Everything you need to know about spending the perfect weekend in Silver Lake. Whether you’re a neighborhood resident or a visitor planning to possibly move to the neighborhood, I’ve put together an itinerary for the perfect Silver Lake weekend, including where to eat, things to do, where to shop, and more.
Silver Lake is just a stone’s throw from where I live in Los Feliz, so, needless to say, I’m there a lot. Like, a lot a lot. And once you explore the neighborhood I’m sure you will be too.
Most of Silver Lake’s essentials are situated along Sunset Boulevard, but there’s also plenty on Hyperion, including the always busy Trader Joe’s, Rowena Avenue, and Silver Lake Boulevards. Plus a few restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are opening up South of Sunset and North of the 101. As far as neighborhoods go, Silver Lake is relatively big.
One great thing about Silver Lake is that it feels pretty central to all Los Angeles has to offer, being close to nearby metro stops. There’s also literally nowhere to stay in Silver Lake. The neighborhood has been waiting for a hotel for years. So get going on airbnb.com. Luckily the company usually has plenty of super hip and dreamy homes for rent, some with pools and most close enough to have the Junction feel like it’s in your backyard.
Friday Night 5pm – 7pm
Welcome to Silver Lake! Unpack your bags and have a cocktail at wherever you’ve chosen to stay. You may notice the lack of cars honking. You may hear a dog or two barking in the distance. Homes in Silver Lake feel somehow removed and quiet sanctuaries away from the night life. But go a block or two away and all that seems to change.
Friday Night 7pm – 9pm
Dinner in Silver Lake can, of course, be a see-and-be-seen affair but it can also be a relaxing foodie experience without all the frills of a Hollywood or Downtown hotspot. And most of the time you don’t even need a reservation. There’s no better restaurant than Wolfdown to kick off your Silver Lake weekend. Wolfdown was created by the team behind Forage, a Silver Lake mainstay that helped to usher in the neighborhood’s current renaissance. So they know what they’re doing. Wolfdown is a cozy farm-to-table hangout for modern American & Asian fare. They have a killer beer and wine list, and one of the best patios in the area for a sunset supper. Everybody is talking about Wolfdown’s Spicy Korean Wings so be sure to start with those.
Friday Night 9pm – 10pm
The Chandelier Tree on West Silver Lake Drive is one of LA’s most gorgeous nighttime gems. Sure, it’s exactly what it says: chandeliers in a tree, but somehow it’s a really beautiful and romantic sight to see. The Chandelier Tree was created by Adam Tenenbaum who didn’t necessarily know the tree would become a destination when he hung the first chandelier up there many years ago. Over time more and more pieces were added to the tree, eventually extending the domain of the spectacle by hanging lighting from branches that hung over the middle of the street.
Friday Night 10pm – 12am
The Satellite is hip neighborhood music venue for both local and established indie bands. Depending on the night, there may be a dance tribute to Prince, or a comedy show, or Lady Gaga. Yes, Lady Gaga played here last year. There’s a full bar and it can get busy, but shows are usually free and if they cost anything it’s usually only $5 – $10.
Saturday Morning 9am – 1oam
While I’m still mourning the closure of Silver Lake’s longtime Casbah Cafe as my go-to Silver Lake coffee and meeting place, there’s a reason why Intelligentsia has become one of the iconic images that come to mind when people think of Silver Lake. First, their coffee really is that great. And, second, there’s something special about that big red building, the architecture and design of it, that sort of invites you in.
Saturday Morning 10am – 12pm
Get to know Cafe Stella well. You’ll be here a lot. Cafe Stella is a gorgeous open air French bistro next door to Intelligentsia. Both the romantic patio and the charming dining room with brick walls are great places to spend your Saturday brunch. Stella may have the best Bloody Mary in the neighborhood. Get the Fresh Seasonal Fruit and the Avocado Toast to start. Follow that up with the Moroccan Eggs and the Veggie Sandwich.
Saturday Afternoon 12pm – 5pm
It’s shopping time. Start, where else, at The Silver Lake Farmers Market. the market happens every Tuesday and Saturday and is a great place to buy fresh produce, vintage clothes, gently used books, and sometimes incredible and rare mid-century modern furniture. It’s located in the Polka Dot Plaza, which is a destination of sorts itself. Walk North to check out Mohawk General Store, a modern shop for trendy, designer apparel, shoes, swimwear, and lifestyle accessories for both men & women. A bit further up Sunset is my favorite boutique shop The LA County Store. Literally everything sold at the LA County Store is made locally, so all of your purchases will help local artists and artisans continue what they’re doing! It’s the perfect little shop for all your gift giving needs.
Saturday Evening 5pm – 7pm
A great way to see the neighborhood (and burn some calories) is going on a tour of the secret stairs of Silver Lake. Don’t worry, there’s no tour guide (unless you want me to show you around!). Secret Stairs LA has excellent maps of LA’s secret stairs, including the Music Box Loop – which includes the famous location where Laurel and Hardy made their 1932 short film The Music Box. In it, the two comedians try to carry a piano up the steep flight of steps between Vendome and Descanso Drive. And let’s just say they didn’t quite make it.
Saturday Night 7pm – 9pm
Mh Zh. That’s the name of a new restaurant on Sunset Boulevard. Pronounced “mah zeh” and loosely translates to “what is it” in Hebrew — is the work of Conor Shemtov, who has spent time working at restaurants in Israel and elsewhere. Mh Zh serves seriously delicious and easygoing Israeli and other Middle Eastern favorites. It’s also BYOB so you can save a buck or two on your visit. Mh Zh is bread dipping heaven.
Saturday Night 9pm – ’til late
Head back up the street to Bar Stella. Yes, the bar inside Cafe Stella. The cool vibe and the amazing cocktails continue here well into the night. Bar Stella is dark and swanky, but there’s also a happening patio lounge if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot. Favorite cocktails include Son of a Priest – willer rare release rye, campari, & averna. Delectable and strong.
Sunday Morning 9am – 10am
Breakfast tacos are a thing in Silver Lake (and, well, all of LA) and nobody has better breakfast tacos then Tacos Delta. This casual outdoor spot on Sunset is old school Silver Lake. They also have a bacon and egg breakfast burrito that people love. They don’t skimp on the bacon. The tacos, too, are filling and will power you through the rest of the day.
Sunday Morning 10am – 12pm
Now we’re going dancing. You didn’t think you’d get away with going out Friday and Saturday night without dancing, did you? The Sweat Spot is a local instructive studio offering energetic dance classes, including tap, modern, jazz, ballet & twerking. Yes, twerking. On Sundays they do Sweaty Sundays, which helps sweat off the drinks from the previous night.
Sunday Afternoon 12pm – 2pm
Time for a little more shopping. On the same block as The Sweat Stop are quite a few fun shops you need to check out. One of the best is Dustmuffin. They carry everything from home accents, art, apothecary, gifts for your new baby (or someone’s new baby), jewelry, and vintage clothing. It’s almost impossible to walk out with something or other. It’s an enchanting little shop.
Sunday Afternoon 2pm – 5pm
Walk up Silver Lake Boulevard around the Silver Lake Reservoir. Be sure to stop at the VDL Neutra House to check out one of architect Richard Neutra’s iconic Los Angeles area homes. This house was Richard Neutra’s own, his third building in America and the house in which he was to live and work for nearly three decades. On your way around the reservoir be sure to stop by the meadow for a quick game of frisbee.
Sunday Evening 5pm – 8pm
As your Silver Lake weekend winds to a close there’s just one last place you simply cannot miss: Botanica. Botanica is a brand new restaurant that is already a favorite of many in the neighborhood. Botanica serves incredible plant-based food. Meat eaters don’t worry, they have animal as well! You’ll love the Ode to Larb – grilled mushrooms, sweet corn, herbs, sweet peppers, toasted rice powder & citrus-chile-fish sauce vinaigrette – and the Cassoulet Verde – heirloom beans, fire-roasted chile verde, tomatillos, sweet corn, cilantro pistou, fresh summer veg. The Low & Slow King Salmon – seared radicchio, citrus, and herbs, melted shallots, and beluga lentils – is another highlight. Whatever you order at Botanica you can’t go wrong. As the sun sets make sure to raise your glass and toast to a Silver Lake weekend well spent!
– Tatiana
Did you have the perfect weekend in Silver Lake? What were some of the shops, restaurants, and experiences you may have stumbled upon that I’ve missed? Let me know!
And if you’d like a tour of the neighborhood or to see some homes for sale in Silver Lake, email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com or call me at (937) 243-2349!