by Mar Yvette - 482 Reviews - 150 List
No longer just the go-to destination for Jewish delis, Fairfax Village's recent revival has transformed this once traditional cultural hub into an unorthodox hotbed for sneaker pimps and skater punks, artful boutiques, worldly cuisine and yes, lots of kosher coolness.
Updated: June 30, 2009
*EDITOR PICK* This New York based shoe shop redefines vintage kicks by offering a mind-boggling selection of mint condition (read: plastic-wrapped) sneakers. Think hard-to-find Nikes, Reeboks, Vans, Pumas, Adidas and just about everything in between.
No, this isn't where you can get your girl's engagement ring. Rather, this compact spot is where guys pick up skater/hipster/gangster/skateboarder gear and footwear from designer Nick Tershay (aka Nick Diamond).
This skate apparel shop has the cool factor in spades: the teensy black-walled space has of-the-moment threads, a kitschy sand-filled sculpture built into one wall and a devoted legion of locals on the front stoop.
It's all on your head: Fairfax's mad hatter boast two floors of premium and fitted headgear for streetwear aficionados. Price points hover around $15-$20 for a good portion of the snap backs, although those from the brand's collective range from $30-$80.
Owned and operated by purveyor of street fashion Freshjive, this dual-purpose clothing shop pays homage to the neighborhood with its casual, sporty streetwear and appeals to literary aficionados with its well-culled selection of vintage books and rare editions.
*EDITOR PICK* This hidden gem of a boutique is a well-worn mecca for stylists, designers, editors and vintage aficionados. Sure, the loads of vintage Chanel and Gucci make us drool, but what really makes us squeal? The fact that original Catwoman, Julie Newmar, is the landlord. Meow!
*EDITOR PICK* An L.A. institution, this 24-hour deli is total kitsch without the irony. Kaleidoscopic tree-patterned ceiling, flying saucer-like lamps and mile-high pastrami sandwiches included.
Behold the unbeholdable. This hole in the wall is no piece of eye candy, but that's exactly where its charm lies. With its traditional Israeli food and authentic lack of scene, this joint provides a rare treat in a neighborhood saturated with Jewish delis and kool kids.
*EDITOR PICK* The copper facade of this tiny eatery might not look like much from the outside, but inside it's a colorful dining wonderland of Mediterranean-inspired Moroccan cuisine like the signature couscous tangines and olive-crusted baked halibut.
This sleek and simple glatt kosher sister location of the Pico Boulevard original finds another loyal following on Fairfax for breakfast, lunch and cakes.
The name sorta says it all. This comedy theater and improv studio is where you can catch the next Kathy Griffin, Jeremy Piven, Rachel Dratch (all of whom have performed here). Bonus: Thursday night improv shows at 9:30pm are free.
Canter's noisier and younger half, this adjacent spot is cheap and dirty--just the way you'd want it to be. Expect bargain-basement beer on tap and free tunes courtesy of local bands wielding their unruly instruments on the small stage.
Did someone say sausage? The space formerly known as Nova Express has become an affordable, no-frills hang for meaty franks, speciality sandwiches (try the Muffuletta if only for the name), artisanal brews and Scoops gelato.
This NYC import is a one-stop shop staffed with in-the-know employees who just so happen to be scratch masters. From CDs to vinyl, software to hardware, shades to tees, this Fairfax Village store offers anything and everything for the the next DJ AM.
*EDITOR PICK* Brimming with treats for everyone's favorite beast, this spacious, well-appointed store maintains a holistic collection of wares suitable for the kookiest of dogowners (which, in L.A., is everyone).
Rumors of ghosts in the projection room have titillated Angelenos for years, but that hasn't kept crowds coming back to this famed spot (now run by the Cinefamily) for special events, concerts and performance art.
*EDITOR PICK* Equal parts gallery/storefront/artist studio, this one-man creation is a playful curiosity (and veritable landmark) amid Fairfax's row of Jewish delis, grocers and cool-kid shops. The man himself is almost always around, so even if you're not digging the art, you'll love him so much you'll want to buy something.
*EDITOR PICK* Pop culture savants, neo-beatniks (and posers looking to add some street cred to their coffee table) peruse the rows of neatly stacked books at this well-stocked shop located in the middle of Cool Kid, U.S.A.
