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Although home to a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic groups, Silver Lake (sometimes written as Silverlake) is best known as the epicenter of the Los Angeles hipster culture – independent thinking, progressive politics, creativity, and trendsetting in fashion and music. Consequently, this increasingly gentrified neighborhood attracts a crowd of stylish urban tastemakers, bohemian types, and a substantial LGBT community.
The winding Sunset Boulevard offers plenty of au courant independent boutiques, outdoor cafés, and popular ethnic restaurants where flannel-clad professionals can spend sunny days shopping and brunching at popular diners.
The nightlife scene in Silver Lake is simultaneously laid back and too-cool-for-school, with ironic theme bars, low-key lounges, playful wine bars drawing hip crowds, and a bevy of food trucks and cute gelato shops catering to the nightly strollers.
And adding to the funky tastemaking appeal of the area is the Silverlake Farmers Market that sets up every Saturday right off Sunset and the Art Craft & Vintage fair held every second Saturday at the Micheltorena Street Elementary School.
Cool painfully hip factoid: Local indie band Silversun Pickups gets their name from a liquor store across from the landmark live music dive the Silverlake Lounge, right near the intersection of Silver Lake Boulevard and Sunset.
20s / Anything goes / Artists
Party Earth Review Characterized by cranky bartenders and a hipster clientele, the offbeat Smog Cutter is a potent mix of one part karaoke, two parts dive, and eight parts attitude. The place is all but ... more
864 North Virgil Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Average Joes / Blouses / Brunch
Reviewed by Gor G.
"This place sucks. Too hip for its own good, trying way too hard to be divey and quirky - and unfortunately, it's succeeding with a certain crowd, it s ..." more
656 North Virgil Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Ambient / Beer / Burgers / Cigars
Reviewed by Brett C.
"My Take: I went to The Black Cat last week at the end of a night of bar-hopping and could not have been happier with this last stop of the night. We f ..." more
3909 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
20s / 30s / 40s / Bar / Bar Food / Brunch
Reviewed by Gor G.
"My friends and I were at a Los Angeles magazine event down the street at another Silver Lake spot, when we ventured out in search of more food. We st ..." more
3725 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Bar Food / Beer on Tap / Casual
Reviewed by Gor G.
"I was initially a little taken aback by the mini-mall location and the darkened windows - would I find a girlie bar, a real dive, or wall-to-wall bike ..." more
4321 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90029
20s / 30s / Beer & Wine Only / DJ
Reviewed by Gor G.
"My absolutely favorite new place! The vibe is relaxed and chill. The staff is friendly and very knowledgable about both the menu and the wines. The o ..." more
1637 Silver Lake Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Casual / Dinner / Foodies / Hipster
Reviewed by Brett C.
"My Take: I went to Diablo on Saturday night for a bite before going to a party, and if gourmet tacos are your thing, then this is the place for you. T ..." more
3129 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
20s / 30s / 80s Music / Bar / DJ / Dive
Party Earth Review A magnet for Silver Lake denizens, Cha Cha Lounge is a kitschy party bar where cheap drinks and a wacky décor keep the crowds of alternative types and young professionals coming. Scruffy ... more
2375 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039
20s / 30s / 40s / Dance / DJ / Electronic
Reviewed by Efterpi Z.
"I was there for the monthly 'A club called Rhonda' night and the DJ's were amazing. If you like deep house and electro and heavy beats, this is the pl ..." more
3040 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
20s / 30s / Bar / Bluegrass / Blues
Party Earth Review A favorite haunt for local hipsters and Silver Lake denizens, Thirsty Crow is a homey neighborhood bar whose saloon atmosphere and excellent whiskey drinks have made it a destination ... more
2939 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
20s / 30s / Ambient / Blazers / Dinner
Reviewed by Maria H.
"Quietly tucked away under the Sunset Junction sign, Stella is not only a must for all visitors of the artsy Silver Lake district but is also the best ..." more
3932 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90029
30s / Average Joes / Bar / Beer / TVs
Party Earth Review For a kitschy Oktoberfest vibe fueled by authentic German beers that really pack a wallop, patrons will want to head to the Red Lion Tavern, a Silver Lake staple with a loyal following ... more
2366 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039