Melrose Avenue is a section of Los Angeles with its own very special vibe. The stretch between La Brea and Fairfax really captures a unique aspect of L.A. life. It’s a favorite street for many locals and a must-see for visitors.
Exploring Melrose Avenue | WeHo Shopping
There’s a lot to see and do here. It’s pedestrian friendly, with a genuine neighborhood feel. It’s a great area if you want to stroll, shop, eat, or just catch the passing scene.
If Rodeo Drive is considered one the world’s most expensive shopping street, Melrose definitely falls in a class of being one of the most trendy. This is the place for hip and stylish boutiques. They range from the retro quirky to the cutting edge. If you want to look fashionable and fabulous in that specifically L.A. way, take a look at places such as Unica, Passage, or Gossip. Wasteland is the place for vintage clothing and XTC is a shoe shopper’s paradise destination.
Window-shoppers will delight in the creativity of the store display windows. The striking colors and distinctive names reflect the spirited and sometimes playful nature of the neighborhood.
Antique and Collectible stores on Melrose
There are also a number of antiques and collectibles stores. Check out Off the Wall for big-ticket furniture or The Wound & Wound Toy Company for, well, wind-up toys. Hollywood Neon makes custom-made neon art and signage.
Always wanted to visit an adult-themed gift shop? This is the place to do it. Stores such as Pleasures Adult Gifts and Evolve Exotic Boutique have a fascinating range of merchandise. Friendly and helpful staff people will make even the most reserved shopper feel right at home.
Melrose is not all quaint little shops. Some other notable businesses along this stretch include Fantasy Lighting, L.A.’s oldest lighting store and supplier to such TV hits as House and Nip/Tuck, and Fuzzy Navel, an artisan hair salon known for high-end custom wigs.
This area is a favorite place to have a casual meal, an adventurous dining experience, or a leisurely cup of coffee while enjoying people watching. Start by taking note of L.A. landmark Pinks, which is on La Brea just north of Melrose. There is always a long line of people here waiting for one of their world famous hot dogs.
Places to Eat on Melrose
You can visit the original Johnny Rockets or choose from a range of international cuisines. There is LaLa’s Argentine Grill, Frankie’s or Angeli Caffee for Italian food and Melrose Pita Café for Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Tommy Tang’s is a prominent see-and-be-seen Thai and sushi restaurant that just happens to also serve great food.
For lighter fare, the Blu Jam Café and Vienna Café are two breakfast spots that both have loyal followings among locals. Fratelli Café at Formosa is a coffee spot with an outdoor seating area that really captures the neighborhood feel of this stretch of Melrose.
Also in the area is The Groundling Theatre, home of the famous improv comedy troupe that launched the careers of Jon Lovitz, Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens, Edie McClurg, and Phil Hartman.
Melrose Trading Post
As a final stop, every Saturday there is the Melrose Trading Post, a large flea market held at Fairfax High School. This is a browser’s paradise for furniture, vintage clothing, home décor items, and just plain old interesting stuff. It’s a perfect symbol of this fun and very unusual neighborhood.
Enjoy your day on Melrose!
