Photo Credit: Eric Urquhart/Shutterstock.com
If you keep hearing about Frogtown but have no idea where it is, don’t worry, you’re in good company. But this Elysian Valley neighborhood—which is flanked by Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Park, Echo Park and Silver Lake— is quickly on the rise, especially in terms of housing and dining. Come quick before all of Los Angeles discovers this well-kept east side secret, a place where you can not only eat well, but also jog, bike kayak and stroll along the L.A. River. Oh, and in case you’re wondering: though you won’t see many of the cute little Kermits now, the ‘hood did receive its name for the surplus of green guys that hopped through town until the ’70s.
Photo Credit: Salazar
Salazar
Salazar might be one of the most chilled out spots in L.A.—and you may never want to leave (or, conversely, may come back time after time). The eatery, which is helmed by Chef Esdras Ochoa, is on point with his Mexican fare, a menu of which is dominated by truly excellent tacos. Agua fresca, palomas and, of course, margaritas dominate the libations menu. Altogether, this outdoor restaurant offers up some of the best food, ambiance and cocktails anywhere near Tinseltown.
2490 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039, Website
Photo Credit: Frogtown Brewery/Facebook
Frogtown Brewery
This neighborhood beer house boasts eight different styles of beer on draft with seasonal and experimental types constantly in rotation. Pull up a chair at the custom-made copper bar and enjoy a pint or four to while the day away.
2931 Gilroy St, Los Angeles, CA 90039, Website
Photo Credit: Wax Paper/Facebook
Wax Paper
Wax Paper is more than a sandwich. This hidden gem is a place of warmth, comfort and creativity. You’ll find sandwiches, salads, and sides with an array of beverages in a cozy setting at the end of a dead-end street. In case you don’t catch on whilst there, each sandwich is named after a National Public Radio personality. We love the Ira Glass, made with avocado, sprouts, pickled onions and garlic aioli served on homemade bread.
2902 Knox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, Website
Photo Credit: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens/Facebook
Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
This space is predominantly reserved for weddings and bigger events, so you’ll have to book a special, large-scale dinner to dine here. But it’s an absolutely magical spot regardless…if you can’t book something larger here, still make sure to visit this site, which is one of the most beautiful in L.A.
570 W Ave 26 #100, Los Angeles, CA 90065, Website
Photo Credit: Spoke Bicycle Cafe/Facebook
Spoke Bicycle Cafe
Spoke Bicycle Cafe is the first business of its kind to set up a permanent location along the LA River Bike Path to provide a chilled out spot for cyclists. The space was initially slated as an event spot and bike shop with refreshments on the weekends, but it’s currently expanding to a full service restaurant with vibrant food choices, nano-batch locally roasted coffee, refreshing drinks and California beers and wines. The open-air dining space (which also serves breakfast all day, yay!) features loads of local purveyors, including Maury’s Bagels, Bub and Grandma’s bread, Fermensch kombucha, Straus milk and Califa Farms almond milk.
3050 N Coolidge Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, Website
