Abbot Kinney Blvd is the definition of cool in Los Angeles. This street located in Venice Beach has become one of the hippest places in the United States.
If you are interested in visiting, I have your bases covered. In this article, I discuss everything from unique stores to restaurants and from markets to events.
Table of Contents
Context
Abbot Kinney extends from Washington Boulevard to Main Street for about a mile. The area of interest, discussed in this article, goes from Venice Boulevard to Westminster Avenue.
Depending on where you park, expect to walk about a mile while exploring the street.
Abbot Kinney Blvd: Inimitable Stores
I have to start my tour of the boulevard with my favorite stores. I am presenting you with the places I love to visit over and over again. These are unique spots that bring a smile to my face while fueling my creativity.
Burro Flagship
This is one of my favorite stores in the neighborhood. I stop by often to check what is new.
The place has been described as a gift shop but I do not want you to be limited by that description. It is more like the house of a friend who has an enormous talent for curating all sorts of eclectic goods.
They carry books, woven blankets, jewelry, apparel, stationery, home goods, and curiosities. The cool thing is that they have gift guides. Therefore, it is simple to pick up something unique for any occasion.
They have a smaller store a couple of feet down dedicated to apparel, books, and toys for babies and kids.
Exact Address
Burro Flagship: 1409 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Burro Kids: 1405 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Urbanic Paper Boutique
This is another of my obsessions in the area. I feel like twisting and turning when I am inside the store.
As the name implies, this boutique specializes in paper, invitations, cards, envelopes, agendas, pencils, tape and other goods along those lines.
The thing is that the goods in here are colorful and whimsical. They are not the usual plain you will get in other stores. Also, I like how the things sold in here are so relatable to Los Angeles. For example, I saw a card saying: “I will get onto the 405 at 5 pm for you.” Every Angeleno will totally understand that!
Exact Address: 1644 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Bazar
To start with, it is highly probable you will like Bazar’s façade. Iron wrought doors and vintage signs will pull you inside.
This is one of the oldest stores in the boulevard and that tells you a lot about the place since this is an area that has changed a lot in recent years. Bazar is for those who are looking for textiles, antiques, vintage clothes, European perfumes, furniture and underappreciated brands. The store is frequented by designers as well as artists.
Also, they have a great selection of out of the ordinary clothes and toys for children.
Exact Address: 1108 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Huset
If you are into Scandinavian design, this is the place for you.
Huset means “house” in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian. Thus, you will find everything you need for your place in here. The owners visit the region often in order to bring back to Venice goods by new and upcoming designers.
Come prepared since there is a lot to see (even though space is not that big). You will find furniture, home décor, textiles, kitchen goods, jewelry, bags and cool stuff for the kids.
What I like about this store is that I always find something unexpected. Scandinavians discovery so many ways to present everyday items in so many unthinkable ways.
Exact Address: 1316 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Tumbleweed & Dandelion
It is very difficult to walk along Abbot Kinney Boulevard without noticing Tumbleweed & Dandelion.
The store is located on a cottage featuring Adirondack chairs, tables, pillows, plants, signs, statues and seasonal decoration. You get the “What is going on in here?” feeling.
This is another place that has been around for a long time (more than 20 years). They focus on home décor, rugs, pillow, candles, furniture, and bedding. In addition, they offer an online catalog, gift registry, and interior design services.
Exact Address: 1502 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Grow Venice
I like Grow because it is not a space encapsulated into four walls. It is more like several stalls on an open market. As a matter of fact, you get the feeling that you are visiting a pop-up store.
It is another place to find living and garden goods, gifts, games, and accessories (beach, picnic, kitchen). The main point is that everything sold in here is meant to be enjoyed outdoors. What is found in here is designed encourage lively gatherings.
Exact Address: 1650 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Blvd: Apparel & Accessories
My interests do not align with buying clothes, accessories, and shoes. However, for the sake of completeness, I am including some stores that fall into the apparel category in here.
If you are into fashion, you will be pleased with what you can find in this area.
Aviator Nation
This lifestyle brand sells 1970’s inspired hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, swimwear and more. Most of their clothing is characterized by a colorful stripe (with 4 or 5 colors).
Exact Address: 1224 Abbot Kinney
Marine Layer
This brand claims to sell the softness clothes on the market (their customers seem to agree). They have been able to achieve this by designing their own fabrics from recycled beechwood.
Exact Address: 1144 Abbot Kinney
Alternative Apparel
This is the place to buy clothes if you are interested in eco-fabrics and organic cotton. Part of the company’s motto is to provide garments while impacting the environment as little as possible.
Exact Address: 1337 Abbot Kinney
Waraku
This is the place to get Tokyo street style in the form of sneakers, Japanese graphic tees, and unusual accessories.
Exact Address: 1225 About Kinney
Will Leather Goods
This brand, based in Eugene, Oregon, specializes in leather goods. They sell everything from bags, backpacks, and briefcases to keychains, journals, and travel kits.
Exact Address: 1360 Abbot Kinney
TOMS Flagship Store
At this point, I believe most people are familiar with TOMS shoes. Well, this shop sells the notorious shoes plus glasses and apparel.
This particular store has a café and seating area. It feels more like a local hangout.
Exact Address: 1344 Abbot Kinney
Abbot Kinney Blvd: Restaurants
There is plenty to eat in Abbot Kinney Boulevard. As a matter of fact, this stretch is home to some of the most popular restaurants in Los Angeles. So, if you love food, you have come to the right place.
Keep in mind a lot of the places in here focus on serving healthy dishes and drinks. This is an opportunity to eat well (and feel well) while indulging in some scrumptious flavors.
Kreation Organic Kafe & Juicery
I love, love this place.
Most of Kreation’s locales are juiceries. We are super lucky to have one of their cafes in Venice Beach.
Everything we have tried in here is delicious. We have had their kebabs (chicken, beef, ground beef), sandwiches (beef, short ribs, salmon), California crunch wrap (spinach, fennel, celery, macadamia nuts and bacon), hummus and eggplant dip. The food is fresh and the ingredient of high quality.
If you visit, you need to try one of their juices. If you cannot drink the entire jar, you can take home what is left. Our favorites are the Serenity (lemon, ginger, cayenne, and turmeric) and the Balance (almonds, vanilla, dates, flax meal and plant protein).
Exact Address: 1202 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
This is another health-oriented place where the food is to die for! And, the interior is gorgeous too. You can eat at the central island or back patio.
I like to order the Moroccan bowl (chicken, quinoa, farro, tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumbers, garbanzos and pomegranate yogurt), the Hollywood bowl (chicken, quinoa, kale, arugula, golden beets, cranberries, almonds and goat cheese) and the pesto chicken panini. My husband likes the Angus burger and the blackened salmon tacos.
You can build your own salad by choosing your favorite greens, fours toppings, a protein and a dressing. Building your own entrée is an option too (choose a protein and two sides).
Exact Address: 1239 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Gjelina
Gjelina is one of the most popular restaurants in Los Angeles. Even though some restaurant critics claim the place has lost some of its edge, the food still tastes amazing.
Now, popularity brings other “problems” to those who want to dine here. The place is always busy and, a lot of times, it is impossible to get in (unless you have a reservation).
Because of that, I have been here only twice (I think). I have been pleased with the dishes I ordered both times. The cheese plate (served with nuts and fruit), onion and goat cheese pizza and grilled pork collar are very good.
They have a take away places next door. In there, they sell sandwiches, soups, salad, and pizza. This place tends to be packed too but you have more probabilities of getting service here.
Exact Address: 1427 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
The Butcher’s Daughter
Do not let the name of this restaurant fool you. This is a plant-based eatery, café and juice bar. The butcher reference comes from the fact that they are into the business of “slaughtering vegetables.”
This place came to life in New York City. However, it is a perfect match for the lifestyle of Southern California.
For breakfast, they serve acai bowls, avocado toast, and omelets. For lunch/dinner, you can find sandwiches, wraps, salads, pad thai, grain bowls and pizzas. This is another great place to get press juices and smoothies. The Brazilian Blast is my favorite!
This place looks straight out of a design magazine. The décor is a blend of industrial elements with wood, natural fibers, and plants. The restaurant’s founder is the owner of a design firm.
Exact Address: 1205 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Salt Air
When in Abbot Kinney, you are a couple of blocks from the beach. Hence, there has to be a good seafood restaurant on the thoroughfare.
Salt Air is the response for those who want to enjoy dishes such as braised octopus, salmon rillette, rainbow trout or raw oyster. If you are not a fan of seafood, you can still visit and have a great meal. They serve burgers, lamb belly, and New York steak.
Exact Address: 1616 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Wabi Venice
This place is made of Instagram dreams.
This neighborhood sushi joint got a major makeover last year (in terms of design and food offerings). The most noticeable feature in the main dining room is the white and pink flowers wallpaper. The “wall art” is complemented by pink and blue accents on the seats.
The back dining room is even prettier. A massive glass sphere chandelier, flanked by several plants hanging from the roof, create an artistic and outdoorsy vibe.
In terms of food, expect small plates, salads, sushi, sashimi and specialty rolls.
Exact Address: 1635 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
The Tasting Kitchen
This is another avant garde design spot serving exceptional food. They have a menu featuring modern and inventive Mediterranean dishes. Think about cheese boards, charcuterie plates, pasta (rigatoni alla bolognese, bucatino all’ amatriciana), Sicilian clams and scallop crudo.
They also serve a pretty decadent brunch (short rib hash, croque madame, smoked salmon) during the weekends.
Try to score a reservation if you are interested in visiting.
Exact Address: 1633 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Blvd: The Sweet Side
I cannot write an article about Abbot Kinney and omit the ice cream and donuts. You cannot miss the places highlighted below.
Salt & Straw
If you have not heard yet, this Portland (Oregon) creamery has taken Los Angeles by storm.
What started as the venture of two cousins has grown into a local favorite. But, the thing is that it is hard to resist flavors like coffee & bourbon, roasted strawberry & white chocolate (the best!) or olive brittle & goat cheese.
Their seasonal flavors are a hit too. My only complaint is that I cannot have as much ice cream as I want because the lines are always long in here. But, sometimes you have to be patient to get the best things in life.
Exact Address: 1357 Abbot Kinney
Blue Star Donuts
Yes, another Portland transplant but, we do not discriminate when it comes to good donuts.
They stand out because of their brioche dough and unique flavors such as passionfruit cocoa, blueberry bourbon basil, and Cointreau crème Brulee.
I feel like driving to one of their locations to get one!
Exact Address: 1142 About Kinney
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Venice: Markets
We need to talk about one particular market in the area.
Erewhon Market
This place is not exactly on Abbot Kinney but close enough to mention.
This market totally impresses me. It is a food and wellness paradise. They strive to sell ethically and sustainably produced good and it shows.
I love to browse their stalls while taking a look at their offerings. In addition, they have a café and prepared food section full of chicken & fish dishes, salads, sushi and cold-pressed juices.
Believe me, this place is worth checking.
Exact Address: 485 Venice Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Venice: Murals and Street Art
There is a mural at almost every intersection of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. That is the reason why this is one of the best areas in Los Angeles to see (and photograph) murals. You will encounter works by famous artists such as Jules Muck and jkgolderown.
You do not need a guide to explore the murals. Just start walking and the magic will materialize. In case you want to have a concrete idea of what you can see in the area, I recommend you check out my Complete Guide to Venice Beach Murals, Graffiti and Street Art.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Events
Every first Friday of the month, Abbot Kinney has a street party featuring over 30 food trucks, music, and specials (in stores). The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and it is advisable to arrive early to secure parking. The other option is to use a ride-sharing service to arrive at the event.
Parking
You can park on the street but due to the popularity of this spot, it would be very difficult to find a space there. There are several public lots on Irving Tabor. I seem to have good luck finding spots on Venice Boulevard.
More of Los Angeles
- Venice Beach Murals
- Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles
- Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List
- Redondo Beach Pier: What to Do, See and Eat
- Palos Verdes Hikes and Trails
- Things to do in Hermosa Beach
More of Southern California
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit Abbot Kinney Blvd and Venice Beach. Until the next one!
Have you visited Abbot Kinney Blvd? What are your favorite restaurants or shops?
Jill Chapman says
It all looks so funky – and fun! I’m sad I didn’t make it here on my trip to LA, especially since there’s a Salt & Straw! Guess I’ll just have to plan a return trip.