Akbar, Silver Lake
Elliott Smith Tribute Wall, Silver Lake ©Byron Bernstein
Most notably known as an ultra-trendy enclave of Los Angeles, Silver Lake exudes local LA flavor in all respects — music, nightlife, architecture and, of course, its residents. You can’t find an artsier neighborhood, or one where so many self-proclaimed hipsters hang out. It's edgy and has a history of counterculture. Even the neighborhood’s original name, Ivanhoe, was named after a Sir Walter Scott novel.
Music
In the 90s, Silver Lake was hub central for an alternative and indie music scene. Underground music fans looked to the now iconic Spaceland for pre-stardom bands yet to make it big, and those who are in the scene still tout the fact that former resident Beck used to play here in his early days. Rockaway Records keeps the tradition going with rare collectibles and cheap CDs, and you’ll still find people searching for that never-been-released Elliott Smith demo.
Smith himself lived in Silver Lake, composing haunting songs like “Miss Misery,” which was included on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. After his inconclusive suicide, fans erected a tribute wall outside Solutions Audio on 4334 Sunset Boulevard with the Figure 8 album cover shot. Today, fans still leave farewell messages for the beloved singer-songwriter, and the wall continues to be a popular destination for music tourists.
You might hear one of Smith’s songs at a number of Silver Lake’s famous nightlife venues. Hipsters and scenesters frequent gay-friendly bars such as Akbar, a mainstay for dancing, socializing and a killer jukebox. Cha Cha Lounge, 4100 Bar and Red Lion Tavern are also on the Silver Lake list of top nightlife spots. Both Silverlake Lounge and the Echo are anchors for the music scene, and are undoubtedly voted the two places you'll most likely hear heated discussions about the next big band. You know, the ones that aren't big enough to disdain but are good enough to warrant some good 'ol critique.
Coffee and Tea
What's an art-focused, indie community without coffee, the stuff that runs in the blood of up-and-coming bands and tragic writers? Intelligentsia and LaMill Coffee Boutique duke it out over the best two coffeeshops in the area. Direct trade coffee and reserve coffees (think rare bottles of wine) take the cake at Intelligentsia, while LaMill, which appeared on Food Network, marries food with caffeine, a sophisticated atmosphere with Silver Lake's artsy vibe. Meanwhile, Casbah Cafe has tea covered, featuring the best mint tea in town.
Food
Even the restaurants in Silver Lake reflect the counterculture of the neighborhood, and boy, do they all have personality. Grab small bites at the Cheesestore of Silver Lake, where cheese has turned into a rare art form (who knew there were so many kinds of Humboldt Fog?). At Cafe Tropical, Cuban-style sandwiches and espresso con leche are top of mind. The funky purple stucco helps the cool factor also. For hipster restaurant #2, Local takes pride in offering all locally-sourced, organic ingredients.
There's not much that needs to be said about dessert, either. L'Artisan du Chocolat specializes in the age-old tradition of getting people hopped up on fine chocolates, and Pazzo Gelato delivers some of the best flavors in Los Angeles.
Architecture
Also unique to Silver Lake is its collection of modernist architecture, featuring renowned buildings such as John Lautner’s Silvertop house, which appeared in Less than Zero. Architecture enthusiasts flock to Richard Neutra’s former home on 2300 East Silver Lake Boulevard, noting his distinct blend of nature and architecture. The “Neutra Colony,” a collection of 10-plus Neutra-designed buildings, is located between Earl Street and Silver Lake Boulevard, contributing to what some people call the avant garde side of the neighborhood.
Indeed, Silver Lake is itself avant garde, if only for the fact that it’s so distinct. For visitors, the neighborhood provides the perfect local experience of LA at its trendiest, funkiest and hippest.
