The village of Toluca Lake, founded in 1939, is a quaint offshoot of North Hollywood that spills into Burbank. Its honorary mayor is comedian Fritz Coleman, who is a celebrity weatherman for NBCLA News.
Find more things to do and where to stay near Toluca Lake, here.
The village’s main thoroughfare is Riverside Dr., which is within walking distance from Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, NBC, ABC, Disney Studios, and the Warner Brothers Ranch. Griffith Park is not far away and Hollywood is just over the hill.
It’s best known as the former home of Bob Hope who lived there until he died in 2003 at the age of 100. When I was living there I walked by his house all the time. One of its first notable residents was Amelia Earhart.
Other former Toluca Lake celebrities have included Bing Crosby, Ozzie and Harriet, Frankie Avalon, Bette Davis, Donnie and Marie, Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, and Jonathan Winters. Recently, it’s been the home of Steve Carell, Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, and Kirsten Dunst.
It’s not unusual to see a film or TV show company shooting on the streets nearby. There are always studio equipment trucks, honeywagons (mobile dressing rooms), and catering tents set up somewhere in the neighborhood. Film crews, production people, and actors flock to local eateries during their lunch break so you never know who you could schmooze with.
The charming original homes in the area were built in the 1920s in the Spanish Style and some have tiny one-space garages that were built to fit a Model T. Sprawling mansions sit beside the toney Lakeside Golf Course below Universal Studios.
Villa Encanto was the home of Hollywood costume designer to the stars Adrian and his wife, actress Janet Gaynor. It was built in 1927 by architect John Klump and is located next to the Lakeside Golf Course. I happened to catch a peek at it when the fence was down for remodeling.
Toluca Lake Landmarks
Toluca Lake may be small, but it has its share of iconic landmarks.
Bob’s Big Boy’s Toluca Lake location was established in 1949 and there are still parking spaces where carhops used to deliver burgers to hungry customers who wanted to eat in their cars and cuddle with their dates. It’s home to the original Big Boy Hamburger and was one of Bob Hope’s favorite places to go out and get a bite.
Every Friday night the restaurant hosts a vintage car show.
Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee House is a quaint neighborhood coffeehouse that opened in the 1970s. It’s a cool place to hang out to get to know the neighbors or have a meeting with an “industry” hotshot.
Milt and Edie’s Dry Cleaners and Tailoring Center is hard to miss as you get off the freeway at Pass Ave. They always have an inspirational quote posted on their sign. It’s a family-run business that’s been operating for over 70 years.
Paty’s Restaurant is another neighborhood eatery that’s been on Riverside Drive since 1960. It serves traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as gluten-free options. You can sit outside on their outdoor patio and people-watch.
Things to do while you are there
The Garry Marshall Theatre was formerly known as the Falcon Theatre. This 130-seat performance space was founded by director/writer/producer Garry Marshall known for his work on Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. His daughter Kathleen is the CEO and its productions feature performances by top actors and theater companies.
The Warner Brother’s Studio Tour takes you into the backlot of the studio where you can see the sets of its current TV, film, and talk shows, memorabilia museum, production offices, and more.
Make Toluca Lake your Los Angeles home base when you visit
If you are in town but want a more relaxed atmosphere than the urban jungle, I recommend staying in either Toluca Lake, Studio City, or Universal City. The L.A. Metro Red Line stop is located at the bottom of the hill at Universal Studios and in North Hollywood, which can take you to Hollywood all the way to Union Station downtown.
Hotel Amarano is a charming independent hotel that was voted Best Luxury Boutique Hotel by New World Reports Travel and recognized with a Reader’s Choice Award by Conde Nast in 1922. It is located on Pass Ave and Oak St., which is officially in Burbank but within walking distance to Toluca Lake.
Best Western Plus Media Center Inn & Suites is conveniently located one block from Warner Brother’s studio and across from a swarm of small restaurants, this is a convenient and affordable place to stay.
The Tangerine Motel exudes mid-century kitschiness. It’s also close to Warner Brothers, Toluca Lake restaurants, and the 134 freeway.
The Garland was named after actress Beverly Garland who was in My Three Sons and is nearby in Studio City. It is a lovely place to stay and is a center of activity in the Valley and near the freeway.
Where to eat while you are there
The restaurant scene in Toluca Lake is ever-changing and there are always new places to eat popping up. Below are some of my favorites.
Sushi – Kabosu Japanese Cuisine, Sushi Yuzu
Ramen – Jinya Ramen
Mexican Food – Don Cuco (since 1969)
Breakfast and Lunch – SweetSalt Shop, Airloom Bakery, Coffee Commissary (near NBC) Olive & Thyme
Dinner – Malbec Argentinian Cuisine, Prosecco Trattoria, Ca’ Del Sole,
Pubs and Bars – Forman’s Whiskey Tavern, Catcher in the Rye,
Moving is exhausting – both physically and emotionally. Wish you only the best in your new place. I never heard of Toluca Lake but it sounds like a great area. The fact that you have a Starbucks within walking distance makes it a total win!
It’s actually a section of Burbank close to the studios. I love the location and all the fun stuff surrounding it. We’ll save gas money for sure.
I saw that you had moved. I love moving–I get bored livingin one place. Best wishes in your new place!
Thanks, Carol. We’re exhausted but glad it’s over with, at least for now. Now I can get back to working on my projects, including the podcast we did with you.
I moved three times last year, so I understand the hassles and downsizing! We can find good things and bad things with anywhere we live. Here’s hoping you and Doug enjoy where you are!
Wow! 3 times in one year. That’s a lot of work. I applaud you, Brenda and thanks. We are enjoying it.
Hi,
Lot of tourist spots to visit near toluca lake. I never heard of the place but it nice to know about this.
Yes, there are many tourist spots including movie studios. Toluca Lake is next to Burbank in Los Angeles.
i’m Scott Harvey from Sydney NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA..and in the 80s i loved the movie St Elmos Fire .does the Bar the Riverside INN in the movie really Exist and if so is it there today in 2024 ..thankyou ….
Hi Scott. The Riverside in Toluca Lake had an outdoor patio and was there when the pandemic hit. I was surprised to find out it is permanently closed as it was a popular hangout. It may have been the same place featured in St. Elmos Fire, but I’m not sure as part of the movie was shot in nearby Hollywood.
Hi Rebecca! I so agree that the first month or two after a move and a “rightsize” it takes some adjustment. But good for you for facing it straight on and going with the flow as well as possible. And ack! I don’t envy you the stairs to your parking, but from everything I’m reading in the long run it will be healthy for you to live there and go up and down them on a regular basis. I’ll bet in a month or two you won’t even notice. And yes, change can be difficult but it sounds like you are already looking around and taking note of all the good things in your new neighborhood. May this new home be filled with unexpected pleasures and possibilities! ~Kathy
I’m loving my new neighborhood and go out walking for an hour all over the place every morning. It’s great. I almost never use my car anymore. Everything is within walking distance. Thanks, so much for your good wishes.
We were here last month, As you said, I don’t think I ever want to leave. 🙂 Very calm and quite clean place.
I’m glad you liked it Binosh. Sorry, just saw your comment. It’s a fun place to hang out.
When I moved to CA back in 2007, I settled in Westlake Village. I moved a few times as I was renting and encountered numerous issues, but I just loved living in that city. I moved to Toluca Lake in December of 2011 and have loved it since day one. I’m still renting as housing is way out of my price range, but again, I just love it here. If I could afford a house and retire here I would. Being that I can’t, I will be moving back to Florida in a few months. I will always remember Toluca Lake and will take all my wonderful memories with me. It’s a beautiful place.
I’m so glad you enjoy Toluca Lake as much as I do. Maybe I’ll pass you on Riverside Drive before you leave for Florida. Florida is wonderful too. And, I agree, much cheaper. Our apartment rent is through the roof but we still love the neighborhood.