By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | September 29, 2022 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty, Feature,
There’s a reason Hollywood is the top place for visitors to go. In addition to being home to a number of Los Angeles’ landmarks— most infamously, the Hollywood sign— it also has some of the city’s best shopping, dining, rooftops and music venues.
Read on for our guide to all the best places in Hollywood.
7617 Sunset Blvd 90046/ Website
Veer over to the Sunset Strip for L.A.’s hottest new restaurant— just be sure to get a reservation as soon as possible. Taking over the once iconic industry hangout Ye Coach & Horses, the European bistro with California sensibilities is serving up reinvented classic cocktails, a growingly infamous Cornish game hen, a must-try burger and more.
1541 Wilcox Ave 90028/ (323) 410-6200/ Website
Inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age, this brasserie coalesces L.A. glam and Parisian attitude. The approachable, yet chic neighborhood eatery is the self-described spot for close friends and family. Don’t miss out on the duck pâté, black truffle risotto or lamb wellington.
960 N La Brea Ave 90038/ (213) 319-7850/ Website
L.A. is home to the world’s first fitness club, Heimat. The 75,000-square-foot members only concept features a co-working space and gorgeous pool. It also happens to have one of the city’s excellent new restaurants. Mother Tongue sits on Heimat’s fourth floor and showcases global fare with nourishing, clean ingredients. Menu highlights include the Moqueca Baiana, duck breast and aguachile de camarón. To finish, be sure to check out their soft serve sundaes.
6667 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 467-7788/ Website
For a tried-and-true, old-school Hollywood dining experience, Musso & Frank is a must. Since 1919, the L.A. establishment has served up Tinseltown and made sure they are filled up on stiff martinis and Italian-American classics.
1545 Wilcox Ave 90028/ (323) 410-6060/ Website
In the heart of Hollywood’s Vinyl District, a dinner at Mother Wolf is the perfect start to a night out. After filling up on dishes from chef Evan Funke’s Rome-inspired menu, you’ll be within walking distance of a number of the neighborhood's most popular bars and rooftops. But first comes eating enlivened by Italian cooking traditions and California’s fertile produce. We recommend the Fiori di Zucca, Rigatoncini alla Vaccinara and Boscaiola pizza.
1800 Argyle Ave 90028/ (213) 279-3532/ Website
With a direct view of the unmistakable Capitol Records building, you’ll probably start thinking of how you can extend your Los Angeles getaway. At The Kimpton Everly, guests are right among everything that makes Hollywood, Hollywood: the Walk of Fame, the Pantages, concert venues, buzzy restaurants. What’s more, whether you’re in your natural-light flooded room or at the rooftop pool, you’ll witness citywide views. Guests also enjoy Casper mattresses, Atelier Bloem toiletries and the on-site Jane Q restaurant and Ever Bar.
7000 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 856-1970/ Website
Los Angeles is pretty famous for its signs and in considering the city’s hotels, no sign is more infamous than the glowing red Hollywood Roosevelt. With a history dating back to the Golden Era, the hotel immerses guests into a classic Hollywood experience where you can easily hit up the neighborhood’s hotspots or have fun at the hotel’s pool, lounge, restaurant and more. Built in 1927, the Hollywood Roosevelt once hosted stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable.
1850 N Cherokee Ave 90028/ (310) 299-5222/ Website
For another nod to Hollywood’s history, The Prospect Hollywood was first built in 1939 and designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The Regency-style building has since been updated to maintain its sophisticated sensibilities while still tipping its hat to the glamor of its origin era. These days, guests can delight in the custom furnishings and vintage accents of the 24 unique rooms; enjoy the lush central garden and have access to private members club NeueHouse.
1541 Wilcox Ave 90028/ (323) 465-1234/ Website
New to the neighborhood, The Thompson emits a distinctly Los Angeles energy with global influences. The luxury lifestyle hotel spreads across 190 guest rooms, 16 suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a rooftop pool. While promising a relaxing stay, The Thompson Hollywood is the perfect spot for travelers looking for easy access to the city’s nightlife. You won’t even have to leave the hotel to find the neighborhood’s newest hotspot, Bar Lis.
6250 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 798-1300/ Website
Close neighbor to Amoeba Music, the W Hollywood ensures you get to play like a local. Guests have access to the sparkling rooftop pool, sleek lobby bar and excellent restaurants. For a true Hollywood experience, book the Sound Suite, which also functions as a private recording studio and sound space. Alternatively, secure a luxury experience with the E-WOW Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows with citywide views.
6444 Fountain Ave 90028/ (323) 467-6444/ Website
Plan for the ultimate Hollywood salon experience. Not only will you get to enjoy a tranquil retreat where you can unwind and relax, but you’ll head home looking like a red carpet starlet. For all services, Chaz Dean’s team excel through the holistic, healthy approach to their work.
7000 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 856-1970/ Website
Keep an eye out on this hotel’s monthly events calendar. Whether you like a peaceful start to the day or prefer a soothing guide into the evening, head up to the 12th-floor Roosevelt Terrace for wellness-driven yoga.
6250 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 798-1300/ Website
If you’re not going to the beach, the best place to soak up the sun is on a rooftop, and where better than atop a hotel with stunning skyline views? Book a cabana for a relaxing pool day or visit when the Wet Deck is in full party mode.
1800 Argyle Ave 90028/ (213) 279-3532/ Website
Guests at the Kimpton Everly Hotel have the privilege of spa services without ever having to leave their rooms. For a little self-care, book a massage and delight in zen and privacy.
6200 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 245-6400/ Website
You truly can get lost in the music wonderland of Amoeba. Not only does the world’s largest independent record store sell new and old music of all formats (CDs, vinyl, tapes, etc.), but you can spend hours looking through the mass amounts of vintage posters, t-shirts and other various kinds of merchandise and audio equipment. On a lucky day, you’ll also catch music’s most popular artists popping in for record signings and in-store sets.
6320 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 462-1010/ Website
Vintage finds go beyond the Fairfax District in Los Angeles. Case in point: Iguana Vintage Clothing. With locations also in North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks, the retailer showcases styles from the ‘20s through the ‘90s. Even if you aren’t in the market to buy clothes, this Instagram-popular store is worth strolling through just to take in the exciting energy, decor and wardrobe selection.
1507 Wilcox Ave 90028/ (323) 962-7834/ Website
For nearly a decade, Memento Mori has established itself as the city’s go-to oddities and curiosity shop. Here you’ll find dark art, vintage photography, skulls, candles, tarot cards, jewelry and more. The award-winning gothic establishment was also featured on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles and A&E’s Storage Wars.
6801 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 817-0200/ Website
Here’s the thing: If you talk to most Angelenos, they’ll recommend you stay away from Hollywood and Highland. But the thing is, you have to see it at least once in your lifetime— the Walk of Fame, El Capitan, Madame Tussauds, Spider-Man and friends walking around, taking pictures with visitors. There’s a whole lot to take in, so while you’re there, add Ovation Hollywood to the trip. Right in the center of the Hollywood Boulevard action, Ovation offers a close escape from the chaos so that you can shop and dine at the likes of Sephora, Dodgers Clubhouse, Pandora and more.
1518 N Cahuenga Blvd 90028/ (323) 963-7800/ Website
Whether below the disco ball in 71 Studio Bar or on the rooftop, Grandmaster Recorders is a must-do. Not only can you sip on champagne or a music-themed cocktail (like the mezcal-based Midnight Vultures), but you’ll spend time immersed in a space electrified with music history. Back when it was still a recording studio, the likes of David Bowie, The Black Crowes and Kanye West haunted the halls.
5221 Hollywood Blvd 90027/ (747) 231-0699/ Website
Kick off your night with some live music. With an inventive cocktail in hand, you’ll enjoy the neighborhood bar’s showcasing of local acts, American-made spirits and burlesque dancers.
6516 Selma Ave 90028/ (323) 410-6360/ Website
Have a momentary getaway to the Yucatan Peninsula right in Hollywood. Atop the Tommie Hollywood, Ka’teen is a lush rooftop fit for cocktail sipping and sunset revelry. The bar menu is packed with choices straight out of a tropical escape, including the customizable house margarita (choose between passionfruit, guava or mango), the mezcal-based Witchdoctor and coconut-flavored Wes Colada.
6500 Selma Ave 90028/ (323) 785-6600/ Website
There’s a reason this rooftop is a longtime favorite of Angelenos. Not only do you get stellar views from downtown to the Hollywood Hills, but Mama Shelter offers all kinds of seating from relaxed daybeds to intimate tables. Choose from a varied list of wine, beer and cocktails. If you get The Sun Also Sets, a dollar of the cocktail will go toward FoodCycle LA.
1521 Vine St 90028/ (323) 329-9656/ Website
A hidden cocktail bar above 800 Degrees, Sunset & Vinyl is ideal for music lovers looking for a good, quick drink. Head in before dinner and you’ll enjoy a cocktail, good tunes and a chilled-out ambiance.
1541 Wilcox Ave 90028/ (323) 410-6210/ Website
Inspired by the spirit and style of the French Riviera, Bar Lis just celebrated its one-year anniversary and is already known as quite the celebrity playground. Just above the heart of Hollywood, guests nestle into velvet booths or dance away under the disco ball while enjoying drinks like Strawberry Fields and the excellent Espresso Martini. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch their monthly burlesque soirée.
6516 Selma Ave 90028/ (323) 410-6370/ Website
Tommie Hollywood is home to this rooftop country-meets-rock-n-roll bar. Featuring daily live music, an old-fashioned jukebox and weekend DJs, Desert 5 Spot is all about the music. The space imbues vintage Palm Springs and Pioneertown for a night of easy fun.
1611 N El Centro Ave 90028/ (323) 498-0859/ Website
If you love dancing to ABBA and Fleetwood Mac, Davey Wayne’s is a non-negotiable spot for a night out. Just be sure to get there before 10 p.m. on the weekends so you don’t get stuck in the long line. No matter how many times you go, it’s always a thrill to step through the refrigerator door and enter the ‘70s-inspired bar.
1727 N Hudson AVe 90028/ (323) 465-1902/ Website
Another Hollywood highlight infamous for its speakeasy entrance, No Vacancy is worth the fight to the front of the line. Arriving before 10 p.m. helps on weekends, as does dressing your best. Once in, you’ll be overjoyed by the excellent music, tucked-away photobooth and hard-at-work bartenders. On certain nights, you might even be surprised by live music or burlesque dancers.
2301 N Highland Ave 90068/ (323) 850-2000/ Website
Few venues across the country, let alone in Los Angeles, rival The Hollywood Bowl. A true city landmark, the Bowl is home to the L.A. Philharmonic, big-name concerts, firework spectacular and movie screenings. What’s more, most shows allow you to come in with food and drink, so prep some wine and snacks for a pre-show sunset picnic.
1623 N Cahuenga Blvd 90028/ Website
For a more intimate live music experience, the Hotel Cafe is a haven for live music, small bites and cold drinks. It’s the kind of place you go to witness emerging singer-songwriters, which, over the last 20 years, has included early-career performances by Billie Eilish, Adele, Ed Sheeran and Katy Perry.
6215 Sunset Blvd 90028/ (323) 962-7600/ Website
The Palladium makes for an ideal venue for live music. Right in the heart bustling Hollywood, the art deco establishment is a designated Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument. You can feel its historical richness looking at the marquee or running up the staircase. With a past that includes Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, you’ll feel a special kind of energy watching your favorite modern acts.
6925 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 461-3331/ Website
So we don’t think you should totally avoid Hollywood Boulevard. The Walk of Fame is worth seeing at least once, so might as well level up by also visiting the signatures, footprints and handprints of film’s biggest stars over the last century. After witnessing the ornate exterior (which features a number of Chinese imports from the original opening), head inside for a movie. We recommend an IMAX showing.
6000 Santa Monica Blvd 90038/ (323) 469-1181/ Website
Nothing captures the sometimes gaudy, often dark nature of Hollywood than its landmark cemetery. While a full-service funeral home, crematory and cemetery, Hollywood Forever is a premier site for events like morning yoga on the lawn and shows at the on-site Masonic Lodge. It also makes for a perfect stroll, on which you can see opulent mausoleums, peacocks, fountains, lush greenery and the burial site of iconic stars, such as Judy Garland, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone and Chris Cornell.
6000 Santa Monica Blvd 90038/ (323) 522-6870/ Website
Speaking of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, if you’re in Los Angeles during the warm months, Cinespia is a must-do activity. It’s a summertime favorite of Angelenos who corral groups of friends for an evening under the stars and with a great picnic. The outdoor movie screening experience takes place in the back of the cemetery and also features a photobooth, food trucks and other movie-going essentials. When the outdoor season winds down mid-fall, you can also join their party-like screenings at indoor theaters, including at the downtown Los Angeles Theater.
7001 Franklin Ave 90028/ (323) 851-3313/ Website
Between the Hollywood Hills and The Dolby Theater, The Magic Castle is a private clubhouse for members of The Academy of Magical Arts. Its exclusivity makes it all the more enticing to go— you just first have to befriend a member and ask to be their guest for the night. Expect an elegant environment, a divine meal and, of course, some magic.
2580 Cahuenga Blvd E 90068/ (323) 850-2000/ Website
Tucked away in Cahuenga Pass, The Hollywood Bowl’s neighbor may not be quite as infamous, but it’s just as worth the trip. The 1,200-seat amphitheater is the kind of place you want to go for live music on a quintessential L.A. summer night. Even cooler is the stage is flanked by medieval towers, making your visit feel like you’ve been transported to a secret castle.
7000 Hollywood Blvd 90028/ (323) 769-7296/ Website
The Hollywood Roosevelt is more than just the site of the first-ever Oscars. It also has the city’s coolest bowling alley. Complete with two vintage lanes, The Spare Room is a gaming parlor and cocktail lounge for those with a passion for innovative cocktails, music, design and the camaraderie of gaming.
For exploring other parts of Los Angeles, check out our guides to downtown, Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Photography by: Unsplash/Jake Blucker