Los Feliz

Los Feliz means “happy” in Spanish , pronounced as “Los Feeliz” by the locals and a great name to reflect such a vibrant, eclectic and desirable area to live in Los Angeles.

This is truly a great neighborhood with that community feeling, a gem in a major urban city… a welcome relief away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.  You have easy access to nature at Griffith Park, the world’s largest city park, and walking distance to the “village” for local coffee shops, theaters, trendy boutiques, wine bars, restaurants and sidewalk cafes on Vermont Avenue (between Franklin Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard), or the Hillhurst Avenue (Los Feliz Boulevard and Prospect Avenue).  It’s no surprise that this is a highly desirable neighborhood to live in Los Angeles.

Along with the abundant local entertainment options, Los Feliz is also known for its rich Hollywood history, celebrity residences, both past and present, significant architecture and the landmark, The Griffith Park Observatory.

Los Feliz lies north of East Hollywood and just south of the Santa Monica Mountains, adjacent to the neighborhoods of Hollywood and Silver Lake.  Roughly north of Franklin Avenue to west of Canyon Drive, to the east of the Los Angeles Rive , is Griffith Park, the world’s largest city park. The villas of Los Feliz spread out on the foothills below. To the south, lie dramatic vistas of downtown Los Angeles and the basin. To the east, homeowners can view the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.  To the west are views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island, off the coast.

Los Feliz is one of the few of the old, grand neighborhoods of Los Angeles that have always retained their integrity. Los Feliz Boulevard, with its majestic cedars and pines trees, which are protected city monuments, links Griffith Park’s Fern Dell, the gateway to the hiking trails, and the grand estates on the west with character apartments and condominiums on the east. The restored Mulholland Fountain at the eastern entrance of Griffith Park is one of the few Moderne fountains in greater Los Angeles.

You have convenient freeway access to the 5 and the 101 freeways. Downtown Los Angeles is about a 15-minute drive away and the Westside is about 30 minutes away.

Housing

Most Los Feliz houses were built in the pre-World War eras, and more than half of the homes are of the Spanish or Mediterranean revival styles, both the most popular of all California housing style which is found dotted all on the Los Feliz hillsides, and command premium prices especially when the original details are intact. Los Feliz is also rich in almost all other revival styles; such as, Country English, French Normandy, 1930-40’s Traditional, Colonial, Italianate and the like, many by noted architects;such as, Paul Williams and Wallace Neff. You can also find fine Mid-Century Modern, and Moderne houses sprinkled through the Los Feliz Hills. It boasts some of the best known residential architecture in the city, including The Ennis House and the Hollyhock House, both designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra‘s Lovell House.  Other architects such as Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner, Lloyd Wright, Raphael Soriano and J.R. Davidson among many others have designed their finest work in Los Feliz.
The neighborhood has historically been home to movie stars, musicians, and the Hollywood elite, both past and present.

Here are the Los Feliz Neighborhoods:

• Laughlin Park
• The Oaks
• The Los Feliz Estates
• Franklin Square
• Franklin Hills
• Atwater Village
• History
• Film History
• Architecture
• Entertainment, Restaurants & Nightlife

Laughlin Park

Rated by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the “top five” neighborhoods of Los Angeles, Laughlin Park is probably one of the least-known areas, as well, and the residents prefer that it stay this way. 

Private and secluded behind five stately, white gates and connected by meandering, leafy lanes, stand the grand old estates, once resided by Hollywood royalty such as C.B. DeMille, W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplin, Carole Lombard, Antonio Moreno, Deanna Durbin, Basil Rathbone, Lily Pons and Andre Kostelanetz. More recent Hollywood residents include Lily Tomlin, Dermot Mulroney, Catherine Keener, Tina Lifford, David Fincher, Will.i.am, Casey Affleck, Portia deRossi, Chick Corea, Jenna Elfman, Lee Horsley, Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Portman and many more.

Over the years the collection of Laughlin Park homes has ranged from Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, French, English Gothic to comfortable Traditional plus Moderne (the Carole Lombard house by Lester Scherer) and fine Modern & Modernist homes and Craftsman-inspired bungalow (the oldest extant private residence in Los Feliz).

An elite group of contemporary architects worked in “The Park” including Roland Coate (the former Lily Pons/Andre Kostelanetz house), Gordon Kaufman (the former Chick Corea house), Julia Morgan (of San Simeon fame) and Lloyd Wright, who figured prominently in the design of over five Laughlin Park homes.

Most homes, especially those homes on the south side of the park have these spectacular views from downtown to Catalina Island and the ocean. There is a separate voluntary homeowners association that maintains the gates and the private through-traffic streets.

The Oaks

Nestled in the lush green hills is a Los Feliz neighborhood with a 90068 zip code, is known as “The Oaks” named for  its “…Oak” street names ( ie. Red Oak Drive, Black Oak Drive, etc… )  A favorite of families who want “a home in the hills with a view, a yard and a pool.” It boasts many long time residents who reside here for decades.  The Oaks offers a lively mix of revival styles interspersed with prime architectural homes that provides something for almost everyone. Nestled next to Griffith Park, Oaks homes are known for dynamic city and mountain views. Also a favorite of vintage Hollywood celebrities, The Oaks was home to Ramon Navarro, Cary Grant and Randolph Scott, Vicky Baum (of Grand Hotel fame) and pioneer director Dorothy Arzner. Lately Brad Pitt, Madonna, Nicholas Cage, Diane Keaton (who owned Ramon Navarro’s home designed by Lloyd Wright), Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansen, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick as well as Megan Fox and Elvira have called The Oaks “home”.  There is a separate voluntary homeowners association.

The Los Feliz Estates

“The Estates”, as they are known, is one of the few “newer” premium tracts in the area. Streets generally are on straight and level terraces that are “single-loaded”, meaning, homes are on one side of the street only. Most homes are one-story and have city views. Flat yards with pools are more common. Since the homes are built in 1960 and later, the floorplans tend to afford modern amenities, such as, family rooms, large eat-in kitchens, 3-4 or more bedrooms and garages with direct-access.

The Estates boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the area thanks to its 24-hour security car that surveillance the streets.  The CC&R’s require homeowner association dues.

Franklin Square

Franklin Square is that rare find where you feel like you are living in a “village” in the convenience of an urban city. With grid-pattern, tree-lined streets, sidewalks and an adjacent commercial & service area, this part of Los Feliz is highly sought by “younger” hipsters and the urbanites, those who want to live & play in their own “backyard” so to speak… this is not so hard to do as a short walk takes you to the local market, the school, the post office or for a meal, all achievable in Franklin Square.  Living in the flats give you easy access to the “village” for local coffee shops, theatres, pilates/yoga studios, trendy boutiques, wine bars, restaurants and sidewalk cafes on Vermont Avenue (between Franklin Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard), or the Hillhurst corridor (between Los Feliz Boulevard and Prospect Avenue).  Most homes were built in the 1920’s -30’s and are classic California bungalows with period revival influences.  Franklin Square is an excellent starter home neighborhood.

Franklin Hills

Franklin Hills is not quite Los Feliz nor Silver Lake, its adjacent sister neighborhood, yet has some of the best amenities of both areas.  A hilltop community ringed with panoramic city/downtown/mountain views, Franklin Hills offers a wide variety of home styles and sizes, ranging from Spanish, Meditarrenean, bungalows, Mid-Century to contemporary Modern.  The “Shakespeare Bridge” on Franklin Avenue is a local landmark, a pride of homeowners, who also tend an adjacent median garden.  Below the Shakespeare Bridge is Lycee de Internationale Los Angeles, a French private school.  Also nearby is John Marshall High School, another local landmark, in the stunning New England collegiate Romanesque architectural style.

Atwater Village

Atwater Village is a collection of both World War Era tracts of California bungalows., named by Details magazine as the one of “The Six Hottest Neighborhoods in the World’s Greatest Cities.”  Homes are on flat-lands with tree-lined streets with sidewalks.  Similar to Los Feliz Village, Atwater Village has commercial & service areas, along in Los Feliz Boulevard and Glendale Boulevard, that are within walking distance to these homes. The bungalows show period revival influences. The most famous of these are the “fantasy bungalows” on Brunswick Avenue just north of Glendale Boulevard. Atwater Village, because of the homogeneity of the homes and preservation could qualify as a historic preservation area.

Living in the flats give you easy access to the “village” for local coffee shops, theatres, pilates/yoga studios, trendy boutiques, bars, restaurants and market (Los Feliz Boulevard and Prospect Avenue) as well as easy access to the 2 and the 5 Freeways.  Atwater Village is an charming starter home neighborhood.

Also, Atwater Village has some of the few homes in Los Angeles that are zoned for horses. The Los Angeles Police Department Equestrian Center and several riding clubs are located here in Atwater Village. A nine-hole golf course, which is part of Griffith Park, adjoins Atwater Village. There is a volunteer homeowners association that holds regular open meetings. Convinient located close to Freeway access and shopping in adjacent Glendale.

History

Los Feliz was once the 6,647-acre ranch known as Rancho Los Feliz named after its land grantee Jose Vicente Feliz. An old adobe house built in the 1830s by heirs of Feliz still stands on Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park, named for Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who later donated over half of the ranch to the city of Los Angeles, one of the largest city owned parks in the country.

Film History

Los Feliz was home to many early movie studios, including D. W. Griffith’s studio. It is currently home to The Prospect Studios (formally known as First National-Warner Brothers and more recently ABC Television Center), at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Talmadge Street.

Monogram Pictures (once KCET public television), was located on Sunset Boulevard where early Charlie Chan movies were filmed, as well as Hurricane starring Dorothy Lamour and the camp classic Johnny Guitar. The western street from Johnny Guitar remained in place until the mid1980s when KCET razed the set to build a parking structure.

Los Feliz was home to the vintage Hollywood royalties; such as, Walt Disney, C.B. DeMille, W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplin, Carole Lombard, Antonio Moreno, Deanna Durbin, Basil Rathbone, Lily Pons and Andre Kostelanetz. More recently the newer Hollywood generation is represented by Madonna, Lily Tomlin, Dermot Mulroney, Catherine Keener, Tina Lifford, David Fincher, Will.i.am, Casey Affleck, Madonna, Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansen, Kevin Bacon & Kyra Siedgwick, Natalie Portman, Megan Fox, Robert Patterson, amongst many, many others…

Studios

Mickey Mouse was “born” in Los Feliz—Walt Disney drew his first image of the now-legendary character in the garage of his uncle’s house which was located on Kingswell Avenue between Vermont and Rodney. Disney’s first animation studio was on Kingswell Avenue, just down the street from his uncle’s house and east of Vermont (now a photocopy store). He later builds his own private gated residence on 4053 Woking Way.

The second, larger studio (now a Gelson’s supermarket) was located at the corner of Griffith Park Blvd and Hyperion Avenue, on the Silver Lake side of the Los Feliz-Silver Lake boundary. Los Feliz was also home to many other early studios, such as that of D. W. Griffith; the site is currently home to The Prospect Studios (formally known as First National-Warner Brothers and more recently ABC Television Center), at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Talmadge Street. On Sunset Boulevard was Monogram Pictures (currently a Scientology Center, who bought out KCET,  a PBS Television Center ), where early Charlie Chan movies were filmed, as well as “Hurricane” starring Dorothy Lamour and the camp classic “Johnny Guitar”. (The western street from that movie remained until the mid 1980s when KCET) razed the set to make way for a much-needed parking structure.

LOS FELIZ ARCHITECTURE

Los Feliz has historically been home to many stars, musicians and the Hollywood elite. Today, young celebs like Natalie Portman, Ryan Reynolds, Will.i.am, Danny Masterson, Liv Tyler, Eva Mendes, Robert Pattinson and many more call the area home. It also boasts some of the best-known residential architecture in Los Angeles, including two homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright: Ennis House, which was in Blade Runner, and the Hollyhock House in Barnsdall Park.

Richard Neutra’s Lovell House is also in Los Feliz. The Lovell house was completed in 1929, and its importance was comparable to other early iron, steel and glass exhibition buildings in Europe. In fact, it was through the Lovell house that Los Angeles architecture became widely known in Europe.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis-Brown House

One of my favorite things to do in Los Feliz is to drive through the hills and check out the amazing standout architecture.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis-Brown House or “The Blade Runner House” is a must see. On the way to this architectural masterpiece, you will see a lot of other beautiful period homes on your way to the top. 

The house is located at 2607 Glendower Avenue, a hilly street I like to call, “celebrity row” as so many Hollywood elites live on this street.

Le Chateau Trianon Apartments

Designated a Hollywood historical landmark, this French Normandy apartment building was named after Marie Antoinette’s petite hideaway chateau at Versailles.  It was commissioned by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr, to house their guests and designed by architect Leland Bryant in 1928, who also designed the art deco Sunset Tower, now known as the Argyle Hotel, on the Sunset Strip.

Each unit boasts, a fireplace, tall ceilings, hardwoord floors, vintage mosaic tiles, French windows and gothic archways… There is a grand courtyard with an original fountain for that nice day out for a sip of coffee or tea reading a newspaper… A wonderful old-world European living in Los Feliz!

It consists of 29 unit apartments, consisting of 25, 2-bedroom/ 1-bath units and 2 penthouse units on the north/west wing and 3 former maid corridors. Many films have been made in this building, and the most recent was “True Blood” in 2010.

Le Trianon Apartments
1750-54 Serrano Avenue
Los Feliz, CA 90027

Walt Disney Estate

Walt and his wife, Lillian, built this French Normandie – style home in 1932 on over one acre of land in the Los Feliz Hills. The two-story living room includes a Juliet balcony, vaulted beamed & painted ceilings, rod iron spandrels, and original stained glass windows. All of this was featured in the January 1940 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. 

Walt Disney’s legacy remains his imaginative filmmaking, and this 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home reflects just that. The “heart of the home” is a projection/screening room built for Disney by his studio to watch dailies.

Along with the screening room, the property comprises two speakeasies, a billiards room, a playhouse (as seen in “The Man Behind the Myth”), a sleeping porch, a library, and expansive city views.

It sold for $3,700,000 in 2011.

Entertainment, Restaurants and Nightlife

Los Feliz is home to many restaurants and bars, most on Vermont Avenue (between Franklin Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard ) and on Hillhurst Avenue (between Los Feliz Boulevard and Prospect Avenue), known as The “Los Feliz Village” because of its neighborhood feel with independent, local businesses and removed from most commercial establishments… There is a cool, artistic feel to this neighborhood, thanks to an eclectic mix of bars, cafés, restaurants and small boutiques and even a single screen movie theatre. And how can you be in Los Feliz  without stopping by Griffith Park, whether you play a round of golf, go to the zoo, hike the trails to the Observatory or the Hollywood sign or catch a show at the Greek Theatre.

Residents as well as visitors alike appreciate both the day & nightlife activities this wonderful neighborhood has to offer.

• Griffith Park
• The Observatory
• Fern Dell
• Trails Café’
• Alcove Café
• The Dresden
• Fred 62
• Café Figaro
• Little Dom’s
• Los Feliz Café
• Encinatas Best Fish Tacos
• Vinoteca Farfalla
• Good Luck Bar
• Vista Theatre
• Farmer’s Market

Griffith Park

4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.913.4688

With the hustle and bustle of the city, it is a unique gift to live in Los Feliz and have Griffith park, wonderful natural wilderness area, as your front or backyard (depending on where you are…)  This giant park comprises The L.A. Zoo, the Greek Theatre, the Gene Autry National Center of the American West Museum and numerous recreational opportunities.  Sitting atop Griffith Park is its famous Observatory, recently restored and expanded to include an impressive Wolfgang Puck owned cafe with a terrace overlooking the views to the Westside and Pacific Ocean…

With over 4,210 acres of both natural terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas, Griffith Park is the largest municipal park with urban wilderness area in the United States. Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, the Park’s elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above see level.  There are many trails to accommodate the novice and advance hikers alike.

The Park is home to the Griffith Observatory, which features an extensive array of space- and science-related displays, and the Los Angeles Zoo. The Greek Theatre, a 5,700-seat amphitheater, is also located within Griffith Park. It’s one of L.A.’s most historic entertainment venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment. Griffith Park also houses various children’s play areas (a merry-go-round, pony station), two 18-hole golf courses, a driving range and other sports fields, as well as hiking and equestrian trails and cafes.  At Travel Town there is a miniature railroad operated by the Los Angeles Live Steamers and a collection of railroad locomotives, passenger cars and streetcars.

Fern Dell Tropical Garden

2333 Fern Dell Drive
Los Feliz, CA 90068
323.913.4688

Fern Dell is a hidden treasure inside Griffith Park’s Ferndell.  This woodsy glen is comprised of two sections. At the lower end of Western Canyon is a tropical garden with a variety of ferns, succulents, and other plants growing lushly along a man-made brook shaded by a canopy of trees. Like a mini rain forest, take a stroll along a bubbling stream, lined with cedars, pines and tons of leafy ferns. Little waterfalls, bridges over the creek and tunnels under the road make for interesting places to explore.

The upper section of Fern dell is primarily dusty picnic areas under a canopy of sycamore, alder, oak, and redwood (yes, redwood). This section also has man-made streams that used to be fed with water from the observatory’s cooling system and gurgled its way down the through the dell.  Since the observatory was renovated, the cooling system was replaced and no longer releases its refreshing stream. This hike described below takes you from the picnic area and within minutes has you climbing the dusty dirt road through the chaparral to the Observatory.

The Observatory and Planetarium

2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.913.4688

Your destination is the historic Griffith Observatory. It opened on May 14, 1935 and has become a venerable cultural, scientific, and architectural icon and one of Southern California’s most popular attractions, In 2002 its doors were closed and a five-year, $93-million renovation secured its world-class standing as an amazing treasure. You can easily spend hours exploring the building, grounds, and astronomical exhibits, gazing through its public telescopes, viewing a live planetarium show, shopping in its gift store, or simply soaking in the breath-taking panorama of Los Angeles. And aside from its planetarium show, it’s free!

Also, take advantage of the cutting edge Cafe at the End of the Universe, owned by Wolfgang Puck, for a quick easy bite, snacks and/or drinks.  The view from the patio looking west is a treat in itself.  In the evening, you can chill under the moon and the stars looking at the twinkling city lights while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea…  Life is good indeed.

Trails Café- Best Kept L.A. Secret

2333 Fern Dell Drive
Los Feliz, CA 90068
323.871.2102

The Trails is located inside Griffith Park at Ferndell, a converted old snack shack along the left side of the main road leading up the Observatory, almost directly across from the shady fern forest.  The setting is really beautiful, situated in clearing among the trees.  They serve freshly made baked goods, which they make, such as fruit & savory pies, muffins and scones along with other stuff like avocado sandwiches, salads and chili. There’s also all the coffee drinks you might expect from a cafe such as lattes and espresso.  They’ve also offer a few vegan specialty items on the menu which are great, and much higher quality than you’d ever expect to get from a shack in the woods.  There’s usually at least one or more sweet & fruity vegan pies available as well, sometimes they’re in the form of really cute mini-pies.  And for your four-legged friends, they also provide doggie biscuits.  They’ve also got a darn tasty looking pastry-wrapped veggie dog.

Trails is owned by music producer Mickey Petralia (known locally for his work on the HBO series Flight of the Conchords). They’re often playing classic rock out by their picnic tables, where you can stay and linger with your treats and enjoy the view of the park for as long as you like, or, you can even bring your work with you and enjoy perhaps one of the coolest free WiFi spots in the entire city.

Alcove Cafe & Bakery

1929 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.644.0100

Alcove would be perfect if it wasn’t so damn popular! There’s ALWAYS a line (I guess that’s a good thing) and finding a table can be a bit of a chore during peak hours but if you’re willing to brave all of that, your stomach will thank you. The salads, burgers and many desserts are visual pleasing as it is appetizing.  A favorite of Los Feliz residents as well as those visiting, it is known for its outside garden patio seating.  Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, there is an array of food choices to choose from its whimsical menu.  No matter what time or the day you’re eating, you can’t leave without sampling something from Alcove’s bakery & dessert. From individual Molten Lava Cakes to Blue Velvet Cupcakes to Lemon Berry Meringue Tarts, they are generous fist size slices! There’s a sweet treat to satisfy everyone. There’s also a cheese shop attached to the main restaurant that makes sandwiches known to knock diner’s socks off. All in all, Alcove is a wonderful addition to the many delicious eateries in the area. Inside seating is limited, but the outside garden is where you’ll want to be anyway.

Fred 62

1850 North Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.667.0062

Name after the owner Fred Eric, Fred 62 is the best for what it is — a hip, local diner that is open 24/7, in a good location, with great atmosphere and great prices. Parking can be tricky if you come in the evening and there is a 2am rush for sure. But it’s a perfect spot for locals to go if you are starving late at night. And it’s also not bad if you just want a simple, comfort food breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu selection is huge and even provides lots of options for vegetarians!  And you don’t go to Fred 62 for the height of culinary excellence. You go for the comfort food and fun diner atmosphere which has given it its cult following.  With a retro kitsch ambiance & great vintage booth seats, you also get a good dose of attitude and the service is fast and no-nonsense.  It’s always a nice feeling knowing there’s always someplace open.

Café Figaro

1802 N Vermont Ave
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.662.1587

This is such a charming French bistro that truly feels like you are in France.  It’s like this place was literally picked up from Paris and plopped on Vermont Avenue.  The authenticity is uncanny, down to the tile floors and the glass ceiling.  It’s  impressive and not at all surprising to find out that the antiques, even the pewter bar, were brought over from France.  When you walk into this establishment, you feel as if you were magically transported to a Bastille café.  Even the menu is authentic and in French so be prepared to ask for a translation.

Along with great French cuisine, comes a wide wine selection & wonderful dessert assortments.  The glass display holding these colorful miniature pastries is not only a visual delight but something to drool over.

The location itself is wonderfully sited, perfect for lunch, breakfast or lunch solo or with friends on a lazy afternoon.  There’s both an outdoor and indoor seating, depending on your dining mood.  Oh, so ala Francais!

Madonna’s music video was shot here… need I say more?

The Dresden Room

1760 North Vermont Avenue
Los Feliz, CA 90027
322.665.4294

Remember The Dresden from the movie, The Swingers?  Well, after all these years, Marty and Elayne still perform jazz standards here, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 pm – 1:15 am! Its a beautiful cocktail lounge which looks like its straight out of the 1940s. Low lighting, lots of booths and nice big bar. There’s usually a decent crowd here too, a mishmash of Los Feliz locals, industry gurus and people who have been coming here for ages.

And if you are hungry, you can have an Italian dinner inside on the restaurant side before having those drinks and entertained by the kitschy lounge act.

When you come here, keep in mind that you are a guest in a historical LA classic spot.

Its a beautiful cocktail lounge which looks like its straight out of the 1940s. Low lighting, lots of booths and nice big bar. There’s usually a decent crowd here too, a mishmash of Los Feliz locals, industry gurus and people who have been coming here for ages.

Little Dom’s

2128 Hillhusrt Avenue
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.661.0055

Little Dom’s is your classic neighborhood joint with all the delicious Italian goodies you could ever want! There is something very cozy about dark mahogany wood, worn leather upholstery, and tiled floors.  Also, with the intimate booths inside and the closeness of the row of tables outside, it really does feel like an old time NYC Italian restaurant.  My favorites on the menu include the oyster Po’ Boys, and my meat loving friends swear by the hanger steak with parmesan and arugula, their famous breakfast pizza, super fresh ingredients and thin and crispy and light…who thought pizza could be so refreshing? and the amazing rice balls which should be a part of every meal here.

Overall I would say that this is one of the great restaurants in the Eastside and a definite celebrity citing spot… not only do you get to have yummy food, but also brush shoulders with a Hollywood celebrity…

Los Feliz Café

2118 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.664.7111

This is the closest it gets to a nice little European café.  GREAT pastries, great food, especially breakfast, although their croissant sandwiches are just as yummy.

It’s so easy to pass this place as you drive down Hillhurst Avenue.  It’s TINY, tiny tiny, but has this authentic euro-vibe that’s unmistakable.

Croissants are their specialty, and with good reason.  They manage to make them dense AND flakey.  Zucchini-Cheddar and Spinach-Swiss are my favorites, but I’ve heard that their chocolate and almond croissants are just as amazing.  Their tuna sandwiches are very popular.  Breakfast burritos are unparalleled.  Filled with eggs, potatoes, avocado, it’s PERFECT EVERY TIME.  Grilled on both sides.  It originally comes with bacon, but they’re happy to oblige you with a free substitution.  It’s that kind of a neighborhood spot.

Encinatas Best Fish Tacos

1650 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.466.5552

Great cheap go-to spot for delicious, authentic fish, shrimp and for those vegetarians, papa tacos. Everything is made fresh to order, you can see them batter and fry your fish right in front of you. I’ve love both the shrimp and fish tacos… and the shrimp tacos ($2.25) have the most flavor, so if you order both, make sure to start with the fish tacos ($1.75) first, then finish with the shrimp and the papa tacos ($1.50).  They added some new items to the menu, the shrimp ceviche that is tasty, and only $2.50. You can get also get an authentic horchata, jimaca or tamarind drink for $1… a meal for $5!

What goes on your taco is entirely up to you. They have a huge salsa bar which includes mango and pineapple varieties along with finely shredded cabbage and a nice smooth crema (like sour cream, but not as thick).

This place lives up to its sign…although, it’s good for us that it’s here in Los Feliz and not in Ensenada.

Vinoteca Farfalla

1968 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.661.8070

Vinoteca Farfalla is a neighborhood favorite wine bar and I am grateful for its presence.  It’s a cozy place, clustered on Hillhurst Avenue next to Farfalla and Tropicalia, En Sushi, all under the same ownership in a lovely old brick building.

The ambiance is calm and pleasant, dimly lit and not always overtly crowded.  It’s old school New York-style vibe with its exposed brick walls, woo tables, and a long, beautiful oak bar running through most of the space with a giant chalkboard above with a full list of wonderful wine selections.  The bartenders and servers really know their wine here; in fact, ask about any wine on the menu, and you will get good noters.  They serve a variety of dishes and desserts here as well, if you want a nibble and.

Theree is a lot of love for Vinoteca.  It’s so mellow and comfortable and unprentitious, perfect for an impromptu glass of wine or a drawn out evening or afternnon of drinking.  The wine and food are excellent, and lucky for me, the bar is right up the street from my office.  If you’re in the neighborhood, Vinoteca Farfala is one more reason to love Los Feliz.

Good Luck Bar

1514 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323.666.3524

Good Luck you say?  This place has more than just luck.  It also has…ambiance.

First of all, it’s a themed bar with good retro atmosphere.  From the Chinese wallpaper, to the tiny gold Buddha shrine, the hanging paper lanterns, to the re-lit interior, to the lattice that separates the bar and the opium den-style lounge in the back… The specialty drinks are on a menu on every table and are also in tune with the theme.

The jukebox is one of the best in the city with eclectic music choices. No matter your music taste, you’ll find something in the selection you’ll like.

The way the backroom is situated, with its continuous lowered couch around the room,  it is almost impossible not to get into a friendly conversation with someone sitting next to you.

It is also right around the corner from the coolest theater in town – The Vista Theatre.

Vista Theatre

4473 Sunset Drive
Los Feliz, CA 90027
323. 660.6639

One of LA’s best movie going secret is this hidden treasure in Los Feliz.  The Vista Theatre is a rare artifact of classic Hollywood, a former site of the huge Babylon set from D.W. Griffin’s 1916 epic, ‘Intolerence.’

It’s a historic theatre with a lot of character.  The décor is beautiful and pretty ornate with a dignified vintage air.  Not many theatres can pull of a full Egyptian and come out looking classier than the Luxor.  There’s also something to be said about the old-fashion marquee, very cheerful and inviting.

This recently renovated theatre is truly special with a one big-screen, and shows one title at a time, making it a nostalgic experience, with an atmosphere that sets it apart from the modern cineplex.  The seats are wide and comfortable and there is an unreal amount of legroom.  During the renovation, the Vista did away with the every other row, so even with the now stadium seating, each seat feels more spacious.  The theatre is always kept in a clean condition.

The Vista is a favorite for the above reasons alone, but the wonderful ticket prices make this place even more appealing.  $9.50 for a regular ticket, $6.50 for a matinee. Wow.

Add to boot, before the movie, they always run that cute trailer of the popcorn and soda marching and singing, “let’s all go to the lobby to get ourselves a treat!” And someone in the audience always cracks up when that “shh…quiet your cellphone” announcement airs.  It never gets old.

Schools

LOS FELIZ is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, which include:

Franklin Elementary School

Los Feliz Elementary School

Thomas Starr King Middle School

John Marshall High School