Discover Fairfax: Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
citygirlvibes
☕️ morning cup of joy: Harvey Easton Cafe The vintage decor and relaxed vibe give a cozy feel. A great place to throw your headphones on and get some work done. And they love to hang out playing board games 🥰 Come back anytime ❤️
Gluten Free Girls LA
BACARI - a restaurant with so many clearly labeled gluten-free options one doesn’t know what to do! It’s Tapas style, and the portions are small -so expect to order a few dishes. Today I got the caramelized Brussels sprouts w/o crème fresh (gluten free) and the pork chop (able to be made gluten free without the the cornflakes) without the cilantro crème fresh. They are incredibly generous with accommodations and their staff is gracious if any errors are made. The pork chop took longer due to first accidentally being made non-gluten free but they quickly rushed a brand new order so nothing was cross-contaminated. Sadly the pork chop came out a bit saltier than I could eat (from being rushed) They were so kind and apologetic, that they sent a gluten-free Chocolate cake.. THE BEST THING I’VE EATEN IN AGES. I will definitely be coming back to give them a second chance (and get the amazing gluten free chocolate cake again).
Gluten Free Girls LA
Millie's Cafe is incredible and also vegan friendly! Today I went with the vegan/gluten-free waffles (whipped cream is also vegan).. the texture and flavor was perfect. My mother who isn’t a fan of gluten free texture even approved! You can add chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, strawberries etc.. I also got a Lavender oat milk latte and vegan sausage. Next time I plan on trying the gluten free pancakes! Will definitely be coming back. 10/10
Gluten Free Girls LA
BBCM is a chic cafe in West Hollywood. I ordered an oat milk latte and a glutenfree orange cranberry muffin. My gluten-free muffin was moist and tasted great. Wish they had more options, but grateful for the muffin. I asked and they also have gluten free toast (although it’s not listed on the menu). Will definitely be coming back again!
Gluten Free Girls LA
Solar de Cahuenga: One of the best all natural coffee shops and cafes in the heart of Hollywood. Today I ordered the iced Spanish latte w oatmilk (amazing), the moist glutenfree blueberry pound cake (it did have lemon in it, so be aware incase you aren’t a fan of lemon), and the avocado toast with radishes and pick de gallo (ask for GF toast as it’s not on the menu) with breakfast potatoes. My only complaint was that the breakfast potatoes were too salty to eat. I would get fruit instead as my side. Another awesome thing..? The staff is a 10/10. Highly recommend this place which is friendly and provides many non-boring options!
Secret Los Angeles
Grab a sweet or savory slice at Quarter Sheets Quarter Sheets in Echo Park serves up unique savory and sweet slices. Chefs Hannah Ziskin and Aaron Lindell create a menu that feels like an elevated, adult version of a fun kids’ birthday party. Their pizza and cake offerings have earned them “Best Restaurant” rankings from the New York Times and Los Angeles Times in 2023, plus a spot in the California Michelin Guide. Try their creative pizzas with toppings like Funyuns or shrimp cocktail, and don’t miss Ziskin’s gourmet slab cakes. Staff favorites include their Bar Pie and Vodka Pesto. And yes, expect a line when you get there!
Secret Los Angeles
Shakira, Shakira: The GRAMMY Museum Experience The GRAMMY Museum presents an extensive showcase of personal artifacts from Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira’s 30-year career. See forty of her most iconic performance outfits and instruments, from her Super Bowl LIV outfits to her Fender Stratocaster guitar adorned with pink Swarovski crystals. Is viewable with general admission tickets to the GRAMMY Museum.
See also
Top Anonymous Recommendations in Fairfax - Discover Trending Suggestions & Local Reviews Near LA
citygirlvibes
Nothing like a sweet ending to dinner at Madeo Ristorante 🍰🥧🍨 Alfio and Elvira built the Madeo legacy as a tribute to their family, filled with home-cooked memories and endless celebrations. A piece of their hometown Forte dei Marmi lives on in their hearts and in our menus forever. ❤️🇮🇹
Los Angeles4 everybody
Enchant LA! Sometimes pretty places aren’t equally tasty but I would say this place has both down. I got to dress and have some sweet quality time over good korean flavors (kim chi pasta & bulgogi quesadillas were really good!) 🌸Garden Style Brunch&Bar🌸 ☕Modern Asian Fusion🥂Wine🍸Cocktail Kept things light w a citrus shrimp salad but then indulged in other great menu items. We went for lunch but it’s good for dinner dates tooooo 🤓
Secret Los Angeles
John Waters: Pope of Trash Discover the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to John Waters, whose 60-year filmmaking career has presented some of the most memorable and eccentric cult movies including Pink Flamingos (1972), Hairspray (1988), Pecker (1998), and Mondo Trasho (1969). Explore Waters’ complete filmography with over 400 works on display including handwritten scripts, set decoration and props, costumes, photographs, correspondence, and film clips. Open now through Aug. 4, 2024
Secret Los Angeles
Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting Explore a groundbreaking new LACMA exhibit delving into Islamic art and culinary traditions, with over 250 works related to the process of sourcing, preparing, serving, and consuming food. Learn about luxury tableware objects and the way in which elaborate food service influenced life in Islamic courts, all while stimulating your appetite and your appreciation for the importance of sharing a meal. The exhibition also holds a “kids table” companion show with Saturday art workshops at Charles White Elementary School. 🎟️ Tickets: Dining with the Sultan is free to visit at LACMA. 🗓️ Dates: On view now through Aug. 4, 2024
Secret Los Angeles
Roscoe’s Hollywood Harlem native Herb Hudson opened this Hollywood staple in 1975, and their tasty soul food has been enjoyed by generations of Angelenos and celebrities including Shaquille O’Neil, Stevie Wonder, and Barack Obama. The menu goes beyond the staple chicken and waffles to include classics like corn bread, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy. The Hollywood location is open until 4am on weekend nights, but you’ll find a handful of other Roscoe’s outposts in L.A. that are serving food until midnight.
Secret Los Angeles
Leo’s Tacos Truck Late night food truck tacos are practically in their own culinary category in L.A., and Leo’s makes some of the best of the best. What started as a humble taco truck on Brea and Venice Boulevards has turned into a local chain with eleven locations, most of which are open until 2 or 3am on weekends. By far the most popular order is the tacos al pastor, but you’ll find a great selection of Mexican street food including quesadillas, sopes, and tortas. Hours: 6pm-2:30am Friday-Saturday, 6pm-1:30am Sunday-Thursday
citygirlvibes
Morning cup of joy at Harvey Easton Cafe ☕️ The vintage decor and relaxed vibe give a cozy feel. A great place to throw your headphones on and get some work done.
See alsoSocializing in Fairfax Near LA: Local Community Interactions & Anonymous Discussions
Secret Los Angeles
This Dark Cirque Show Full Of Vampires Is Coming To LA! Vampire Circus blends circus artistry with theatrical flair, delivering a ghoulish twist that’s perfect for all ages. Set in an abandoned cemetery where spirits come to life, the show promises a mix of chills, thrills, and laughs. Expect to be dazzled by dancers, gymnasts, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and the dreaded “Graveyard Clown.” The Montalban Theater will host the thrilling and eerie Vampire Circus, a fresh take on the classic cirque show just in time for the Halloween season. Tickets are now available, so don’t wait—grab yours today for this spine-tingling experience!
Secret Los Angeles
HI TOPS As one of L.A.’s busiest gay sports bars, this outpost not only offers the neighborhood another LGBTQ+ venue but also serves as a great spot to catch a game. While it’s not primarily known for sports viewing, the numerous flat-screen TVs on the walls provide the option. Additionally, they host weekday Happy Hour from 4-7 pm, featuring discounted wine, beer, and well drinks. For those seeking mental stimulation, Monday trivia nights are quite popular.
Secret Los Angeles
The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse This venue exudes the quintessential charm of a British-inspired sports bar. With its inviting atmosphere and a wide array of craft beers brewed on-site, it offers a delightful haven for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to catch the latest game or simply unwind with friends over traditional British fare, such as fish and chips or meat pies, this establishment delivers on both fronts.
Secret Los Angeles
Blipsy This K-town gem is the OG arcade bar in Los Angeles, seamlessly blending childhood nostalgia with adult entertainment in a dimly lit setting, focused on ’80s classics. If gaming isn’t your scene, groove to nightly tunes from live DJs spanning ’70s rock to hip-hop. Enjoy a variety of libations, but remember to bring cash—it’s cash only at this arcade hotspot.
Los Angeles4 everybody
Jiro Style Ramen, right here in Los Angie. At Tsujita Annex in West LA, Jiro-style ramen is a specialty that aligns with the authentic features of this style. Tsujita Annex is known for its rich, flavorful ramen and adheres closely to the traditional Jiro-style with its robust broth, substantial portions of toppings, and emphasis on a hearty, satisfying meal. The restaurant’s approach to Jiro-style ramen aims to capture the essence of the original while catering to the local palate. — Jiro-style ramen is a distinct type of ramen that originates from Ramen Jiro, a famous ramen shop in Tokyo, Japan. It’s characterized by its hearty, rich, and indulgent style. The key features of Jiro-style ramen include a thick, flavorful broth, a heavy dose of garlic, a significant amount of bean sprouts, and a generous portion of fatty pork. The noodles are usually thick and chewy, and the dish is often topped with extra slices of pork and sometimes a raw egg.
Ally Grammin
TARTINE If you are looking for a solid cafe for meetups with friends, brunch with the parents or a spot to work for a few hours - this is the all purpose place. 🥐 All of the pastries are excellent but I have a particular fondness for the seasonal cornmeal tea cake. 🍞 Whatever you order, do NOT skip their bread. Tartine’s country loaf is in regular rotation in my house.
Ally Grammin
CAFE SPOTLIGHT | Neighborhood 📍La Brea One of my favorite cafes in the city, for the obviously cute courtyard, but also the expertly made cappuccinos and delicious pastries. ☕️ iced vanilla latte and iced cinnamon latte 9/10 💻 catch up with friends & good space to get work done, limited outlets 💵 typical LA pricing 📷 aesthetic location ☀️ indoor and mostly outdoor seating 🚗 street parking available in front
See alsoNightlife in Fairfax near LA: Discover Local Hotspots, Trending Bars & Rooftop Fun
Ally Grammin
OBET AND DEL’S | Thai Town One of my favorites, OBET & DEL’S COFFEE always makes me instantly happy with their colorful wall decor, friendly staff and the creamiest capp in town. Bonus: they have bottomless drip on the menu for the laptop-inclined.
Life by Vivien
Pink Pepper Thai My favorite Thai restaurant in LA is such a vibe - whether you’re dining indoors with lovely floral decor or on the outdoor patio with a breeze and plenty of natural lighting, this spot is perfect for delicious authentic classic Thai dishes. Every dish had incredible flavors and textures and the portions were generous! Here’s everything we tried: Appetizers : Kan Tok - Thai Platter** (you HAVE to try this, it’s incredible, their fried coconut shrimp is made in house!) : Chicken Satay* Soup :Tom Kha soup with Chicken *the broth is so tasty Main : Khao soi Beef Short Rib *noodles are so flavorful : Curry Salmon **salmon is so tender! : Pad Thai with Shrimp *so flavorful! Dessert : Mango Sticky Rice **perfect melt in your mouth flavors : Fried Banana *so tasty, perfect complementary textures I enjoyed every single dish I tried and happily enjoyed all the leftovers for days - it was still so good!
Secret Los Angeles
Catalina Jazz Club This spot stands as a cornerstone among the best jazz clubs in Los Angeles. Nestled beneath a nondescript office building on Sunset Blvd., this Hollywood gem boasts exceptional acoustics and an intimate atmosphere, with 275 seats arranged in an L-shaped room. Hosting top-tier jazz musicians nightly, it’s a hotspot for unforgettable live performances. Perfect for a sophisticated date night, reservations are recommended to secure a spot in this renowned supper club.
Secret Los Angeles
The World Stage Located in Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, The World Stage is not a bar, but a nonprofit performance and education space. This spot has been a cultural hub for jazz and other forms of African-American music and art since its founding in 1989 by drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Daáood. With its intimate atmosphere and commitment to artistic excellence, it regularly hosts live jazz performances, jam sessions, poetry readings, and educational events, making it a cherished institution in Los Angeles.
Ally Grammin
Think of the quintessential LA cafe and the usual suspects come to mind… Instagrammable avocado toast, pancakes, quiche, maybe a snazzy breakfast sandwich. Yes, these things are on the menu at Sqirl but the reason you’re coming here is for the acclaimed Ricotta Toast: a raft of brioche coated with a generous smear of house-made ricotta and a pool of jam made with seasonal fruits. While The Toast is simultaneously gorgeous and delicious, my favorite order is the Crispy Rice Salad. A deep bowl filled with crisped brown rice, mint, cilantro, cucumber, scallion, hot sauce, and topped with a fried egg. An amalgamation of the perfect textures and flavors: crispy rice, crunchy bits, salty and sour mixing with the rich egg yolk… incredible and totally guilt free because it has salad in the name.
Secret Los Angeles
Have a martini at Musso & Frank Cinephiles, this one’s for you. Pretend it’s the 1920s and take your date out for a romantic night of Old Hollywood charm at the legendary Musso & Frank. Known as the oldest restaurant in Hollywood and often referred to as the “genesis of Hollywood,” this iconic steakhouse in LA, feels like you’ve stepped back into a bygone era. The restaurant was known as the go-to spot for the Hollywood elite, even boasting a secret back room for industry insiders. It’s been memorialized in countless films, most notably Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Cozy up in one of the old-school wooden booths and order their world-famous martini for a night to remember.
Rachael Brandon
Influenced to try Community Goods while in LA and so glad I did. Hopefully we’ll see them back in Miami for another pop-up soon 👀 Hands down one of the best iced matcha lattes - added their vanilla syrup + oat milk. The sliders were so pillowy and much lighter than I expected (thankfully) and the sauces!!! Herb Aioli and a sweet and sour hot sauce. The pistachio toast though, was just the cherry on top! Think Nutella but pistachio no chocolate, fresh nuts and honey on a rustic bread. Chefs kiss ✨ I got there super early on a weekday just after opening to avoid any famed hour long lines and had a lovely #slowmorning on their patio 🍵
See alsoExperience Fairfax: Top Local and Trending Insights near LA
Rachael Brandon
The most eye-catching and unique #icecream spot I’ve ever seen: AWAN Awan serves up non-dairy ice creams made from a coconut base and uses Indonesian ingredients. This was one of the creamiest non-dairy ice creams I’ve ever tried and you’re truly transported to another world with the aesthetic cavernous ambiance! I couldn’t resist a saffron pistachio date rose water and the Gula Jawa with unrefined Indonesian coconut palm sugar, both of which were delicious! 🥥
Secret Los Angeles
Hike your way up to the Hollywood Sign Whether you’re looking for a way to work out, explore nature, or simply enjoy stunning sunset views over the city, a quick hike to the Hollywood Sign is always a great idea. If you’re already familiar with the area or prefer to make plans on your own, just lace up your sneakers and head up there, which is free. If you enjoy socializing with others and you’re new in town, you might want to book a ticket to join a group hike.
Unveiling Local Travel Tips in Fairfax Near Los Angeles
When it comes to exploring Fairfax, located conveniently near the bustling city of Los Angeles, many travelers may focus on the more famous attractions. However, for those seeking a unique adventure, there's a world of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. While the area's vibrant and eclectic atmosphere is no secret, its local secrets can offer you an unforgettable experience, one that most generic travel guides tend to overlook. Fairfax is not just a location; it’s an experience that thrives on the spirit of exploration, where each street whispers stories of its rich heritage.
Discover Hidden Gems of Fairfax
Fairfax is known for its bohemian flair, and one of its most delightful hidden gems is the array of local boutique shops sprinkled throughout the district. Spend a day leisurely walking Melrose Avenue and Fairfax Avenue, where you'll encounter an eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and art galleries. Don't miss out on Popkiller Second, a popular vintage shop where fashionistas can score retro finds and unique clothing pieces that you won't find anywhere else. For music lovers, a visit to The Record Parlour, which houses an impressive collection of vinyl records, can lead to the discovery of rare tunes.
An essential aspect of these hidden treasures is their ability to transport you into an era mixed with nostalgia and modernity. Anonymous insights shared by locals reveal that much of Fairfax's charm lies in its resistance to mainstream commercialization, maintaining an intimate and authentic atmosphere cherished by residents and visitors alike.
Experience Adventure Among Local Favorites
For a more adventurous exploration of Fairfax, head to the lesser-known hiking paths situated in the nearby hills. Locals often rave about the Greystone Mansion and Park, a short drive away, which offers stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline. The park is an oasis for those seeking both relaxation and adventure, with its serene atmosphere contrasted by the labyrinth of garden paths awaiting to be uncovered.
Fairfax District is also a haven for food enthusiasts. The Original Farmers Market, which dates back to 1934, is a beloved local favorite. While it may not be completely hidden, it’s often overlooked by tourists in favor of more mainstream destinations. Spend a morning strolling among the diverse stalls, where you can taste exquisite global cuisine and local delicacies. Try the classic French toast from Charlie's Coffee Shop or indulge in gourmet cheeses at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market.
A Taste of Cultural Exploration
Art and culture thrive in the Fairfax area, from street art to alternative galleries. One unexpected highlight is the Street Art Alley off Melrose Avenue—a canvas for artists from around the world. This location is a testament to the neighborhood's vibrant creative scene. The vivid murals are not just a festival for the eyes, but each piece of graffiti and street art tells a story, often reflecting current social and political issues.
Exploring Fairfax’s artistic side provides an authentic insight into the area's heart and soul. Galleries such as the LAXART present contemporary and innovative works by both well-known and local artists. Visitors often find inspiration in the thought-provoking exhibitions, making this a must-visit for art devotees. By accessing local travel tips on Kikihub, travelers can discover less-publicized gallery events and artist meet-ups for a more intimate cultural experience.
Live Like a Local with Relaxation and Indulgence
Local secrets aren't just about discovery and adventure; sometimes they involve unwinding and indulging like a true Angeleno. Consider spending an afternoon in one of the charming neighborhood cafés like République or Canter's Deli, each offering delicious treats coupled with a warm, inviting atmosphere. These are places where the community gathers, where the barista might call you by name after just a few visits, and where you can simply relax and enjoy the conversational hum around you.
For a touch of elegance, Fairfax boasts some hidden spa retreats known only to those with the inside scoop. Many have discovered that there’s nothing quite like the luxurious treatments offered at Raven Spa, where urban meets tranquility to offer experiences such as Thai massages and aromatherapy sessions—perfect to wrap up a day full of exploration.
anonymous insights and the pulse of Fairfax
Using Kikihub to connect with locals can further enhance your understanding of the secret pulse of Fairfax. Real, anonymous conversations lead to discovering local customs, favorite hangout spots, and even private events that don’t make it to mainstream publications. This interactive experience allows travelers to delve into the community's lesser-known stories and recommendations, ultimately giving you truly personalized travel experience.
Fairfax much like an open yet uncrowded book is filled with pages of history, culture, and lifestyle that are revealed word by word, corner by corner, and street by street. Stepping beyond traditional paths, with the help of platforms like Kikihub, travelers gain the privilege to see this area through the eyes of the locals, an insight which makes every visit to Fairfax a newly unfolding adventure.
