Explore This Buzzy Street Complete With Coffee Shops, Boutiques and Scenic Stops
We can all agree on one thing: Los Angeles is congested. Sometimes this is a good thing, like when your goal is to impress out-of-towners, hot dates or, say, friends who rarely leave the Westside. Amid the bustle, there are parts of town where you can get all of your errands—and entertainment—done on one street. Silverlake Boulevard is just that—a long strip in popular East Hollywood that’s chock-full of diverse shops and restaurants. Our guide to Silver Lake is a nod to the palpable energy of the boulevard. The dress code is optional: there’s no need to wear Carhartt or sport a well-inked sleeve at any of these spots. But if that’s your style, you’ll fit in well. One thing we know for sure: anything goes in this part of town.
The Silverlake House
One of the oldest Thai restaurants in Silver Lake, The Silverlake House, previously known as Leela Thai restaurant, is welcoming at first glance. The friendly yellow sign, wood facade and well-lit patio emphasize the home-style cooking that Chef Kong features here. Drop in for their lunch special—a veggie spring roll, soup or salad, choice of rice and entree, starting at $11.95—or choose from their all-day and vegan menus. After ordering the drunken dumplings and kao soi, you may feel tempted to look around for your robe and slippers—because this place is that cozy.
OK the Store
There are times when your apartment needs an extra something, or perhaps your bestie just leveled up on real estate and deserves a housewarming present. Enter: OK. This boutique goes above and beyond its name to reveal architecture-forward keepsakes for every abode. From hand-thrown ceramic vases and Japanese brass clocks to stylish concrete lamps, the curated selection at OK in Silver Lake promises to add visual interest to any room in your home. Beyond the compelling decor, OK also features beautiful pieces from boutique jewelry houses—they even sell engagement rings and offer personal fittings. Lucky for those on the Westside, OK also has two additional locations: Beverly Grove and Santa Monica.
Silver Lake Meadow
Whether it’s an early stop or an afternoon stroll, make time in your day for Silver Lake Meadow. This 2.5-acre park offers a vast lawn where you can work up a sweat before walking to LAMILL Coffee for an oat milk cappuccino. Or sip a matcha while your four-legged bestie socializes—the human-to-dog ratio is about 1:1 here. Better yet: grab some pad thai with a cutie and then smooch on a blanket, or start in the meadow and find some eats after. It’s your prerogative!
Bodega Park
Our editors agree: Los Angeles knows how to deliver a good sandwich. And Bodega Park is leading the charge—one breakfast sandwich at a time. Serving until mid-afternoon six days a week (closed on Mondays), this family-owned shop combines local flavors with the spirit of New York and Korea. We recommend the Bodega Chopped Cheese, a shining star of a sandwich with certified Angus beef, American cheese, grilled onion, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo, served on a pressed sesame hero roll. This kind of satisfaction keeps us coming back for more.
Daybird
Locals accept it as fact that strip malls in Los Angeles often house really good food. Daybird proves the point, and then some. This Szechuan hot chicken joint has perfected the art of fried chicken, and their sandos will make your mouth sing. Be sure to secure a Hong Kong milk tea or lemonade of the day to calm the fire. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your craving accordingly.
Botanica Restaurant + Market
If you’re an aspiring character in a Nancy Meyers movie, perhaps looking for that perfect meet cute—you’ll want to pop into foodie haven Botanica. The airy space functions as both a restaurant and market with an emphasis on local fare. This is a fancy way of saying that the cooks here know how to make vegetables taste good. Roll in for a morning mezze and don’t skimp on the date cardamom scone. We recommend a visit during their Tinned Fish Happy Hour, which happens Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6 p.m, for yes, tinned fish, zesty dips, bready items and drink specials.
Lake Boutique
What we want from a boutique is what Lake Boutique is all about—a gift-givers haven that checks off on all the right categories. This small business is at once an apothecary and home decor store, replete with clothing, jewelry and an area for kids toys. Here you’ll find glass bottle stoppers from Areaware for your wine-inclined friends or the cozy-chic Rachel Comey slides for your stylish mother. Lake Boutique features the adorable Danish toy brand, Maileg, with a selection of designer stuffed animals, perfect presents for the little ones. While this boutique is great for the holidays, we will no doubt be visiting year-round.
Wood
The smell of the wood-fired pizza at Wood is so compelling that you’ll want to take the scent home with you. They should make a candle! The menu at this pie shop is both classic and modern, featuring Neapolitan-style pizza and an expansive selection of small plates, grilled items, hand-made pasta and desserts. One of our favorites is the Khachapuri, or Gondola Pizza, which is a Georgian-inspired bread boat filled with mozzarella, feta cheese, butter and two eggs. For those looking for lighter fare, the chopped salad does not disappoint.
Mom’s Donuts and Chinese Food To Go
Standing at the crossroads of Silverlake Boulevard, Bellevue Avenue and Dillon Street is a stand-alone, hut-shaped building that embodies what The Atlantic calls “a California mystery.” With nary a website or Instagram feed, Mom’s Donuts and Chinese Food To Go is as it seems—you’ll find noodles and fried dough here. Patrons are immediately greeted by the kindest staff, accompanied with a waft of both sweet and savory smells. The apple fritter is one of the menu’s many champions, as is the kung pao chicken and chow mein. No matter the mealtime, Mom’s will put a smile on your face. There’s truly many reasons why this mom-and-pop shop on Silver Lake Blvd is about to celebrate 29 years in business—we suggest you find out for yourself!
LAMILL Coffee
Are you the type of person who can reel off tasting notes when sipping a pour over? If that’s you, then LAMILL is your kind of coffee shop. Even if you don’t have the nose for joe, the coffee at LAMILL should not be missed. You might even learn something! Take their El Triunfo, for example—this is a Colombian roast with tasting notes of fruit punch. A home away from home for some, LAMILL has a regular crowd that includes locals and celebrities alike. Don’t forget to grab a Roasted Poblano and Oaxaca Cheese Croissant and a bag of beans for the road!
L & E Oyster Bar
Suggesting a dinner at L & E Oyster Bar is a low-key flex that lets everyone know you’re super cool. Whether it’s the raw oysters—with or without caviar—the shrimp po’boy or the cast iron cornbread, expect your phone to eat first. All your friends will be begging to join next time. The cocktail selection and wine list are not to be skipped. We recommend the Bird of Paradise—a white rum and Campari affair with tropical flavors—the perfect accompaniment to all the seafood. Keep in mind this is a walk-ins only establishment—but trust us, the wait is worth it.
Sapphire Pilates
Los Angeles is big on fitness and hosts a community that fosters countless workout options. Sapphire Pilates is a shining example of how mindful movement brings Silver Lake residents together. Led by Justine Malick, this studio goes beyond mat and reformer pilates and props up community as its core value. The small class sizes are designed such that the instructors can get to know their clientele. Sapphire Pilates proves that exercise doesn’t have to be painful with its tenets of wisdom, breath, nourishment, discernment, somatics and longevity. After a few sessions, you might even be motivated to take the teacher training.
