Round Up: Our Favorite LA #HAHT Spots

If you haven't guessed by now, HAH HQ happily calls sunny Los Angeles home. The city of angels, home to dreamers, doers, and influencers alike, is known far and wide for its year-round sunshine, expansive (i.e. traffic-inducing) sprawl, and endless appreciation for green juice, vegan food trucks, plant-based meals, and everything else Mother Nature has kindly blessed us with. It's the kind of city that everyone has an opinion about, but LA always feels like it is two steps ahead of its reputation, a multi-faceted gem of a city that's hard to put into words. It's everything all at once, with endless options, adventures, and opportunities beckoning as you navigate the palm tree lined streets of its 114 vastly different neighborhoods.

From the rolling waves of the Pacific to the rust-red mountains to the creative energy emanating from the city's many inhabitants, we find inspiration around every corner here. It also doesn't hurt that LA has the best vintage and sustainable shopping scene around, as well as tons of incredible restaurants, bars, music venues and museums to feed your soul (both literally and metaphorically). We're crushing HAHrd on this naturally beautiful city of ours, so we've rounded up the best that LA has to offer, from plant-based eateries to iconic vintage boutiques to must-see live music. Whether you're new in town, planning a visit, or just playing tourist, we've got you covered with this guide to our favorite HAHT spots in the city of angels. 

SHOP:

1) Decades

Decades has long been our hook up for high end designer vintage clothing. Shopping and wearing vintage is one of our favorite ways to avoid fast fashion and give new life to amazing and well-loved luxury garments, and Decades always comes correct with their stunning collection. Whether you're looking for sartorial inspiration from decades past or you have your eye on a vintage 1970's Yves Saint Laurent in pristine condition or a Clueless-esque Alaia skirt suit straight outta the 90's, pay this iconic LA institution a visit, even if it's just to play dress up and daydream. Our tip? Come for the collection, stay for the free champagne. 

8214 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046

 

2) Shareen Vintage

 

Tucked away in downtown LA, Shareen Vintage has made a name for itself as a veritable utopia of fun and feminine vintage. From the moment you enter (passing a "no boys allowed" sign), you're treated to racks and racks of gorgeous, glamorous gowns from decades past - don't skip her line of vintage wedding dresses so stunning it will make your heart skip a beat. The 6600 square foot warehouse is artfully decorated with vintage couches, beds, and chairs for maximum lounging with your ladies, and Shareen and her team are on hand to custom alter any dress so it fits like a dream. Our tip? Come prepared to strip down to your skivvies, because this female-focused space doesn't do dressing rooms. 

1340 E 6th St Ste 403
Los Angeles, CA 90021

 

3) Jet Rag

Jet Rag is the holy grail of affordable vintage shopping in LA. Trust us when we say you can literally spent hours sifting through their hyper-organized racks on racks on racks of eclectic vintage and repurposed offerings from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and early 00's. You may have to hunt a little, but there are always gems to be found, and the prices are always right. Don't sleep on their Sunday $1 Sale, which is an LA tradition that's been going strong for years - head over to their parking lot early to get your hands on hidden treasures discounted down to one dollar. Doesn't get better that that...

825 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

 

4) Fox Hole LA

Fall into the Foxhole...Foxhole LA is the one stop shop for denim diehards, whether you're looking for a perfectly broken in pair of high waisted jeans or are trying to resuscitate your forever favorites. This tiny spot bordering Silver Lake and Echo Park is run by Jeff and Fox, a dynamic husband and wife duo who know denim inside and out and have quite the life story between the two of them. Their edgy DIY aesthetic is a breath of fresh air, and Fox is a master at repairing, reworking, and reconstructing denim into modern, flattering, can't-live-without-them fits. We love that they keep a sustainable state of mind by repurposing household items, like blankets, pillows, and dog beds out of used denim. If you're blue jean babies like we are, head over there to get a pair of 510's that are tailor-made just for you.

3318 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

EAT:

1) Tocaya Organica

It wouldn't be LA without us mentioning some mouthwatering Mexican food, and we're fully addicted to Tocaya Organica's modern takes on our fav traditional Mexican dishes, like bowls, burritos, and queso. They've got a couple locations throughout Southern California, and they're on a mission to promote "better eating" by offering plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, as well as using locally sourced and sustainably farmed vegetables and meat whenever possible. We love that they're all about food that tastes good, is good for you, and has a positive impact on the community and the planet. 

8720 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

2) Night Market

When we're in the mood for some spice, we head to Night + Market. This Northern Thai hot spot has quite the hip reputation, with packed locations in Silver Lake, Weho, and Venice, and for good reason - their fiery and flavorful dishes will set your taste buds ablaze in the best kind of way. They've got funky takes on all the classics like larb, pad kee mhao, hot pot soup, and pad thai, and they recently debuted a fried chicken sandwich slathered in papaya and jalapeno. Wash it all down with a bottle from their unique wine list and don't forget to document it - their cute and colorful Silver Lake location sets the perfect pink backdrop for your next food Instagram (we won't judge).

3322 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

3) Kitchen Mouse

Kitchen Mouse is a popular and entirely vegetarian eatery in the heart of Highland Park, known for its warm and welcoming ambiance and award-winning vegan and gluten free buckwheat pancakes. Ideal for a long and leisurely weekend brunch or lunch, they serve up vegan and vegetarian fare that even the most avid carnivore won't be able to resist, like their flavorful chilaquiles with special house-made enchilada sauce. As owner Erika Daking puts it: "I believe we should eat less meat and dairy - we’ve all seen the documentaries and felt it in our hearts - at the very least for our planet and our health. Keeping our cafe vegetarian is one way we try to do our part.  It warms my heart to see people line up to eat our vegetarian menu and enjoy our food." Hit up this sweet and simple spot when you find yourself in need of a meal made with love on the east side. 

5904 N Figueroa St
Highland Park, CA 90042

 

4) Gracias Madre

That's right, we're including a second Mexican restaurant...that's how deep our Angeleno roots run. But Gracias Madre is not your typical taqueria - their extensive menu is plant-based and 100% organic without sacrificing the flavors and spice of traditional Mexican fare. At their gorgeous indoor and outdoor space in Weho, you can sip mouthwatering mezcal cocktails and munch on potato chimichangas, stewed cactus tacos, and sauteed squash tamales. Their goal is to serve food that nurtures and nourishes the mind, body, and soul by celebrating the mother within us and within the earth. Pro tip? Hit up their Happy Hour from 3-6PM on weekdays for $7 Sangria and all the Potato Chorizo tacos your heart desires.

8905 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069

LISTEN:

1) Zebulon

Legendary Brooklyn transplant Zebulon sits directly off the bank of the LA river, in a colorful little stretch of neighborhood called Frogtown. The hole in the wall music venue is equal parts effortlessly cool and comfortably casual, offering eclectic, experimental weeknight shows featuring LA's best indie musicians and arthouse movie screenings and insane DJ sets on the weekend. The venue, which sits behind the attached restaurant and bar, has a low key house party feel, the kind of place where it's big and loud and dark enough to dance, and you feel close and connected to the musicians playing. Complete with a back patio perfect for soaking up warm summer nights, this electric venue is the definition of good vibes. The cherry on top? They've got a bomb weekend brunch menu (shakshuka! smoked salmon tartine!) and they have a vintage market every Saturday from 10AM-5PM. 

2478 Fletcher Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90039

2) Hollywood Bowl 

Chances are you've heard of the Hollywood Bowl, considering it has been the venue of choice for everyone from the Doors to Prince to Cher. Yet there's really only one way to understand the ageless magic of this iconic amphitheater, and that's by experiencing it. Tucked into the side of the Hollywood Hills, with the Hollywood sign winking overhead, the massive venue is a love letter to LA's history, and it's impossible not to get caught up in the moment, whether you're a headliner or a concertgoer. Singing and swaying with a sea of people while stars twinkle above you and sound bounces off the mountains behind you - it's a transformative experience that everyone should treat themselves to every once in awhile. Want the experience without the ticket price? You can sit in on Hollywood Bowl Orchestra daytime rehearsals for free during the summer season (you're welcome).

2301 N Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068

LOOK:

1) The Getty Center

Full disclosure: the Getty Center was the first place I ever went in LA. That may make me a teensy bit biased, but the Getty has remained my go to when I'm in need of creative inspiration. It's not so much about the art, although their collection is impressive and there's something for everyone, with new exhibits popping up all the time, as it is about the stunning modernist architecture and vast green open spaces that provide a sweeping view of Los Angeles below. High in the hills of Brentwood, it's a dreamy location for everything from a photoshoot to an afternoon picnic with plenty of wine and cheese. If you find yourself with a free afternoon, we recommend spending a few hours wandering around the lush gardens and sunlit exhibits (bonus points if you leave your phone in the car). You'll leave refreshed, rejuvenated, and a little more in love with LA. 

1200 Getty Center Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90049

 

2) The Broad

Although DTLA's the Broad Museum opened in 2015, it still has that new-kid-on-the-block energy that keeps us coming back for more. LA is a city blessed with art aplenty, but this chic contemporary museum has won us over with their willingness to get a little weird and their dedication to remaining completely free to the public. Their whole collection is thought provoking and delightfully bizarre, spotlighting rebellious artistic icons like Basquiat, Koons, and Warhol. Plus, have you even really been to LA if you haven't taken a sparkly selfie in Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room? Keep an eye out for their lineup of cool events like artist discussions, symposiums, and their summertime concert series.

221 S. Grand Avenue

Los Angeles CA 90012

 

3) Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetary

 

LA is no stranger to ghost stories, but that hasn't stopped this slightly spooky tradition from quickly rocketing to the top of our summertime bucket lists. Cinespia screens outdoor movies all summer long at the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetary. They show films ranging from cult classics to feel good flicks, and offer fun extras like afterparties and photobooths. Grab some friends, some snacks, some rosé, and a blanket, and settle in for a movie experience that will put Netflix and chill to shame. Our tip? Get there early to snag the perfect spot and use Postmates to get your fav meal delivered. 

6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038