Find Silver Lake's hidden gems for an incredible experience in this eclectic Los Angeles hot spot. You'll find Walt Disney's first studio, a hidden pool bar, musical stairs, and much more within our list of the best-kept secrets in Silver Lake, California.
Short-Cut Menu 🖱️
Best-Kept Secrets of Silver Lake
📍 Location: 2375 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
⌚ Hours: Daily 5PM-2AM
💰 Price: $
Cha Cha Lounge, in Eastern Los Angeles, is a dimly-lit bar that has the vibe of some random place you would stumble into in Tijuana. An unending supply of Mexican-themed decorations, foosball, U-shaped booths, an affordable happy hour, a photo booth, and more draw a variety of people to bask in the bar's red light as they listen to music from DJs and enjoy drinks with friends.
🪄 Insider Tip: There is an "everything" vending machine that might just include a pregnancy test, should you need one in a pinch.
📍 Location: 4212 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
⌚ Hours: Tues-Sat 5PM-2AM
💰 Price: $
El Cid is not only a place to grab a traditional and authentic Spanish meal, but it is Los Angeles' ultimate destination for live Flamenco dinner shows and other exciting forms of entertainment. They have some secret upcoming shows that differ from their usual Flamenco dinner shows - The Poetry Brothel: Poetic Pleasure Potions and Taylor's House Party: TTPD Listening Party.
🪄 Insider Tip: In 1925, this venue was a speakeasy that, from the outside, resembled a jail.
3. Walt Disney's First Studio
📍 Location: 4406 Kingswell Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
📍 Relocation: 12174 Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840
⌚ Hours: Exterior 24/7
💰 Price: FREE
In order for Walt Disney to begin his dream of film-making and animation, he started working in his first early studio in his Uncle Robert's garage on Kingswell Avenue in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, paying $1 a month to use it. The house was set to be demolished a few years ago, but was upheld by Disney fans. The garage he worked in was moved from its official location to Garden Grove in 1984 and now serves as a public museum.
🪄 Insider Tip: The original house is now a Los Angeles Historical Monument and known as the "Charlotte & Robert Disney House."
📍 Location: 3626 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: Varies
💰 Price: $$
Bacari Silver Lake is one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Los Angeles. Their rustic interior and delightful outdoor patio brings a mix of fine-dining and nature all into one cohesive location. Their menu features classic American dishes with modern twists, with options from seafood, meat, pizza, and vegan items that will please every type of person.
🪄 Insider Tip: There is a 90-minute open bar special every night for a set price.
📍 Location: 1863 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: Daily, 6AM-10PM
💰 Price: FREE
If you have a dog and you're looking for things to do in Silver Lake then look no further than the Silver Lake Dog Park. This trendy dog park is open to the public everyday and has areas for both small and large dogs It is a beautiful spot to let your furry friend run around and play with other dogs.
🪄 Insider Tip: Closed Wednesdays 6AM-8:30AM for maintenance.
📍 Location: 1923 Micheltorena St., Los Angeles, CA 90039
⌚ Hours: Hotel 24/7
💰 Price: $$$
The Paramour Estate is a beautiful estate in Silverlake Los Angeles that now serves as a luxury hotel full of bright colors, eclectic decorations, and stunning grounds. If you want a real 1920's experience in a high-class Spanish Mediterranean getaway that is full of history, this is the place for you.
🪄 Insider Tip: There are rumored to be secret rooms in the over 40 million dollar mansion.
7. Edendale
📍 Location: 2838 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
⌚ Hours: Varies
💰 Price: $$
The Edendale Restaurant and Bar is a stunning place with delicious food to check out while you're in the Silver Lake neighborhood. Originally built as Fire Station 56, the restaurant has a variety of different menu options ranging from charcuterie & cheese to amazing entrees like Salmon Teriyaki, and Braised Short Rib.
🪄 Insider Tip: Galleries in the venue depict the silent film studios from Silver Lake's past.
📍 Location: 2300 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039
⌚ Hours: 24/7 access
💰 Price: FREE
The Silver Lake Meadow is a a wide-open 2.5 acre park where children can fly kites, people can relax and watch the sunset, or even have a picnic. It's a beautiful and relaxing scenic spot in Silver Lake if you're looking to unwind in outdoors in nature.
🪄 Insider Tip: You may encounter the local, friendly ducks.
9. Marco Polo
📍 Location: 4141 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029
⌚ Hours: Varies
💰 Price: $$
A hidden gem inside the Silver Lake Pool & Inn, the Marco Polo is an Italian Trattoria and Bar. They boast seasonal menus inspired by dishes often found in Milan, Italy and offer everything from breakfast to dinner, making it a great spot for a tasty meal during your stay in Silver Lake.
🪄 Insider Tip: Their dining patio is dog-friendly.
📍 Location: 3667 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: Tues-Sun 12PM-7PM
💰 Price: $
The Simon Mexican Seafood Truck has become one of Silver Lake's most popular places for street food. Cousins Francisco Aguilar and Alexis Chacon risked their savings to open the food truck, and they have reached success with their octopus ceviche, shrimp quesadilla, and their baja fish tacos.
🪄 Insider Tip: Try their soft-shell crab taco.
📍 Location: 3700 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: Tues 2PM-7:30PM Sat 9AM-1PM
💰 Price: FREE entry
If you're not sure what to do in Silver Lake, you might want to give the Silver Lake Farmers Market a try. It is one of the most popular farmers market to shop as it includes everything from organic produce to classic books and top-tier vintage clothes.
🪄 Insider Tip: Support your local farmers.
12. Soft Spirits
📍 Location: 3208 1/2 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: Tues-Fri 12PM-8PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-8PM
💰 Price: $$
Soft Spirits is a nonalcoholic liquor store in Silver Lake, and it has become increasingly popular over the years for their delicious assortment of nonalcoholic beverages, from wines, beers, cocktail mixes, and more. Their modern and nicely-decorated interior draws in locals and tourists alike, whether they drink alcohol or not.
🪄 Insider Tip: Recently featured on Vanderpump Rules.
📍 Location: 2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
⌚ Hours: Saturday 11AM-3PM
💰 Price: $
The Neutra VDL Research House is a National Historic Landmark in Los Angeles's Silver Lake area. Designed by Richard Neutra, this is the only house by Neutra that is regularly open to the public. The uniquely designed glass structure boasts an intriguing history along with stunning exterior and interior features, making it a popular destination for visitors. Currently owned by California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, the house is open for detailed tours led by students on Saturdays.
🪄 Insider Tip: The original Neutra VDL Research House was destroyed by fire in 1963, and the son of the original designer decided to rebuild it.
14. The Music Box Steps
📍 Location: Vendome St & Del Monte St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: 24/7
💰 Price: FREE
The Music Box Steps are one of the most famous staircases in Los Angeles. This historical landmark in LA is a 133 step staircase that is recognized around the world from "The Music Box" with Laurel and Hardy. The Music Box was the first short film to win an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Comedy Film.
🪄 Insider Tip: Leave your piano at home but look for the marble plaque that commemorates the famous film.
15. L & E Oyster Bar
📍 Location: 1637 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
⌚ Hours: Mon-Sat 5PM-10PM, Sun 5PM-9:30PM
💰 Price: $$
The L&E Oyster Bar is a walk-in only restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining that is a true hidden treasure in Silver Lake. Their menu features a range of seafood options as well as burgers, salads, and classic appetizers and side dishes that everyone will love.
🪄 Insider Tip: Try their secret menu item: Chowder Fries, consisting of french fries topped with clam chowder, melted cheese, and chorizo.
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