Things To Do in Atwater Village - a local’s guide
BY: Shelli-Anne Couch, award-winning journalist, “Atwater Villager of the Year” and resident for 25+ years. Shelli-Anne and Gavin Brennan are the founders of E-Bike Tours LA, a new tour agency proudly based in Atwater Village, located along the LA River at the foothills of Griffith Park and 15mins from Downtown LA.
Atwater Village, nestled along the LA River, is a quaint, easily-walkable, neighborhood that boasts a unique blend of urban charm and small-town vibes. We first moved here over 20 years ago, drawn to the strong creative community and intergenerational family environment to raise our two daughters. Now known globally for its eclectic mix of artisanal shopping, world-class eateries, and artistic community spaces, Atwater Village a place where locals love to hang out and visitors are treated like neighbors. If you're looking to explore Atwater Village like a local, here's our insider guide to the best spots that make this neighborhood so special.
Momed Michelin-starred Modern Mediterranean
Local Highlights
Eat & Drink
Momed Their name is short for “Modern Mediterranean” and every single dish is absolutely divine. And let’s not get started on their Happy Hours and cocktail, all enjoyed in a lush architecturally-designed indoor-outdoor restaurant. Website: atmomed.com
Holy Basil Crowned by the LA Times as “The Next Big Leap in Thai Cuisine” and by Eater as “LA’s Best Thai Restaurant” Eater article
Proof Bakery Proof Bakery is a local favorite for artisanal baked goods and coffee. Their croissants are legendary (always sold out before noon) and their seasonal tarts are a delight. Website: proofbakery.com
Hugo’s Tacos We are big fans of the crispy tofu tacos - local tip, ask for “ensenada style” hugostacos.com
Dune Beloved spot by musician-turned-chef-restauranteur Scott Zwiezen acclaimed for their falafels and insanely great fried chicken, a go-to for a modern twist on Middle Eastern dishes. Website: dunekitchen.com
Bar Sinizki A new all-day, high glamour, Eastern European cafe and bar from Dune founder Scott Weizen inspired by Zwiezen’s time living in Prague in the 1990s and featuring his grandmothers pierogi along with snacks, wine, and espresso. Eater Review
Tacos Villa Corona This family-owned, hole-in-the-wall (literally) joint serves up some of the best breakfast burritos and tacos in town (and was a favorite of chef Anthony Bourdain). It's a small, no-frills establishment, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. Instagram
All'Acqua All'Acqua offers a taste of Italy with its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and an impressive wine list. Website: allacquarestaurant.com
The Black Elephant Hipster coffee, pastries, and a laid-back vibe make The Black Elephant a favorite coffee spot among locals. Website: blackelephantcoffee.com
Morihiro A Michelin-starred sushi restaurant, Morihiro offers an exquisite dining experience with masterfully prepared sushi and Japanese dishes. Website: morionodera.com
Sepan Chicken Famous for their legendary shawarma fries, Sepan Chicken is a local go-to for fans of fast-casual Middle Eastern cuisine. Website: sepan-chicken.com
Wanderlust Ice Creamery Artisanal, globally inspired ice creams, including vegan options. Website: wanderlustcreamery.com
The Village Bakery and Cafe A staple in Atwater Village, The Village Bakery and Cafe is the perfect spot to start your day. Known for their delicious pastries, hearty breakfasts, and excellent coffee, it's a favorite among locals for a reason. Don't leave without trying their famous potato breakfast burrito or a slice of the banana chocolate chip cake. Website: thevillagebakeryandcafe.com
Ritual Açai Best açai bowls in LA! Go on - Google it! Smoothies & Juices. Fresh Brazilian coffee & authentic Brazilian food such as pão-de-queijo, empadão and brigadeiros. Instagram
McCalls Meat & Fish Market NEW! Gourmet neighborhood market featuring the highest quality meats & fish, prepped + portioned for the at-home chef. Offerings also include farmers market produce, pastries, speciality cheeses + provisions, + other hand-picked items to stock your pantry. mccallsmeatandfish.com
Atwater Village Farmers Market (Sundays) The Atwater Village Farmers Market is a Sunday morning tradition where locals go to shop for fresh, organic produce, artisanal foods, and handmade goods. It's also a great place to enjoy a leisurely morning, sampling local delicacies and soaking in the community vibes. Website: https://foodaccessla.org/atwater-village
Bar Sinizki A new all-day, high glamour, Eastern European cafe and bar
Design
RAD Furniture Founded by local Ryan Anderson (ie: Ryan Anderson Design) this cool new store also houses their other venture Lander Skateboards Instagram
Block Shop Textiles Gorgeous design studio founded by three sisters, known for its infectiously joyful aesthetic (think bold colors, geometric shapes, and hand block printed patterns) and commitment to ethical manufacturing. Their wide range of apparel and home goods are designed in LA and handmade by independent, small-scale manufacturing teams around the world. They have partnered with several beloved fashion and decor brands including Heath Ceramics, Design Within Reach, Rachel Comey, and Farrow & Ball, and their designs are sold in boutiques from New York to Tokyo to Marfa. Instagram Website: https://www.blockshoptextiles.com/
DeKor A homegoods retail boutique as well as full service interior design firm that curates an eclectic mix of custom furniture, vintage furnishings, fabrics and accessories. Website: https://dekorliving.com/
Goodies LA Wabi-sabi-style home goods at VERY affordable prices Website
Kalon Working mostly with wood, Kalon’s furniture is built by master craftsmen in the United States using a mix of traditional and highly technological methods. All materials are sustainable and domestically sourced. Website: https://kalonstudios.com/
WakaWaka A studio focusing on wood furniture & functional objects designed and hand crafted by Shin Okuda. His work ranges from seating concepts, utilitarian objects and space design, all of which demonstrate a simplicity in form, subtle detailing and a unique interpretation of proportion. https://wakawaka.world/furniture
NOTE: LA Design Weekend holds events across maker studios in and around Atwater Village each June. Website: https://www.ladesignweekend.com
Block Shop Textiles founders - and sisters - Grier and Hopie Stockman.
Books + Music
Alias Books East Book lovers will adore Alias Books East, a curated used bookstore with a wide selection of titles across various genres. It's a great place to find your next read or a unique gift. Instagram
Jacknife Records & Tapes caters to music enthusiasts with its extensive collection of vinyl records, tapes, and CDs spanning various genres. Whether you're a collector or just looking to discover new music, Jacknife offers a deep dive into the world of sound. Website
Vintage, Designer, Consignment & Thrift Stores
The Curatorial Department Collectible Vintage & Designer Clothing Website https://curatorialdept.com/
The Lucky Pig Vintage clothing plus a small amount of furniture and homegoods. https://www.luckypigvintage.com/
The Attic Quirky vintage finds in this sweet little shop https://www.instagram.com/the.attic.la
Out of The Closet Hands down the BEST window dressing on the eastside! https://outofthecloset.org/
Lucky Pig Vintage Store
Shopping
Treehaus Owners Michelle Pedersen and Saralynne Precht, have channeled their passion for art and design into a kick-ass curated space. Their vibe is an eclectic mix of minimal, modern, bohemian and general fabulousness. Treehaus showcases standout small batch, local and independent makers with a focus on socially conscious and female designers. . Fun Fact: owners Michelle and Saralynne met at a therapeutic program for their children, who are on the autistic spectrum. Because the autism community holds a special place in their hearts, they started the “Atwater Cares about Autism” fundraiser. It takes place in April, which is Autism Acceptance month. The fundraiser brings the Atwater business community together to raise money for autism research. Website
Avion Clothier Women's and men's designer collection based in Los Angeles & New York with a focus on old world technique, hand craftsmanship and fine tailoring. Fun fact, the owner-designer Katherine Tsina Bird is the wife of musician Andrew Bird. Website
The Runway Sample Sale Boutique Run by fellow Australian Ali who stocks LA and Australian designer samples and overstock at wholesale prices in her lovely boutique. Fun Fact, her husband built the insane wooden “log” countertop. Website
Yolk An independent design and gift store from Los Angeles with a tagline of “Free Range Design” Yolk, offering a cool selection of artisan designer goods, locally produced wares and individualistic kids fashion from around the globe. Website
RG Jewelry Rose Gypsy’s entire business model is built on a commitment to sustainability. They use only the finest, ethically sourced alloys and actively work to minimize their environmental impact. All of of their jewelry is also hand made here in the United States at their Los Angeles atelier and partner workshop in New England. Website
Atwater Village has the Nation’s largest Avocado Tree.
USA’s largest Avocado Tree Designated as a US Champion in the registry of California Big Trees. LA Times article
Los Angeles River Bike Path Take advantage of Atwater Village's proximity to the Los Angeles River by exploring the bike path. It's a scenic route that offers a unique perspective of the city and a peaceful escape from urban life.
Griffith Park A massive urban park at Atwater Village’s doorstep offfering a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to horseback riding, and is home to the Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Observatory. It's the perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Website: laparks.org/griffithpark
Atwater Village is a neighborhood that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a foodie, a bookworm, or an outdoor enthusiast, this charming enclave in the heart of LA is worth exploring. By visiting these local highlights, you'll experience Atwater Village not just as a tourist, but as a true local.
Atwater Village Calendar of Events
Annual Atwater Village Tree Lighting Festival Streets are closed for one night (usually the first Sunday in December) and the community rolls out for this beloved festival, which started in 1991. www.atwatervillageevents.org
Trick or Treat on the BOO-levard Halloween trick or treating, held the last week of October.
FURTHER FUN READING
WASHINGTON POST Atwater Village has been called L.A.’s most underrated neighborhood, which basically means you can find a parking spot here without losing your mind. The down-to-earth stretch along Glendale Boulevard, from the L.A. River to the Glendale border, has a warm, small-town feel (evidenced by a yearly block party to light the scraggly Grinchesque Christmas tree on the median of Glendale, across from a bank) and some of the best pastries and breakfast burritos in the city. Washington Post
