What do you think of when you hear the word “neighborhood?” Probably familiarity and community. That’s exactly what Neighborhood, a homey feeling coffee shop on La Brea in the Hancock Park district of Los Angeles is… and lucky for me it’s within walking distance of my apartment.
Immediately upon stepping inside, time slows down and you’re transported back to an era of vinyl records (which are on sale in a box, in the corner) and community- it’s completely “screen-less” (there’s no WiFi here so you have to like, talk to each other or read a book). For this reason, the interior seating is a large communal table and a high bar with windows facing the street- perfectly equipped for people watching and meeting new friends.
Neighborhood was opened in 2019 by longtime Hancock Park residents Matthew and Darin Friedman- brothers who have lived in and around the area for over 15 years, with the help of Darin’s wife, Because I’m Addicted blogger, Geri Hirsch. The group of them hoped to bring their neighbors a warm and welcoming place to gather, relax and nourish their spirits over a soul-warming cup of coffee.
There are beautiful aesthetics everywhere you look, this shop. The design influences of the shop include the Danish principles of hygge and Japanese Wabi Sabi. The pink hued walls were inspired by John Pawson’s salmon pink home in Mallorca, Spain. From the black and white marble countertops to the homemade appearing pottery the drinks are served in, it’s clear that no detail went without proper thought for the design of this shop (with the help of Disc Interiors).
I immediately went for the almond milk latte- and it was the creamiest, most wonderfully blended hot drink I could’ve dreamed of. Bonus points, because they didn’t charge extra for almond milk! The shop serves locally roasted organic beans from Canyon Coffee, and features smoothies from Daily Harvest, sips from Moon Juice, Craig’s vegan ice cream, alongside heavenly smelling pastries like cinnamon rolls and scones. They are truly champions at supporting local businesses.
There’s an outdoor seating area behind the storefront with plenty of sunshine, string lights and hanging flowers which Conner and I enjoyed all to ourselves because it seemed like a hidden gem of a back patio. I just loved the exterior building itself- it’s a Spanish-style adobe design with colorful tiling and plentiful greenery.
Be warned that parking can be tricky, since there’s no parking lot and it’s located on La Brea which is a major street of Los Angeles. However, there’s metered parking available on the main road, as well as nearby neighborhoods with street parking.
Neighborhood is located at 133 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles CA 90036. It’s open Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm, Sat & Sun: 7am-7pm.
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