Posted by West Hollywood, often called WeHo, is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood known for its swanky restaurants, lively nightlife, diverse culture, and historic landmarks. Famous for the Sunset Strip and its association with the Golden Age of Hollywood, WeHo is also the heart of LA’s LGBTQ+ community and hosts numerous events and festivals. Its blend of urban energy and creative spirit makes it a dynamic part of the city and an ideal base to explore the many attractions and precincts of greater Los Angeles.
WeHo itself is quite a vast suburb, and whilst hardly anyone walks in LA, if you are on foot, it’s easy enough to get around, as the district is mostly flat and the grid-like streets are straightforward to navigate. However, using a combination of walking, rental car and rideshare trips is the perfect way to traverse between the many attractions on offer.
LA is a town that’s just made for brunching, so the mornings start slowly, but by midday cafes and coffee shops are jumping and at the other end of the day, the late-night drinking (and even dining) options are numerous. There are endless delightful bars and restaurants to explore, from iconic favourites to more recent trendsetters, with many located on Santa Monica and Sunset Boulevards, though Melrose Avenue and W 3rd St are also worth exploring.
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beverly Grove and the Fairfax District all border WeHo and are easily accessible from wherever you might be staying, so some of the recommendations in this guide skirt these areas. So embrace the luxury and style of this iconic area and live like the stars do, if only for a few days!
And if you’ve done all there is to do in West Hollywood (as hard as that can be to imagine), why not head to the beach and explore Venice Beach with Travis’ helpful guide.
Just Coffee..
Go Get Em Tiger | 8253 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Look for the bright yellow signage that proclaims the home of the WeHo location of this local LA coffee chain, their corner coffee spot on Santa Monica Blvd gets busy and seems quite the meeting place whilst waiting for your caffeine – the coffee is suitably top notch and they offer simple café snacks to go including pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Go Get Em Tiger
Farm Cup Coffee | 7748 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Farm Cup Coffee exudes a chilled vibe with its bright yellow 1964 Citroen Van (named Sunny) the centrepiece of the store, a charming relic from when the business started as a mobile coffee van on the road before it settled into its permanent venue. The floor tiles feature an uplifting mural, “Sunny days ahead” and seating is limited to the sidewalk. They roast their own coffee beans, ensuring a fresh brew in every cup. There’s also a sibling outlet in Century City. Farm Cup Coffee
Alfred Coffee | 8509 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
Established in 2013 on nearby Melrose Place, Alfred is a small but growing chain spreading its wings across LA and beyond. Nestled in a sub-basement space with vintage chic decor, this outlet attracts a groovy crowd of creative types. Drop in for some very good coffee or snacks like breakfast burritos, and enjoy the sunny streetside dining area if you’re in the mood to linger. Alfred Coffee
Verve Coffee Roasters | 8925 Melrose Ave, Fairfax District
One of LA’s most popular coffee chains, the WeHo outlet is bright and breezy with a sunny courtyard and lots of fabulous locals sipping coffee, tapping away on their keyboards and just generally being seen! There’s also an equally as popular outlet nearby on W 3rd St. Verve Coffee Roasters
Intelligentsia Hollywood | 6401 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
A small but growing chain of upscale coffee shops that originated in Chicago, their coffee is extremely good, and their stores are stylishly on trend. Located on the section of Hollywood Blvd that is cleaning up its act and becoming rather hip, this outlet is somewhat less of a scene than their Venice Beach café, but perfectly located for a quality shot of caffeine if you’re doing the Hollywood thang! Intelligentsia Hollywood
Breakfast & Brunch…
Dialog Cafe | 8766 Holloway Dr, West Hollywood
Just off Sunset Boulevard, this is a local’s favourite for brunch, so much so that you’re likely to find a line snaking out the door. Bakery style, you’ll order at the counter then find yourself a table in the alfresco dining area that stretches along the pavement. The brunch menu is long, featuring all the expected cafe favourites and more, the service is fast and the food is really very good. So just pretend you’re a local and join in on the Dialog. Dialog Cafe
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker | 8653 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
This bustling cafe features an elegantly designed, large airy space with mostly white decor, including tiled walls and a marble bar top. The big arched windows and sunny courtyard add to its inviting atmosphere. The menu offers classic brunch fare like omelettes, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos, alongside more intricate share options such as empanadas and tacos. Sweet treats include ricotta pancakes, cakes, and bakery items. Popular for weekend brunch, it also serves mimosas and even a mimosa flight if you’re really keen to get into the swing of things. The young cheery service team set the scene for a great start to your day! The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure | 7494 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Breakfast by Salts Cure offers a simple diner-style space with a long banquette and open kitchen bar seating. Known for their specialty oat cakes with five different flavours of accompaniments, they also serve basic brunch items like avocado toast and a breakfast sandwich, plus daily specials. Coffee snobs beware though – they only serve filter brew. They’ve even expanded to outlets in NYC’s West Village and Carroll Gardens. Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
Strings of Life (S.O.L) | 609 N W Knoll Dr, West Hollywood
Tucked away adjacent to a carpark off Melrose Ave, S.O.L is an Australian operated all day cafe that offers an eternally sunny disposition and very good tucker. Breakfast is a hearty choice of favourites like smashed avocado, omelettes and a kick ass burrito, whilst lunch offers fresh sandwiches, burgers and salads – and of course there’s a sausage roll for homesick Aussie’s. The Australian expat community seems to treat S.O.L as their unofficial clubhouse. Strings of Life (S.O.L)
Zinque | 8684 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
This stylish French leaning venue morphs from morning brunch spot to intimate evening wine bar. The brunch menu offers a selection that’s perfectly on point serving Cali fare, but with modern French twists here and there – like an incredible Le Breakfast Bowl, smoked salmon toast and even a breakfast burrito but with quinoa added. The vibe is laid back, ideal to ease your way into a LA day and when the Californian sun is out, the pleasant courtyard is the place to dine. Zinque
Joan’s on Third | 8350 W 3rd St, Beverly Grove
Great for brunch or lunch, Joan’s is an eternally popular gourmet deli and café with simple but delish comfort style food like salads, sandwiches and soups. Sit out on the sidewalk and partake in some people watching whilst you eat, it’s a well-known place and a bit of a scene, so you might even spot a celeb or two! It gets super busy at peak meal times, so pack your patience please. Joan’s on Third
Local Icons…
Canter’s Deli | 419 N Fairfax Ave, Fairfax District
This huge Jewish deli and dining room looks and feels like it’s been around a million years (it was actually established in 1931). Open from early morning to late night, the décor is an eclectic throw-back to times gone by, the menu goes on and on, the portions are much larger than you’ll need and the food is, well it’s very satisfying. Apparently, Canter’s has sold over ten million pounds of Corned Beef in its lifetime, that’s certainly an achievement to be proud of! Canter’s Deli
Pink’s Hot Dogs | 709 N La Brea Ave, Fairfax District
This classic hot dog stand has been family owned since 1939, starting out as a pushcart, it’s now housed in a ramshackle building with a friendly courtyard out back. There’s nothing fancy about the hot dogs, they are just authentically good simple dogs, with a wide choice of toppings available (the menu offers burgers too). They must be doing something right, considering over 2,000 hot dogs are served every day! Pink’s enduring popularity means you may encounter a line up (get there as soon as they open if you can), but it’s worth the wait. Pink’s Hot Dogs
Norms | 470 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
Every LA visit should include a visit to a classic, retro diner, so Norms is the perfect choice for a late-night feed after bar hopping through WeHo. Serving their hearty fare since 1949, the menu is suitably long and satisfying, serving up everything from breakfast (at any time of the day) to pasta and steaks, but if you want to keep it simple, just order Norm’s Classic Cheeseburger – it’s actually quite divine. Norms
Dining…
Laurel Hardware | 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Located in a former hardware store, the large rustic-luxe styled dining room is dominated by a central bar, there’s also seductive booth seating and the back wall is made of head-to-toe glass looking onto a romantically lit courtyard. Serving an extensive menu of New American style fare, there’s Asian and Italian influences in some dishes, plus pizza if you need a comfort food fix, with an interesting wine selection too. It’s a popular place with the WeHo set, so it gets quite lively on weekends. Laurel Hardware
Jones | 7205 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
The allure at Jones is not just about the food; the Italian fare is good and hearty, though it’s not the best Italian fare in this town of foodie finds. But it’s the vibe and attitude here that will draw you back time and again, and often keep you there till the early hours (the kitchen stays open till late too). The decor is classic old school, with heavy red curtains, deep leather booths, checkered tablecloths and walls adorned with historical photos. It’s consistently crowded, loud and just a bit chaotic, but you’ll want to linger here for long – Jones is like the local we all wished we lived around the corner from. Jones
Melanie | 8310 W 3rd St, Beverly Grove
Melanie is a beloved local bolt-hole, perfect for a quick drink or a longer session indulging in good food and wine. The decor is simple yet pared-back, creating a cozy ambiance in a compact room with banquette seating and a small bar with a handful of stools. The wine list is short but intriguing, featuring an international selection (including California, European and South American drops) with many available by the glass, including unique varieties you might not have tried before, plus a dedicated section for orange wines. Enjoy wine-friendly fare like cheese and charcuterie, burrata, mussels, or hanger steak. Wine tasting classes are held every Saturday. Melanie
Uchi West Hollywood | 9001 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
A small Austin-founded restaurant collective that’s now expanding nationally, the WeHo outpost of Uchi features a spacious yet calm dining room with Cali-cool decor and lovely neutral timber, whilst the airy patio and striking yet subtle artworks create a serene atmosphere. The extensive wine list spans US, Euro, and NZ selections, while Japanese-flair cocktails and an extensive sake collection add to the experience – Japanese whiskey is also available. The extensive food menu offers wonderfully delightful dishes with flavours that delicately explode in your mouth. Daily specials and an omakase menu cater to adventurous appetites, with seafood sourced from Japan, Europe, and NZ. Sashimi is a highlight, portions are petite so you can try more, whilst the creative ingredient combinations and attractive, understated presentations make every dish quite morish. Uchi West Hollywood
Meteora | 6703 Melrose Ave, Fairfax District
Meteora offers a very special dining experience, starting with its twig-covered front door hinting at the Garden of Eden ambiance inside. The decor is a blend of subdued colours and fabrics, with a living garden of over 700 plants spanning the indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Their food philosophy is built around all-natural ingredients, connecting food to nature – expect organic, biodynamic, or wild ingredients without refined foods. Their basic tasting menu features five courses, whilst the elevated 10+ course omakase offers complex dishes with theatrical delivery and intricate presentation. It’s an extravagant, back-to-nature dining journey that will ignite all the senses. Meteora
Madre | 801 N Fairfax Ave, Fairfax District
A delightful Mexican restaurant boasting high ceilings and a light-filled room, the gold bar top, vibrant murals, and colourful wallpaper add to the lively ambiance, accompanied by an upbeat Latino soundtrack. Specializing in Oaxacan favourites, the simple yet perfect fare starts with generous chips and three distinct salsas. The standout tacos feature soft tortillas overloaded with expertly grilled meats, they’re juicy and messy like authentic street food. Enjoy Mexican craft beers, Latin American cocktails, various margarita versions, and Mexican spirit flights. For a vegan alternative, visit their sister venue Gracias Madre. Madre
The Formosa | 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
A legendary bar and restaurant open since 1939, The Formosa exudes an air of debauchery in times gone by, with photos of Hollywood legends that have partied here lining the walls. With its red and dark timber oriental-themed decor, deep leather horseshoe booths, and a decommissioned LA train carriage (added in 2018), it’s a quirky spot. The classic American-Chinese fare includes dim sum, noodles and rice dishes. Enjoy $10 cocktails and dim sum during happy hour (3-6 pm) and bento boxes specials at lunchtime. House and tropical cocktails, plus sake, will keep you lubricated. A sign behind the bar claims, “where the stars dine” – and though that’s less true now, it’s still worth visiting for the history and atmosphere. The Formosa
Jon & Vinny’s Italian | 412 N Fairfax Ave, Fairfax District
Small, with a modern pared-back design and an open kitchen as the central hub of attention, reservations are recommended to secure your space at this uber popular pizzeria. The pizzas are quite extraordinary and live up to the hype, thin crusts cooked in the open woodfire oven for what seems like only a minute or two, they come out crispy but just chewy enough, with the simple but creative toppings offering perfect flavour combinations. They also offer a broader range of hearty Italian fare, served with a touch of modern flare. Servings are generous, so bring a big appetite. Jon & Vinny’s Italian
Grandmaster Recorders | 1518 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood
This former historic recording studio has had a very swish makeover and is now home to multiple venues including a leafy rooftop bar. The main dining room on the ground floor is a cavernous space, with high ceilings, a touch of greenery, and low luxe banquettes (so you can sink into them but still all importantly people watch), it’s bookended by the open kitchen at the rear and the bar at the front. The menu is ‘Australian-Italian’, and if you’re not sure what that is, don’t worry, as it’s quite a fabulous selection of Italian leaning share fare, across antipasto, primi (pasta) and secondi courses. They also have an excellent wine list, with elegant yet friendly sommeliers to guide you through the choices. Grandmaster Recorders
Drinking…
Employees Only | 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
A smart cocktail bar from NYC’s West Village that’s slowly spreading its magic to key cities around the world, the LA venue honours its New York heritage with outstanding cocktails and switched-on service from white coated bartenders. The dining room is romantically lit with deep booths, but the fun is more at the bar where the later it gets, the more convivial it becomes. The food menu is an ingredient driven, seasonal Californian menu, with some tasty bar snacks if you aren’t here for a full meal, and like all EO venues, the kitchen is open very late. Employees Only
Las Perlas | 7511 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
It’s a serious drinking den when they have their own Agave Ambassador, and Mezcal is definitely king here, with a rotating selection on offer, plus Mexican cocktails and Margarita’s on tap – as well as a generous selection of Mexican beer if you aren’t a hardened drinker. They don’t fancy up the drinks too much, the bar team are proud of what they offer (they even list all the team names on the menu), and there’s a taco kitchen out the back if you need some sustenance. The colourful décor only adds to the allure. Las Perlas
L.P. Rooftop Bar | 603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
The quintessential LA rooftop bar, this Australian owned venue is only three stories up but has lovely views over West Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills. The stylish rooftop patio features a timber decking, abundant greenery, modern outdoor furniture and fabulous easy-drinking cocktails. The small bar menu offers good snack fare, including tacos and burgers. No surprises, but the crowd is young, generally good-looking and obviously cashed up… it’s so very LA! L.P. Rooftop Bar
The Roger Room | 370 La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood
This is the perfect late-night drinking den, growing rowdier as the night progresses. Dark and cozy, it feels a little like a fancy dive bar, attracting a young and fun crowd of creative types. With elevated booth seating and a bustling bar, history is etched into the murals, mirrors and photos on the walls. Renowned for hard-drinking cocktails and spirits, the drinks menu is grouped by lead the spirit. The bar offers a good selection of spirits, mainstream beers, and just one wine of each colour. The Roger Room
Bar Next Door | 9159 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Located in a quieter part of the Sunset Strip, Bar Next Door boasts an Art Deco, old-world style. Jazz tunes fill the air as patrons peruse the newspaper-type menu featuring illustrated cocktails. Enjoy classic drinks and signature cocktails with distinct Hollywood themes celebrating the area’s rich history. Cute little booths for two make it an ideal date spot or late-night drinking den. Bar Next Door
Harriet’s Rooftop | 8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Harriet’s is perched on the 9th floor of the 1 Hotel on the Sunset Strip, offering stunning 180-degree views stretching from downtown to the coast. The space is perfectly sized – not too small, not too big, and protected by glass walls that shield from wind and weather. With a provincial garden-like setting, the atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, thanks to switched-on service that avoids stuffiness. Enjoy creative and refreshing cocktails, bottle service, and a menu of snacky items and heartier Mediterranean-leaning mains. The crowd is quite diverse, adding to the easy-going vibe. Harriet’s Rooftop
Burgundy Room | 1621 1/2 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood
One of Hollywood’s old time dive bars, the Burgundy Room continues to thrive despite its corner of the neighbourhood gradually heading upmarket. It’s dark, loud, a little kooky, but ultimately genuine and always an easy spot to sit at the bar and make new friends whilst downing a beverage or three. Forget it if you are after a fancy cocktail or a wine, it’s all about basic beers and hard liquor here, as it should be! Burgundy Room
Mama Shelter Roof Terrace | 6500 Selma Ave, Hollywood
Located in a part of town that seems to becoming somewhat gentrified, Mama Shelter’s colourful rooftop terrace and bar is another reason to give Hollywood a visit. The mid-sized space is divided into smaller intimate areas, with plenty of greenery to give it a garden-like feel, plus great views of the Hollywood rooftops and hills, as well as more distant vista’s to downtown. Live music ups the vibe even more. Mama Shelter Roof Terrace
Must Do…
Runyon Canyon Park | N Fuller Ave, Hollywood
The quintessential WeHo locals experience is a morning hike at Runyon Canyon. Entering from the gates at the end of N Fuller Ave, there is a loop hiking trail that takes about 45 minutes (walking at a brisk pace). If you veer right after the gates, it’s a steeper and rougher climb on a dirt trail, with some big step ups for part of the way, but it seems like the best way to get the ascent over with quickly. Once you reach the top, the descent along the sealed fire trail is much gentler. Provided the weather is right, there are outstanding views all the way, especially at the top. If you have the time and energy, there is a higher trail you can take once you reach the top of the loop trail. Take water, and ideally leave early before the midday sun hits. It’s super popular, so there’s always plenty of great people watching, with many of the locals taking their ‘fashion accessory’ dogs along for the walk.
LACMA | 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Fairfax District
An expansive gallery with two separate pavilions, their ever-changing exhibitions span all forms of art. The grounds are an interesting place to start, with installations that include 202 vintage street-lamps in the entry forecourt. A steep escalator ride takes you to the top of the BCAM building, where a platform provides you with interesting views of the Hollywood area, before you enter the gallery proper to work through the individual galleries. There’s an initial entry fee, and then some of the special exhibitions have an additional fee on top of this. LACMA
Where to Stay…
There’s a more than abundant choice of places to lay your weary head in WeHo, from cheap & cheerful (and sometimes seedy) motels, to convenient mid-scale hotels like the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Suites, or ultra-luxe newbies like The West Hollywood EDITION. Though if you really want to live the glamourous life, you’ll want to check into one of the legendary bolt-holes like Chateau Marmont or the Sunset Towel Hotel. Below are a range of tried and tested options that won’t completely break the bank, but offer comfort, convenience and a dash of tinsel-town style.
Chamberlain West Hollywood | 1000 Westmount Dr, West Hollywood
Tucked into a quiet residential enclave just off Santa Monica Blvd, the bland apartment block exterior belies the glam art décor interior at this small boutique hotel. The rooms are uber comfortable and stylish without being too over-the-top, most have small balconies and some offer separate seating and sleeping areas. There is also a compact but pleasant rooftop pool and bar deck. Chamberlain West Hollywood
Sunset Marquis | 1200 Alta Loma Rd, West Hollywood
Nestled in a leafy locale on a residential street just off the Sunset Strip, the Marquis boasts Hollywood history in its bones and in the photos and mementos displayed on its walls. This sprawling low-rise complex features a charming courtyard pool, a late-night lobby bar, and an airy restaurant tucked away out the back. Amenities include a spa, gym, and spacious rooms, suites and villas (some of which are due for a spruce-up, though there’s a renovation in the planning). It’s easy to imagine old-time Hollywood deals being made here. Sunset Marquis
Andaz West Hollywood | 8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Whilst there are newer and more in vogue hotels on the Sunset Strip, the Andaz boasts a prominent location, unrivalled history and a modern sensibility. First opened in the 1960’s, the hotel was the LA pit stop for many rockstars and actors behaving badly, hence its original nickname ‘The Riot Hyatt’. After an extensive makeover a decade or so ago, the Andaz now offers contemporary rooms with a dash of personality and many with fabulous views. And like everything in Hollywood, it’s all about being in the right place, at the right time! Andaz West Hollywood
Short Stories Hotel | 115 S Fairfax Ave, Fairfax District
A vintage 1960’s motel that’s been transformed into a groovy boutique hotel with just 66 rooms. There’s a lush courtyard and pool for relaxing and its location just across the road from The Grove and within a short walk to LACMA means there’s plenty of reasons to stay in this area. Short Stories Hotel
Mama Shelter Los Angeles | 6500 Selma Ave, Hollywood
Just a block off Hollywood Boulevard, since its opening Mama Shelter has been joined in the neighbourhood by other boutique hotels and trendy bars. A restored heritage building, it only runs to five floors and 70 guest rooms, so it’s got a small hotel vibe and quite personal service. The rooms are just quirky enough (with touches like movie scripts to browse), the sizes vary but they are all more than comfortable. The ground floor has a dark and cosy lobby, bar and restaurant, whilst on the rooftop terrace it’s all about colour and fun, plus views of the famous Hollywood sign. Mama Shelter Los Angeles
Travis’ Wish List…
Because there’s always more eating, dining and exploring than can be done in just one visit, Travis likes to keep a wish list so there’s an incentive to visit again! In a vibrant and expansive district like WeHo and its surrounds, this list is long and always growing, so next visit we’re going to be kept very busy enjoying the hospitality at these wonderful venues below.
Starting the day will be a spot of brunch at Great White or Republique Café & Bakery, or if it’s lunchtime, we’d head to Son of a Gun. For dinner we’ll need more than a few nights to indulge on Middle Eastern fare at Ladyhawk, a really good steak at Catch Steak, upscale fare at celeb-haunt Horses, or swish Japanese at Katana. And for late night drinks, there’s nowhere better to feel like you are part of the Hollywood set that at The Tower Bar in the Sunset Tower Hotel.
Featured Photo: ‘Sunset at the Sunset’ – Sunset Tower Hotel, West Hollywood
Travis. 
One comment