Wedged between the tidal wave of fully engulfed neighborhoods to its west and an unprecedented revival of downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park is in the midst of a rapid makeover—or more accurately put, gentrification. As of December 2015, Echo Park is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood where you'll find historic houses and low-income developments, 6 dollar designer coffee, dollar stores, hipsters, gangs, bike lanes and free 6-day parking on side-streets. It's where the Dodgers play in their stadium and quinceañeras adorn nearby Elysian Park. It's where some of your favorite hit songs from the 70's were written, and some of your favorite new shops and restaurants are—or will be.
Simple, cozy and delicious american style lunch and dinner
the neighborhood's little green grocer
A must-visit east side women's clothing boutique.
Go-to spot for cactus fiends.
Named after local writer John Fante’s protagonist Arturo Bandini, here is a dark and moody neighborhood bar with an impressive selection of craft beers and wines on tap. If you get there early, you’ll likely find one of the three friendly founders Joshua Weinstein, Michael Lippman, and Jason Piggott behind the long, slate bar, quelling curious palettes with a taste of the goods. Bar Bandini has a sense of familiarity about it. It’s more mature than its neighboring counterparts, and its rustic interior carries the weight of longevity and stories told. Take a date or fly solo, you're in good hands.
