The Melrose District
Melrose Ave. Between La Brea and Fairfax (map)
West Hollywood, CA
Melrose, the trendy shopping area that carries the allure of its namesake TV series, attracts area fashion-seekers, store-hoppers and window-browsers on all hours of the weekend and on weekday evenings. The colorful storefronts, artistic signage, unusual architecture and variety of shops and eateries all work together to make it one of West Hollywood’s favorite places to kill time. Shops range from slightly higher-priced boutiques and shoe stores to vintage stores, trinket stores, smoke shops and even pet shops, with a nice sprinkling of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops to provide refreshment and a vantage point for people-watching. Some weekends feature a sidewalk vintage sale at the corner of Gardner, where cheap treasures can be found. Hit up the ever-popular Wasteland, run across the street to Crossroads, then grab a malt at Johnny Rockets. Come later for streetside dinner at I Love Sushi, and stay late for a beer at the getting-more-crowded Darkroom tavern. Metered parking is available with paid hours from 8 am to 8 pm, but it’s usually easier to find free parking on the southern side streets.
The haiku version:
‘80s glam hipsters
Rub elbows with club scene bros.
Both are hungover
Favorites:
- Aardvark’s Odd Ark
- American Apparel
- Coffee Bean
- Crossroads
- I Love Sushi
- Johnny Rockets
- London Boots
- Mao’s Kitchen
- Maya Jewelry
- The Darkroom
- The Village Idiot
- Urban Outfitters
- Wasteland
