The Best of Silver Lake
Updated: October 19, 2009
Posers, man. They're everywhere ... Sometimes they're even closer than you think. Full disclosure: I love the Eastside, but I do not live there. Still, I have noticed some noteworthy additions from Glendale Boulevard to Sunset Junction, and I'd like to add them to my "best of" list. OK? I've told you everything. I hope you're happy.
Lucky Number 13
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Resevoir
Read Reviews1700 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)
Just across from Spaceland and the actual reservoir, this Richard Neutra-house adjacent eatery marries perfect location for an upscale spot with a Grace and AOC-caliber pedigree. S. Irene didn't like it, but she never really likes anything.
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Spaceland
Read Reviews1717 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)
One of the most famous music venues in all the land. This crumbling Tudor institution is every indie rock fan's favorite, and it's easy to tell why. The acts are exciting, the location is appealing (apart from the parking situation), and, I mean ... It's SPACELAND.
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ReForm School
Read Reviews3902 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (map)
ReForm School rules! And now there's an extension called "Home Ec," devoted to, you guessed it--crafts! It's genius really ... Those who can't craft will just go back to the OG shop and buy everything from stationery to home decor. These peeps know how to work a theme. Hat's off.
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Red Lion Tavern
Read Reviews2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)
Some people have been boozing here for decades, others don't know a time before there was a line to get in, complete with a dude making decisions about who gets in to this year-round Oktoberfest celebration.
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Cha Cha Lounge
Read Reviews2375 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)
It's loud. It's rowdy and kinda red (as our photo indicates), and it feels very "Silver Lake." Whatever the rock that is. Expect a pretty fun crowd getting hammered after music shows and before heading to the taco trucks. Viva Silver Lake!
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Gingergrass
Read Reviews2396 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)
Glendale Boulevard's beloved Vietnamese diner is always hoppin'. And with good reason. The beer selection is great, the food is great, and the crowd's fun. This last quality makes a difference since you may be waiting in line outside with other patrons long enough to get to know each other.
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Mixville
Read Reviews2838 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)
Everybody's always calling this place "Edendale," which makes sense as its connected to the popular Edendale restaurant, but it's got it's own fun name and very different aesthetic. The bartenders are tops, there's a photo booth, an outdoor patio area and super-cool local musician sightings.
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Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea
Read Reviews3922 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)
Chi-Town's eco-friendly, top-quality import next to the famed Silver Lake Cheese Store is brimming with well-versed baristas serving brewed beans purchased from growers all over the world. It's an intelligent java for sure.
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El Tres Inn
Write a review4439 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)
Finally! Some good lodging in the heart of Sunset Junction. The fact that this artistic den is geared toward musicians should not be a stumbling block. Proximity to the divine El Chavo, recently revamped itself, is another selling point.
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Barbarella Bar
Read Reviews2609 N Hyperion Ave, Silver Lake, CA 90027 (map)
Good times for Jane Fonda, good times for you ... The locals love this retro watering hole with a modern sensibility. Think: snazzy without losing the authentic edge. Kinda like Fonda herself these days?
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Local
Read Reviews2943 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)
You know you haven't quite reached Echo Park yet when the cool kids are still friendly. Sunset Boulevard's tasty newish resident has a wide-ranging menu that suits both carnivores and herbivores, the lemonade is top-notch, and the patio people-watching is fun, too.
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The Kitchen
Read Reviews4348 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (map)
What's for dinner?! Comfort food classics, a notable burger and a decently representative cross-section of the community grant this kitchen "local institution" status.
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Bar Keeper
Write a review3910 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (map)
Hey, barkeep! Where'd you get all your cool glassware and cocktail accoutrements? Sunset Junction of course. OK, I don't know why "of course," but this stylish Eastside shop definitely fills a niche better than any of the larger, lifestyle shops around town.
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