Life on Easy Street: Montana Avenue

1518 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Breadheads, unite! This cozy organic bread shop lures hemp-wearing carb addicts with racks full of delicious loaves, as well as a spectacle of sweet treats, sandwiches, soups and salads.

1110 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

They paved paradise and put it in a parking lot: The only high-end restaurant on Montana Avenue, this charming Italian spot is where moneyed diners go for fine Northern and Southern Italian fare.

1323 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

From the folks behind Houston's and Gulfstream comes this sceney eatery where locals gather once the quittin' bell rings. People-watching and cocktail are served aplenty here.

1303 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

What's this? A completely unpretentious, almost divey find on this otherwise prim and polished street? Yep, that's right. And it's a sushi joint no less. Raw, indeed.

1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

It's always crazy and crowded at this famed gastropub, but the scene is usually friendly and communal. Everyone talks about the famous burger, but the beer is the real draw. Be sure to try the sweet potato fries--just don't dare ask for ketchup.

1534 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Sometimes style trumps substance: This glass-walled standby might offer California fare that looks better than it tastes, but the place is so inviting it's worth at least one visit.

1415 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (map)

Big things come in small packages at this blue box-sized cafe that reels in hungry hordes with its everything-but-the-kitchen sink menu.

925 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

A little taste of Milan in the heart of Montana Avenue, this chic cafe brings the genuine pleasure of drinking coffee for its flavor, not the caffeine. Plus, it's a great spot to catch Reese or Jake on a morning java run.

1002 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Make like Ricky Ricardo at this Cal-Caribbean favorite for a jumbled menu of delights and a colorful, relaxed beachside atmosphere.

1023 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Don't hold the name against it: This mostly organic Mediterranean-influenced restaurant turns out fresh farmers' market fare for all three meals a day.

1311 Montana Ave Ste C, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Whether you have kids or not, it's hard to imagine that anyone would not be enchanted by this place. Easily the most unexpected find on Montana, this bookstore and art gallery is an exuberant ode to the magic of childhood, and the folks who work here are more than happy to share their wealth of information about the inventory (even if you can't afford the pricey prints). Yes, the name is a bit obnoxious, but trust us--you'll love it.

1025 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

"I love that this place looks like an innocent little cottage from the outside, but inside it's a totally different story. Loud music (somehow this place is able to pull off "Africa" by Toto and still seem cool), tatted stylists with crazy 'dos and a refreshing lack of attitude, black velvet curtains that are a tad too Goth (nobody's perfect), bottled Fiji water, espresso and mimosas ... it's a party with scissors." --Mar Yvette

1211 Montana Ave Ste 205, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

"Everyone I know is always looking for interesting jewelry, and I'm no exception. I love that this store is not as high-octane or self-promotional as so many of the other businesses on Montana. What makes it "exclusive"--a word thrown around a lot in this town--is that the selection is really that good. Delicate and inventive, colorful and intricate--it's all here. I'm a fool for ornate costume jewels, but this store brings me back to what really perfect accents should be: intensely edited pieces of art made with beautiful materials. " --Cadien Clark

1408 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

One of Santa Monica's most popular salons, this stark white space leaves the color to the stylists.

1105 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

The frontrunner in Montana's underwear and sleepwear craze, Footsie has been holding it down (and Angeleno women up) for more than two decades.

1404 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

If you feel a bit like you're in a fairy tale at this store, it's no coincidence--"Morgan Le Fay" was a powerful female fairy (and magician) in the King Arthur legend. And here, would-be-brides pay a handsome price for a fairy-tale perfect wedding dress.

1530 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

This place is where you'll find a rich mix of high-end, modern and traditional jewelry and accessories.

1528 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

The trendsetting aesthetic and apparel at this boutique/art gallery bring edgy, East Coast chic to the Westside.

1331 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Who says flats aren't sexy? (Okay, maybe they're not sexy, but they are cute.) Ballerina or not, young or old, these flats in just about every color, print and pattern are perfect day or night.

1407 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Montana Avenue's year-round Valentine paradise specializing in an A-to-Z assortment of heart-shaped gifts, jewelry and comfortably sexy lingerie.

1129 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

The glammed-up Hollywood sibling to more practical lingerie shop Footsie, this particular Montana outlet is where people like Posh shop for sexy underthings.

1209 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Seriously sophisticated clothes from some of the world's most sought-after designers set the stage at this stunning, light-filled boutique.

1409 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

How fitting that this style-conscious avenue would have a bar with just about every high-end denim brand on tap.