Silver Lake has historically been the center of Los Angeles’s underground, queer, and alternative culture, making it a magnet for the trendy and creative. You’ll find some of the city’s most unique arts and music venues, vintage stores, and restaurants in just one neighborhood. We’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhood spots for sipping on natural wines, soaking up casual views of the Hollywood sign, and catching live performances.
Where to Stay:
Silver Lake Pool & Inn
The Silver Lake Pool & Inn features 54 spacious guest rooms, an elevated pool deck, and Marco Polo, a coastal Italian restaurant that caters to both travelers and Silver Lake locals. This property was originally constructed as a motel but was reimagined with intimate open spaces and a nod to old Hollywood glamor. Each room maintains the hotel’s Californian ethos with vintage-inspired floor lamps, live plants, and an abundance of natural light.
Where to Drink:
Ruby Fruit
The Ruby Fruit is one of only 32 lesbian bars in the United States. This colorful bar serves classic West Coast wines, and they are particularly popular for their natural wines. Ruby Fruit also boasts playful brunch and dinner menus and a wide selection of non-alcoholic options. Be sure to check their Instagram to see what community events they are hosting during your visit.
Where to Eat:
Bacari Silver Lake
Bacari Silverlake is a Venetian-inspired small plate restaurant featuring Mediterranean dishes by Chef Lior Hillel. Alongside delicious tapas, they offer a rotating curation of small-production wines eclectic beers, and unique craft cocktails. Our team provides warm hospitality in our indoor lounge & bar, or in one of many tree-house-like outdoor patios, all marked with rustic Mediterranean decor. Bacari Silverlake is the go-to spot for our neighbors, and we look forward to hosting you soon!
Voodoo Vin
Neighborhood favorite Voodoo Vin only uses the best locally sourced and organic ingredients. Their comfortable Persian dishes are authentic, with elevated touches and beautiful wine pairings. The tapas style allows you to savor multiple plates in an intimate and friendly setting.
The Black Cat
The Black Cat is inspired by the classic American tavern and updated with a modern Silver Lake polish. This style is reflected in the menu, which is familiar enough to get your attention, yet innovative enough to keep you coming back.
This restaurant was also the site of one of the first documented LGBT civil rights demonstrations in the nation, two years before the Stonewall riots in New York. It has been recognized by both the City of Los Angeles and the State of California as a historical cultural landmark.
Where to Visit:
Silver Lake Farmers’ Market
The Silver Lake Farmers’ Market at Triangle Plaza is held on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. There’s a mix of fresh produce, delicious pop-up restaurants, artisan coffee, and other treats. In a classic Silver Lake touch, you can also score some unique vintage clothing and jewelry. The farmers’ market is a great way to get a glimpse of local Silver Lake life as you stroll among the palm trees and sample seasonal fruits.
Go vintage shopping
As one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the Silver Lake area is home to endless vintage shops and thrift stores. While walking along Sunset Boulevard and occasionally stopping for coffee is the ideal way to enjoy a thrift shopping session, some of our favorite stores include Wasteland, Virgil Normal, and Markt LA. Wasteland is a well-curated, style haven that offers a fashion collection of authenticity and self-expression. For those looking for a bargain and a treasure hunt, you can also scavenge through the Goodwill Bins in Atwater Village.
Catch a Comedy Show
The Lyric Hyperion has been a landmark in Silver Lake for over 30 years. This small venue hosts comedic icons, new music, diverse films, and other innovative cultural performances. There is a live show each night and a tasty food and drinks menu. You can also stop in during the day for pastries and coffee.
Silver Lake Stairs
Los Angeles was not always a car-centric city, and one of the few remaining relics of this era of public transportation is in the vibrantly painted, secret Silver Lake stairs. While nowadays these steps are hidden away, they were once conduits from neighborhoods to trolley and streetcar lines. Start your historical urban hike at the Music Box Steps, and continue upwards to soak up the views of the Silver Lake Reservoir and get some photos of the Micheltorena Stairs mural.
