Discover the best places to shop, eat, and play with kids in this charming Los Angeles neighborhood.
We joke in our family that we live in a small town — that’s what Los Feliz feels like even though it’s home to such famous attractions as the Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park. And the way someone pronounces Los Feliz will tell you if they’re from here or not. (We welcome you, either way!) What no one can deny is its charms: walking-friendly, historic movie theaters (The Vista and Los Feliz 3), a beloved bookstore (Skylight Books), legacy businesses, a dedicated bus line (just 50 cents for adults; kids 4 or younger ride free) and a convenient Metro station. There’s so much to do in over a 1-mile radius of Los Feliz Village that we go days without leaving it. Come with us and enjoy just some of the many places that make our neighborhood’s heart beat — and a special community in the heart of Los Angeles!
SHOP + PLAY
We Are Little Giants, 4675 Hollywood Blvd., wearelittlegiants.com, (323) 928-2226
The first time I walked by I was immediately drawn to its massive, red winding slide. Attention, parents: It’s just for kids, so just enjoy our laughter. And kids: no running, shoes off, but socks on! Big plus: We Are Little Giantshas a large ball pit at the bottom of the slide for more fun. They also sell stylish clothes, shoes and more for infants to size 10/12 for pre-teens. Check their calendar for events, including a back-to-school gathering, or to plan birthday parties. —Dominie
More kids’ stores nearby: LaLaLing, 1810 N. Vermont Ave., lalaling.com; The Reckless Unicorn, 2124 Hillhurst Ave., therecklessunicorn.com
Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., skylightbooks.com, (323) 660-1175
How lucky are we to have a top indie bookstore walking distance from our home? While you browse the latest titles, your kids can pick books from the children’s section and then park themselves on the circular bench under its indoor tree. Many writers live nearby so ask the staff for suggestions to support them! I also frequent their next-doorish Arts Annex (1814 Vermont) for a collection of magazines, zines and graphic novels you can’t find just anywhere. —Teena
Floral Art by Mia, 4657 Melbourne Ave., floralartbymia.com, (818) 660-8730
My mom always gets nostalgic with “This used to be…” where something new stands in our neighborhood. For instance, Floral Art by Mia used to be home to an actual newsstand when I was a baby. There, beneath a long awning that once had hundreds of magazines, now has abundant flower bouquets, shelves of succulents, plant varieties, vases, floral gifts and a flower-bedecked frame I love for taking selfies. You can pick more flowers from buckets in their neighboring storefront. This stretch of Melbourne has a certain vibe that I just love. And I love the misters on a hot day! Most of the time I don’t have the money to afford flowers, but it’s still the best place to take pictures. My IG highlights are full of this spot. Seriously, I think my friends might think I live there. —Dominie
More shops we heart: Carol Young | Undesigned,1953 1/2 Hillhurst Ave., carolyoung.com; Spitfire Girl, 1939 1/2 Hillhurst Ave., spitfiregirl.com; Kingswell, 4651 Kingswell Ave., kingswell.tv.
EATS + TREATS
Yuca’s, 2056 Hillhurst Ave., yucasla.com, (323) 662-1214
Generations of our family have frequented the James Beard Award–winning Yuca’s Hut, ensconced in a nondescript parking lot where the Herrera family has served matriarch Mama’s beloved recipes since 1976. She passed away last year, but her spirit lives on in every menu offering. Our family always picks up carne asada tacos. Others crave their cochinita pibil and double cheeseburgers. Open for breakfast and lunch. —Teena
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice LA, 4661 1/2 Hollywood Blvd., instagram.com/ululanis.la, (323) 302-8059
I was excited to have another sweet way to cool down in Los Feliz besides Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (1954 Hillhurst Ave). Ululani’sis tucked into the art supply store Blue Rooster, and you’ll often see families gathered on the benches outside enjoying their fave combos of icy delights. I’m obsessed with the No Ka Oi (mango, coconut, passion fruit) with mochi. —Dominie
Messhall, 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., messhallkitchen.com, (323) 660-6377
Messhall is our family’s go-to spot. Before a concert? Messhall. Don’t know where to eat? Messhall. Family reunion? Messhall. We’ve gone there so much I had their kids’ menu crossword puzzle memorized. I love the large outdoor dining space with its soft lighting at night and firepits. Our family has tasted everything on their menu. I get the Mac N Cheese, and my dad likes the Mess Burger and Shrimp & Grits. We both love their smokey ketchup. It’s so good. —Dominie
Palermo’s, 1858 N. Vermont Ave., palermorestaurant.net, (323) 663-1178
Come hungry and bring quarters! For nearly 50 years, the Fanara family has been serving hearty Italian dishes (large, shareable portions) and a lively atmosphere. Dominie and her friends always get pizza and spaghetti and have been feeding Palermo’s toy vending machines for more than a decade. Look for the Italian flag patterned awning, slide into a vinyl booth or table and dine beneath twinkling lights, amidst faux brick archways and murals of Italian cityscapes. —Teena
Dominie Apeles is a 13-year-old writer, filmmaker, actor and dreamer living in Los Feliz. She enjoys wandering the streets of Los Angeles and taking photos of flowers and city scenes. Follow her on Instagram.
Teena Apeles founded the creative collective Narrated Objects and is a writer and editor of many things. Her guidebook, 52 Things to Do in Los Angeles, is a 250-page love letter to her hometown. She can be found on Instagram or online at: narratedobjects.com.
