Crawl through the eclectic on Highland Park’s York Boulevard with these six curated choices and the others in-between

As the internet is oversaturated with “the perfect crawl through” text written over videos featuring the most colorful dance floors or best unique cocktails, those who prefer the quieter life do not need to miss out on the concept. 

Whether it be a search for sober spaces or a mood for a mellow alternative, “crawling” does not need to be confined to the party scene. Although Los Angeles is littered with walkable streets lined with shops and eateries of all types, Highland Park offers a certain eclectic mix that makes for a perfect summer afternoon or evening. 

Here is a guide for the perfect crawl through Highland Park’s York Boulevard for those who prefer the casual: 

Café de Leche

To set the energy right, the first stop must be to pick some up — literally. Café de Leche offers a variety of drinks with a specialty in house-roasted drip coffee. 

While the menu displays familiar terms like simple “latte” and “cuppucino,” it has a larger selection of their unique coffees — featuring drinks like the Horchata con Espresso and Organic Agave Latte. 

The prices are pretty average, with traditional choices being in the $4-$6 range and specialty drinks being closer to $8. 

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This colorful and eclectic shop offers a visually stimulating entrance into local literature. Housing any printed media, like tote bags, books, magazines and flyers to nearby events, this store has an emphasis on local creatives of any kind. 

While art in other forms can be seen from time to time in The Pop-Hop, the biggest promise the storefront can make is to local writers. On display for sale and casual browsing are the words of local poets, essayists and writers who compile their works into handmade zines. 

While some remain nameless, others plug their other creative outlets; this shop has voices of the community on display, many of which would go unpublished otherwise. 

Big Bud Press

Keeping with the theme of colorful collections, Big Bud Press is an L.A. brand that prides itself on the ethical sourcing of their highly unique unisex designs. While they do offer the more conventional uni-colored tee or jeans, nothing about the store is basic. 

The clothing is on the pricier side, with many items being in the $50-$100+ range. However, the bags, socks, hats and other accessories are more affordably priced, landing somewhere in the $10-$30 range. 

Big Bud Press curates a very modernly colorful and eccentric vibe, with their pieces being high-quality material and manufacturing. Though it is a bit of a financial investment, their clothing is a blend of the ‘60s and ‘70s woven into a modern L.A. 

Joy

On the corner of North Avenue 51 and York Boulevard is one of Highland Park’s best dinner spots. Joy is a Taiwanese restaurant with a menu featuring traditional dishes blended with the “hip” setting of the neighborhood. 

The dishes are extremely reasonably priced, with almost everything falling on the lower end of the $10-$20 range, but extremely high in quality and enjoyability. While everything on the menu is tastefully crafted, their Thousand Layer Pancakes and Dan Dan Noodles are uniquely delicious. 

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

An extremely iconic and historic piece of L.A. history, the Bob Baker Theater is a must-visit stop on this crawl and all the rest. 

Opening in the early 1960s, the theater has celebrated L.A. for everything it is in a whimsical format for children, though attendees of all ages are encouraged. Before adopting its first new show in 40 years this May, they have previously only performed the same timeless show, “Hooray L.A.!” 

The theater’s new show, “Choo Choo Revue,” plays once to twice a day, offering a choice of morning or evening shows for just under $30 a ticket. The nearly 3-foot-long marionettes are intensely nostalgic and offer a magical glimpse back into childhood through their intentional, vintage design, making the shows enticing for guests of any age. 

Oblivion

Although this location is not directly on the strip of the others, this smaller music venue can act as a nightcap for those with more nocturnal tendencies. Oblivion hosts up-and-coming artists of every genre, usually playing host to the DIY scene, along with other themed community events from time to time. 

Most shows have tickets in the $15-$20 range, with upcoming show schedules available through their Instagram @oblivionlosangeles or through Dice, the main ticketing platform used by playing acts.