7 cool spots for retail therapy and noshing in Silver Lake
One of the perks of living in Los Angeles is exploring the varying personalities of pockets like Los Feliz, Echo Park or Century City. And with those personalities come unique shopping experiences. In Silver Lake, the place to explore is Sunset Boulevard.
As the area continually battles expectations of gentrification with the influx of posher shopping and dining establishments among the edgier and grungier, it presents itself as an eclectic space for retail therapy.
Here are a few of the standouts — all but one on Sunset — for shopping and noshing in Silver Lake.
Foxhole, 3318 W. Sunset Blvd.
Run by an Army veteran and his fashion designer girlfriend, who go by the names Jeff and Miss Fox, Foxhole is a vintage tee and denim lover’s paradise that’s been in business since 2011. For modest prices, customers can nab anything from classic Harley Davidson shirts to denim jackets and vests. The shop’s pride and joy, however, are the goods made of recycled denim, which can be customized or made from scratch out of patrons’ old jeans. The owners have used denim to make pillows, motorcycle blankets, ponchos, purses, leg warmers and capes. The vintage tees start at $35 with denim vests running upward of $80. Prices for custom pieces vary.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
The Black Cat, 3909 W Sunset Blvd.
A bright white building among a sea of blacks and grays, the Black Cat stands as a community staple, dishing elevated versions of American classics such as lamb bacon carbonara ($19) and bacon-wrapped dates ($7). The Cat serves breakfast, lunch and dinner — and brunch on the weekends — but no kittens, or kids, are allowed, since it’s a 21-and-over establishment. Try the shrimp and grits ($16)!
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. during the week; opens at 10 a.m. on weekends
Clover, 2756 Rowena Ave.
Opened in 2001 with the goal of supporting local and eco-friendly designers, Clover is situated apart from the popular Sunset Boulevard. But with its collection of apparel, home goods, books and toys, there’s something for everyone. Owners Nicole Lopez and Daniel Galindo champion the fact that they carry not-so-basic basics, premium denim and easy-to-wear, no-fuss dresses. “It’s clothing that you want to wear over and over,” Lopez says. Some of the popular brands at the store include Viereck and Groceries. Prices vary, with Cotton Citizen white tees at $63.
Hours: 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays
Ragg Mopp, 3816 W. Sunset Blvd.
Specializing in vintage clothing from the 1880s to the 1980s, Ragg Mopp, which opened in 1998, is a staple for aficionados including Winona Ryder, Courtney Love and David Arquette. The shop’s selection of apparel, shoes and hats includes a variety of styles catering to a variety of tastes. Some potential past finds include a 1960s Rudi Gernreich mini for $400 and a ‘70s Goldworm dress for $75.
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. daily; closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday
Good Microbrew, 3725 W. Sunset Blvd.
It’s a neighborhood bar, complete with widescreen televisions and beer on tap. Good opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inside the pasty pink building, the menu is filled with comfort food, such as the “Adult XXX Mac and Cheese” ($13) and fried chicken and waffles ($16). For the health-conscious, options include the “Oh Kale Yes” salad ($13) and the “Coachella” wrap ($12). Every Monday the bar hosts a viewing party for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” complete with drag queen bingo.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 11p.m. Wednesday; 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
MRKT, 3814 W. Sunset Blvd.
Sandwiched in a strip of stores, MRKT houses a collection of pieces that are “androgynous with a high-end streetwear sense,” says owner Steven Villal. He and his business partner Kenji Sunaga, who’ve had the store for almost two years, have pulled in pieces from streetwear brands including Hood by Air, Commune de Paris and Zio Songzio amid the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix. Prices vary, starting at $115 for a Commune de Paris polo.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily; noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Dean Leather Accessories, 3918 W. Sunset Blvd.
In a world of machine-produced leather products, Dean is somewhat of an anomaly. Every product that leaves the store is fully handmade and crafted in house by owner Danny Davis, who does all of the designing, and his two employees. They’ve got the expected purses and bags but also iPad cases, wallets and knife holsters. Actor Johnny Depp has been spotted with some of Dean’s products, namely leather messenger bags and bracelets.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Dean-accessories.myshopify.com
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