Neighborhood Series: Spending a Day in Montrose, CA

Montrose is a quaint neighborhood squeezed between the Verdugo Mountains and the Angeles National Forest. It’s like visiting your small, charming hometown if you had a hometown just north of a major city. We recommend a visit when you’re feeling like getting out of the city without making a major trip of it.

Getting There

• Metro: Although there’s no convenient Metro train stop nearby, there are several bus lines that run through Montrose: 3, 31, 33, 34, 90, and 409
• Driving: Park for free in the lot at 2266 Florencita Dr W.

Morning

• 10:00am: Start the day with a light breakfast at Gio’s Bakery & Cafe. Regulars love their pastries and coffee!
• 10:45am: Enjoy the charming harvest market along Honolulu Ave. and browse produce, flowers, and prepared foods.
• 11:15am: Stroll East along Honolulu Ave to do some shopping, and make sure not to miss Lost Books. If you’re feeling crafty, stop in at Color Me Mine to paint a piece of pottery (yes, it’s a chain and mostly for kids but it’s delightful, ok?!). 

Afternoon

• 12:15pm: Turn right onto Montrose Ave and head a few blocks down to Café Montrose for lunch. If you have extra time on the way, stroll through Montrose Community Park across the street to enjoy mountain views and people watching.
• 1:00pm: Stop for a cocktail or mocktail at John Sparr Tavern just around the corner of Ocean View Blvd. 
• 1:45pm: Head North along Ocean View, stopping to pick up a treat for later at Sweet Demi Lune Bakery & Cafe, then head West along Honolulu Ave. Enjoy the shops until you arrive at The T Room for a classic tea-and-snack tower hour ($34/person).
• 3:00pm: Continue perusing the shops Westward until you make it to The Stone Femme Studio rock shop and Pattye’s Closet vintage clothing. 
• 4:00pm: Time to step out of your walking shoes one block East at Montrose Bowl, a charming retro-style bowling alley. Grab a drink at the snack counter and bowl a few games ($30-$50/lane/hour).
• 5:30pm: Treat yourself again! Grab an ice cream (non-dairy options available) or sorbet at Moo Moo Mia across the street. Strawberry sorbet and peanut butter Oreo are local favorites!

Evening

• 6:00pm: Hopefully you saved room for a tapas dinner at Casa Córdoba, right next door. Make sure to get a patio table for the best ambiance.
• 6:45pm: Follow up your dinner with drinks at Thee Elbow Room, a casual spot with lovely outdoor seating.
• 8:00pm: Montrose isn’t known for nightlife, but if you’re feeling like keeping the night going then check out Avignone’s cocktail bar. Enjoy the cozy local hang with a pool table and live music on Saturdays.

Tips

• Total walk time: 41 minutes
• Besides the farmers market (Sundays only), this itinerary can be done Thursday-Sunday. We recommend making a reservation at The T Room in advance. Montrose Bowl hosts a lot of private parties, so we recommend checking their Instagram in advance to make sure they’re open for public bowling.
• If you’re not so into strolling and shopping, spend the morning just on the other side of the 2 at Descanso Gardens.
• If you have any kiddos in your life this is a great, chill place to take them. Check out LAVIEDOVE, Little Sprout, Tom’s Toys, and Once Upon a Time Bookstore for shopping. For entertainment, consider Little Rascals Clubhouse, The Paper Rabbit, or iPlay Arcade.

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