Lolo

• Step off of Sunset and into a hidden oasis full of natural wine, roman inspired pastas and (actually yes) the best branzino in LA. Adore the checkered floors that lead to a table set below a giant fig leaf tree. Then cruise to the back wine room to pick out a bottle and (maybe/probably) flirt with the staff. 

Friends & Family 

• This is a regular stop for us! They’re known for their seasonal menu and their incredibly delicious pastries and fresh baked bread. It’s a great place to meet friends or clients with lots of seating and a cozy environment to hang. A thoughtful breakfast and lunch menu to grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, you’ll find something delicious! 

Heng Heng Chicken Rice

• Casual Thai restaurant known for their Thai-style Hainan chicken rice. Each plate comes with a cup of their savory broth (it’s truly amazing). Great for takeout but we recommend dining in to get access to their sauces and an endless refill of their broth. We also love the crispy zaab chicken but be cautious when choosing your spice level, they love a kick! - horizontal / vertical

Clark Street Diner

• Formally our beloved 101 Coffee Shop or The 101 for its regulars. Clark Street, known for its pastries and fresh bread, took over the space in 2021. Honoring the history while bringing in a fresh menu. Grab a seat at the bar and feel transported to old Hollywood. Our recommendation: a cup of black coffee, two eggs any style, and one of their fresh pastries to finish.

Beachwood Cafe

• A playful breakfast and lunch spot tucked away in Beachwood Canyon. Their menu is vast with everything from lemon ricotta pancakes to green juice.

Tabula Rasa Bar

• Cozy beer and wine spot in Thaitown with vast by the glass offerings, including great natural wine. They have one of the best happy hours in the neighborhood. Definitely try their Cuban sandwich and keep tabs on their social media for their events and food pop ups.

Sapp Coffee House

• A must try restaurant in Thaitown that is more than coffee. Their delicious boat noodle soup is complex and not to be missed. Inexpensive and cash only.

Daily Planet Book Store

• Located on the ivy covered corner of Franklin & Tamarind Ave, The Daily Planet is one of those rare independent bookstores where you can find a fascinating array of anything from The Occult classic, Avant-garde art books, to high art magazines. Owned by musician Amy Lee of Cold Cave. They also carry cool gifts.

Counterpoint Records & Books

• I’ve got 1 word to describe this OG Franklin Village institution, WOW. Specializing in second hand books and records - this is the place you spend all day flipping through jazz records and the dusty pages of that rare poetry book you can’t find anywhere else. They buy and sell books and records daily. Thank Heavens for You, Counterpoint. Never change!

Tailwaggers Pet Food & Supplies

• Tailwaggers has been a beacon of light and neighborhood favorite for lovers of all things furry and fuzzy. Opening its doors in 2003, this local pet store has a friendly approach with super nice and educated staff, holistic products at every price point, and a hands-on owner that is happy to jump on a call. They even have mini vans that will hand deliver anything from pup treats to kitty litter. They work with pet adoption institutions and host adoption events regularly. Even if you don’t have a pet, the energy and kindness of The Best Pet Shop in town will bring joy to all that enter its doors. 

Beachwood Market

Mad lab

• We could gush about Mad Lab all day. It starts with their service and rad staff but their coffee also rips! We say it every time we visit - it’s our favorite coffee in the city. Inspired by LA, Mad Lab roasts their coffee locally with fruit forward sweet notes. They have a rotating specialty menu seasonally driven and pastries if you get there early enough. The cherry on top, their music selection always hits.

Obet & Del’s Coffee

• Neighborhood coffee shop with baristas who are consistently friendly. A great place to meet a friend for a drink. Coffee is great but also try their Matcha Lemonade - there’s nothing more refreshing.

Fern Dell Nature Trail 

• A tree-shaded hike at the base of Griffith Park that follows a meandering stream and various ponds with wildlife. Developed in the 1920s, it’s the only fern garden of its size in California. It's a short trail but unique and the perfect stroll.

The Greek Theatre 

• It’s the summer of 1931 and the Greek Theatre is hosting their first performance. Nearly 100 years later and it’s shared its stage with some of our most beloved artists. From classical music to pop, to movies with live orchestras. Legends like Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Carlos Santana filled the amphitheater with their sound. Today it continues to showcase a variety of artists and shows under the stars.

Griffith Park Trails

• Captain’s Roost: The Captain’s Roost is the oldest of The Folk Gardens in Griffith Park. Legend has it, in the 1940’s - a local coined “The Captain” tended to this barren jetty of land transforming it into his Roost and the Icon it is today.

• Dante’s View: Dante’s View is located towards the backside of The Observatory facing North with stunning views of The San Gabriels. In the 1960s, Dante Orgolini, a Griffith Park regular, turned the 2 acre oasis of lush gardens and secret pathways into quite a sight!

Griffith Park Observatory

• The historic Art Deco observatory hovering above the neighborhood is a beautiful backdrop but absolutely worth visiting. There are fun exhibits to see or just go for the breathtaking view of the city below.

UCB - Comedy Club

• Founded by Amy Pohler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Matt Besser, the theatre is a beacon of the improv community providing improv classes and programming live comedy shows seven days a week. We highly recommend the biweekly HOLY SH!T Improv show that mixes emerging talent with comedy legends and Fuck This Month that turns your crappy month into some of the best laughs.