Black-suited Orthodox Jews, tattooed hipsters, and well-heeled suburbanites converge on this historic artery that links L.A. with Beverly Hills. Charming prewar buildings lining the stretch between La Brea and Fairfax include shops and restaurants that are just as likely to celebrate ages-old pottery as they are to offer the latest in sustainable cuisine. CBS Television City and Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema add a celebrity quotient.
Background Check
What’s in a Name?
“Beverly,” like Beverly Hills, was inspired by the Beverly Farms community in Massachusetts. The street was named in 1921.
Prime Parking
You get two hours free during the day on the side streets north and south of Beverly.
Local Landmark
The redbrick Heinsbergen Decorating Company Building (between Martel and Vista) was built in 1928.
1. Rolling Greens
In addition to a plant selection as stellar as the Culver City location’s, this outpost carrries bed, bath, and kitchen products and books on food and art. You can still see the weathered brick facade of the tire company that was once a fixture here. » 7505 Beverly Blvd., 323-934-4500.
2. Beverly Judaica & Gifts
The tiny shop stocks everything for daily use (prayer books, talliths, skull caps) as well as for special occasions (Sabbath candlesticks, crystal honey pots, kiddush cups). » 7227 Beverly Blvd., 323-930-1081
3. Eva
The cozy bungalow, formerly home to Hatfield’s, serves farmers’ market-inspired dishes from chef-owner Mark Gold (right). The Schaner Family Farms Organic Egg is a standout, as is “linguine” lobster with udon. The Sunday Family Dinner, at $39, is one of the city’s best deals. » 7458 Beverly Blvd., 323-634-0700
4. Mister Freedom
Inside the 3,200-square-foot space—adorned floor to ceiling with vintage props—are men’s and women’s apparel from the 1850s (really) to the present day. The store’s contemporary line features graphic T-shirts, peacoats, and canvas bags. » 7161 Beverly Blvd., 323-653-2014
5. Heath Ceramics
Four dinnerware lines, plus seconds at reduced prices, are displayed like the works of art they are at the Sausalito-based company’s L.A. branch. Potter Adam Silverman’s studio is on-site, too. » 7525 Beverly Blvd., 323-965-0800
6. Terroni
With a foosball table out front, a chandelier above the bar, and a broad menu of bubble-crusted pizzas and house-made pastas, this Toronto import focusing on southern Italian cooking draws a crowd. » 7605 Beverly Blvd., 323-954-0300
7. Privé Salon/Ona Spa
Celebrity hairstylist Laurent D sets the mood with soft lighting and a trickling stream by the front door. Upstairs, spa services include chocolate-rose exfoliation, facials, massages, acupuncture, and Botox injections. » 7373 Beverly Blvd., 323-931-5559 or privesalon.com; 323-931-4442
8. The Urban Pet
For grooming, Pour La Pooch is up the street. To satisfy your pet’s other needs, stop here for cotton hemp beds, organic shampoos, and health food (Artemis, Orijen, Weruva) not found at the chains. Just keep Bruiser away from the tempting koi pond. » 7515 Beverly Blvd., 323-933-2100
9. Heidi Abra
Heidi Abra’s designs marry a high and low aesthetic: brilliant gemstone buckles on painted- leather belts, silk-velvet bags that are washer-dryer friendly. The beaded tunics, silk caftans, and embroidered skirts are also handmade at the boutique. » 7278 Beverly Blvd., 323-935-9799
10. Gibson
Interior designer Gary Gibson calls his collection of eclectic objects a “well-edited flea market.” Among his treasures are vintage lanterns and tools, cloisonné boxes, and glassware. He also has a furniture line and represents more than 30 local artists. » 7350 Beverly Blvd., 323-934-4248
Why I Love It Here
“My wife, Elizabeth, was pushing for this location. She had good sense. It’s in the middle of everything. There were fewer restaurants when we opened in October 2001. Now there are many restaurants, galleries, and design stores. I like walking to them—it’s relaxing. There’s the Italian furniture at Eccola, where the owners speak Italian. I’ll go to El Coyote for a margarita and a quesadilla after work. I like the pear tarte tatin at Susina and the ice cream at Milk. Sometimes before dinner service we give the staff next door at Itacho pizza, pasta, and panna cotta, and they give us sushi and sashimi. The street has improved because of the arrival of new businesses. Well, maybe the alley could be repaved.”
—Gino Angelini, chef-owner, angeliniosteria.com, 7313 Beverly Blvd., 323-297-0070
Photographs by Lisa Romerein. Illustration by Andy Friedman
Images courtesy: (6) terroni.com, (8) theurbanpet.net