Local Gems: Melrose

Join us for the first event of the 2024 season—and our 50th event since 2010! CicLAvia—Melrose is on Sunday, February 25th, from 9am - 3pm. We will transform Melrose Avenue along the neighborhoods of Fairfax, Larchmont, Melrose Hill, and East Hollywood into a public park for the day.

Melrose Ave is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here are some of the MANY local gems that will be along the route.

Check out:

Places To Eat + Shop

LACC Swap
4133 Marathon St, Los Angeles, CA 90029

On the easternmost side of the route is the LACC Swap Meet. This open air flea market is one of the longest running swap meets in Los Angeles and provides many great finds such as clothing, antiques, and household items. Admission is $2 per person. There is no charge for kids under ten years old. 

 

Hutch Vintage Furniture Store
706 Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Hutch Vintage Furniture Store is a family owned small business with a dynamic selection of vintage and handmade items.

 

Rincón Chileno
4354 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Swing by Rincón Chileno for delicious, authentic Chilean dishes such as sopaipillas, empanadas, and pastel de choclo. You won’t be disappointed, their flavorful menu is sure to “steal your heart away.”

 

Tamales Veracruz y más
Melrose and Wilton, 5200 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Specializing in Veracruz-style tamales, mole, and much more. Can’t make up your mind about which tacos to try? Go for their taco tasting plate which comes with 5 different tacos!

 

Astroburger
5601 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Astro Burger is an independent, family owned restaurant that has served the area breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1974. According to Time Out's interview with Astro Burger owner, Cosmos Kapantzos, “... it was Astro Burger that introduced Los Angeles to the Gardenburger back in 1986 (the same year he went vegetarian), and it's been on the menu ever since.” 

 

Mario's Peruvian & Seafood
5786 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Since opening in 1989, Mario’s has been known for their Peruvian-style seafood, ceviche mixto, and their saltado. According to reviews, portions are large, so bring your appetite!

 

Anarkali Indian Restaurant
7013 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Anarkali has been around for the past 44 years and is known for being one of the oldest family owned Indian restaurants in Los Angeles! They take pride in their flavorful dishes and unique flavors from the many regions of India and Bangladesh. 

 

Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Founded in 1979, Golden Apple Comics has been serving the community of Los Angeles through their extensive comic book collection, action figures, trading cards, and other pop culture goods! As a non-profit organization, their goal is to “preserve, safeguard and showcase private collections to ensure that comics, books, art and collectibles are secured for future generations to enjoy.” 

 

Pink's Hot Dogs
709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Since 1939, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been a Hollywood landmark that serves over 2000 hot dogs a day. What started off as a small pushcart on the corner of Melrose Ave and La Brea Ave is now a staple for many Angelenos and celebrities. It appears in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, Disney’s The Muppets, and many other movies and TV shows.

 

Mega City One
7301 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

A few blocks down from Golden Apple Comics is another comic book store, Mega City One. Here you can find everything from comics books, collectibles, board games, and even in-store magic tournaments!

 

Melrose Trading Post
7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

At the westernmost end of the route, you’re sure to see many folks gathering at another open-air market: The Melrose Trading Post (MTP). Since 1997, MTP Sundays have been a must-visit for LA locals and tourists. Find vintage clothes, a variety of antiques and collectibles, and even have live performances for you to enjoy. MTP will also have a booth at the Fairfax Hub and will be selling discounted tickets for entrance into the school grounds. Admission is as follows: $6 Cash at the Entrance. $6 + Fees for Contactless Pre-paid Ticket. Free for Greenway Members and Children Under 12.

 

Things To Do + See

Utility Box Art by @superunleadedgasoline78
N Van Ness Ave / Melrose Ave

Keep your eyes peeled for utility box art done by @superunleadedgasoline78! Through a city permit he has designed over 200+ utility boxes in the Los Angeles area. Above you’ll see a crayon box-like art style for Van Ness Ave Elementary School in Melrose.

 

Ukrainian Cultural Center
4315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Founded during World War II by Ukrainian immigrants, the Ukrainian Cultural Center has been a hub for the Ukrainian community and the surrounding area. Mainly used for traditional dance performances and holiday traditions, this hall is also rented out to the broader LA community for other events like live music, quinceañeras, and even wrestling matches. 

 

The Yard Theater
4319 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

The Yard Theater is a non-profit organization which hosts a thriving space for the arts such as: comedy shows, music performances, and screenings. They also host classes for acting, music, and more.

 

Aztec Princes Mural by @elekkstasy and @emad.5000
701 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

On the side of I & A Liquor Store you will see a stunning mural of an Aztec princess looking to the sky. The shades of blue and the “LA” on headdress give hint to the Los Angeles Dodgers and is complemented by the passionate purple calla lilies beside her.

 

Hollywood Historic Hotel
5162 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Constructed in 1927 by S. Charles Lee, this iconic hotel captures the beauty and design of old Hollywood and proudly shows the Norman Revival style of architecture. Currently, the Hollywood Historic serves as an affordable, luxury hotel in the area. 

 

Paramount Studios
5555 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Founded in 1912 Paramount Pictures is the fifth-oldest film studio in the world and second-oldest in the United States. The Paramount Lot doubles as the headquarters for the entertainment corporation as well as a popular filming location for many movies and tv shows. A few notable favorites are Forrest Gump (1994), The Truman Show (1998), and Barry (2018-2023).

 

John C. Fremont Branch Library
6121 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Built in 1927 with a Mediterranean Revival design by architect Merl L. Barker, the John C. Fremont Library is part of the LA Public Library system. According to their website, “​​the charming building, which has been described as early Italian with a touch of Spanish, has been designated a Historic Cultural Monument of the City of Los Angeles.”

 

Mural by @theartofchase and @zla_la
6901 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

On the side of the Quaker State Liquor Store you will find a large mural done by @theartofchase and @zla_la which was completed in 2018. The smartphone in the foreground almost begs you to take a selfie in front of it. In a podcast featuring both artists, they dive deeper into their inspirations, upbringings, and daily lives as artists living in Los Angeles.

 

The Groundlings Theatre & School
7307 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

The famous Groundlings Theatre & School is also celebrating a special 5-0. For the past 50 years this esteemed venue has been a major hub for improv and sketch comedy. They are also known for their high class training skills and have countless notable alumni such as: Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Jennifer Coolidge, and MANY more!

 

Mural by @davidfloresart
7315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Located on the side of the Italian restaurant Ronan is a large-scale flower mural by artist @davidfloresart. Roses, chrysanthemums, and other flowers burst out of a larger than life vase. Ronan will be selling pizza from a mobile oven on the sidewalk in front of their restaurant, be sure to swing by for a picture next to the mural and a slice of pizza!

 

Fairfax High School
7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Fairfax High School is celebrating a huge milestone with their centennial (100 years) anniversary! This school boasts many notable alumni such as: Flea, Demi Moore, Herb Alpert, Mila Kunis, Slash, and many more. Additionally, the Melrose Trading Post takes place on school grounds.

 

We can't wait to see you all at CicLAvia—Melrose on February 25. Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss out on updates on future events.

These events are made possible by contributions from people like you. To support more open streets, consider making a tax-deductible donation here today!

Photos courtesy of: @laccswap, @hutchvintage, @reaper.wolf1, @emmanuel_esco, Astroburger, @marios_peruvian_seafood, @melroseartsdistrict, @gapplecomics, @pinkshotdogs, @megacityincorporated, @melrosetradingpost, @superunleadedgasoline78, @ukrainianculturecenterla, @elekkstasy, @tscvia, @paramountpics, Wikipedia, @theartofchase, @thegroundlings, and Wikipedia