To visitors of Los Angeles, the geography and its categorization can be tricky. The (technical) Eastside, the Eastside (colloquially speaking) and East L.A. all mean different things. As we look beyond the 110 Freeway, we’re taking a dive into the Eastside, which here we’ll define as Los Feliz, Highland Park, Echo Park, Griffith Park and Eagle Rock. Read on for our guide to check out all the best places.
Website/ (323) 741-0140/ 2121 Hillhurst Ave 90027
At the tail end of Summer 2022, Encanto took over the space that held the long-beloved Los Feliz restaurant, Mexico City, which closed in 2018. Now, the Cal-Mex eatery and bar serves up the likes of whole branzino with mole verde and thyme; churro bites; gordo frijoles; pork cheek and swordfish tacos and cocktails enlivened by boutique agave spirits. Be sure to stop in on one of their DJ nights or for a boozy brunch.
Website/ (323) 990-8016/ 1760 Hillhurst Ave 90027
For more than two decades, Aram and Rose Serobian have made dinner out feel like home. Nestle in for a savorous meal in a craftsman home bordered by trees. You’ll be as charmed as your stomach is satisfied from menu items like Drizzle Fries, Short Rib Pot Pie, Pan-Seared Salmon Filet and other elevated comfort foods.
Website/ (323) 661-0055/ 2128 Hillhurst Ave 90027
Meeting at the intersection of cozy and trendy, this neighborhood Italian joint is frequented by locals and celebrities (Jon Hamm, Katherine Heigl, Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds) for good reason. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner for modern Italian-American cuisine and a laid-back, inviting dining experience.
Website/ (323) 660-6377/ 4500 Los Feliz Blvd 90027
For a true crowd please, opt for Messhall Kitchen. The indoor-outdoor space allows diners to relish in L.A.’s infamously mild climate while grubbing on inventive cocktails and gastropub fare.
Website/ 2490 Fletcher Dr 90039
No matter the neighborhood, it is imperative to nail down a spot for tacos when in Los Angeles. On this side of town, entrust Salazar. In addition to its vibrant, expansive patio, you get to enjoy top-notch tacos, hearty burritos and stiff drinks (though we recommend checking out the horchata and Prickly Pear Agua Fresca).
For an all out luxury stay, look to Airbnb. Their have 5-bedroom, 10.5 bath, self-described “villa” that’ll make your L.A. retreat dreams come true. With the charm of Los Feliz and the warmth of Tuscany aesthetics, you’ll be ultra relaxed among its heated infinity pool, sun loungers, sauna, countless entertainment and game options and more.
Website/ (323) 672-8990/ 1730 N Western Ave 90027
Cara Hotel is all about embodying the Gaelic translation of its name. With Cara meaning friend, guests can expect comfort and warmth here. Each room offers a patio or private courtyard so you get the ultimate SoCal experience.
Website/ (818) 900-2701/ 1100 N Brand Blvd 91202
The area’s lone five-star hotel brings luxury right into L.A. suburbia. In addition to the gorgeous Verdugo Mountain backdrop, guests get to enjoy artfully curated rooms, locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine, exclusive artisanal roasts at the on-site cafe and craft cocktails at the rooftop bar.
Website/ (323) 660-4300/ 4626 Hollywood Blvd 90027
For visitors looking to settle into the middle of it all on the Eastside, Hotel Covell is the way to go. The East Hollywood boutique hotel puts you right on the outside of Little Armenia, giving easy access to Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Thai Town and Griffith Park. The apartment-like suites feature Le Labo amenities, Parachute luxury bedding essentials and Smeg refrigerators.
Website/ (323) 665-3869/ 3206 Los Feliz Blvd 90039
When its time for a routine day of reset is needed, Dtox Day Spa is not only there for massages, but specialty treatments like oxygen facials, bridal packages and Hydrafacials. For a full-body restoration, consider a body treatment, like the CBD Body Wrap for when you need to reduce inflammation or the Teatox Mud Body Treatment for the ultimate exfoliation.
Website/ (323) 212-5118/ 5116-5118 York Blvd 90042
Get in on L.A.’s infamous yoga scene. While you can partake in an online session right from home, we highly encourage experiencing a class at its outdoor studio or spacious indoor studio. Choose among heat-building, restorative and breath-centered styles from the lineup of classes for all ability levels.
Website/ (323) 561-3181/ 4602 Eagle Rock Blvd 90041
If the plan is a day of pampering, lean into relaxation with this Eagle Rock massage spa. It offers a wide variety of services fit for your needs, including Thai body, Swedish relaxing and deep tissue massages.
Website/ (323) 660-6639/ 4473 Sunset Dr 90027
Sometimes the best way to relax is hide away from the world, so why not make that escape through the power of film? But instead of taking to your bed or couch, immerse yourself in a more cinematic experience by visiting this historic single-screen movie theater. In fact, Quentin Tarantino has been the owner since 2021.
Website/ (818) 637-8982/ 889 Americana Way 91210
Any big-time shopper should include one of Los Angeles’ most favored shopping destinations. An outdoor mall in Glendale, The Americana at Brands offers retail, restaurants, entertainment and residences all in one place. Here, stop in the likes of & Other Stories, Aritzia, Apple, Anthropologie, Chanel’s beauty boutique, Tiffany & Co. and more.
Website/ 5028 York Blvd 90042
Yes, you can find Instagram’s favorite jumpsuit in real life. While Big Bud Press has a number of locations, you won’t want to skip out on the L.A.-based brand’s Highland Park location. Try on and peruse through the work of company committed to high quality clothes and ethical and local manufacturing practices.
Website/ (818) 459-4184/ 100 W Broadway Suite 100 91210
Just across from the Americana, the Glendale Galleria brings it all under one roof. The expansive mall sprawls across three stories and has retailers like Adidas, Bloomingdales, Cotton On, Coach, Dr. Martins, Gucci, Guess, Swarovski and others.
Website/ (323) 546-8437/ 1768 N Vermont Ave 90027
Founded in Los Angeles in 2012, Otherwild is a queer-identified woman-owned store, design studio and event space. Through its multidisciplinary community of artists and designers, it offers unique clothes, workshops, art and more.
Website/ (323) 539-8842/ 4604 Eagle Rock Blvd 90041
What better place for pre-dinner drinks than an aperitivo bar? This Eagle Rock outpost welcomes you to come early (and stay late) and experience its menu of classic Italian Aperitivo fare and cocktails. Keep it traditional with a negroni or martini or opt for a Blood Orange Americano or Sour Cherry Spritz.
Website/ (213) 266-8006/ 1542 Sunset Blvd 90026
You’ll be enticed by Bar Flores’ hypnotic pink margarita pitchers, but you’ll be more than convinced to stay by the chic cantina aesthetic, vibrant energy and frequent live music. Be sure to pair your beverages with Coctel de Cameron, an Asada Taco or chips and salsa.
Website/ (323) 644-0100/ 1927 Hillhurst Ave 90027
Ahead of dinner, you want a cocktail with thought. You can trust Big Bar just for that. The Los Feliz spot serves up hand-crafted cocktails made with fresh herbs and juices, house-made syrups, and fine spirits and can be enjoyed inside or outside.
Website/ (323) 669-9381/ 4427 Sunset Blvd 90027
For a historical bar experience, head over to Tiki-Ti (just be sure to get there early so you don’t get stuck in line). Its roots go all the way back to 1937 during the original craze of tropical drinks, though it was officially founded in 1961. You can even still order some drinks that were on the original menu. Among the whopping 94 choices, consider the Zombie, Montego Bay and Blood and Sand.
Website/ (213) 413-8200/ 1154 Glendale Blvd 90026
When you want some live music, but aren’t in the mood for a massive arena, the Echoplex is a go-to destination. In addition to being an excellent venue to see your favorite bands, it has a number of themed nights fit for a night out, such as indie rock dance party Electric Feels and Echo Flex, a 2000s era hip hop party.
Website/ (323) 561-3050/ 5137 York Blvd 90042
Nativo is a top-notch spot for a meal, but one scroll through its Instagram and you know it’s also the place for a night of fun. The Highland Park establishment consistently puts on events that feature mariachi, local DJs and more.
Website/ (323) 274-4496/ 5607 N Figueroa St 90042
For a retro ambience, cozy up at Gold Line. With a drink in hand, you’ll be impressed by Peanut Butter Wolf’s expansive vinyl collection.
Website/ (323) 257-2695/ 5621 N Figueroa St 90042
Highland Park Bowl has a near 100-year history with Los Angeles (despite a few closures and name changes in the process). First opened during prohibition, it is now a rustic bowling alley fit for large groups looking for a good time. On certain nights, you might also catch special events like live music performances.
Website/ (213) 278-0071/ 1455 Sunset Blvd 90026
If you’re looking for a no-frills night of dancing, put on your most comfortable sneakers and dance the night away at the neighborhood bar that’s a stone’s throw from Dodger Stadium.
Website/ (844) 524-7335/ 2700 N Vermont Ave 90027
Tucked away in Griffith Park, the Greek Theatre isn’t your average amphitheater. The 5,900-capacity venue has welcomed music icons like Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen and plays hosts to the industry’s top-level stars. Under the stars and amid the trees, a show at the Greek Theatre is a true musical reverie.
Website/ (323) 644-4200/ 5333 Zoo Dr 90027
Wandering across its 133 acres, visitors witness more than 2,100 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles—including 58 endangered species— and approximately 7,000 individual plants. By taking part, guests further its mission to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive together.
Website/ (818) 696-2149/ 216 S Brand Blvd 91204
Glendale has the only museum in the world devoted to art in electronic media. Here, you’ll experience immersive learning programs and electric and light-based arts illuminating the past, present and future through permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Website/ (213) 473-0800/ 2800 E Observatory Rd 90027
The Eastside is home to one of Los Angeles’ most infamous landmarks. With equally famous views of the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory is a gateway to the rest of the universe via its telescopes, exhibits, planetarium and programming.
Website/ (323) 509-2861/ 104 N Ave 56 2nd floor 90042
It’s easy to miss the Lodge Room. You have to find the back door and make your way up some stairs. But it’s all worth it. With a mission to host artistic expression, atmosphere, culture and community to all, you’re always guaranteed a great night of live music.
Website/ (323) 660-1175/ 1818 N Vermont Ave 90027
Since 1996, Skylight Books has brought the best in new books to Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park and downtown. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of literary fiction; graphic novels; children's books; California history and culture; political and social sciences; essays and nonfiction; books on art, photography, film and music, hand-picked magazines and zines and a selection of stationery and gifts.
Website/ (323) 664-0228/ 2980 Los Feliz Blvd 90039
You’ll find many speakeasy bars across the city, but none as authentic as the one in Tam O’Shanter. You actually need a password. To try to get in, all you have to do is email [email protected] with the subject line “Bon Vivant.” From there, you’ll need to keep an eye on your email for instructions, and if approved, you’ll get to enjoy live music and expertly-crafted cocktails.
For exploring other parts of Los Angeles, check out our guides to Pasadena, Silver Lake, downtown, Malibu, Hollywood, Mid-City and West Adams and Beverly Hills.
Photography by: Unsplash/Gerson Repreza; Courtesy of Encanto Restaurant and Bar; Unsplash/Kam Idris; Unsplash/ Camille Brodard; Unsplash/ W K; Unsplash/ gianluca riccio; Unsplash/ Aleksandr Popov; Unsplash/
Venti Views; : ZAIN ALI/PEXELS
