Haley and Josh lived in Los Angeles — Venice Beach, specifically — many years ago, when owning Meridian Boutique and Meridian Men was just a twinkle in their eyes, if you will. Their passion for travel and new adventures led them away from the city, but they still love an excuse for a visit. When they’re in LA for work, you’ll find them between appointments at their favorite restaurants, shops, hiking trails (believe it or not, Los Angeles has some!), plus eating copious amounts of stellar Mexican food.
Here’s the Meridian-approved guide to the City of Angels.
Eat & Drink:
Gjusta, Gjelina, Gjelina Take Away (GTA), and Gjusta Grocer - When Haley and Josh lived in Venice, their place was right behind Gjelina. If you spend the day in Venice, head to one or all of the Gjelina Restaurant Group’s businesses. Haley and Josh recommend the Wagyu Brisket Banh Mi sandwiches at GTA and the Turkey au jus sandwich at Gjusta. Grocer is also a delightful spot to get snacks for the beach and flowers for your hotel room or Airbnb.
Gracias Madre - The Mexican-inspired outpost of Cafe Gratitude, this spot in West Hollywood is fully plant-based but delicious enough to bring your meat-and-potatoes friend along without issue.
Sonoratown - Located in Downtown LA near the Fashion District, this is Haley's favorite burrito stop between meetings. Sonoratown specializes in food from the northern Mexican state of Sonora and they even bring Sonoran flour back across the border to make their tortillas (trust us, you can tell).
Meals by Genet - If you have time to make a stop in Little Ethiopia, do not sleep on it. Meals by Genet has been on the block for decades, and it was one of Josh and Haley’s favorite date night adventures back when they lived in Venice.
Damian - Such cool ambiance in this polished space. Perfect for meeting (and impressing) clients or friends. The incredible Mexican food doesn’t hurt, either.
Barra Santos - Recently Michelin-rated, this tiny Portuguese spot is worth the wait (and you can drink a glass of wine and people-watch in one of LA’s boldest fashion areas while waiting for your table).
Shop:
Mohawk General Store and Mohawk Man - We make a stop at both stores almost every time we visit (they’re located next door). Located in Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, there are also great spots for dining around the area, including The Black Cat a few doors down and Bar Stells across the street.
Worship Collective - A huge space with carefully curated, high-end, and designer vintage run by multiple master vintage buyers (hence the name “Collective”). Meridian’s vintage buyer (more on that soon!) once had her own racks here.
Sleeper: Located in Echo Park, one neighborhood over from Silver Lake, Sleeper sells a small curated collection of vintage, including men’s. A place to find pieces you’ll keep for a lifetime.
Broken English Jewelry - Absolutely incredible collections.
NOTO Botanics - If you plan to spend time in the uber-hip Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast L.A., stop into Noto Botanics for all-natural beauty and skincare.
Mondo Mondo and Unearthen - Speaking of Highland Park, these two boutique jewelers are located right next door to each other, only a couple blocks off Highland Park’s main drag, Figueroa Blvd.
Bodega: A hidden downtown shopping experience with great brands like Kapitol, Andersson Bell, Bode, Needles, etc.
Do:
Silver Lake Reservoir - Great for walking, people-watching, and — most importantly dog-watching — there are also plenty of shops and spots along the Reservoir loop to grab a coffee and a meal, including Botanica and L&E, from our “Eat” recommendations.
Surya Spa at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel - A note from Haley: Go to the Surya Spa — it will change your life!
Griffith Park - One of the best outdoor experiences in Los Angeles. Stop at Trails Cafe for coffee and a treat before hiking up to the Griffith Observatory for 360 city views. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a more intense hike up to the Hollywood sign.
Platform in Culver City - We considered dropping this in the “Shop” section, but truly, it’s an experience. Grab lunch or dinner at Roberta’s, one of New York’s most famous pizza spots that has opened its first West Coast outpost in Platform, then stop into some of our favorite shops: Teller, The Optimist, and Broome Street General Store
Stay:
Hotel Vitorrja - The latest venture from the Gjelina Restaurant Group, this hotel is on top of Haley and Josh’s “to stay” list for a future LA visit. It’s one block from the beach, and each custom suite is filled with vintage furniture. Guests can walk to Gjelina and Gjusta for meals, and the Vitorrja team can fill your room with flowers and supplies from Grocer.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel - See our note on the spa above!
Silverlake Pool & Inn - Stay here if you want to be more centrally located — and spend some time walking Sunset Blvd. The hotel also has poolside events with live music, so make sure to check their calendar during your stay. Don’t forget to visit Mohawk and Mohawk Man while you're in the neighborhood!
