Milkfarm is a rustic-style cheese shop that specializes in Artisan cheese, charcuterie and other handmade food products that are mostly from Los Angeles-based small and independent producers. Customers can pick up food to-go or stay and dine at the communal table or cheese counter. For lunch, there is a rotating selection of sandwiches made on freshly baked bread, along with cheese and charcuterie plates, pastries and other small bites. On Saturdays, Milkfarm hosts classes, wine and cheese pairings, and “Meet the Maker” Saturdays. 2106 Colorado Blvd., 323-892-1068, milkfarmla.com
For total cuteness overload, Leanna Lin’s Wonderland is a playful gift shop and art gallery that offers unique items for all ages. It carries everything from collectible toys and books to mid-century modern home décor and jewelry. The gallery features independent artists and designers, and hosts various art events and pop-ups throughout the year. 5024 N. Eagle Rock Blvd., 323-550-1332, leannalinswonderland.com
With rainbow letters above the entrance that spell out “Pinball!” along with other hand-painted signs in eye-catching font, it’s hard to miss Walt’s Bar, a retro arcade bar located at the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Westdale Avenue in a former plumber’s shop. Vintage pinball machines from the 1960s and 1970s line one wall, along with electro-mechanicals—some of the earliest models of the game. Patrons can whet their appetites with hot dogs served from rotisserie, German pretzels, a selection of craft beer and California wines. 4680 Eagle Rock Blvd., 323-739-6767
A hip hangout with retro décor, The Oinkster is a fast-casual concept from acclaimed chef Andre Guerrero that serves up premium burgers and sandwiches made with house-cured pastrami, slow-roasted pork, and freshly-ground Nebraska Angus beef. Choices include the Oinkster pastrami sandwich with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and red cabbage cole slaw, as well as the pork Adobo sandwich served on a pandesal bun with house made pork adobo, garlic aioli and pico de gallo—a nod to Guerrero’s Filipino roots. To round out one’s meal, an assortment of premium beer and quality wine is available, in addition to specialty sodas and hand scooped shakes made with Fosselman’s ice cream. 2005 Colorado Blvd., 323-255-6465, theoinkster.com
Both an arts education center and a performance venue, Center for the Arts Eagle Rock is a historic Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival-style building that was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1985. Originally built in 1915, the building was rebuilt in 1927 and became the Eagle Rock Branch Library until it closed in 1981. The center produces concert series, experiential sound events and music-related workshops, including the annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, a street fest that highlights local musicians. 2225 Colorado Blvd., 323-561-3044, cfaer.org
For an enjoyable workout with impressive views, Eagle Rock Canyon Trail is a dog-friendly hiking trail for all skill levels. Just under a mile long, the trail is accessible via Eagle Rock View Drive or Figueroa Boulevard and Richard Alatorre Park, a small recreational park that has picnic tables. Be on the lookout for the massive rock with a beak-like protrusion resembling an eagle in flight, which is how the city earned its name. 5499 Eagle Rock View Dr.
There’s no shortage of coffee shops in Eagle Rock, with many offering dog-friendly options including Muddy Paw Coffee & Park Eagle Rock, which has its own mini private dog park where four-legged friends can run around while their owners sip on award-winning hand-roasted coffee created by artisan roasters. The café also helps raise money for local animal rescues and has partnered with more than 50 organizations nationwide. 4610 Eagle Rock Blvd., 213-269-4802, muddypawla.com
Another pet-friendly spot is Swork Coffee, which boasts a kids’ play space and lounge area with Wi-Fi that encourages local professionals to bring in their laptops. The menu includes an assortment of espressos, teas and handcrafted lattes, as well as drinks for kids like the frothy “Babyccino,” which features lightly steamed organic whole milk, sprinkled with sweet cacao. 2160 Colorado Blvd., 323-258-5600, swork.com
Directly adjacent in neighboring Glassell Park, Little Ripper Coffee features surf-inspired décor and brings a taste of the Aussie spirit to every cup of coffee, including The Little Ripper, its signature latte available in lavender, turmeric or chicory-cacao, served with house made infused almond milk. 4155 Verdugo Rd., 323-739-0328, littlerippercoffee.com
Built in 1953, Eagle Rock Recreation Center was designed by acclaimed Modernist architect Richard Neutra. It was designated a Historic-Cultural Monument after being threatened with demolition in the 1980s and has been preserved ever since. The multipurpose facility has a gym, picnic areas, and wooden walls that can be hand-cranked to open the interior to the outside. Neutra’s signature structural members that resemble spider legs on the exterior are both functional and aesthetic, holding up the building while reinforcing its pavilion-like feel. During the summers, the center is one of the host venues for Street Food Cinema, a popular outdoor movie series that brings together music performances and food trucks. 1100 Eagle Vista Dr., 323-257-6948, laparks.org/reccenter/eagle-rock
Known for its signature thin-crust pizzas, pasta and other Italian fare, Casa Bianca Pizza Pie is a family-owned and operated local favorite that has been open since 1955. The interior features tables covered with red-checkered tablecloths and Moretti beer signs on the walls, while all of the dishes are made from scratch and the recipes have been passed down through generations. Its signature sausage pizza consists of sweetly spiced homemade sausage, cloves of roasted garlic and plenty of mozzarella cheese. 1650 Colorado Blvd., 323-256-9617, casabiancapizza.com
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