A rainy day itinerary for Los Feliz
Rain in LA is a gift, especially in Los Feliz. The neighborhood slows down, the hills go green, and all the best indoor spots suddenly feel even cozier. Here's how to spend it right.
9:30am, Coffee and a donut on Hillhurst
Park on Hillhurst somewhere between Franklin and Prospect, street parking is usually easy on a wet morning. Walk to Daily Donuts (1908 Hillhurst Ave) and grab something glazed and warm. Then duck into Maru Coffee right down the street at 1936 Hillhurst for a proper latte. Stand at the window and watch the rain hit the sidewalk. Good start.
10:30am, Browse Skylight Books
Head south on Vermont to Skylight Books (1818 Vermont Ave). Give yourself at least an hour. Read the handwritten staff recommendation cards, they're genuinely good. If you want art books, prints, or something a little weirder, pop next door to Skylight Part Deux Arts Annex at 1814 N Vermont. Buy two books minimum. You're inside. It's raining. You have no excuse.
12:30pm, Lunch at Palermo
Walk up Vermont to Palermo Italian Restaurant (1858 N Vermont Ave). It's been here since 1958 and it shows, in the best way. Order the lasagna or whatever pasta special they're running. Get a Negroni. The room is dim and warm and the kind of place where you lose track of time. They do reservations, so call ahead if you're going with friends.
2:30pm, A matinee at the Vista
The Vista Theatre (4473 Sunset Drive) is one of the last single-screen movie palaces in LA. Egyptian Revival interior, balcony seating, the whole thing. Check their showtimes before you leave the house, they mix new releases with classics. A rainy afternoon movie here feels like a completely different era. Get there a few minutes early just to look around.
5:30pm, Wine at Bar Covell
After the movie, drive or walk over to Bar Covell (4628 Hollywood Blvd). They pour natural wine by the glass from a rotating list, just tell them what you like and let them pick. The room is small and candlelit and always feels like it's raining outside even when it isn't. Today it actually is. Perfect.
7:30pm, Dinner and jazz at The Dresden
End the night at The Dresden (1760 N Vermont Ave). Marty and Elayne play Tuesday through Saturday, check the schedule, but if they're on, do not skip this. Order a Stinger or whatever classic cocktail the bartender recommends, get comfortable in a booth, and just let the night go long. This is the whole point of a rainy Tuesday in Los Feliz.
Total driving: minimal. Total walking: easy. Bring an umbrella anyway.