Highland Park is one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and historic neighborhoods, known for its creative energy, walkable streets, and thriving local food and coffee scene. Located in Northeast Los Angeles between Pasadena and Downtown LA, Highland Park has become a destination for artists, entrepreneurs, and longtime residents who appreciate its strong sense of community and distinctive character.
The neighborhood is especially known for York Boulevard and Figueroa Street, where independent restaurants, neighborhood cafés, vintage shops, and music venues create a lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening. From casual coffee spots to innovative restaurants and cocktail bars, Highland Park offers a dynamic mix of culture, creativity, and local pride.
Restaurants
Coffee
Bars
Things to Do
Restaurants
1. Home State
What it is known for:
HomeState is one of the most popular restaurants in Highland Park, known for authentic Texas style breakfast tacos, house made flour tortillas, queso, and casual comfort food. The restaurant has a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere and is especially busy on weekends for breakfast and brunch. Many locals stop here for breakfast tacos, coffee, and quick lunches, making it a staple in the Highland Park dining scene.
Address
5611 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.myhomestate.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/homestate/
2. Joy
What it is known for:
Joy is one of the most beloved restaurants in Highland Park, known for Taiwanese comfort food such as handmade noodles, dumplings, braised pork rice, and scallion pancakes. The restaurant is casual, affordable, and consistently busy, and it has become one of the most popular dining spots in the neighborhood. Joy is often mentioned on lists of best casual restaurants in Los Angeles.
Address
5100 York Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.joyonyork.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/joyonyork
3. Highly Likely
What it is known for:
A popular neighborhood café and restaurant known for seasonal California cuisine, brunch, natural wines, and a relaxed community atmosphere. Highly Likely is a common weekend brunch spot in Highland Park.
Address
5526 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.itshighlylikely.com/location/highland-park
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/itshighlylikely/
4. Checker Hall
What it is known for:
A stylish restaurant and music venue located inside the historic Highland Park Ebell Club. Checker Hall is known for Mediterranean inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and live performances.
Address
104 N Ave 56
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.checkerhall.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/checkerhall/
Coffee
1. Loquat Coffee
What it is known for:
A modern specialty coffee shop known for carefully sourced beans, expertly brewed espresso drinks, and a bright minimalist café space. Loquat Coffee has quickly become one of the most popular coffee destinations in Highland Park.
Address
1201 Cypress Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Website
https://www.loquatcoffee.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/LOQUATCOFFEE
2. Civil Coffee
What it is known for:
Civil Coffee is a community focused café known for high quality espresso drinks, locally roasted beans, and a bright, modern café space. The shop is a popular meeting place for residents, students, and people working remotely. Civil Coffee has become one of the most well known neighborhood coffee shops in Highland Park and is a common weekend stop for locals.
Address
5629 N Figueroa St,
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://civilcoffee.com/pages/highland-park
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/civilcoffee/
3. Go Get Em Tiger
What it is known for:
A highly regarded specialty coffee shop known for minimalist design and carefully crafted espresso drinks. Maru Coffee has developed a strong following for its high quality beans, smooth espresso, and signature cream top drinks. The Arts District location is especially popular with creatives and professionals working in downtown Los Angeles.
Address
5916 N Figueroa St,
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://gget.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ggetla/
4. Jane
What it is known for:
Jane is a cozy neighborhood café in Highland Park known for its coffee, brunch menu, and relaxed atmosphere. The café serves espresso drinks, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and pastries, and is a popular spot for weekend brunch and casual weekday coffee meetings. With its welcoming interior and outdoor seating, Jane has become a neighborhood gathering place where locals meet friends, work remotely, or start their mornings.
Address
5830 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.janeonyork.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/janeonyork/
Bars
1. The Offbeat
What it is known for:
The Offbeat is a lively neighborhood bar known for live music, DJs, craft cocktails, and themed events throughout the week. Located on York Boulevard, it is one of the most popular nightlife spots in Highland Park and attracts a mix of locals, musicians, and artists. The bar has a fun, energetic atmosphere and is known for its music and events.
Address
6316 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://offbeatbar.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/theoffbeatbar
2. Gold Line
What it is known for:
Gold Line is a vinyl listening bar known for its large record collection, high quality sound system, and carefully crafted cocktails. The bar focuses on music and sound quality, creating a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy music while having drinks. It has become one of the most unique bars in Highland Park.
Address
5607 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://goldlinebar.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/goldlinebar/?hl=en
3. La Cuevita
What it is known for:
La Cuevita is a popular Highland Park cocktail bar known for its extensive tequila and mezcal selection, creative craft cocktails, and lively neighborhood atmosphere. The bar features a colorful interior, a small dance floor, and a back patio that often hosts DJs and live music. La Cuevita has become one of the go to nightlife spots in Highland Park, especially on weekends, and is known for its energetic atmosphere and strong cocktail menu.
Address
5922 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.lacuevitabar.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lacuevitabar/
Things to Do
1. Highland Park Bowl
Highland Park Bowl is the oldest bowling alley in Los Angeles and has been beautifully restored into a bowling alley, bar, restaurant, and event space. The historic building features leather seating, chandeliers, vintage details, and a lively atmosphere that blends nightlife and entertainment. In addition to bowling, visitors can enjoy pizza, drinks, and music, making it one of the most popular places in Highland Park for group outings, date nights, and weekend activities. It has become a major gathering spot in the neighborhood and a unique entertainment venue in Northeast Los Angeles.
Address
5621 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.highlandparkbowl.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/highlandparkbowl
2. Highland Park Farmers Market
Address
5724 N Figueroa St
Highland Park, CA 90042
Website
https://tourism.lacity.gov
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/highlandparkcfm
3. Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a historic puppet theater and cultural landmark that has been entertaining audiences for decades with handcrafted marionette performances, seasonal shows, and special events. The theater is known for its colorful sets, classic puppetry performances, and family friendly shows, and it remains one of the most unique entertainment venues in Los Angeles. It is especially popular for children’s shows, holiday performances, and community events, making it an important part of Highland Park’s arts and culture scene.
Address
4949 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website
https://www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bobbakermarionettes/
Highland Park continues to attract people who value creativity, culture, and a strong neighborhood identity. Its blend of historic homes, locally owned businesses, and vibrant nightlife gives the community a character that feels both welcoming and distinctive.
Whether you are exploring the neighborhood’s restaurants, meeting friends at a local café, or discovering live music along York Boulevard, Highland Park offers a lifestyle that feels connected and energetic. It remains one of the most exciting and evolving neighborhoods in Northeast Los Angeles.
