My Neighborhood: Silver Lake, L.A.

Michelle and Robin Silver Lake was the perfect fit for us as a couple. We love walking and we’re insatiable foodies. When we moved here from Brooklyn 17 years ago, we were gobsmacked by the verdant hills and impressive views. Traversing the shimmering reservoir and hiking the steep streets, architectural jewels dot the landscape: Neutras, Lautners, Schindlers. Oranges and lemons hang from trees like gumballs next to elaborate cactus gardens. This walkable neighborhood is an eclectic mix of modern and old Hollywood. L.A.’s first movie studio was here, and many of today’s denizens are creatives, including us. We penned a satirical novel, The Immaculate Complexion, and work as copywriters and event planners. Being able to stroll home after margaritas is something to behold in car-driven L.A. —by Michelle Meyers and Robin Strober Silver Lake Reservoir CHOW BELLA LAMILL Coffee An old-school neighborhood fave is Casita Del Campo (1920 Hyperion Ave., 323.662.4255). We love to grab a dark booth, order a couple of Cadillac margaritas and some yummy apps, chips and guac, and quesadillas. Their habañero salsa is killer. Intimate and modern, Alimento (1710 Silver Lake Blvd., 323.928.2888) has a pesto gnocchi to die for, a great wine list, and bomb budino. James Beard– nominated chef Zach Pollack whips up a mean Chicken Liver Crostone appetizer that’s hardly chopped liver. The 1940s bungalow bar and resto Barbrix (2442 Hyperion Ave., 323.662.2442) should win best lighting in L.A.This cozy hideaway serves delicious bistro fare. The standout cheeseburger and garlic fries are our go-to. We’re gluttons for gluten, and the morning buns at Tartine Silver Lake (3921 Sunset Blvd., 213.952.1588 ) will turn a night owl into an early riser. Everything on deck is delish at this fave bakery and café. Snag a sourdough loaf before they sell out. We love to pop into brekky and lunch spot SQIRL (720 N. Virgil Ave., 323.284.8147 ) for their tangy Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl.Their RicottaToast is the jam. The best bagel west of NYC can be found at Maury’s Bagels & Appetizing (2829 Bellevue Ave., 323.380.9380). Try the winning carb combo “I Love Fish”—half smoked salmon, half whitefish salad. Fuel-fix fave LAMILL Coffee (1636 Silver Lake Blvd., 323.663.4441) gives equal attention to java and tea. We love the Hong Kong MilkTea andVanilla Latte that always delivers. And they roast their own beans. The neighborhood rejoiced when Erewhon Market (4121 Santa Monica Blvd., 213.758.7854 ) rolled in.This upscale organic grocery store has a wood- burning pizza oven, a tonic bar, and a vitamin section so vast they have a supplements sherpa to guide you through. Warning: Don’t shop here hungry. CRED THREADS Known for its fab selection of kids’ clothes and toys (plus cool stuff for parents), Yolk (3910 W. Sunset Blvd., 323.426.9391) has been in the ’hood for years selling local artisan wares and global goods before cool hunting was cool. LOCAL HEROES Vinovore A mini Lake Como, the gleaming body of water known as the Silver Lake Reservoir (1850 W. Silver Lake Dr., 323.644.3946) provides H2O to South L.A. We love to walk its two-mile footpath and hang in the lush meadow (modeled after Central Park’s) and read the paper—on our phones. Women-owned businesses are crushing it, and Vinovore (616 N Hoover St., 323.522.6713) features wines made by female vintners. Props for their swell selection of natural, biodynamic wines. Finally, if you’re looking to step up your bar accessories game, Bar Keeper (614 N. Hoover St., 323.669.1675) has the best curated collection of vintage barware and craft spirits. Sip your Old Fashioned from the same glass Don Draper used; this store’s owner was Mad Men’s barware wrangler.