The Standard Guide to Hollywood

As a mainstay of the Sunset Strip for quite some time now, The Standard has had a front row seat to the transformation of Hollywood as we know it. And while it can be easy to lapse into nostalgia for a lost era, one benefit of the new Hollywood is the bounty of things to do. The nightlife options are numerous, trendy restaurants are everywhere you look, and the shopping opportunities are endless. Of course, our West Hollywood hideaway, The Standard, Hollywood, is the perfect home base for venturing out and exploring it all (or none of it). Below, we’ve compiled our guide of go-to spots in the neighborhood. Order up that Uber and off you go.

The MAK Center

You know those beautifully structured homes you see on the feed of your favorite LA-based blogger? More often than not, they're visiting the MAK Center, an organization located in the heart of West Hollywood (WeHo) that celebrates the works of Rudolph M. Schindler. Besides having the opportunity to tour the homes, you can also attend concerts, panel discussions, and exhibits. 

MOCA Pacific Design Center

Sitting next to a 1,200,000-square-foot, vividly hued building known as the Pacific Design Center, the MOCA PDC might look dull in comparison, but a step inside will quickly dissolve that thought as you walk through its architecture- and design-based exhibits. Entry is always free, plus, getting lost while window shopping through the Pacific Design Center’s infinite grounds afterwards is always fun. 

The Cinefamily

Back in 2007, on Halloween no less, The Cinefamily burst onto the WeHo scene by making the historic Silent Movie Theater its home. Since then, the nonprofit organization has become a staple of the LA lifestyle by bringing a whole range of obscure movies deserving greater recognition to light. 

Taschen

Venturing into Taschen is like visiting a gallery whose sole subject is books. Taschen, the renowned publisher of beautiful art books, has everything from $15 art books to collector's editions that will set you back several thousand bucks. It’s no wonder the store is so popular amongst serious bookworms and art collectors alike. 

Sundance Cinemas

If you want a grown up movie experience without the XXX rating, Sundance Cinemas is the place to go. While the 21+ venue has a small selection of films, they're art-driven, and the drinks at the Sundance Bar are solid. Don’t forget to stop by the art gallery in the lobby for a look at noteworthy local LA art. 

Book Soup

This shop is as cozy and funky as the font of their logo implies. Book Soup holds over 60,000 titles on the topics of art, film, photography, music, and fiction, in addition to offering limited pressings and signed copies. Their events are where the fun really happens though, so make sure to check their schedule for author readings and book signings. 

Museum of Broken Relationships

We all know heartbreak, so we might as well celebrate it. That’s where The Museum of Broken Relationships comes in. The museum is comprised of objects anonymously donated by the heartbroken from all over the world, and each object comes with a remarkable story. If you yourself are heartbroken, this is a wonderful way to gain some perspective. If you're doing just fine, it's well worth the trip (but maybe just don't tell anyone how happy you are). 

Sushi Park

Every once in a while, there's a unicorn of a place that pops up in an unlikely location. Sushi Park is one of them. Tucked in the upper-level corner of a strip mall, the sushi is delicate, flavorful, and authentic in portions. A true hidden gem. 

Night + Market WeHo

Kris Yenbamroong, chef and owner of the acclaimed Thai restaurant Night + Market, has no formal culinary training. On the contrary, he graduated with a degree in film and gained his knowledge and taste for Thai food at his parent’s restaurant. Eat your way through their incredible noodle selection or grab a hot pot soup with friends. There’s no going wrong here. 

Croft Alley

To say we’re addicted to Croft Alley would be an understatement. Located in an alley just off Melrose, this café is quite literally a hidden gem. The flavors, the presentation, and the staff who make everyone feel like family keep us coming back. Our favorites are their house-made yogurt with chlorophyll, kale salad, tuna melt, cauliflower grilled cheese, turkey bánh mì, and their chocolate cookies. All sandwiches are served on Colleen DeLee’s home-baked baguettes, a staple at Ludo Lefebvre’s Petit Trois and considered the best in town.  

The Griddle

You know you’ve arrived at the favorite breakfast joint when you see a crowd of people outside. The Griddle’s menu staples include old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes and omelettes, or, go wild with Hear Me Roar, a pancake made of Frosted Flakes and strawberries. Nom. Nom. Nom. 

Guisados

LA is the land of the taco, but even the natives can’t get over Guisados’ handmade tortillas. If it’s your first time, opt for the sampler, which comes with 6 mini tacos, each with a different filling. Make sure to also grab a quesadilla made with a chunk of grilled queso panela—possibly the most underrated item on their menu. 

Alma at The Standard

Alma's acclaimed chef, Ari Taymor, is one of LA's brightest culinary stars. The eatery, which took over as the restaurant-in-residence at The Standard after its initial stint downtown, has made its name with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, which are reimagined into otherworldly combinations that delight the taste buds. Try the seaweed and tofu beignet for a starter, and end with the frozen yogurt with whipped celery root and passion fruit for dessert. Room service has never been this appealing. 

mmhmmm at The Standard, Hollywood

Don't roam the streets looking for the perfect night out—it's right under your nose at The Standard, Hollywood. Walk through the secret entrance and enter mmhmmm, our club that has bottle service and a healthy rotation of top-notch DJs. Keep your eye on the calendar for a naughty and nice variety of events. 

Filth Mart

This NYC transplant opened its doors in WeHo, LA’s rock ’n’ roll capital, in 2005. With their curation of fairly priced vintage tees, leather jackets, and killer denim, Filth Mart is the one-stop shop for your new-old favorites. The shopping doesn't stop at their vintage selections, though. The shop also has its own line of tees, in addition to custom art, posters, and more. Rock on. 

West Third Street

Shopping in WeHo comes in the form of shopping strips, which are useful since the process of re-parking is frustrating, to say the least. While the famed Robertson Blvd carries brands like Chanel and The Kooples, and Melrose focuses on trendy brands, West Third Street feels like the middle sister. Go for express beauty and concept clothing stores (Liberty Fairs, Shopaholic Sample Sales.) Dining at West Third Street is also an experience worth having. 

KIN Los Angeles

Established 12 years ago in the heart of WeHo is KIN Los Angeles, a brick-and-mortar known for their assortment of contemporary designers for both men and women. KIN carries both national (10 Crosby by Derek Lam) and international (Pierre Balmain, Golden Goose) designers as well as brands like Publish and Unif. 

Roseark

Roseark brings bling to The Sunset Strip, carrying jewelry from $100 to $50k a pop. The jewelry retailer is known for its wide array of designs and ability to custom design the perfect piece if nothing is just right. In addition to jewelry, Roseark carries clothing and home accessories. 

Heath Ceramics

Equal parts shop, gallery, and showroom, Heath Ceramics is more than just a place to buy dishes—it’s the modern design dream store. The shop carries everything from books to dishes to clothing. Surprisingly, they also have an amazing collection of modern yet rustic jewelry. Insider tip: ask for their tile samples (they sell them for about $1-$10) to add dimension to any surface. 

Little Russia

Little-known fact: West Hollywood is home to the greatest concentration of Russian-speakers in the United States outside of New York, in an area known as Little Russia. While some favorite Russian businesses have closed over the years, others remain nestled along Santa Monica Blvd. The small stretch of Russian delis, markets, and restaurants live between Fairfax Ave. and Gardener St. The peek into this rich cultural stronghold is worth the venture. 

Kinara Skin Care Clinic

The brainchild of renowned skincare expert Olga Lorencin, the Kinara Skin Care Clinic focuses on everything skin related, from facials to waxing, and it's wildly popular amongst the celeb set. Given the popularity, you’d think the prices would reflect that, but it only costs as much as the next spa. The real luxury, however, comes in the Skin Care Boot Camp package, which comes with a private consultation and offers a 12-week agenda of custom treatments. Hey, the A-list treatment is mandatory while in Hollywood. 

Wanderlust Hollywood

Wanderlust is more than just a gym, it’s a hub for all things wellness. The facility offers a variety of yoga sessions, meditation classes, and if you’re really into the lifestyle, the Wanderlust Voyager Teacher Trainings. The hub even features its own restaurant (by chef Seamus Mullen) to keep you energized throughout the day. 

House of Intuition

Whether you're a beginner in search of spiritual awakening or know exactly what crystals you need in your life, House of Intuition is in your cards. While the reading sessions are only offered in their Silverlake location, the WeHo branch carries everything from prayer magic candles to essential oils and holy waters. 

Read our guide to hollistic LA wellness here. 

Self-Realization Fellowship's Hollywood Temple

If you need time to reflect on the previous night's shenanigans, Self-Realization Fellowship is your go-to for tranquility. With temples throughout Southern California, you can do a day trip or stay local and visit the Hollywood Temple. In need of a different scene? The Pacific Palisades location has a retreat, gardens, meditation services, and more.

The Now

Luxe at its core, the folks at The Now offer a relaxing experience (their Scandinavian decor is all over Instagram) without the hefty price tag. The best thing about The Now is its choices. You can build your massage how you want it, whether you're sitting up or laying down, or if you want 25-, 50-, or 80-minutes. Even the add-ons are something to be excited about. A power cleanse that detoxes your abdomen? Yes, please.