Frogtown is also known as Elysian Valley. It’s an artsy and diverse neighborhood in Los Angeles, that runs next to the L.A. River not far from Griffith Park. It was once an industrial area but has evolved into a thriving community known for its eclectic mix of artists, families, and young professionals.
During the 1930s, a horrendous flood killed 115 people in various parts of Los Angeles. The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the LA County Flood Control District came in to shore up LA’s main inland waterway with concrete. It was called the L.A. River Master Plan.
The late Lewis MacAdams was a poet, journalist, political activist, and filmmaker. He lived in Elysian Valley and cofounded the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR) to bring it back to life. Its mission is to protect and restore the natural and historic heritage of the river and its riparian habitat. It hosts a fabulous River Fest in August.
The Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park in Frogtown was named after him. It is next to the bike path and is smartly designed with innovative green features.
How Frogtown got its name
A large population of frogs used to inhabit the L.A. riverbank and invade the streets. It was given the name Frogtown during the 1930s. The frogs have since left, but the area retained its iconic name.
An eclectic community
Frogtown combines urban and natural environments with cool shops, art spaces, businesses, and restaurants.
Foodies gravitate to Frogtown because the neighborhood boasts several trendy cafes and eateries guaranteed to satisfy a diverse palate. They include the Spoke Bicycle Café, which combines a bike shop with a café and offers a unique dining experience. Salazar is an outdoor Mexican-style restaurant on Fletcher near Atwater Village.
Frogtown Brewery Taproom
Frogtown Brewery Taproom serves craft beers brewed on the premises and I can tell you the brews are fabulous. I had an incredible red ale, but the brewery is known for its Kinky Blonde Ale. It’s a dog-friendly pub. I saw several pub pups hanging out there during a neighborhood event to escape the heat outside.
The brewery opened in 2016 and was recently named one of the 50 fastest-growing breweries in the U.S. by the Brewer’s Association.
Beer vats can be seen inside the brewery and outside on the patio. It’s a fun place to hang out and cool off.
Frogtown Art Walk
The annual Frogtown Art Walk is an event that draws visitors from all over Los Angeles who want to explore the vibrant art scene and enjoy live music, food trucks, and interactive installations.
Enjoy a scenic river walk
The Los Angeles River Bike Path is wonderfully scenic for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Along the river’s edge are murals and public art installations. Rent a bike at Spoke Bicycle Cafe or bring your own. If you are adventurous, start at Griffith Park.
Some parts of the bike path are sketchy, so bring a friend. But you will also find small pocket parks, art installations, and picnic areas.
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