Are you trying to do fun shit but are seriously broke? Look no further than our new weekly guide! And this week, we’re heading to the City of Angels to profile the ultra hip neighborhood of Silverlake in East LA. If you haven’t heard of this hood, it’s recently become, as the yupsters who call it home would say, “gentrified” and is truly a melting pot. Now a scene for up-and-coming artists and musicians, cool bars, lots of places to see good live music, and unique-looking individuals, this hood 10 years ago was notorious for being a seedy part of town. Although the gentrification process continues today (this is a hot topic for hipsters), the neighborhood is primarily dominated by Caucasian kids in their mid 20s to early 30s who are “creatives” and usually work in “film,” but are currently working as a bartender (which probably means they ran out of money from mom and dad and finally had to find a real job).
Whatever the case may be, Silverlake or SL as some locals call it, is a plethora of fun things to do by yourself or with friends if you’re on a broke girl budget. Since the borough isn’t that big, it’s not tough to get around, but you will still need some sort of transportation (preferably a car).
Here’s A Day in Silverlake Itinerary:
1. Intelligentsia Coffee
3922 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90029
Start the day off by hitting up the famous Sunset Junction coffee shop where you can grab an iced chai latte or an equally decent cup of imported South American coffee for about $4. At Intelligentsia, you can sit and enjoy your cup ‘o joe outside and catch bloggers snapping photos of the blue tile floor, writers looking distressed behind their MacBooks and see creative ideas flowing in the numerous “coffee date meetings” taking place. Plus with its location right in the middle of Silverlake on Sunset, it’s the perfect place to people watch, so keep your eyes peeled.
2. Cheese Store of Silverlake
3926 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
After coffee, feel free to peek into some of the shops around the Junction, I recommend grabbing a sample of tasty European cheese at The Cheese Store for free.
3. Sunset Pacific Motel
4301 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Now, I know you’re feeling conflicted about what you should post to Insta about your little day trip, but look no further than this cool completely white-washed motel currently on display by French artist Vincent Lamouroux he’s calling “Projection.”
4. Silverlake Reservoir
1850 W Silver Lake Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
If you’re lucky, when you visit this part of town it will be a usual perfect sunny 75 degree LA day, which means a great time to go to the park or “the meadow.” Pick up some pre-packaged sandwiches and a bottle of wine (or two) from Trader Joes and head to Silverlake Reservoir where you and your homies can chill on the grass and soak up some Vitamin D.
5. El Chavo
4441 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
It’s getting late and the suns going down what should you do? Hit up El Chavo who is notorious for their insanely strong (and cheap) margaritas. Take a couple of these down along with some nachos and you’ll be good for most of the night. Plus there’s a cool outdoor patio where you can mingle with friends and other drunk people under the twinkly lights of a fun campy Hispanic atmosphere.
6. The Thirsty Crow
2939 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Now that you’re feeling the buzz, check out what’s happening at some of the bars and places to “go out wit yo gurlz.” The Crow is a good place to go if you want chill vibes and aren’t really looking to make new friends.
7. The Satellite and Los Globos
Los Globos
3040 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
The Satellite
1717 Silver Lake Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
If you’re trying to see some live music, see who’s playing at The Satellite and if you want to dance, check out Los Globos where you can really let yo hurr down. Both of these places have a cover of about $10 sometimes $5 earlier on in the night, or maybe if you look hot enough, you can flirt your way out of it!