Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu. There's no shortage of bustling micro-neighborhoods to explore in expansive Los Angeles, but on my recent trip to sunny soCal, one of my favorite afternoons was spent frolicking a lovely little area called Larchmont.If bustling crowds, impossible parking and dozens of blocks between destinations are your thing (errr, did I mention LA is most definitely not my city?), feel free to give this one a pass, but for an easy afternoon of shops + eats where the locals play, Larchmont Village is a pedestrian's hidden gem.Don't Miss:
Larchmont Village Wine + Cheese
Famed for "LA's best sandwich," this tiny little tuckaway has 7 staple sandwiches served on ciabatta or French baguette (go French!) and a wine and cheese selection to bring any charcuterie lover a smile. Major extra points for serving Cowgirl Creamery cheeses!
Go Get 'Em Tiger
Go Get 'Em Tiger is a beautiful minimalist coffee shop with clean, modern lines, serving up an impressive cup o' joe. This is definitely a "conversation" coffee spot rather than a long-term workplace, making it a perfect pitstop on an afternoon stroll.
Salt + Straw
Portland's infamous Salt + Straw has blessed soCal with it's presence if you don't know, now you know! The west coast overall loves creating custom, quirky, organic, farmer's market ice cream flavors, but Salt + Straw is on another level.If you bring enough appetite, splurge for the flight: 4 flavors for $10. Stumptown Coffee + Compartes Loves Nuts, Strawberry Balsamic and Black Olive + Goat Cheese are my personal faves. Leave time to walk it off after!
Lette Macarons
Espresso. Earl Grey. Rose. All day.
BabyCakes NYC
Wheat, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy or Refined Sugar hesitations? Have no fear, BabyCakes is here! Also serving Stumptown Coffee (yeahhh PDX creepin' in).Looking for other lesser-known spots to unsurface in LA? Check out the Pinata District, or Mystery Pier Books, a first edition only bookstore!