Our Guide to Shops on Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue is the other renowned shopping street in Los Angeles, going north from Beverly Boulevard and south of Santa Monica Boulevard. Melrose is known for its eclectic range of attractions including restaurants, stores, and entertainment spots. Starting at the intersection between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood – known as the junction of posh and funky – Melrose Avenue presents shoppers with an excellent opportunity to indulge in retail therapy; it is best to bring plenty of cash along with you.
On Sunday mornings, the corner of Melrose and Fairfax becomes even more special, when the fancy flea market, Melrose Trading Post, arrives. This flea market offers an eclectic mix of items that you won’t find elsewhere, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for something truly unique.
The area’s chic boutiques and luxury stores, unique cafes, and trendy eateries make it an ideal destination for spending a day out. Melrose has a spectrum of shops from high-end boutiques to trendy sneaker shops to antiques to vintage clothes. Michael Jackson used to love shopping at the antique stores here and at Off the Wall on Cienega just north of Melrose.
Trendy Shopping on Melrose Avenue
As you move further east you get to more of the interesting shops that exhibit the latest in LA trends. It was full of punk and new-wave shops in the 80s and has set the standard for gritty L.A. trendiness since. The original Johnny Rockets opened here, and it once was home to the Burger that Ate L.A. At the far end, you’ll run into Pink’s Hot Dog Stand, which has been an L.A. institution since 1939.
Here’s a list of trendy shopping spots on Melrose Avenue, where you can find unique and fashionable items:
- Melrose Trading Post: Located at Fairfax High School, this Sunday flea market is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and eclectic finds. It’s a great place to discover one-of-a-kind items.
- Wasteland: Wasteland is a popular thrift and vintage clothing store that offers a curated selection of trendy and unique fashion pieces for both men and women.
- Round Two: Round Two is a vintage and streetwear boutique known for its selection of rare sneakers, vintage streetwear, and urban fashion.
- The Hundreds: This streetwear brand and store on Melrose Avenue offers clothing, accessories, and footwear with a focus on skate and street culture.
- Joyrich: Joyrich is a trendy boutique known for its bold and colorful streetwear collections, including collaborations with pop culture icons.
- Buffalo Exchange: A popular thrift and consignment store, Buffalo Exchange offers a range of trendy and secondhand clothing and accessories.
- Crossroads Trading Co.: Crossroads Trading Co. is another thrift and consignment store with a trendy selection of fashion items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Kitson: Kitson is a boutique known for its trendy and fashionable clothing, accessories, and gifts. It often carries items from emerging designers.
- Nasty Gal: The flagship store of the online fashion brand Nasty Gal offers trendy and edgy clothing and accessories for women.
- O-Mighty: O-Mighty is a trendy boutique known for its playful and bold fashion collections, including statement clothing and accessories.
- Stussy: The Stussy store on Melrose Avenue offers a selection of streetwear and urban fashion items for both men and women.
- UNIF: UNIF is a trendy fashion brand known for its edgy and alternative style. The Melrose Avenue store features a range of unique clothing and accessories.
- Shiekh Shoes: Shiekh Shoes is a trendy footwear store that offers a wide selection of sneakers, boots, and shoes from popular brands.
- Bodega: Bodega is a unique sneaker and streetwear boutique that features a hidden storefront and a curated selection of trendy items.
- Supreme Los Angeles: Known for its limited-release streetwear and collaborations, Supreme’s Los Angeles location on Fairfax Avenue near Melrose is a must-visit for streetwear enthusiasts.
Luxury Shopping Melrose Avenue West
For luxury shopping, the golden triangle bordered by Melrose Avenue should be your go-to destination. You’ll find an array of shops that offer a variety of luxurious retail experiences ideal for even the most discerning shoppers.
Head east down Melrose Avenue and you’ll hit two of the area’s most desirable high-end stores: Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith. At Vivienne Westwood, visitors will find ready-to-wear clothes along with an impressive selection of accessories. Paul Smith is perfect for those looking for Instagram-worthy outfits that make a statement on the streets of Los Angeles.
Here’s a list of luxury shopping options on Melrose Avenue:
- Maxfield: Maxfield is a high-end luxury boutique known for its curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, and home goods. It features a unique and ever-changing collection of luxury fashion.
- The RealReal: A luxury consignment store, The RealReal offers authenticated designer fashion, accessories, and jewelry at more affordable prices. It’s a great place to find pre-owned luxury items.
- Off-White: This fashion boutique by Virgil Abloh offers a selection of upscale streetwear and designer clothing known for its distinctive branding and style.
- Chrome Hearts: Chrome Hearts is a luxury brand known for its jewelry, clothing, and accessories with a rock-and-roll edge. The Melrose Avenue store features a unique interior design.
- Alexander Wang: The flagship store of Alexander Wang on Melrose Avenue offers a range of modern, edgy fashion pieces, including clothing, handbags, and footwear.
- Marc Jacobs: The Marc Jacobs store features fashion collections and accessories from the renowned designer known for his unique style and creativity.
- Balenciaga: This high-end boutique carries the latest collections from the luxury fashion brand Balenciaga, offering clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Vivienne Westwood: Vivienne Westwood is a British fashion designer known for her punk-inspired fashion. The Melrose Avenue store showcases her avant-garde creations.
- Melrose Place: This shopping enclave off Melrose Avenue offers a collection of luxury boutiques, including Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, and The Row. It’s often referred to as a quieter, more exclusive shopping spot.
- Golden Goose: Golden Goose Deluxe Brand offers premium sneakers, clothing, and accessories known for their vintage-inspired, distressed aesthetic.
- Vetements: Vetements is a fashion brand known for its deconstructed and oversized styles. The Melrose Avenue store showcases the brand’s avant-garde designs.
- Rag & Bone: Rag & Bone offers contemporary fashion with a focus on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, including clothing, denim, and footwear.
- Iro: This French brand offers a blend of edgy and casual fashion items, including clothing, outerwear, and footwear.
- Fred Segal: Fred Segal on Melrose Avenue is a legendary retailer known for its collection of upscale fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products.
- John Varvatos: John Varvatos is a designer known for his rock-and-roll-inspired clothing, footwear, and accessories. The Melrose Avenue store features a unique interior design.
Of course, on this part of Melrose, you can also visit DASH (8420 Melrose Avenue), the boutique owned by the enterprising Kim Kardashian and family.
Melrose Sneaker Stores
If you’re a sneaker enthusiast, you’ll find a variety of options to explore. Here’s a list of sneaker stores on Melrose Avenue:
- Round Two: Round Two is a popular vintage and streetwear boutique known for its selection of rare and collectible sneakers, along with vintage streetwear.
- Flight Club: Flight Club is a well-known sneaker consignment store where you can buy, sell, and trade sneakers. They have an extensive collection of rare and limited-edition sneakers.
- Supreme Los Angeles: While primarily a streetwear brand, Supreme often releases exclusive sneaker collaborations at their Melrose location, making it a destination for sneakerheads.
- Nike by Melrose: Nike’s flagship store on Melrose Avenue offers a wide range of Nike sneakers and apparel, along with customization options.
- Adidas Originals: This store features a selection of Adidas sneakers and streetwear, including limited-edition releases and collaborations.
- Converse: The Converse store on Melrose Avenue offers a variety of Converse sneakers and customization options to create your unique pair.
- Shoe Palace: Shoe Palace is a popular footwear retailer that offers a range of sneakers from various brands, including Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and more.
- Vans Store: Vans enthusiasts can explore the Vans Store on Melrose, which features a wide selection of Vans sneakers and apparel.
- Sneaker City: This sneaker boutique offers a collection of sought-after sneakers, including releases from major brands like Nike and Adidas.
- Sportie LA: Located nearby on Melrose Avenue, Sportie LA is a sneaker and streetwear store with a diverse selection of athletic shoes, retro sneakers, and urban fashion.
- The Holy Grail: A consignment and sneaker boutique, The Holy Grail features rare and hard-to-find sneakers from various brands.
- RIF Los Angeles: Located just a short drive from Melrose Avenue, RIF (Rif.la) is a popular consignment shop known for its selection of collectible sneakers and streetwear.
Sneaker culture is dynamic, and new stores and pop-up shops may appear, so keep an eye out for the latest additions to the Melrose Avenue sneaker scene.
Melrose Place Shopping
Located a short detour off of La Cienega, this unique street has something for everyone! From luxurious designer boutiques to gorgeous ocean-inspired jewelry, every shopper’s taste is guaranteed to be satisfied.
Designer Boutiques
Melrose Place is home to many designer boutiques, offering everything from classic evening wear to chic daywear. Monique LHuillier, Isabel Marant, and Chloe are just a few of the high-end designers available on the street. Veteran shoppers may also recognize The Row, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion outfit or simply some pieces to update your wardrobe, this is the place to find it.
Jewelry
If you’re in the mood for some glittering jewels, don’t miss Irene Neuwirth’s stunning designs. Drawing inspiration from the ocean, these vibrant pieces make any outfit shine. Complete your look with some of Irene’s signature earrings or necklaces and prepare to turn heads!
Alfred Coffee
No visit to Melrose Place is complete without a stop at Alfred Coffee. Situated right on the corner, this original location is larger than its sister branches scattered throughout Los Angeles. Grab a latte at the underground counter, then head up to the terrace for some prime celebrity spotting (or maybe just watch the locals go about their day!).
Best places to eat & drink on Melrose
Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is not only a hotspot for shopping but also offers a diverse range of dining and drinking options. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink on Melrose:
Restaurants:
- Lucques: A beloved restaurant by Chef Suzanne Goin, Lucques offers Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine. The seasonal menu and cozy atmosphere make it a popular choice.
- Gracias Madre: This trendy vegan Mexican restaurant offers a plant-based menu with creative dishes and delicious cocktails. The outdoor patio is a great place to dine.
- Crossroads Kitchen: Another fantastic vegan option on Melrose, Crossroads Kitchen serves upscale plant-based cuisine in a stylish setting.
- Osteria Mozza: Co-owned by celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton, and Joe Bastianich, Osteria Mozza offers Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. The mozzarella bar is a highlight.
- Pizzana: Pizzana serves artisanal pizzas with creative toppings and a variety of Italian-inspired dishes. The stylish and modern restaurant is known for its pizza crust.
- Animal: If you’re a fan of meat-centric dishes, Animal is the place to go. The menu includes inventive and delicious options like foie gras and pork belly.
- Carrera Cafe: Known for its Instagram-worthy latte art, Carrera Cafe offers coffee, teas, and light bites in a chic and artsy atmosphere.
- Blu Jam Cafe: A popular breakfast and brunch spot, Blu Jam Cafe serves a range of delicious breakfast dishes, including their famous Crunchy French Toast.
Cafes and Dessert:
- Alfred Tea Room: Alfred is famous for its stylish pink decor and a variety of teas, boba drinks, and matcha treats.
- Salt & Straw: This artisanal ice cream shop offers unique and seasonal flavors that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bars and Nightlife:
- The Phoenix: A popular dive bar on Melrose, The Phoenix offers a relaxed atmosphere, pool tables, and reasonably priced drinks.
- No Vacancy: Located in a historic Victorian house, No Vacancy is a speakeasy-style bar known for its unique cocktails and themed rooms.
- Harlowe: Harlowe is a vintage-inspired cocktail bar with a great happy hour and a classic Hollywood vibe.
Melrose Design District
A visit to Los Angeles’ chic Melrose Design District is a must for anyone looking for an exciting and diverse experience. Anchored by the vibrant green, red, and blue buildings of the Pacific Design Center, this area offers plenty of sights to explore.
MOCA Pacific Design Center
At the center of it all is MOCA Pacific Design Center – an extension of the famous Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown LA. This free-admission museum exhibits art from various local artists. It’s well worth spending some time here admiring the cutting-edge art and sculptures and getting to know what LA’s creative scene has to offer.
Dining Options
When you’re done browsing the artwork, refuel with some of the district’s delicious dining options. For vegan cuisine, there’s Gracias Madre, a Mexican-themed restaurant from Cafe Gratitude. With its bright atmosphere and outdoor seating, it’s perfect for enjoying tasty tempeh wraps and soups. Or if you’re after something a bit more French-inspired, head to Zinqué for power breakfasts and late afternoon glasses of wine and cheese.
Wine & Spirits
If you’d rather have your vino at home, Du Vin Wine & Spirits is not far away. This cave-like boutique specializes in wines and liquors, and its knowledgeable staff is delighted to help you find just the right drink for the occasion.
Melrose Avenue Nightlife
For a night on the town, head to West Hollywood and experience all this area has to offer. For great entertainment, Melrose Avenue also is home to a couple of Los Angeles’s great comedy venues.
The Groundlings (7307 Melrose Avenue) is a comedy sketch school that puts on shows many nights of the week for the public. It’s a breeding ground for many performers on Saturday Night Live and TV and film. Famous alums of the Groundlings include Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Lisa Kudrow, Paul Reubens, Jon Lovitz, Kathy Griffin, and several others.
Also on Melrose is The Improv (8162 Melrose Avenue), a stand-up comedy club that featured a long list of comedians before they hit it big, like Richard Pryor, Larry David, and Jay Leno; even Dustin Hoffman played the piano. Just about every big-name comedian has performed at the Improv at some point in their careers.
When it’s time to relax after a night of laughs, Palihotel is the ideal place to wind down. This boutique hotel has small but stylish rooms that make for a comfortable stay. Plus, their in-house restaurant Severance Restaurant & Bar offers an exquisite French-inspired menu of small plates and snacks along with classic cocktails, wine, and beer – perfect for enjoying al fresco in their gorgeous outdoor dining area.
So there you have it — a whole day of shopping, food, and fun. So when you’re not seeing L.A. on one of our tours, you’ve got another whole day on Melrose planned. See you there!