General Information
NFT Map: 43
Address: 9301 Tampa Ave
Northridge, CA 91324
Phone: 818-701-7051
Website: www.northridgefashioncenter.com
Shopping
Although there’s ample spending opportunity at Northridge Fashion Center, nothing did as much financial damage to it as 1994’s earthquake. Since the quake, Northridge has been renovated twice to become the extravagant structure of retail magnificence you see today, with 200 stores, ten restaurants and a charming outdoor pedestrian area. Cost Plus offers more exotic home décor ideas than you can shake a rain stick at, while conventionalists can rely on department store standards like Sears, JC Penney, and Macy’s. With all that Northridge has to offer—including an Apple store and a ten-screen cinema—it’s a shame that it’s tucked just far enough out of the way that you’d never think to go there. However, if you’re already headed to Sears for a fridge or new tires, or if you’re fairly deep in the West San Fernando Valley, there’s no reason not to go check it out.
Food
The NFC food court is clean, well lit, and offers outdoor seating. You can choose between a variety of cuisines at restaurants like La Salsa, Sansei, and Surf City Squeeze. The line for Donatello’s Pizza is always long, but it moves surprisingly fast. Sit-down restaurants in the complex include Red Robin (hamburgers) and Yard House. For a break (weather permitting), sit outside on the patio at Wood Ranch BBQ for good food and better people watching.
Drawbacks
Whether you’re coming from the 101 or the 118, the drive along Tampa can be slow. The parking lot fills up quickly, too, so in summer you may be in for a long, 100+ degree walk to and from the mall. There is a beautiful Gelson’s supermarket nearby—far enough away from the main mall to require moving your car, but close enough to make you feel guilty for doing so.
How to Get There
From the 101 in either direction, exit at Tampa Boulevard and head north on Tampa approximately four miles to Plummer. The mall entrance is on the left. From the 118 in either direction, exit at Tampa Boulevard and head south on Tampa approximately four miles to Plummer. The mall entrance is on the right. The bus lines that stop at NFC are AVTA 787,LADOT DASH Northridge, Metro Bus 166/364, 167, 242.