Uptown Whittier: L.A.'s Hidden Historic 'Hood

6724 Bright Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

This inventive Spanish tapas and small plates restaurant and wine bar is a little taste of Spain with a modern L.A. twist (minus all the attitude). Added bonus: the meatballs are by far some of the best you'll ever have.

7011 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602 (map)

Tucked away behind green awning and an unassuming exterior, this warm and relaxed ethnic eatery feels more like a friend's home than an exotic food stop where you can find more than 120 traditional Burmese dishes.

6560 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Folks can get everything from a traditional banana-berry and Nutella dessert crepe to a savory stuffed green chili and chicken savory version, but those not in the mood for the thin pancake can choose from the extensive menu of salads, sandwiches, pastas and grilled meats.

6740 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

As Uptown Whittier's "it" bar, this joint attracts locals with its friendly vibe, enticing pub menu and wide selection of bottled and draft beers.

6746 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

It might seem fancy-shmancy what with the extravagantly decorated interior with Renaissance-inspired murals, white pillars and hanging lights, but this Italian dining spot is a truly casual neighborhood hang.

6757 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Blast from the past: This retro diner presents classic diner fare like burgers and fries, chicken fried steak, giant breakfast platters, sundaes and jukebox tunes.

13119 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Uptown's popular Japanese joint serves up sushi and sashimi classics as well as a few house specialties like the Brian Roll (soft shell crab, shrimp, rice, and seaweed with a spicy cream sauce).

6735 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

This quaint, bustling cafe features charming umbrellas gathered along the sidewalk patio where locals kick back, chat and watch passers-by.

7020 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602 (map)

This well-known Uptown Whittier hangout is where both aficionados and novices can sample over 200 handmade cigars while enjoying a cool beer or refreshing mojito.

6531 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Is it a store or a bar? A little of both, this neighborhood favorite is where to find plenty of vino (and beer) along with a knowledgeable staff that's always ready to offer advice on both local vintages and foreign finds.

6708 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Spacious and far from musty, this gorgeous glassed-in store offers a wide-ranging selection of books which are organized into distinct sections such as the blue children's literature room, the pink-hued romance novel section and "Plato's Cave," which specializes in works on philosophy, metaphysics, religion, art and more.

6738 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Uptown Whittier's vibrant Latin American-inspired gift store and gallery is stocked with local and imported folk art and crafts ranging from Che Guevara trinkets to embroidered sundresses from Spain.

6702 Greenleaf Ave Ste A, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

If you ever wanted to throw some rockin' threads on your little one, then this indie baby boutique is your ticket. Think greaser jeans, knit caps and colorfully printed baby totes and tees. 'Cause you're never too young to sport a Misfits T-shirt.

6734 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

This place might be miles away from its namesake avenue, but this red-hued shop is a red-hot stop for trendy finds at cheap prices and vintage goodies like leather jackets, cowboy boots and '50s style dresses.

6737 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Shoppers may gawk at the mannequins outside this small fashion boutique, but it's the affordable prices inside that bring customers back time and time again.

6719 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Forget the big box music stores--this local shop is where music hounds head for vinyl, both vintage and new, as well as CDs, DVDs, soundtracks and posters.

7303 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602 (map)

A bit off the main strip, this shop specializes in churros but folks can also find American funnel cakes, Mexican pan dulce, Argentinean empanadas and Taiwanese boba.

6743 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602 (map)

Pretty in hot pink: This quaint retro sweet shop makes any adult feel like a kid again with bright pink walls, barrels of candy and homemade treats like fudge, truffles and candied apples.

13033 Penn St, Whittier, CA 90602 (map)

This small family-owned bakery specializes in wedding cakes, while their cafe offers a variety of fresh baked pastries, tarts, cheesecakes, by-the-slice cakes and freshly brewed coffee drinks.

6747 Bright Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

This contemporary art gallery in Uptown Whittier plays host to vibrant, abstract and cultural works from both local and international artists.

6760 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre is home to the theatrical poets of Whittier College.

7038 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602 (map)

One of the rare independently owned theatres in Whittier, this neighborhood cinema comes complete with restored '30s architecture, a friendly staff and old-school movie previews.

Bailey St & Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods year-round at this certified farmers' market in Uptown Whittier.