kids, try Bub and Grandma's for excellent sandwiches. Restaurants and cafes all over Los Angeles get their bread from there! Kids and parents alike love HomeState for its casual and fun outdoor space, and good TexMex. Another great outdoor space can be found at Salazar, which serves delicious tacos made with hand-made tortillas on-site.

ACTIVITES

Barnsdall Art Park is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, located on top of Olive Hill with beautiful views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Visitors inside the Hollyhock House are transported to Los Angeles in the early 1920s, and the park itself is buzzing with activity. Make sure to check the website for upcoming events! 

Griffith Park is a fantastic option on a beautiful day, offering plenty of shaded picnic areas, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Check the website to plan your visit! If you’re up for it, hike from Ferndell picnic area up Firebreak Trail to the Griffith Observatory. The observatory offers beautiful views of Los Angeles, a planetarium (you might remember this from the movie La La Land) where there’s a live show every sixty to ninety minutes, loads of displays, and even more hiking. Note that you can also drive here if you don’t feel like hiking.

PLACES TO STAY

Aside from Downtown Los Angeles, the Eastside of LA doesn’t have many notable hotels. Cara Hotel is one of the few, and it is everything you would want from an Eastside hotel—extremely elegant and relaxed. Their restaurant serves restrained seasonal California fare, and if you enjoy your meal on the patio, you'll be surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in the heart of Silverlake, stay at Silverlake Pool & Inn. It's a small urban oasis with an airy and organic aesthetic. The hotel is a short walk from fantastic restaurants, independent shops, galleries, and cafes. If you don't feel like leaving the hotel for your meal or want to start the night with an aperitivo, check out their own trattoria—Marco Polo—serving Milan-inspired dishes with local California ingredients.

Hotel Covell is an independent boutique hotel with suites that feel like apartments. For that reason, it has become a favorite of those working in the music, film, and television industries while in Los Angeles. If you are a wine drinker, do not miss their renowned wine bar, Bar Covell.

Downtown LA Proper is known for its gorgeous interior, designed by Kelly Wearstler. There are three excellent restaurants here: Downstairs, run by a James Beard Award-winning team of chefs who offer Portuguese-inspired Caldo Verde; Dahlia, the speakeasy bar; and the rooftop restaurant, Cara Cara, which is the place to be at sundown. There’s also a pool up there!

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Whether you're exploring the eclectic shops of Silverlake, indulging in the diverse culinary scene, or immersing yourself in the history and art of the city’s iconic landmarks, Jordan’s East Side city guide has something for everyone!

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