While Silver Lake still offers glimmers of its former self—a bohemian landing pad for creatives searching for affordable rent, remember those days?—it’s largely evolved into a neighborhood with high-end shopping destinations and stylish restaurants. You’ve probably done your fair share of exploring here, but for anyone who thinks they already know everything there is to know about Silver Lake, think again. There are still tons of hidden gems to be found all over, from secret menu items to under-the-radar shops and a whole lot more. Read on to learn a handful of insider tips to spending a day in the ‘hood in a totally different way.
Off the menu: Seafood Poutine, L&E Oyster Bar
There’s absolutely no secret to the fact that L&E is the spot to grab to slurp up fresh oysters and sip Sancerre, but only a true insider knows to inquire about the off-menu seafood poutine, which may have lobster one day and Dungeness crab the next.
1637 Silver Lake Blvd
A sweet treat: Ube Pavlova, FrankieLucy Bake Shop
Photograph: Ashley Tibbits
If you didn’t know better you’d think this Sunset Boulevard bakery was just another cute café, but FrankieLucy sets itself apart with specialty Filipino treats—including ube, a purple yam used frequently in the cuisine’s desserts. Grab a pavlova (a baked cloud of meringue) topped with your choice of custard (dare we suggest ube?) and graham cracker crumbs, and enjoy with coffee on the sidewalk patio as you plan your next stop.
3116 Sunset Blvd Unit 1/2
A secluded patio: Tintorera
It doesn’t matter which drink you choose from the new Mexican restaurant’s colorful menu (may we suggest something with mezcal), just that you make sure to sip on the eatery’s positively magical patio, hidden away from Sunset Boulevard so it feels like a private paradise on an otherwise bustling stretch.
2815 Sunset Blvd
An extra hour of happy hour: Kettle Black
You probably already know of this new-ish Italian restaurant in fashionable Sunset Junction, but are you aware that it happens to have arguably the best—and latest—happy hour in the neighborhood? From 5 to 7pm (a solid hour later than most other places) sip select beer, wine and cocktails and enjoy substantial snacks for reduced prices. The clear winner here is the Pizza & Pop, which gets you a slice of wood-fired margherita pizza and a glass of red or white wine for $15.
3705 Sunset Blvd
A record shop in a house: Paw Paw Records
Photograph: Ashley Tibbits
Just up the the street from Sqirl in Virgil Village, it’s easy to miss this sweet little record shop on the edge of Silver Lake, save for a line of hanging record sleeves above the stairs that lead you there. Inside you’ll find a top-notch selection of classics (everything from Ella Fitzgerald to Mudhoney), most of which is priced between $10 and $30. If that’s above your price range you can also shop dozens of $1 records and 45s, used books and other miscellaneous vintage finds.
851 N Virgil Ave
Throwback threads: Recollection Vintage
Photograph: Ashley Tibbits
On a rapidly developing stretch of North Hoover Street (see: Hot Hot Food, Vinovore), this discrete little vintage clothing shop offers designer treasures like ’80s Ferragamo pumps or a St. John knit dress alongside mint condition Wranglers and Levis, ’90s slip dresses and chunky fisherman’s sweaters, but there’s always something new and different to find—which is part of its charm. Plus, the prices won’t put you off.
606 N Hoover St
Off-the-beaten-path greenery: The Plant Provocateur
You wouldn’t know this teeny plant-filled paradise even exists while strolling down the 3300 block of Sunset Boulevard (you know, where you go to take a pic on those Rainbow Stairs or go bag shopping at Clare V?), but wander down into Muddy Paw Café’s patio and there it is, offering a host of indoor-friendly varieties, succulents and blossoms, plus a handful of locally made apothecary items.
3318 Sunset Blvd