The Best Places to Visit on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles (2024)

Melrose Avenue is one of Los Angeles’ favorite streets. It starts in East Hollywood, runs through Hollywood, and ends on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The vibrant avenue is home to countless restaurants, entertainment venues, murals, bars, and shopping destinations. A stroll down Melrose’s most busy areas will give you the perfect snapshot of the fashion, style and tastes of Los Angeles. Get the full La La Land experience by visiting any of these trendy places situated along the famed Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

The Hollywood Improv

You can catch both seasoned veterans and up-and-coming comedians at this iconic comedy club in West Hollywood. The Hollywood Improv has multiple stages with shows throughout the week featuring comics from all over the world. Grab a drink at their bar before the show and check out the gallery of photos lining the walls showing the range of famous comedians that have taken the stage.

Melrose Umbrella Company

This cozy bar with vintage prohibition vibes is a neighborhood watering hole worth visiting. By day it’s a laid back café that serves up lunch and coffee. But by night, it lights up with energy as locals flock to mix and mingle with a DJ and dancefloor. Melrose Umbrella Company is known for their thoughtful co*cktails, super friendly staff and guarantee of a good time.

Melrose Avenue Murals

Los Angeles is full of murals, and Melrose Avenue has some of the best. Some are more well known than others, and some get painted over and rotated out. To see a list of updated murals, take a look at the Melrose Arts District’s street art guide to do a walking tour of the neighborhood’s most eye-catching artwork.

Wasteland

Fashion lovers will enjoy a visit to Wasteland Hollywood, a haven for vintage and second-hand fashion. The curated collection of stylish clothing pieces includes retro, designer, and contemporary styles. It’s super easy to get lost between the racks hunting for a hidden gem. You won’t have a true Melrose Avenue shopping trip without stopping by.

The Pink Wall

Out of all the places to visit on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, The Pink Wall is probably the most infamous. The bubblegum pink wall painted on the side of the Paul Smith store attracts visitors and influencers alike for impromptu photoshoots with a pop of color. It’s recently been updated with a rainbow stripe addition that’s just as photo worthy as before. Your best bet for an uninterrupted shot is to go in the morning or closer to sunset.

Gracias Madre

Gracias Madre is one of the most well known plant-based restaurants in Los Angeles. This Melrose Avenue restaurant serves up modern Mexican cuisine in a bright and airy space. The indoor-outdoor vibe means you can have brunch in the garden while you take in the perfect Los Angeles weather. Even if you’re a self-proclaimed carnivore, you’ll undoubtedly find something delicious on the menu at this hot spot.

Crumbs & Whiskers

If you like cats and coffee, you’re in for a treat. Crumbs & Whiskers is a cat café where you can hang out with dozens of adorable cats and kittens. Each one of them is up for adoption and ready to show you some love. It’s impossible to not be charmed by the dozens of adorable felines while sipping coffee and lounging in the super inviting space.

Rosaline

Rosaline is a beautiful Melrose Avenue restaurant that makes for unforgettable dining in the heart of West Hollywood. This neighborhood favorite has an intimate vibe with a flavorful menu of Peruvian cuisine. It’s great for date night, girls night, or an elegant, kickoff dinner before a night on the town.

Melrose Trading Post

Every Sunday at Fairfax High School you can find Melrose Trading Post–a quintessential shopping spot in Los Angeles. The weekly market is known for its vintage finds, handmade goods, and delicious bites. Tickets for entry are $6 as of publication, and you can buy them online ahead of time for a small fee.

Urth Caffe Melrose

This cozy café is a must-visit if you want to experience a local LA hangout. Urth Caffe (which has multiple locations around the city) serves up dishes with organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Their welcoming interior with an outdoor patio makes it great for relaxing over coffee or brunch.

Paramount Pictures

You’ve probably seen the image of the Paramount Pictures studio lot gate before, but you’ll get to see it in person on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Paramount is a legendary film studio that has been an integral player in Hollywood history since it was founded in 1912. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the movie industry world, it’s a cool place to snap a pic under the iconic arches.

Craig’s

This restaurant in West Hollywood is well known for its celebrity clientele. You can usually find paparazzi camped out in front of Craig’s to grab a shot of the many A-listers that pass through its doors. It’s not all talk though, as the food is delicious and the intimate interior is a great environment for catching up with friends over dinner.

Tatsu Ramen

On any given night you can find locals getting their ramen fix at Tatsu Ramen. They’ve perfected the game with their signature creations of noodles, broth and toppings. Also, the innovative touch screen ordering system lets you fully customize your meal. There’s no doubt you’ll love this Melrose Avenue restaurant if you’re looking for casual eats on the border of Hollywood and West Hollywood.

E.P. & L.P.

With a central West Hollywood location on Melrose and La Cienega, E.P. & L.P. is a rooftop bar that Angelenos frequent for drinks with a view. The multi-level venue includes a restaurant on the 2nd floor, BOMBO, and even a rooftop cinema experience called Melrose Rooftop Theatre. During summer months you can catch a movie as the sun sets and retreat to the bar for signature co*cktails and bites.

Milk Bar

Dessert enthusiasts will need to add Milk Bar to their list of places to visit in Los Angeles. Milk Bar’s menu includes a mouth-watering selection of cookies, soft serve, cakes, shakes, truffles, and pies. The spot has always been a go-to for locals with a sweet tooth and will be an essential stop to satisfy your sugar cravings.

The Los Angeles Museum of Love

This unique Melrose Avenue museum is an ode to the lovers of the world. Visit the Museum of Love with your significant other to journey through the relationship experience and discover more about each other along the way. This quirky museum is definitely one to add to any itinerary of things for couples to do in Los Angeles.

American Vintage

This classic Melrose shopping boutique is a must-visit if you’re into, well, American vintage clothing. You’ll find clothes, shoes, accessories and more that date as far back as the 1930s. While prices at American Vintage can be hefty for some finds, it’s worth the investment for a one-of-a-kind Los Angeles souvenir that’s made to last.

Ronan

There’s no better way to describe Ronan than a true hidden gem in West Hollywood. This “if you know, you know” family-owned restaurant is a neighborhood favorite thanks to its Italian-inspired menu of delectable dishes including salads, pasta and pizza. Get a seat inside to get intimate and cozy, or sit on the covered patio to take in the fresh, LA breeze.

Bonus:

Melrose Station – An elegant, train station-themed speakeasy in the back of a hookah lounge.

Love Baked Wings – A casual spot for chicken wings with a ton of flavors and house-made sauces.

Sugar Taco – A vibrant vegan taco spot with a back patio hideaway.

5Art Gallery – A gallery featuring a variety of well known, contemporary pop art.

Raspoutine – An internationally known nightclub with a crowd of global partygoers.

Pink’s Hot Dogs (just off Melrose) – A legendary LA landmark known for its long line and delicious hot dogs.

SUR (just off Melrose) – The iconic West Hollywood restaurant featured in Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules.

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