nohoartsdistrict.com

I’ve lived in the 91 505, 91 601 area for the best part of 26 years since migrating from the lower Sonoran paradise of Phoenix, Arizona. My roomate and I used to run a regular route from Burbank through NoHo that, in the late 80’s, we called the Wino Steeplechase. What a difference a couple decades makes.
I’ve now resided on Denny Ave. for 16 years, and I’ve seen the town pull itself up by the Crockstraps. As we speak there’s a senior living complex going up across Magnolia from me that will feature a live theater. The Magnolia Market, always a work in progress, has started carrying produce again, and a variety of useful dollar store– type items.
What I considered an excess of pot dispensaries has been trimmed by the recent state mandate. Except for one flophouse that persists on the next block, the 80’s pall that lingered is a distant memory.
Some outstanding local features include Amelia Earhart park at Magnolia and Tujunga, complete with a statue of the lost aviatrix and her propellor. Joggers, fitness classes and soccer players abound, the homeless can linger unmolested, the pool, senior center and library serve the community. A carnival returns several times a year and creates a small town fair atmosphere on summer evenings.
The restaurant scene has picked up as the demographic diversifies. On Lankershim north of Magnolia is the venerable Tokyo Delves. Not an afficionado’s hangout, but a great place for a birthday party. Further south is Big Mama’s Pizza, which is truly huge, and a hot dog joint that for me is better than Pink’s, and without the wait. Next is some great Indian food, then across the street the sparkling new Laemmle NoHo. At last — art flicks in my hood!
The local Starbuck’s has the worst parking lot in the city, almost as bad as the one at Sherman Way and the 170, but as a walk-​to destination it’s great. Just south of Magnolia on Lankershim is Eclectic Café, which my wife and I love.
Haven’t tried the hookah joint on Magnolia and probably won’t — just not my scene. The Republic of Pie, though, is hipster heaven and we go there occasionally for a slice and some coffee and hipster viewing. Down the street towards Cahuenga are great thrift stores and a cool skate shop run by a kid who’s a sponsored skater.
I’m not big on Pitfire Pizza since they took their coffee cart out, but we all went there the other night and I did enjoy the French onion soup and pizza. I just wish they’d bring back the coffee — the al fresco setting would be great with a little java.
There’s a burgeoning yuppie population issuing forth from all the new condos on Magnolia, and the melting pot is getting meltier all the time. One of my faves is Amazing Thai at Magnolia and Cahuenga, and the reliable Carne Asada burritos at Poquito Mas. For the best asada, though, you have to have friends who’ll invite you over. The smells from across the fence on barbecue days are better than any chain store.
One local gem is Dave’s Quick Lube, just past the car wash east of Cahuenga. Most reliable service anywhere, and these guys can do a lot more than change your oil. Best part is, if they can’t do it they’ll tell you so and send you someplace equally good to get it done.
I could go on, so I will. Unofficial mayor of NoHo: Benny of Benny’s Mercedes. He knows all the gossip, including but not limited to my landlady’s, Discretion forbids elaboration. He did sell a couple of friend’s cars for them and got them good deals, though he’s primarily a mechanic and lover of exotic women.
Most lamented demise: Eddie Brandt’s Saturday Matinée. Gone but never equalled. A close second: the Odyssey Video/​Illiad Bookstore complex. Illiad moved on to, according to them, better quarters at Cahuenga and Chandler, but Odyssey has degenerated to half a porn shop; a shadow of it’s former pre-​Netflix glory.
Blockbuster Video: another unlamented casualty of the digital age. In the same complex, though, at the intersection of Lankershim and Vineland, is Chinese Deli — hands down the best Chinese takeout in town. Our regular order: orange chicken, kung pao shrimp and fried pot stickers.
Eclectica: lots of LAPD choppers in my hood. They actually vibrate the dishes sometimes. Have to say I’m glad, though. They once caught the guys who broke into my car before I even knew it’d happened. They were on the news chasing them down the 170 while we were watching a movie on another channel.
Equally responsive is the Tujunga Ave. ladder company of the LAFD, who I call on a regular basis to attend to one of our tenants or another. Great guys, and they never lose a patient.
Well, that’s about it. NoHo’s Arts District is much more than just twelve vanity productions of «Danny and the Deep Blue Sea» going on at any given moment. Come check it out!
Then go see «Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.»