Vintage Shops and Cool Cafes Abound in This Oft-Overlooked Enclave of LA

Frogtown is the affectionate moniker for the Elysian Valley village that hosts a thriving and creative community. It’s home to some of the coolest under-the-radar shops, restaurants, galleries, and hangouts this side of the Hollywood sign. From modest cafes to an ever-expanding selection of funky eateries, it’s easy to munch your way through the eclectic menus that comprise the local food scene and enjoy the artistic flair that makes this neighborhood that runs along the Los Angeles River truly unique. Centered around a shared desire to do good—for the body, the greater community and the planet—this tight-knit, like-minded colony of visionaries converges on principles of wellness and sustainability. With so much to explore, consider this your official guide to Frogtown in Los Angeles.

 

DINE

Spoke Bicycle Cafe

Spoke Bicycle Cafe offers both a technical fix for your 10 speed and a full menu to fix those hunger pangs. What began in 2015 as a traditional bike shop (conveniently located along the LA River Bike Path) that also featured local events on the weekends, has blossomed into a full-service restaurant for the breakfast and lunch crowd. From classic toasts and scrambles to tacos, salads and burgers, this is the perfect pit stop for fueling up before a day on the trails. 

 

10 Speed Coffee

10 Speed Coffee blends LA cool with small-town charm and a killer espresso. Initially founded in Oregon, this riverside café has become a favorite for cyclists, creatives and anyone seeking a quality cup without the pretentious vibes. The coffee is smooth and strong, the breakfast sandwiches are solid and the croissants are flaky enough to make a Parisian jealous. But what really sets it apart is the chill riverfront patio that practically demands a slow sip and good conversation. It’s the perfect pause between stops or a solid start to a day of exploring the neighborhood. If you ask us, this spot hits the mark with both taste and atmosphere. 

 

Mariscos Za Za Zá

Mariscos Za Za Zá is loud, proud and unapologetically seafood-forward in the absolute best way. This Frogtown taquería, led by Guerilla Tacos alum Chef Mario Alberto, serves up bold coastal Mexican fare that hits like a summer road trip to Ensenada. The aguachile is electric, the scallop tostada is legendary and the Baja-style tacos bring the kind of crunch that requires a mic drop. Order at the walk-up window, snag a picnic table under the twinkle lights and prepare to feast. Za Za Zá makes an ordinary afternoon feel like a celebration. Plus, the vibe? Playful and just chaotic enough to be fun. Add this to your list of Frogtown restaurants that deserve a repeat visit, stat.

 

Wax Paper

Here to perfect the art of the sandwich is Wax Paper—a small but mighty sandwich shop with a meticulously designed menu that includes freshly baked local bread that’s delivered daily. Operated by a husband and wife duo, each of the 14 sandwiches, curiously named in honor of various NPR and public broadcast radio hosts, is carefully crafted and overseen by a team of 12 (who politely decline requests for modifications or substitutions). Pro tip: Be sure to come early to stake your claim because the entire menu has been known to sell out in a day. 

 

Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca might just be the reason your next night out turns into a full-blown food affair. This Frogtown restaurant isn’t afraid to play with fire (literally). The wood-fired oven is the star here, turning out golden, bubbly flatbreads, blistered seasonal veggies and crave-worthy proteins with the perfect amount of char. The menu rotates often, but always with a backbone of handmade care and punchy flavor. The interior is cozy and minimal, and the glowing patio feels straight out of Europe. This is the kind of spot that encourages lingering over a bottle of organic wine and ordering that second round of flatbread. For anyone chasing the best restaurants in Frogtown, Lingua Franca is a fiery frontrunner. Reservation recommended, appetite required.

 

Frogtown Brewery

When it comes time to slug down some suds, head on over to Frogtown Brewery. With a perpetually rotating selection of beers on tap, this independent craft brewery and taproom offers a curated collection for sampling to suit an array of tastes—from light and hoppy to dark and malty. Taste something familiar? Many favorite flavors are distributed to popular restaurants across Southern California, including appearances at food truck pop-ups around the city (check the schedule online to plan ahead). Hard seltzers and non-alcoholic options are also available for those seeking traditional brew alternatives.

 

Loreto

Those in search of a more elevated dining experience will adore Loreto—a celebration of seafood that pays homage to the flavors of the Californian peninsula. The Barra de Peninsula offers a selection of south-of-the-border fare, including ceviches and tostadas, botanas and zarandeados (a Mexican fish dish that literally means “shaken or disarranged” due to its unique style and presentation). Also expect plenty of shrimp, clams, scallops and yellowtail, among other Baja-style must-trys. Slide over to the sleek bar for some sublime sips, or reserve a red corner booth in the chicly minimalist dining room. 

 

Just What I Kneaded

For all of you vegans who love a good pun, this hip bakery is for you! Conceived by Justine Hernandez of Highland Park, this shop hits the sweet spot with proudly produced vegan and gluten-free pastries, bagels, sandwiches, cookies, cakes and other unique and seasonal goodies. Reimagining classic confections by eliminating animal byproducts, Hernandez’s creations are both artfully imaginative and full of flavor—no easy feat. From deconstructed, fruit-festooned flat cakes to frosting-filled triple deckers, nothing is out of reach for this full-fledged baking dynamo and her team.

 

SHOP

The Left Bank

Since 2012, this delightful shop (backed by fierce female founder Jacqueline Goodman-Lean, who opened in the same space as her late grandfather’s tool shop) has been offering fun gifts and housewares that won’t break the bank. Replenished daily, the inventory includes everything from apothecary candles and stoneware espresso cups to Turkish throw blankets, gua sha facial massage stones, incense, French soaps and gourmet chocolate—and all items typically run for less than $40. You can also purchase directly from Instagram, while a clothing consignment arm allows you to drop off your unwanted wearables approved for resale with a cash payout. Score!

 

Suay Sew Shop

Next stop: home refresh! If you’re looking for some decor inspiration, stop by Suay Sew Shop to peruse the high-quality revitalized home goods. Besides being colorful and creative, everything is crafted with deadstock textiles (aka the surplus material that isn’t used or sold) to encourage repurposing and sustainability. Living under the mantra “Pillows for the People,” you can shop for festive throw pillows, floor cushions, quilts and bedding in fun styles, huggable fabrics and eclectic patterns. Even more interesting: A monthly community dye bath allows folks to bring in stained or otherwise discolored clothing and fabrics for a material makeover. Choose from the monthly selection of available hues and dyes, and you can give your designer duds a full color overhaul!

 

DO

Bike Along the LA River Trail

Grab your bike or rent one from a local Frogtown shop, then hit the trails for an adventure. The Los Angeles River Trail stretches just under 10 miles, running parallel to the LA River. With easy terrain and minimal elevation, it’s perfect for riders of all experience levels. Enjoy a leisurely ride along this rare patch of nature in bustling Los Angeles. Prefer walking? Bring your pals or leash up the pups for a relaxing stroll.

 

Roam Meditation Center

Keep that zen feeling flowing and pop into Roam Meditation Center for a session of deep mind cleansing. Led by expert teachers, guided group classes focus on wellness and mindfulness. Clear your mind and leave feeling blessed and refreshed. Yoga for all levels keeps muscles fresh and flexible. Flow through downward dog or try new poses to treat tired tissue and align body and mind. Want more? Work with an instructor for specialty bodywork like Reiki, breath work, cupping, and energy therapy.

 

The Elysian Theater

If LA’s indie performance scene had a spiritual home, The Elysian Theater would be it. Tucked into a quiet stretch of Frogtown, this theater is anything but traditional. With a rotating lineup of offbeat comedy, daring one-person shows, and experimental performances, The Elysian lives for the unexpected. No two nights are the same, and that’s the point. This space champions weird, witty, and wildly creative artists, making it a magnet for LA’s most in-the-know performance junkies. Seating is intimate (read: you’re practically on stage), and the audience energy is always electric. Tap into the beating heart of the Frogtown arts scene and be ready for the unexpected.

 

Frogtown Arts Collective

Frogtown Arts Collective is where the community’s pulse really beats. Part gallery, part studio, and all creative energy, this space brings together local artists, experimental performers, and curious visitors under one roof. Open studio nights, workshops, and gallery exhibitions unfold in a colorful, raw space that welcomes everyone; no fine arts degree required. Wander through and you’ll see painters mid-process, sculptors refining wild forms, and photographers capturing raw urban life. It’s not just about art; it’s about connection, collaboration, and accessibility. This is a place that’ll remind you art is alive and thriving in Frogtown, and it belongs to everyone. Come in with an open mind, and don’t be surprised if you leave with paint on your hands.

 

Claytivity

Claytivity is your sign to get your hands dirty and love every second of it. This cheerful, beginner-friendly pottery studio invites people of all ages and skill levels to play with clay and create something beautiful (or delightfully weird). The space is warm, welcoming, and stocked with everything you need, including expert instructors who guide you through the wheel or hand-building process with plenty of encouragement. Whether you’re dropping in for a one-time class or signing up for a weekly session, there’s something undeniably therapeutic about the experience. It’s a creative reset, and it makes for a pretty amazing date, too. Among the top hands-on things to do in Frogtown, Claytivity will spark your imagination and leave you with a ceramic souvenir that’s way cooler than any fridge magnet.