Located at the eastern end of Hollywood and technically part of Los Angeles, these two communities have been rising steadily on the hipness meter. Silver Lake, named for the man-made Silver Lake reservoir at its center, is a bohemian community of artists and ethnic families that's popular for nightclubbing and barhopping. Los Feliz is northwest of Silver Lake, centered on Vermont and Hillhurst avenues between Sunset and Los Feliz boulevards; it's slightly tamer and filled with 1920s and 1930s buildings. You'll find tons of unique businesses of all sorts, including artsy boutiques, music stores, and furniture dealers that have inspired some to compare the area with New York's SoHo.
Because so many alternative bands call Silver Lake home, it's not surprising to find cutting-edge music stores around every corner. A neighborhood mainstay with lots of used CDs, collectible disks, and new releases is Rockaway Records, 2395 Glendale Blvd. (south of Silver Lake Blvd.; tel. 323/664-3232; www.rockaway.com).
Vintage clothing is another big draw in these parts. The most reliable yet eclectic selections to browse through are at Ozzie Dots, 4637 Hollywood Blvd. (west of Hillhurst; tel. 323/663-2867); Pull My Daisy, 3908 Sunset Blvd. (at Griffith Park Blvd.; tel. 323/663-0608); and Squaresville, 1800 N. Vermont Ave. (south of Franklin; tel. 323/669-8464).
For those in the know, The Circle is that hidden jewel of a place where samples and overstock items including designer tops, pants, skirts and, on occasion, accessories can be found. You'll score items from independent designers including Rachel Pally, Magpie Rita, Harvey's, Mon Petit Oiseau, Alicia Lawhon, and Lockets at unbelievable prices. It's located at 2395 Glendale Blvd. in Silver Lake, within a minimall between Silver Lake Boulevard and Dean Street (tel. 323/665-5336). It's open 7 days a week from noon to 7pm.
Although the art of millinery often seems to have gone the way of white afternoon gloves for ladies, inventive Drea Kadilak bucks the trend with her specialty shop Clover, 2756 Rowena Ave. (at Glendale Blvd.; tel. 323/661-4142). Drea designs in straw, cotton duck, wool felt, and a number of more unusual fabrics. Handmade furniture, men's and women's clothing, and unique gift items are available as well.
Edna Hart, 2945 Rowena Ave. (south of Hyperion; tel. 323/661-4070), is a prime spot for jewelry, knitting supplies, and gifts, while Rubbish, 1630 Silver Lake Blvd. (north of Sunset; tel. 323/661-5575), specializes in vintage furnishings. One not-to-be-missed highlight is the wacky and eclectic Soap Plant/Wacko/La Luz de Jesus Art Gallery, 4633 Hollywood Blvd. (west of Hillhurst; tel. 323/666-7667), a three-in-one business with candles, art books, erotic toys, soap and bathing items, and a large selection of lava lamps. Local fixture Y-Que, 1770 N. Vermont Ave. (tel. 323/664-0021), almost defies description, selling a variety of stuff ranging from a knockoff Austin Powers penis pump to psychedelic lava lamps.
With a focus on small production, high quality, affordable wine from around the world, and a large selection of microbrew beer and sake, Silverlake Wine, 2395 Glendale Blvd. (tel. 323/662-9024; www.silverlakewine.com), is a great place to visit. Get your friends together and check out any one of their weekly tastings: Sunday at 3pm, Blue Monday from 5 to 9pm, and Thursday Night Flights from 5 to 9pm (call ahead to confirm times). Also in the neighborhood is The Cheese Store of Silverlake, 3926-28 W. Sunset Blvd. (tel. 323/644-7511; www.cheesestoresl.com), a purveyor of fine cheeses, wines, and gourmet products such as Revival confections, Latini pastas, Agrumato flavored oils, and McQuade's chutneys. It's located in Sunset Junction at the southeast corner of Sanborn Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
