A Rainy Day in Highland Park
Rain in LA is a gift. Especially in Highland Park, where the streets smell like wet asphalt and eucalyptus and everyone suddenly has an excuse to slow down. Here's how to spend it right.
10am, Coffee at Tierra Mia
Start on Figueroa and order the horchata latte. It's warm, it's cinnamony, it's exactly what the day calls for. Grab a window seat if you can and watch the rain hit the street for a minute before you do anything else. Figueroa St.
11am, Browse at The Quiet Life
Walk two blocks north to 5627 N Figueroa. The Quiet Life is one of those shops where you always leave with something you didn't plan to buy, a cap, a tee, a book. Rainy days were made for wandering through here slowly. No rush.
Noon, Lunch at Wax Paper
Head over to 2902 Knox Ave for a sandwich. Get whatever's on the specials board, their house-made spreads and condiments are the whole point. This is not a fast-food situation. Sit down, eat slow, let the rain do its thing outside.
1:30pm, Soda run at Galco's
Drive or walk to 5702 York Blvd. Galco's Soda Pop Stop has over 500 specialty sodas, birch beer, cream soda, bottles you've never heard of, Mexican Coke in glass. Pick up two or three for the afternoon. It's genuinely one of the most specific places in all of Los Angeles and it's right here.
2:30pm, Self Help Graphics & Art
Head to 1300 N Mission Rd. Self Help Graphics has been a cornerstone of Chicano art and culture since the 70s. Check what's currently showing, there's almost always something on the walls worth standing in front of for a while. Free to browse, deeply worth it.
4pm, Tropical Juice LA
Circle back to 5729 N Figueroa for something fresh and cold (yes, even on a rainy day). The fruit here is the real deal. Think of it as a palate reset before the evening starts.
5pm, Drinks at The Hermosillo
5125 York Blvd. A proper neighborhood bar. Order a well whiskey drink or whatever's on draft and settle into a booth. It gets cozy fast when it's wet outside. Good place to figure out the rest of the night with whoever you're with.
7pm, Dinner at Hippo
Walk up to 5918 N Figueroa. Hippo is worth a reservation on a rainy Friday, the room is warm, the cocktails are serious, and the food holds up. This is the sit-down-and-stay-a-while portion of the day.
9pm, Lodge Room
Check what's playing at Lodge Room (104 N Ave 56) before you commit to the night. It's one of the best small venues in the city, standing room, great sound, touring acts that actually matter. If something's on, end the night here. Rain on the roof of a concert hall hits different.
Parking note: Street parking on Figueroa is manageable on rainy days, people stay home. York Blvd around Galco's is easy. For Lodge Room and Checker Hall, the lot on Ave 56 usually has space by evening.
The whole thing fits in one neighborhood. You won't need the freeway once.