Welcome to Atwater Village
Nature meets nuance in this eclectic, effervescent Los Angeles enclave.
Situated near the lush Los Angeles River basin, Atwater Village crystallizes the City of Angels’ welcoming and liberal spirit. Lively eateries and exceptional shops share the 1.78-square mile terrain with Spanish bungalows, rustic homes, and houses full of character—architectural nods that parallel Southern California’s signature combination of cosmopolitan flair and natural beauty.
A magnet for young professionals and creatives, Atwater Village isn’t just a hot, up-and-coming neighborhood; it also pays homage to Los Angeles’ rich history and colorful culture. As one of the few places in LA where you’re just as likely to find a horseback rider trotting past a vibrant bar as an avian enthusiast walking into an exotic bird shop, the northeastern district enjoys a fashionable but inclusive ethos.
What to Love
- Central location with proximity to several Los Angeles treasures, including Griffith Park
- Ideally located for commuters, families, and students
- Widely recognized as a dining and shopping destination
Local Lifestyle
Inspired souls and burgeoning families flock to Atwater Village to redefine hip in a welcoming environment full of character. This is a definitively artsy part of Los Angeles, as evidenced by the neighborhood’s keen eye for blending street art with serene “pocket parks” and stunning historic landmarks. Residents enjoy the excellent food and shopping here, as well as the outdoorsy scene of Griffith Park.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
One of Atwater Village’s claims to fame? It was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” For a good reason, too, as the tree-lined region is home to a host of quirky shops, superb restaurants, and glamorous dwellings, which gives the downtown area immense appeal and ups its cool factor.
All’Acqua is a testament to this unique personality: Italian for “Atwater Village,” this neighborhood favorite boasts an uber-inviting setting that’s perfect for savoring one of their wood-fired pizzas and a bottle of California-crafted prosecco.
Conviviality is also found in “the living room of Atwater Village,” Bon Vivant Market & Café—a hub for community and culture famous for its “rockin’ macaroni and chees” and live music. On the same boulevard, you will be blessed at Hail Mary Pizza. Deemed the place in LA for ethically-sourced, distinctive pizzas—with seasonal toppings ranging from creamy raclette to pickled broccoli—this trendy spot makes an enormous effort to please its patrons and support local farmers. And, when that sweet tooth needs to be satisfied, head to the worker-owned co-op, Proof Bakery. Here, you will discover a luscious and extensive menu brimming with items such as canelé and cornmeal thumbprints.
Atwater Village’s shopping scene is just as charming and intimate. Offering a beloved bookstore, an excellent venue for vinyl records, and plenty of independent shops specializing in luxe and vintage apparel, it draws crowds everywhere from Culver City to Santa Monica.
Such crowds are often just as eager to check out Atwater Village’s renowned music scene for entertainment. The neighborhood presents a Beastie Boys statue and a flourishing studio, while many of its taverns and restaurants frequently feature performances by local talent. Another boon for music lovers is Zebulon, which presents live concerts, soul shakedowns, and release parties.
Things to Do
Given Atwater Village’s location near the Los Angeles River, the land surrounding this area is fertile ground for California’s famous produce—a fact that’s celebrated every Sunday at the village’s Farmers’ Market, where more than two dozen purveyors offer items such as heirloom tomatoes, organic herbs, and artisan bread. (Bonus points: the market also features live music.)
Happen to be a foodie? You will also be thrilled with Taste of the Eastside, a tribute to the region’s dining scene featuring stellar eats from various Atwater Village restaurants. Meanwhile, those who adore the outdoors will delight in the emerald fields that make up the Los Feliz Golf Course, a 9-hole course ideal for soaking up the sun on a family outing.
Schools
As part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Atwater Village is near several exemplary private and public institutions. These include:
