PHOTO BY: SARAH BOISJOLI
From waiting tables as a teenager to opening some of L.A.’s top neighborhood spots, Dustin Lancaster has a knack for knowing what Angelenos really want.
When considering the best bars, restaurants and hotels in Los Feliz, Silver Lake and other Ease Side enclaves, no list would be complete without the inclusion of L&E Oyster Bar, Bar Covell, El Condor and many more. “In summer of 2010, I opened Bar Covell, which was pretty much an instant success as these things go,” says Dustin Lancaster, founder of hospitality empire An Eastside Establishment (establishmenteast.com). “A year and a half later, I opened my first real restaurant, L & E Oyster Bar. I then proceeded to open about a place a year for the next decade.” In that time, Lancaster has consistently raised the bar when it comes to neighborhood hangouts, focusing not only on excellent design, ambiance, and food and drinks, but on connecting to people. “I was a bartender for so long and that was always my favorite part, talking to the next person who walks in the door,” he shares. “I still just want to make people happy with my places—that desire never leaves you.” Lancaster most recently partnered in Capri Club in Eagle Rock and a vegan butcher and deli in Highland Park called Maciel’s, which both opened this summer. He also teamed up with his life partner, jewelry designer Maya Brenner, to open Bear Cupboards Market in Big Bear Lake, where the couple have a home. “We felt the food options were limited... so thought if you can’t find it, let’s make it, and we did,” he says. Here, Lancaster reveals the East Side—and Long Beach— spots that tickle his fancy.
PHOTO BY: DYLAN JAMES HO
“Ceviche Project is a tiny gem featuring fresh seafood prepared by one of the most stylish men in Silverlake. Get the crab claws and some caviar.”
Silver Lake, cevicheproject.com
PHOTO BY: LAURE JOLIET
“If we had the space at home I’d like to buy one of everything at Wine + Eggs. The thoughtfully created little market was actually a huge inspiration for our market up in Big Bear Lake. We thought, this is exactly the type of thing the small mountain town needs. Turns out we were correct.”
Atwater Village, wineandeggs.com
PHOTO: BY WYATT CONLON
“Counter-space is a phenomenal interiors and design store with vintage home goods and truly collectible art. I have pieces at Hotel Covell and at home.”
Silver Lake, counter-space.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BUCK MASON
Tsubaki has a huge sake selection and truly authentic and creative Japanese dishes. It’s a must if I am trying to impress an out-of-town guest.” Echo Park, tsubaklai.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF COUNTER-SPACE
“Hands down, Buck Mason has some of the best men’s shirts in the game. I think I wear their henleys at least two days a week.”
Various locations, buckmason.com
PHOTO: BY ROBERT FLEMING
“Even after 10 years, some people are still surprised when they stumble upon L&E Oyster Bar’s loft-like drinking den. It’s as solid of a bar as anywhere in town and beyond.”
Silver Lake, leoysterbar.com
PHOTO: BY ZACH LIPP
“When you have a 4-year-old, it seems that there’s a birthday party every weekend. The Reckless Unicorn is our go-to for kids presents. It makes me wish toys were this cool when we were young.”
Los Feliz, therecklessunicorn.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LITT LE COYOTE
“Living with two teens and a toddler, it’s hard to please everyone, but a day at Shoreline Village in Long Beach seems to do just that. There’s lunch— usually pizza from Little Coyote—the arcade, sweets and beautiful views of the water. There’s something for everyone.”
Long Beach, littlecoyotelb.com
PHOTO: BY ROBERT FLEMING
“This brand-new cocktail bar in Eagle Rock is already a scene. Capri Club has delicious Italian bites and a frozen Negroni. Need I say more?”
Eagle Rock, capriclublosangeles.com
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