Denim Revival
Sure, they have an impressive selection of new and vintage jeans, shirts, jackets, boots, belts, and other accessories. But more than likely that's not the reason you'll be visiting Denim Revival. Instead, you'll be stopping by to get your existing denim repaired. The shop's repair service is legend in the area, as it specializes in a type of mend that renders the repair invisible to the naked eye, saving overly worn or otherwise ripped jeans from being relegated to yard duty. Of course, they can also do traditional alterations, so whether you've gained or lost a few pounds, you can rest assured that your favorite pairs will still fit.
Lindy & Grundy
It's hard to believe that L.A. was lacking a sustainable, old-school butcher when Amelia Posada and Erika Nakamura arrived on the scene, but they quickly corrected the problem. As the owners of Lindy & Grundy, they offer up beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, all of which is raised 100% organically, and comes from within 150 miles, save for the lamb that's sourced in Northern California. All of the butchering is done on-site, and unwanted bones are used to make stock, which is sold alongside soups, chili, pate, rillettes, and even dog food — so both you and your pooch can get a treat when you go.
The Varnish
Plenty of people know about the delicious french dips at Cole's — they invented it, after all — but did you know this famous grubbing station is also home to a hidden bar? That bar, hidden behind a door at the very back of the joint, is The Varnish. Inside, you'll find a relaxed vibe, a dimly lit room, and, if you come on the right night, some live jazz. Oh, and cocktails. Handcrafted, delicious cocktails that go perfectly with the speakeasy-inspired decor. Just remember to allot some extra time, because after the first taste, you won't want to leave.
Troubadour
Odds are you've already heard about the Troubadour, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to catch a show there. After all, this WeHo venue — which opened its doors in 1957 — has played host to a virtual who's who of the music world in the years since, serving as the spot for many a live album, memorable debut, or noteworthy anecdote — like John Lennon getting kicked out for heckling the Smothers Brothers. Just be sure to keep an eye on their calendar — while many shows sell out well in advance, the place is very well-booked, so there should be a show happening soon for you to slide your way into.
Glory Sales and Service
It's not often that you see an antiques store turned biker shop, but that's exactly what you'll find at Glory Sales and Service. Founded in 1999, the spot is famous for its self-branded t-shirts, but also offers a range of self-branded denim, jackets and other clothing from brands like Lewis Leathers and Barbour, and motorcycle accessories. Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth a stop to see the assortment of old signs, vintage motorcycles, and other memorabilia that decorates the shop. [Scouted by Dan]
The Last Bookstore
Okay, so it's not really The Last Bookstore — but it is a name that becomes a little more true with each passing day. Unlike most purveyors of dead tree products, this shop has seen steady growth since its founding in 2005, moving from a loft, to a small location, to the current store: a 10,000 square foot behemoth that used to serve as a bank. Inside, you'll find a record shop, a coffee bar, a small stage, and an enormous selection of books, including over 100,000 priced at a buck a piece. [Scouted by Jeff]
Waffles de Liege
It doesn't need to be breakfast time for you to enjoy the goodies emanating from Waffles de Liege. This gourmet food truck serves up delicious Liege waffles — not to be confused with the far more common Brussels style — that are made with Belgian pearl sugar and a richer dough, resulting in a slightly crispy exterior that's chewy and warm on the inside. Enjoy one the traditional way, with powdered suger, or with toppings like Fosselman's ice cream, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or our favorite, Nutella.
Harvard & Stone
If you like grungy, industrial-looking places, sexy women dancing to live rock n' roll, and excellent cocktails, then let us introduce you to Harvard & Stone. Located on the eastern edge of Hollywood, this two-story spot feels like it's been here forever, and offers a huge main bar, an upstairs catwalk, and a low wooden stage that plays host to live music two nights a week — a DJ keeps blues and rock playing the rest of the time. Tired of the up front scene? Make your way past a number of cozy nooks to the second bar — dubbed R&D — where you'll find a cocktail menu that changes almost daily. Oh, and be mindful of the dress code: shiny shirts, shorts, sports gear, logos, flip flops, hats, and loud colors are "highly discouraged". [Scouted by Jack]
Tradesmen Los Angeles
Forget the military minimalism of the interior — although it is noteworthy. When you're at Tradesmen Los Angeles, it's all about the clothes. Tradesmen offers a well-curated selection of shirts, denim, shoes, bags, belts, and other accessories from quality brands like Velva-Sheen, Pendleton, Baldwin, Palmer Trading Co., and Ursa Major. And don't bother looking for gaudy sale tags — almost all the signage in the shop is printed by typewriter or stenciled on the walls. [via]
Deep Pocket Jean Co.
You could make a nice day of visiting a clothing store, a barber shop, and a sports bar before capping it all off with a cigar from your nearby smoke store. Or you could visit Deep Pocket Jean Co., as this one-stop destination includes pieces of all four in a single place. The company's quality denim — along with shirts, ties, and other essentials — is presented in a welcoming space boasting comfortable chairs, high-class booze for sipping while you shop, and a couple TVs for sports gazing. Under the same roof, you'll also find a working barber shop and cigar store, the latter of which offers an ocean-view outdoor cigar patio. Just think of it as a department store of manliness. [Scouted by Brian]
Tiki-Ti
Plenty of bars are tiki-themed, but few have the pedigree of Tiki-Ti. Opened in 1961 by "bartender to the stars" Ray Buehn, this smallish bar is still owned and operated by his family today. Covered in nicknacks and Polynesian-inspired decor, and is famous for its tropical drinks — all 92 of them, many of which can't be found anywhere else. The only downside? If you're not a smoker, too bad - thanks to family owned and operated nature of the bar, it's one of the few places in the Golden State where you can still light up inside.
The Grilled Cheese Truck
Sate your hunger with a childhood staple by making a visit to The Grilled Cheese Truck. Going far beyond the typical bread and cheese, this bright yellow and orange truck roams the City of Angels serving up mouth-watering concoctions like the Cheesy Mac and Rib, the Brie Melt, the Goat Cheese Melt, and the Smothered Pork Chop Melt. In the mood for something a little sweeter? Try out one of the dessert melts, including the S'more Melt and Mom's Apple Pie Melt. No matter what you choose, you're unlikely to walk away hungry.
