Eastside Edge: L.A. Guide to Echo Park

1800 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

Its name might be a Spanish word for the corn dough in tamales, but this homey neighborhood joint is all about Italian (by way of Chicago) pies. The deep-dish pizza is what they're known for, but there's also plenty to gawk at from the bakery case filled with French delicacies.

1559 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

Another favorite taking its cues from the local Latino flava (its name means "monkey" in Spanish), this gritty caffeine haunt offers a serious selection of java, loose leaf teas and packaged goodies. Grab a seat alongside the mural-splashed wall outside and try not to stare at that girl with the five nose rings and fuschia-colored hair.

1822 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

For the heavy herd of artists, musicians, writers and other self-involved "hipsters," this after-dark hangout is ground zero for mainstream-free music. After all, being surrounded by dusty floors, sticky vinyl booths and mirrored walls is the only way to get your groove on.

1558 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

A classic dive bar in every sense (narrow space, red neon and green Christmas lights, sticky leather booths and popcorn machine included), this is where hardcore locals head for friendly bartenders, potent drinks and a ridiculously eclectic jukebox.

1455 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

With three separate rooms (including one devoted to pool, another to dancing), this perpetually busy watering hole is where Silver Lake, Los Feliz and Echo Park cool-kids pass themselves off as regular folks, and slumming-it Westsiders try to pass themselves off as Eastsiders.

2157 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

One part vintage shop, one part indie designer boutique, this affordable clothing outlet specializes in casual threads and party duds from the 1960s through 1980s. It's also where you can find that perfect pimp-style hat you've been searching for.

3816 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

A Sunset Junction perennial, this sassy vintage clothing shop serves up treats for man, woman and child at friendly prices. Clothing dates from the turn-of-the-century up through the 1970s, with a focus on the classic mid-century era. (You know, to go with that Eames knockoff in your living room.)

1555 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

Where else could the mad stylings of Ms. Havisham be so appreciated than in this flouncy (and appropriately musty) boutique where Victorian-inspired duds like old prom dresses and everyday wear evoke ghosts of ladies past? Young chicks in old lady clothes really do rule.

1104 Mohawk St, Echo Park, CA 90026 (map)

This Victorian house-turned-modern boutique decked out in vintage lamps, life-sized mermaids and creepy-cute knick-knacks is where to find an eclectic selection of special occasion attire and novel treats for your inner magpie.

3218 1/2 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)

May the force be with you: Echo Park Avenue's inventive jeweler purveys bling so universally cool, so unbearably badass that everyone from Brad Pitt to Snoop can't resist the charms. (Yeah, that's a 3D ghost ship and gold ghetto blaster around my neck. Now what?)