Perhaps I’m not the first person to tell you this, but La Brea Avenue is happening. There is a rebirth, a resurgence. The neighborhood is coming alive. Visit the Tar Pits if you wanna or run that errand at The Grove, then head on over for some unique shopping and a bite. 

1. Sycamore Kitchen 143 S. La Brea. The entire La Brea experience changed when these doors opened. For breakfast or lunch (my favorite), this newish spot is a huge hit. Choose from a variety of open faced toasts piled high with fresh ingredients liked cured salmon with shaved radishes and creme fraiche. As for salads, I’m partial to the Chinoix which is chock full of veggies dressed with a perfect rice wine vinaigrette and delicious little rice crisps. (Though, truth be told I will eat it anything that’s finely shredded. Seriously, anything.)

Innocent looking blueberry financier.

And be sure not to skip dessert. My fave is the blueberry financier. I know it looks super plain compared to its neighbors but don’t be fooled. You’re welcome, in advance.

2. Tinga 142 S. La Brea. When I’m in the mood for Mexican, no salad or sandwich will do. The ingredients are fresh and the flavors are definitely right up there with Loteria and Escuela.

4. Cafe Midi 148 S. La Brea. Boasting the longest list of salads I have ever seen, this place is an old favorite. Take your pick, share an order of fries, and take a load off on their cushy banquette.  Afterwards, be sure to check out the store in front for unique European tablewares, French cafe chairs and unusual colorful baskets.

Get shorn in this cute barbershop in the back of General Quarters.

5. General Quarters 153 S. La Brea. Looking to move your man’s personal style beyond Steve Alan (though what’s not to love about Steve Alan – also on this block). Look no further. Ask super-handsome hirsute owner, Blair Lucio for his personal recommendations. He’ll show you what some of his A-list clients can’t live without. In addition to his own line of clothing (think RRL but better), General Quarters boasts a barber shop in the back. Who wouldn’t want to get a haircut here? Or better yet, go back to snag a second blueberry financier while your guy shops and gets shorn.

Motto of Shelter Half, emblazoned on the front window.

6. Shelter Half 161 S. La Brea. This is a new kind of store that’s been cropping up lately. Somewhere between a well-curated boutique and live etsy market, Shelter Half offers hand-crafted goods (many of them local) that you’d probably never find on your own.

Pottery at Shelter Half.

From tents to pottery and surfboards to aprons, the displays are arranged into little sections by maker/brand which gives you a sense of patronizing each craftsman directly. Love.

All of your contemporary needsand wants at A+R.

7. A+R East 171 S. La Brea. First of all, I love that this store is called A+R East. Anyone who knows LA, knows that La Brea isn’t EAST, but when your original store is on Abbott Kinney, well, suddenly La Brea is East after all. I am so happy that Andy and Rose decided to open up here.  So often clients are interested in modern furnishings but are unable to see/sit on things in person. What’s more, A+R offers many lines of home furnishings and accessories that I’ve never even heard of. Having their level customer service and expertise, makes all the difference to me and to my clientele.

So, should you find yourself in LA for the day or in the neighborhood for a few hours, be sure to check out this little stretch of La Brea. It is great spot to make some new discoveries for your home, your wardrobe and your stomach.