Los Angeles

With its mix of recent nesters, creative-class types, and long-time residents, Eagle Rock is holding onto its quirky blue-collar spirit even as it gets a facelift. The gentrification of this northeast LA neighborhood stalled during the Great Recession, but there are signs it is picking up again, especially in nearby Highland Park. You can watch the change unfold on York Boulevard, where galleries and high-end coffee shops are popping up between the dive bars and taco trucks.

Landmarks

• Center for the Arts Eagle Rock • 2225 Colorado Blvd
323-226-1617
Classes, performances, and exhibitions for the local community.

• The Judson Studios • 200 S Ave 66
323-255-0131
Stained glass like you’ve never seen before.

Nightlife

• All Star Lanes • 4459 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-254-2579
Bowling? Ha! Locals flock for cheap drinks and wild karaoke.

• The Eagle Rock Lounge • 1954 Colorado Blvd
323-257-2245
Impressive beer selection accompanies food from the bistro next door.

• Johnny’s Bar • 5006 York Blvd
323-982-0775
Mellow atmosphere, acclaimed juke.

• La Cuevita • 5922 N Figueroa St
323-255-6871
Quality tequila and mezcal that won’t break the bank.

Restaurants

• Auntie Em’s Kitchen • 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-255-0800 • $
Home-made, unique goodness.

• Ba • 5100 York Blvd
323-739-6243 • $$$
Fine French cuisine in an intimate setting.

• Blue Hen Vietnamese Kitchen • 1743 Colorado Blvd
323-982-9900 • $$
Family recipes with an organic update.

• The Bucket • 4541 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-257-5654 • $
Servin’ old-school burgers since 1935.

• CaCao Mexicatessen • 1576 Colorado Blvd
323-478-2791 • $$
Mexican, sure, but a little different than what we’re used to.

• Café Beaujolais • 1712 Colorado Blvd
323-255-5111 • $$
Delicious French romanticism, but for dinner only.

• The Capri • 4604 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-257-3225 • $
Twin Italian bros serve up a warm neighborhood spot.

• Casa Bianca • 1650 Colorado Blvd
323-256-9617 • $$
Legendary pizza with atmosphere to spare.

• Cinnamon • 5511 N Figueroa St
323-982-9480 • $$
Don’t miss the vegan pies.

• Classic Thai Restaurant • 1708 Colorado Blvd
323-478-0530 • $
Bustling Thai with a home-y feel.

• The Coffee Table • 1958 Colorado Blvd
323-255-2200 • $
Spacious and satisfying bistro, bearable even on Sundays.

• Colombo’s • 1833 Colorado Blvd
323-254-9138 • $$
Incredible Continental cuisine at reasonable prices.

• Dave’s Chillin-n-Grillin • 2152 Colorado Blvd
323-490-0988 • $
Dave serves fresh sandwiches, shakes, and more.

• Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli • 1726 Colorado Blvd
323-255-8224 • $
Famous rum cake and amazing deli sandwiches.

• El Pavo Bakery • 5815 N Figueroa St
323-257-5050 • $
Champurado purists unite.

• Fatty’s • 1627 Colorado Blvd
323-254-8804 • $
Vegetarian pace-setter. Eat a “Fat Elvis” for breakfast.

• Fusion Burgers • 5933 York Blvd
323-257-8705 • $$
Upscale burger joint brings the trend to the east side.

• The Highland Cafe • 5010 York Blvd
323-259-1000 • $
Refurbished café offers breakfast, lunch and quality coffee.

• Huarache Azteca • 5225 York Blvd
323-478-9572 • $
The best tacos, huaraches, tortas, and sopes in town.

• La Fuente • 2256 Colorado Blvd
323-258-4303 • $$
Gigantic margaritas wash down satisfyingly greasy Mexican food.

• Maximiliano • 5930 York Blvd
323-739-6125 • $$
Updated Italian classics served alongside craft brews and small-batch wines.

• Metro Balderas • 5305 N Figueroa St
323-478-8383 • $
Visit on the weekend to sample eight kinds of carnitas.

• Mia Sushi • 4741 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-256-2562 • $$$
Cool sushi comes to the east side.

• Oasis Ice Cream • 5526 Monte Vista St
323-259-1507 • $
Homemade yogurt and ice cream in many imaginative flavors.

• The Oinkster • 2005 Colorado Blvd
323-255-6465 • $
Pastrami and Belgian frites.

• Original Tommy’s • 1717 Colorado Blvd
323-982-1746 • $
The chain’s legendary chili burgers offer gassy goodness.

• Pete’s Blue Chip • 1701 Colorado Blvd
323-478-9022 • $
Greasy burgers and everything else.

• Schodorf’s Luncheonette • 5051 York Blvd
323-258-8040 • $
Straightforward soups, salads and sandwiches served with style.

• Señor Fish • 4803 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-257-7167 • $
Amazing fish tacos and other hot stuff.

• Spitz • 2506 Colorado Blvd
323-257-5600 • $
Do the “doner”: a gyro in a toasted panini.

• Tacos El Pique • 5300 York Blvd
$
Good selection of Mexican sodas to wash down your tacos.

• The York • 5018 York Blvd
323-255-9675 • $$
Upscale pub food and craft beer.

Eagle Rock has long been a foodie’s paradise, offering up impeccable pizzas from Casa Bianca, upscale vegetarian fare at Fatty’s, and fast food done right at The Oinkster. Highland Park is quickly catching up with its more established sibling, with gastropub staple The York anchoring a restaurant renaissance. Enjoy fine French cuisine at Ba or head east for Maximiliano’s clever take on Italian—but don’t forget about neighborhood classics like Huarache Azteca and its satisfying Mexican antojitos.

Shopping

• Cactus Gallery & Gifts • 3001 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-801-8669
South American art with a gallery space.

• Colorado Wine Company • 2305 Colorado Blvd
323-478-1985
Helpful owners and numerous tastings keep you Sideways.

• Galco’s Soda Pop Stop • 5702 York Blvd
323-255-7115
Who knew there were so many different brands of root beer?

• Michaels • 1155 Colorado Blvd
626-431-2850
Pipe cleaners, felt, and puff paints galore!

• Read Books • 4972 Eagle Rock Blvd
323-259-9068
Pronounced “red” (used) or “reed” (read a book, dummy) - your choice.

• Seafood City • 2700 Colorado Blvd
323-543-2660
This underpriced Filipino grocer could be your lifestyle.

• Stained Glass Supplies • 2104 Colorado Blvd
323-254-4361
Classes, supplies and other shiny things.

• Urchin • 5006 York Blvd
323-259-9059
Affordable vintage fashions for men and women.