Visit this fun neighborhood with the kids for coffee, shopping, snacks and play.
by Erin Mahoney Harris
Silver Lake might have a reputation as a hipster haven, but it’s become increasingly welcoming to families with young children as well, particularly with the opening of the lovely Silver Lake Meadow and the proliferation of family-friendly boutiques, coffee houses and cafes.
LAMILL Coffee Boutique (1636 Silver Lake Blvd.; 323-663-4441; www.lamillcoffee.com) has been keeping Silver Lakers caffeinated and well fed for years, making it a neighborhood institution. Bleary-eyed moms and dads can gear up for the day with a seemingly endless selection of custom-extracted brews, while tots will go crazy over warm brioche donuts and other house-made treats.
If you’re searching for unique gifts with impeccable cool cred, a stop at Yolk (1626 Silver Lake Blvd.; 323-660-4315; www.shopyolk.com) is a no-brainer. The meticulously curated boutique, conveniently located next door to LAMILL, is reliably stocked with adorable clothing, stylish household items, gorgeous picture books and well-crafted toys, much of it made right here in Los Angeles.
Silver Lake Meadow, located along the east side of the reservoir at Silver Lake Boulevard and Earl Street, is a mighty fine spot to picnic, fly a kite, strum a guitar, or simply lay in the grass and stare at the clouds. If you’re up for some exercise, you can embark on a two-mile walk around the reservoir from here.
The clean, modern façade of the Silver Lake Library (2411 Glendale Blvd.; 323- 913-7451; www.lapl.org/branches/silver-lake) makes a bold impression. Baby and toddler story times, along with community events for older kids, teens and adults, make this a welcoming neighborhood destination.
Also Worth a Look…
Much like LAMILL, Intelligentsia, located in the Sunset Junction area, is one of the most reputable spots in town to order a serious cup of joe. Its pastries are nothing to sneeze at, either. 3922 Sunset Blvd.; 323-663-6173; www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
Eating at Forage (just across the street from Intelligentsia) is a delicious lesson in locavorism. All of the restaurant’s ingredients are locally grown and in-season, and the menu changes daily based on what ingredients are available. 3823 Sunset Blvd.; 323.663.6885; www.foragela.com