Petit Dejeuner- it’s French for breakfast.

Story & Photos by: Monica Coyne; Edited by: Nikki Pepper.

Los Angeles‘ east side communities were the original home of the city’s film studios. While the studios have long since moved, the east side is as vibrant as the stars that used to work there. They boast striking architecture, delicious restaurants, and panoramic views of the city. One such neighborhood: Silver Lake, which was built around a reservoir; hence it’s nice. Here’s a snapshot of where to eat, what to see and how to join the scene. It’s just the beginning of the Los Angeles east side offering – don’t forget the Echo Park and Los Feliz neighborhoods, which you’ll get a sneak peek of later…

EAT, DRINK & BE CAFFEINATED 

Café Stella: Right in the middle of “Sunset Junction,” the heart of Silver Lake, Café Stella offers French bistro fare. Order anything from coq au vin to filet mignon on the patio or at the bar, and you might think you’re in New York or Paris.  Ask for the wine list and order a glass to enjoy while you indulge in the rich cuisine.

The Cheese Store. ‘Nuff said.

The Cheese Store of Silverlake: Just next door to Café Stella, The Cheese Store of Silverlake offers cheeses from around the world and in every type: cow, sheep, goat. They also have a wide selection of wine and artisanal products to pair with said cheese to round off a nice evening spread.

Casbah Café: A little further east down Sunset, Casbah Café brings a touch of Morocco to the neighborhood. The cafe serves everything from salads to tarts to coffee. While the food is good enough to stand alone, there is more than just food– you can get some shopping done too. Casbah offers a wide array of “ethnic pieces from around the planet” for purchase.

Spice Station.

Spice Station: Set in an atmospheric little courtyard, the Spice Station is a gourmet spice shop owned by a local couple. It has over 200 different spices, herbs, chiles, salts and blends, as well as over 70 teas. Indulge in the sweet and spicy scents and loose-leaf tea to enjoy at home.

Intelligentsia.

Intelligentsia: Forbes magazine called Silver Lake America’s “hippest hipster neighborhood” back in 2012 and CNNMoney says it’s one of the best neighborhoods in the country. Be prepared to wait behind a lot of said hipsters on most days for gourmet coffee and tea at this hipster mecca. Intelligentsia also has outposts in Venice and Pasadena.

SAD BUT TRUE (but still worth mentioning)

El Conquistador. For a touch of old Silver Lake, locals used to head to El Conquistador. Serving great Mexican since 1973, El Conquistador was a Silver Lake  institution, and provided a taste of what the neighborhood was like before the hipsters moved in. With bright murals on the outside and a hot pink bar inside, it couldn’t be missed. Their famous margaritas are surely missed.

El Conquistador may be gone for good, but the memories will stay in the neighborhood’s history forever.

CHECK OUT THE SCENE 

Sunset Junction Farmer’s Market: A funky mix of bars, art studios, offbeat shops, tacos stands, and restaurants make Sunset Junction a great place to visit anytime. The Farmers Market is particularly lively on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The Silverlake Lounge: Great small venue for eclectic and indie music, cocktails and beer. Local, live music and concerts. Check out the calendar for the line-up info. Several shows are free and covers start at just five dollars.

Silverlake Blvd.

And while you’re in Silver Lake, don’t stop there. Explore these spots in Echo Park and Los Feliz, two east side neighborhoods that meld nostalgia and nature.

Echo Park Lake, Echo Park: Reopened after a two-year renovation, Echo Park Lake offers pedal boats for rent, fishing, and picnic areas. Stop by from June to September, when the lotus flowers are in bloom, for a colorful and fragrant walk.

A fountain at Echo Park Lake.

The Vista, Los Feliz: This Spanish Mission Revival style theater on Sunset is one of LA’s few remaining single screen theaters. It opened in 1923, but plays first-run movies.

Griffith Park and Observatory, Los Feliz: At the north end of Los Feliz, Griffith Park constitutes 3,015 acres and Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. Inside, peruse exhibits on astronomy, including a planetarium that offers daily shows.