Guidebook for Los Angeles
Food Scene
Fab food, take out available next door, the kale salad is to die for, as is the spinach salad. Res month in advance-packed so go at 4, the dinner opens up at 5 they'll let you stay or go at 9:30pm.
1064 locals recommend
Gjelina Take Away
1427 Abbot Kinney BlvdFab food, take out available next door, the kale salad is to die for, as is the spinach salad. Res month in advance-packed so go at 4, the dinner opens up at 5 they'll let you stay or go at 9:30pm.
Local coffee hangout, no Starbucks, Coffee Bean or other here. Almond and rice cocoa as well, salads, sandwiches, soup, deserts. Rad.
77 locals recommend
Abbot's Habit
1401 Abbot Kinney BoulevardLocal coffee hangout, no Starbucks, Coffee Bean or other here. Almond and rice cocoa as well, salads, sandwiches, soup, deserts. Rad.
Salad Pizzaaaa! And many other, but that one's exceptional. Thin bagel crust.
184 locals recommend
Abbot's Pizza Company
1407 Abbot Kinney BoulevardSalad Pizzaaaa! And many other, but that one's exceptional. Thin bagel crust.
When you need to grab a quick bite or get one of their many lemonade flavors, including the classic or sugar free of the day. Interesting salads, hot meals, desserts. Cute canteen-like green feel.
516 locals recommend
Lemonade
1661 Abbot Kinney BlvdWhen you need to grab a quick bite or get one of their many lemonade flavors, including the classic or sugar free of the day. Interesting salads, hot meals, desserts. Cute canteen-like green feel.
Aaahh, my favorite place, great coffee, tea, rice, almond coca, shakes, food. Where the locals hang... Right by the pier
220 locals recommend
The Cow's End Cafe
34 Washington BlvdAaahh, my favorite place, great coffee, tea, rice, almond coca, shakes, food. Where the locals hang... Right by the pier
Excellent food, the best time to go is the Happy Hour - less crowded and a good deal :)
128 locals recommend
Wabi on Rose
512 F Rose AveExcellent food, the best time to go is the Happy Hour - less crowded and a good deal :)
Again, within a very comfortable walking distance, truly French place run by French. Excellent for breakfast or a meeting on the patio. Very sweet to dogs :).
123 locals recommend
French Market Cafe
2321 Abbot Kinney BlvdAgain, within a very comfortable walking distance, truly French place run by French. Excellent for breakfast or a meeting on the patio. Very sweet to dogs :).
The Talking Stick
1411 Lincoln Blvdjam sessions, concerts... cool and local
Earthy and local, bar, closest to the beach, past the Venice Sign, the new Orson Welles inspired mural Touch of Venice is on the side wall of Danny's.
35 locals recommend
Danny's Venice
23 Windward AvenueEarthy and local, bar, closest to the beach, past the Venice Sign, the new Orson Welles inspired mural Touch of Venice is on the side wall of Danny's.
Very close to Gold's Gym, bordering with Santa Monica on Rose. Great food, I just find they have odd hours, don't stay open late. Have a wonderful little shop with cool knick-knacks.
347 locals recommend
The Rose Venice
220 Rose AveVery close to Gold's Gym, bordering with Santa Monica on Rose. Great food, I just find they have odd hours, don't stay open late. Have a wonderful little shop with cool knick-knacks.
Great coffee, tea, fabulous breakfast, great local vibe, right next to Whole Foods
300 locals recommend
Groundwork Coffee Co.
671 Rose AveGreat coffee, tea, fabulous breakfast, great local vibe, right next to Whole Foods
The Sidewalk Cafe
1401 Ocean Front WalkGreat for people watching, right next to an eclectic book store
26 Beach
3100 Washington BlvdGreat food, shabby chic decorated interior, comfortable, sweet
Great coffee, tea, hot cocoa - again rice, almond, whatever you ask for plus great food - soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts. Great location and wonderful vibe.
256 locals recommend
Urth Caffe Santa Monica
2327 Main StGreat coffee, tea, hot cocoa - again rice, almond, whatever you ask for plus great food - soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts. Great location and wonderful vibe.
Fabulous fish and seafood restaurant, great bar, lunch menu less expensive during the week for the same items as in the evening, or most of them...
76 locals recommend
Enterprise Fish Co.
174 Kinney StFabulous fish and seafood restaurant, great bar, lunch menu less expensive during the week for the same items as in the evening, or most of them...
THE BEST!!! Brown rice sushi, organic, fabulous and inexpensive food, great service, very friendly, they always do the right thing.
11 locals recommend
Fresh In The Box
13354 Washington BlvdTHE BEST!!! Brown rice sushi, organic, fabulous and inexpensive food, great service, very friendly, they always do the right thing.
Excellent sushi, huge portions, brown rice can be requested. Inexpensive and very good. Can get crowded, sign in sheet on the door, you sign in and wait outside. Simple interior. You go for the food.
12 locals recommend
Crazy Fish
9174 W Olympic BlvdExcellent sushi, huge portions, brown rice can be requested. Inexpensive and very good. Can get crowded, sign in sheet on the door, you sign in and wait outside. Simple interior. You go for the food.
McCormick & Schmick's
206 N Rodeo DrWonderful food!
Beautiful Marina Harbor view, great food, seafood, wonderful place.
54 locals recommend
The Warehouse Restaurant
4499 Admiralty WayBeautiful Marina Harbor view, great food, seafood, wonderful place.
James' Beach
60 N Venice BlvdHot spot
not a bad place for people watching and hanging on AK, they close early though & a little overhyped...
394 locals recommend
Intelligentsia Coffee Venice Coffeebar
1331 Abbot Kinney Blvdnot a bad place for people watching and hanging on AK, they close early though & a little overhyped...
Chaya
110 Navy StGreat Happy Hour, sushi
great sunsets or breezy lunches with a perfect ocean view, right by the boardwalk
99 locals recommend
Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvdgreat sunsets or breezy lunches with a perfect ocean view, right by the boardwalk
Euphoria Loves Rawvolution
2301 Main Straw, vegan, great chocolates, sort of eclectic
Tlapazola Grill
636 Venice Blvd.Authentic Mexican food, family owned
The Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset Blvdtried and approved :)
Very Venice place, great vibe, take out window as well as eat in, open till 2:30am on Thu, Fri, 12am Sat. Turkey franks, strawberry lemonade... very progressive and freakin' fantastic!
13 locals recommend
Local 1205
1205 Abbot Kinney BlvdVery Venice place, great vibe, take out window as well as eat in, open till 2:30am on Thu, Fri, 12am Sat. Turkey franks, strawberry lemonade... very progressive and freakin' fantastic!
Fairly new place, as per my very good and picky :) friend, food excellent on a pricey side. Open to your ratings!
22 locals recommend
FEED Body & Soul
1239 Abbot Kinney BlvdFairly new place, as per my very good and picky :) friend, food excellent on a pricey side. Open to your ratings!
The Tasting Kitchen
1633 Abbot Kinney BlvdAnother dinner option open to your feedback :))
Unfortunate but good replacement of Jin's Patisserie in this spot. Fabulous fresh juices, ginger shots, salads, like these guys...
113 locals recommend
Kreation Organic Kafe & Juicery
1202 Abbot Kinney BlvdUnfortunate but good replacement of Jin's Patisserie in this spot. Fabulous fresh juices, ginger shots, salads, like these guys...
Shopping
Mona Moore
208 Lincoln BlvdShoes... fabulous one of a kind shoes, even better when they have a sale!
Jeans made to order or readily available, old school stuff. The owners rock.
13 locals recommend
The Stronghold
1625 Abbot Kinney BlvdJeans made to order or readily available, old school stuff. The owners rock.
Waraku
Fab tennies, especially men's
LOVE this place. Amazing selection of great music (drums, native, contemporary), Native American jewelry and clothing, great Native American print T-shirts
Native American World ~ Indigenous
1207 Ocean Front WalkLOVE this place. Amazing selection of great music (drums, native, contemporary), Native American jewelry and clothing, great Native American print T-shirts
Great clothing store with some great deals and latest trends... just come equipped with a bit of patience to get through their stuff, I have a hard time with it :)
8 locals recommend
DNA Clothing
411 Rose AveGreat clothing store with some great deals and latest trends... just come equipped with a bit of patience to get through their stuff, I have a hard time with it :)
Free People FP Movement
2925 Main Stgreat having them in the neighborhood
Planet Blue
2940 Main StOccasional sales make them even sweeter
Bike Attack Electric
2904 Main StGreat bike shop. They sell beautiful beach cruisers
The map here cannot find the location for Costco in MDR, hence only the ATM arrow. It's in the huge lot right behind the In-N-Out, photo center, pharmacy, vision center and the gas station on site.
Cardtronics ATM
13480 Maxella AveThe map here cannot find the location for Costco in MDR, hence only the ATM arrow. It's in the huge lot right behind the In-N-Out, photo center, pharmacy, vision center and the gas station on site.
Warning-the flag on the map is in the wrong spot! The store is basically next to the UA movie theater. Copies, stationery, Fedex, etc.
FedEx
13488 Maxella AveWarning-the flag on the map is in the wrong spot! The store is basically next to the UA movie theater. Copies, stationery, Fedex, etc.
Cool bikes, great place, clothing, eclectic, nice folks, espresso shots
within walking distance
1099 CA-187
1099 California 187Cool bikes, great place, clothing, eclectic, nice folks, espresso shots
within walking distance
ZJ Boarding House
2619 Main Stboards, swimsuits, love the place
LOVE! Venice Original.They're always coming up with new shoes and shades AND if you want tea, coffee, chill on a sofa, read, work on a comp (wi-fi) or just people watch, this is such a great place!
138 locals recommend
TOMS Flagship Store
1344 Abbot Kinney BlvdLOVE! Venice Original.They're always coming up with new shoes and shades AND if you want tea, coffee, chill on a sofa, read, work on a comp (wi-fi) or just people watch, this is such a great place!
Cool vintage stuff, all price ranges, great Tshirts, jewelry, old surfboards, eclectic. The owners are really nice people, had to move from Abbot Kinney to Mar Vista. Fabulous!!!
7 locals recommend
Surfing Cowboys
3844 Cross Creek RdCool vintage stuff, all price ranges, great Tshirts, jewelry, old surfboards, eclectic. The owners are really nice people, had to move from Abbot Kinney to Mar Vista. Fabulous!!!
Drinks & Nightlife
Hal's Bar and Grill
1025 Abbot Kinney BlvdRestaurant, bar, great vibe, great food
the otheroom Venice Beach
cool hangout
The Brig
1515 Abbot Kinney Blvdold school hang out spot, pool tables
The Firehouse
213 Rose Avebodybuilder breakfasts :), drinks, sushi
Essentials
This was the best move Whole Foods did for all of us :). 3 minute bike ride from the house, this one is brand new, huge and stocked up. Will cook for you, including grilling fish and seafood.
1701 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
225 Lincoln BlvdThis was the best move Whole Foods did for all of us :). 3 minute bike ride from the house, this one is brand new, huge and stocked up. Will cook for you, including grilling fish and seafood.
Venice Farmers' Market
500 Venice Blvd.every Friday 7 - 11am
http://www.venicefarmersmarket.com/
Arts & Culture
Beyond Baroque
681 Venice Blvd.Library, events, used to be the City Hall long time ago....
Right across the street. Marilyn Fox, the Artistic Director is not only a fabulous actress but chooses her plays wisely and going to see their plays is a delight!
7 locals recommend
Pacific Resident Theater
703 Venice Blvd.Right across the street. Marilyn Fox, the Artistic Director is not only a fabulous actress but chooses her plays wisely and going to see their plays is a delight!
SPARC - exhibits, screenings, art shows, events, little store and right across the street :). Police station/jail from the old days.
Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC)
685 Venice Blvd.SPARC - exhibits, screenings, art shows, events, little store and right across the street :). Police station/jail from the old days.
Theater shows, art shows, showcases, variety of classes from dance, drumming, martial arts. Great space.
9 locals recommend
The Electric Lodge
1416 Electric AveTheater shows, art shows, showcases, variety of classes from dance, drumming, martial arts. Great space.
Even though a restaurant, it's my favorite spot to go for local music - like my favorite Stevie Starlight's band. Amazingly great. First floor great for sunset watching.
282 locals recommend
VENICE WHALER BAR & GRILL
10 Washington BoulevardEven though a restaurant, it's my favorite spot to go for local music - like my favorite Stevie Starlight's band. Amazingly great. First floor great for sunset watching.
The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset BlvdGo to one of the best stand-up spots in town!
Laugh Factory
151 S Pine AveAnother great stand-up spot
Santa Monica Playhouse & Group Theatre
1211 4th StExcellent theater
Laemmle Monica Film Center
1332 2nd StMovie Theater, indies, award-winning films, art house
AMC Broadway 4
1441 3rd Street PromenadeMovie theater Santa Monica
AMC Criterion 6
Movie theater Santa Monica
AMC Santa Monica 7
1310 3rd StMovie theater Santa Monica
AMC DINE-IN Marina 6
13455 Maxella AveMovie theater Marina del Rey
post-war and contemporary art gallery, LA branch opened Sept 25, 2010, most important works by artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries & personalized art advisory and museum quality exhibitions.
L&M Arts
660 Venice Blvd.post-war and contemporary art gallery, LA branch opened Sept 25, 2010, most important works by artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries & personalized art advisory and museum quality exhibitions.
Everything Else
LOVE Gold's Gym Venice.... the best gym in the world. Period. The Mecca. Word.
111 locals recommend
Gold’s Gym
360 Hampton DrLOVE Gold's Gym Venice.... the best gym in the world. Period. The Mecca. Word.
Venice Beach
1900 Ocean Front WalkThe place to see, tons of shops, restaurants and a zoo :)
Venice Skate Park
1800 Ocean Front WalkGreat place to hang out or ride. Beautiful in sunsets
I dare to say the best rooftop in Venice. Great view, very comfortable sofas and armchairs, food and drinks. Basically next to the Venice sign and the new Orson Welles inspired mural Touch of Venice!
248 locals recommend
Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific AveI dare to say the best rooftop in Venice. Great view, very comfortable sofas and armchairs, food and drinks. Basically next to the Venice sign and the new Orson Welles inspired mural Touch of Venice!
Wish we had more of them preserved, the best place for walks... beautiful
947 locals recommend
Venice Canals
Wish we had more of them preserved, the best place for walks... beautiful
Small World Books
1407 Ocean Front WalkEclectic wonderful bookstore
Crescent Place Triangle
you're being let in on the best secret local pathway to Abbot Kinney...
Muscle Beach Venice
1800 Ocean Front WalkThe legend speaks for itself...
Bike Curious Rentals
1428 4th StreetHeard the customer service is great.
Venice Bike & Skates
Super friendly staff
Jays Rentals
1501 Windward AveVery friendly staff as well
Again, great shop, in the opposite direction on Lincoln Blvd., close as well.
7 locals recommend
Trek Bicycle Marina Del Rey
2472 Lincoln BlvdAgain, great shop, in the opposite direction on Lincoln Blvd., close as well.
Raleigh Bikes of Santa Monica
2803 Main StreetElectric bikes! Close to Whole Foods
Movie theaters, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars; gets crowded over the weekend, stretches from the new mall at Colorado Avenue up to Wilshire Blvd.
Definitely a must go.
1595 locals recommend
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeMovie theaters, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars; gets crowded over the weekend, stretches from the new mall at Colorado Avenue up to Wilshire Blvd.
Definitely a must go.
All the way in Anaheim, but you get to fly a fighter jet :))... simulator, that is. For beginners or enthusiast alike.
40 locals recommend
Flightdeck Simulation Center
400 Disney WayAll the way in Anaheim, but you get to fly a fighter jet :))... simulator, that is. For beginners or enthusiast alike.
FedEx Ship Center
4170 Del Rey Aveclosest FEDEX office
Malibu Lagoon
3835 Cross Creek RdDogs allowed!
1000 Venice Blvd
1000 Venice Boulevardvery near by
close by, right next to Whole Foods
love this one - beach murals on the walls, great to do photo shoots! classic
6 locals recommend
241 Lincoln Blvd
241 Lincoln Boulevardclose by, right next to Whole Foods
love this one - beach murals on the walls, great to do photo shoots! classic
think tank
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/books/review/Heilbrunn-t.html
don't expect to be able to get in :))
RAND Corporation
1776 Main Streetthink tank
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/books/review/Heilbrunn-t.html
don't expect to be able to get in :))
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
380 Santa Monica PierRides, restaurants, wonderful at night
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street Promenadefor you Mac needs
Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Avegreat place to hang out by the pool, cabanas
retro chic
4900 E Ocean Blvd
4900 East Ocean BoulevardLong Beach,
California 20803
562-570-3100
Belmont Shore Beach
Hybrid rental car VERY close by, have Tesla cars now as well, will save you on gas. Their reviews on yelp are very good. 1-877- 870-7821, mpgcarrental.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30a - 6p, Sat 9a - 2:30p
MPG Car Rental
Hybrid rental car VERY close by, have Tesla cars now as well, will save you on gas. Their reviews on yelp are very good. 1-877- 870-7821, mpgcarrental.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30a - 6p, Sat 9a - 2:30p
Damn you Abbot Kinney raising rents all over the place! The ruthless sellout of the properties is changing AK. Owner asked for $40K per month from the original $5K! Online orders-jinpatisserie.com
Jin Patisserie
Damn you Abbot Kinney raising rents all over the place! The ruthless sellout of the properties is changing AK. Owner asked for $40K per month from the original $5K! Online orders-jinpatisserie.com
Eclectic store, stay open fairly late, books, jewelry, cards, tarot, art, lectures...
22 locals recommend
Mystic Journey Bookstore
2923 Main StEclectic store, stay open fairly late, books, jewelry, cards, tarot, art, lectures...
United Oil
811 Washington BlvdLower priced gas, equivalent to Costco or sometimes less...
Entertainment & Activities
Great little beach in the Marina, good for swimming as well as kids, shallow access,just check the water quality rating :). Can get kinda crowded on the weekends. Access from Palawan Way parking lots.
107 locals recommend
Marina Beach
4101 Admiralty WayGreat little beach in the Marina, good for swimming as well as kids, shallow access,just check the water quality rating :). Can get kinda crowded on the weekends. Access from Palawan Way parking lots.