York Blvd, Highland Park

York Blvd. is a thriving, growing hidden gem outside downtown Los Angeles. One of the oldest cities in the area, Highland Park is experiencing a resurgence. York Blvd. is the epicenter of the neighborhood and the changes are obvious. Heading east from Eagle Rock Blvd. there is a new CVS drugstore a Starbucks and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue but, chains have only just begun to discover this great neighborhood. The best spots are the local flavor provided by the many independent retailers up and down this strip.
Some great neighborhoods are hidden to the North and the South of York but the area right by it still has some transitioning ahead. Given the great shops and restaurants popping up it should only be a matter of time.
The first and maybe the most unique is the quirky and adorable eyewear boutique Society of the Spectacle. Run by two sisters who live right down the street, this eyeglasses emporium is in a class all it's own. Eyewear aficionados make the trek from all over Los Angeles in order to experience the unparalleled service and selection Society of the Spectacle has become known for. Many brands can not be purchased anywhere else in Southern California.
Heading east you'll see the odd assortment of carry-out joints, corner markets and auto shops until you reach Ave. 50 and Café de Leche becomes your welcome to the business district. A wonderful coffee house with delightful pastries, Café de Leche is a local coffee house with a modern flair.
A few doors down and you'll discover the York, a wonderful gastro-pub with fantastic selections of wine and beer as well as a locally grown seasonal menu that has become known for it's delicious food selections. Order at the bar for there is no waitstaff.
The second Sat. each month is Art Walk and this section of York has more galleries than any other single place (making it the only area you can walk on the Art Walk).
Moving further east on York and you'll pass the local hardware store and a tattoo parlor, a billiard hall and there is Marty's, an unassuming bar with a great menu. Slip into this windowless bar and be transported to a decadent upscale bar and grill that has some of the best mac and cheese in the city. The drinks are stiff and the jukebox rules. Sample the entire menu as it is all top notch. I am especially fond of the beef tartar (it's prepared the traditional way).
Go another block or two and see the cute boutiques that have begun to pop up. Anatomy fitness has recently opened offering upscale physical fitness and when you are done getting in shape, set yourself back a notch with a visit to El Hurache Azteca... you will not be sorry. Inexpensive and unassuming traditional Mexican food that is so delicious that this little hole-in-the-wall is consistantly one of the highest ranked Mexican restaurants in a town full of Mexican restaurants!
If that is too fancy for you, two blocks further you'll find the legendary La Estrella taco truck! The best one out of several parks here every night. The best Pastor taco in LA. No Joke. Their burritos are out of this world too. When they ask if you want everything, just say yes.
With that in mind, when the sun goes down out come the taco stands. Locals set up on just about every block with their own take on Mexican street food. It is amazing if not a little intimidating for a gringo but as a local I would be remis in not suggesting the guy at 56th and York who makes an amazing chicken taco and sope. So amazing.
The good becomes more spread out farther East but it is good.
El Arco Iris is a nice sit-down Mexican restaurant with a full bar that has been family run for over forty years. You really can't go wrong here as everything is wonderful.
No write up on York Blvd. would be complete without the mention of Galcos soda pop stop! This legendary family run market has been serving the community for about a century. Forced to reinvent itself when the super markets moved in Galcos has one of the most extensive soda selections in the world. Over 450 different varieties. It's easy to go in for a pop and one of their famous submarine sandwiches and walk out with several cases of exciting and exotic sodas! They also stock a fine selection of hard to find beers from around the world. No visit should deny a stop at Galcos.
There you have it, York Blvd. in a nutshell. I know I forgot or have yet to discover some great places on the blvd. but I'm looking forward to it!