Beverly Grove - Los Angeles, CA Area Guide

Wilshire Boulevard was once a farm road. The area was built up in the '20s by developers to rival downtown. As immigrants moved in and continue to do so, the area has been shifted and shaped into a space utilized by people from every corner of the world.

The neighborhood’s location in the midst of everything means it holds a large mix of things to appreciate from all types of realms and nationalities. The world famous LACMA holds 150,000 art works spanning centuries. Also, check out the Berlin Wall Project, a piece of history transplanted to Wilshire, and take a 360-degree look at the graffiti of Communist times. Mid-Wilshire also holds the historic El Rey Theatre, featuring the best musicians under its ornate chandeliers.

In classic L.A. fashion, Mid-Wilshire boasts a slew of foodie-havens fit for any palette and craving. Drive down La Brea, Wilshire, or Olympic and pick one of these joints for a tasty meal any time of day.

Hiatus Urban BBQ cooks its meats low and slow in the smoker and serves them up alongside farmer's market vegetables. The restaurant fuses Southern Comfort BBQ with a California fresh twist for a balanced and light meal that remains bold. Grab a sandwich, salad, or plate, and add your own sauces. Don't forget to end with a smoked chocolate chip cookie.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned, fresh, and homemade, Mo Better Burgers is a local favorite. Sit down in one of the mismatched chairs, admire the books titles, and listen to James Brown while you sink your teeth into the huge burgers.

Many restaurants claim to be traditional, but Andre's Italian really delivers. Made from scratch, the meatballs and chunky sauce provide a rich topping to the al dente pasta and taste perfect when sopped up with seasoned garlic bread. The prices don't set you back either; you can eat for under $10, and the daily special usually runs for a mere $6.

With so many restaurants of its kind, Yuko Kitchen still stands out from the rest. It sits as one of the top-rated Japanese joints due to its lovely outdoor and indoor patio, spicy salmon rice bowls, classic rolls, and attentive service. The real draw proves to be the one-of-a-kind green tea chocolate chip cookies with fresh strawberries baked into the mix.

If you want a meal on the healthier side, Powerplant Superfood Cafe satisfies vegans and carnivores alike. All of the dishes come together with the freshest ingredients, making for colorful beauties you almost don't want to eat. Try the watermelon gazpacho, tempeh reuben and red lentil pasta.

Tacos for just $1 fly of off the El Chato Taco Truck every day and especially late at night. With so many taco trucks in the area, this one sits a shelf above the rest due to fresh ingredients and superior cuts of meat. Patrons appreciate the touches of handmade tortillas and grilled onions and rave about the traditional cabeza and lengua variety.

Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant and Market is a great choice, especially for vegetarians. The veggie combo fills you up with curried vegetables and beans alongside classic sour bread. Sip on coffee with cardamom or honey wine, and relax under traditional draped ceilings for an exotic dining experience. This neighborhood's nightlife has a low-key vibe, promising excellent libations alongside complementary tapas and appetizers in buzzing atmospheres.

Little Bar Lounge attracts a crowd to play favorites on the jukebox, throw darts, and sip soju. For dancing, head to Busby's East. You can also play ping pong, video games, or watch sports. Check out Tom Bergin's for a homey pub feel. You can hang your own shamrock on the wall and sip classic brews amongst the Celtic decor. Mixology 101 proves great for both drinking and people watching, as it sits on the upstairs portion of the Grove, allowing you to take in shoppers and pretty lights.

The neighborhood is flanked by three of Los Angeles’ major streets: Wilshire, Pico, and 3rd. Beware of heavy traffic during rush hour. The central location offers accessibility to freeways and makes it convenient for getting you all over the city. Just like traffic, parking may not be a breeze but be proves easier than Koreatown or other areas. You can take one of the major streets, hop on or off the 10 and the 101, and get anywhere easily. Residents use public transportation more than other neighborhoods, but it hasn't expanded to be a main form of transit. Portions of the main roads remain walkable and bikeable, but like most of L.A., cars rule the roadways. Uber and taxis pick up and drop off very easily as well.

Harold A. Henry Park offers a small and picturesque rest area, complete with a playground, plenty of greenery and even trees that give your eyes a break from the usual palms in the city. Come here to have a picnic, lounge on the grass or people-watch. It gets busy on the weekend afternoons, when kids run amok and seniors practice Thai Chi.

For more energetic activity, residents love La High Memorial Park. You can bike, roller skate, climb the jungle gym or bring your dog for play time. There exists plenty of space for pick-up games, and people often meet for boot camp classes. Stop in the library and grab a bite from the burger truck after a good workout or exhausting game.

Living in Mid-Wilshire doesn't suit those looking for cost-effective accommodations; living costs about 13 percent more than L.A., but the amenities are worth it. You can purchase an all-day public transit pass for $3, beer runs for about $6, and gas costs about 15 percent more than the national average. The median price for a one-bedroom residence runs about $2,005 per month on average.

Along the busy streets of Wilshire and La Brea, you can find quaint storefronts and standard favorites, including CVS and Kmart. A few gems dot the main roads. Mood Fabrics proves famous for its warehouse supply of fabrics for any sewing project. Come for your supplies, but also take advantage of the free sewing classes.

If you love "Harry Potter," "Doctor Who," or "Game of Thrones," head to Whimsic Alley and let your imagination run wild. You can buy butter beer, wands, robes, and a variety of other things from your favorite fantasy world. Come here just for the fun of what you can see, or purchase trinkets for gifts or yourself.

Whole Foods and Ralphs promise the tried-and-true grocery products, but Mid-Wilshire also holds a few markets worth visiting. Merkato Ethiopian Market sells things you can't find elsewhere, such as raw green coffee and Ethiopian hot sauce. Pico Ranch Market offers Mexican goods, bargain-priced produce, and a great butcher counter for carne asada. Mid-Wilshire puts on the Miracle Mile Farmers Market every Wednesday, offering a large gathering of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other items. Food vendors are also available.