There are charming and interesting neighborhoods all over Los Angeles, and Larchmont Village is one I have always loved. I remember going down there when I lived in Hollywood in the 80s, but much has changed. It’s almost become a mini-Montana Ave with high-end shops, pleasing cafes, and plenty of shoppers.
Watch my video walking tour
Larchmont Village was established in 1921 by a man named Julius L Bonte. When residents began to move away from Downtown to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, they headed west. The Los Angeles Railway Yellow Car ran down the center of Larchmont Blvd making it convenient for residents to get to other parts of the city.
The village is located in a diverse part of East Hollywood. It’s within walking distance of affluent Hancock Park and the Los Angeles Country Club to the West. It’s also not far from Paramount Studios to the North, and Little Bangladesh to the East.
Several festivals occur there throughout the year including the Larchmont Village Arts Festival in May.
The Center for Yoga has been in Larchmont for as long as I can remember. It opened in 1967 and is housed in a three-story building constructed in 1925 that used to be Mason’s Grand Lodge #614. It is one of the oldest yoga studios in Los Angeles. The center was closed temporarily but reopened in 2021
On weekends, you’ll find various street vendors set up in pop-ups selling everything from jewelry to flowers.
Rotary International donated the Larchmont Clock which stands in a parking lot in the center of the village.
A farmer’s market is held at the public parking lot on the west side of Larchmont Blvd every Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm.
Notable businesses
Chevalier’s Books has been in the neighborhood since 1940 when its owner, Joseph Chevalier started the business as a lending library.
Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits, & Cheese opened in 1997, is a popular place to get amazing cheese and charcuterie plates. People stand in line to purchase gourmet sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. It’s best to call ahead to order before you arrive.
Levain Bakery is famous for its cookies and baked goods. There was a long line of customers when I was there.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery is where you can find vegan and gluten-free baked items.
Jeni’s Ice Cream – Who doesn’t love ice cream? Right? You’ll find Jeni’s in several other locations in Los Angeles.
Holey Grail Donuts – Some of these guys may want to reconsider their food choices but I bet those donuts are good!
Go Get Em Tiger is a local coffee house established in Larchmont Village in 2013. In addition to bar-style service, they also serve breakfast.
I had lunch at Burger Lounge and enjoyed a yummy grass-fed burger with Swiss cheese and truffles.
It’s cool that Larchmont Village still has a newsstand on the boulevard called Above the Fold.
If you visit Larchmont Village, walk around the neighborhood to view its stunning architecture and near Windsor Square. You will see Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial, English and Tudor Revival, French Revival, and more. The Getty House in Windsor Square at 605 S. Irving Blvd. is the official residence of the Los Angeles Mayor.
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