By 
This post was originally published in November 2022.
Nestled between the southbound I-5 freeway and the LA River lies a tight-knit community of small businesses and inviting eco-friendly coffee shops that will make anyone feel as if they’re in someone’s backyard. Welcome to Frogtown.
In the 2016 article “Frogtown: Should It Be Called Toadtown Instead?”, author Carren Jao explains how the moniker was coined from western toads that emerged from the grass banks in the 1970s.
Raul Rodriguez, whose family has been living in the neighborhood since 1942, said he would often play with the frogs as a child, and sometimes would even bring a few home. To his mother’s surprise, toads would occasionally emerge from his clothes when doing laundry.
Public Domain via Flickr
Located in Elysian Valley, Frogtown has always been a low-income, blue-collar neighborhood, but in the last few years, it has become a thriving and creative hub for artists that take advantage of the LA River path to showcase their works. A shining example of this is the Frogtown ArtwalkFestival.
In the same vein, @frogtownarts features different stations with food vendors, art exhibits and animal rescues the first Fridays of the month. The goal is to promote community and walkability in a city that may seem inconceivable for some.
As soon as I found out about Frogtown in early 2021, I wanted to share it with the world and shout it from the rooftops, but part of me felt like there was still so much to discover. So I held off.
The Eastside of Los Angeles has undergone massive gentrification. Although there are now quite a few coffee shops and restaurants adjacent to the river, the first restaurant to open in this area was Spoke Bicycle Cafe in 2016, catering to the cyclists on the LA River path. In the following years, several businesses followed suit and made Frogtown their home.
Sometimes, I like going there for a coffee and walk around the neighborhood. Other times, I go later in the day around sunset. There is a sense of calmness being in this part of LA, walking and listening to the sound of the river, watching the herons. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I was still in the LA Metro area. When I took my dad there for the first time in 2024, he fell in love with the charming houses and the lush greenery.
Don’t be surprised if you see a good mix of people on the river path. I’ve seen middle-aged Hispanic men riding their bikes, elderly Asians taking a leisurely walk, and of course, white male cyclists in their fancy cycling attire. One time I saw a Hispanic man sitting on a bench, taking a break from his bike ride listening to Regional Mexican music on his boombox.
In the article, “Could Frogtown be East LA’s Coolest Neighborhood?” author Hadley Meares narrates how this once crime-ridden part of LA is now becoming a cultural hub, with the LA River being the biggest draw.
Laurie Winston, co-owner of Spoke Bicycle Cafe said:
“The revitalization of the L.A. River has been the driving force that has transformed Frogtown. A tract of homes and warehouses that was once forgotten has been brought to the fore as the river has changed and the surrounding neighborhoods have gotten more expensive.”
Like my dad, whenever I take strolls in the neighborhood, it’s hard not to marvel at the humble yet very charming houses. There is a strange juxtaposition of the newly renovated houses and the modest single-family houses that have been in the neighborhood for decades.
David de la Torre, a longtime resident, commented on the effects of gentrification in Molly Strauss’ 2015 essay, “The Fight for Frogtown”. The upending change started in 2014, when the Army Corps of Engineers announced the $1-billion plan to revitalize this area of LA. As a result, David received multiple offers to buy his home.
“De La Torre noticed early signs of the changes to come starting in 2007-2008, when plans surfaced to pave the walkway alongside the Los Angeles River — long used by elderly Frogtown residents for constitutionals — in order to create a bicycle path. De La Torre lobbied then-City council member Eric Garcetti to maintain the walkway’s historical use. ‘It did anything but that,’ he said.”
In 2009, the only commercial business in Frogtown was this defunct liquor store called Lovely Service Market.
David and the neighbors also shared their experiences growing up in Frogtown in the 2018 article, “A Journey Along the Shoals of a Gentrifying L.A. Neighborhood”, where David talked about how his mom forbade him from venturing too far from home.
“Our mom feared for our safety. We get home from school, we do our homework, we stay indoors.”
Ms. Leung said: “I never would have imagined five years ago that La Colombe was going to open up and that there was gonna be a fancy delicious sandwich shop and that houses were gonna sell for over a million dollars, I would have never guessed that.”
Before the cleanup of the river, if you had walked around Frogtown in the 80s, 90s or the 2000s, you would have come across graffiti-covered embankments. Overall, it was not the safest place to roam around like it is today.
In the 2015 article “Getting Up, Staying Up: History of Graffiti in the L.A. River”, author Lucy Guanuna details how graffiti became an identity of Frogtown.
“Evan Skrederstu started painting graffiti in the river in the ’90s when it was still a no-man’s land. Sightings of dead bodies, drug deals or shootouts were commonplace. Graffiti artists brought life and vibrancy to the river. Even so, conversations about the future of the river have excluded graffiti artists who have been trying to carve out their place in larger plans for the river.”
Today, the amount of graffiti you can find in this area is very minimal.
I recommend going on different days so you can get a feel for the neighborhood. If you want to take your experience up a notch, I encourage you to sit on the bank and take in your surroundings. Some people go as far as walking right next to the water, where there’s a narrow flat surface, but if you do, make sure to bring sturdy shoes! Also, stick to the areas that are in front of the restaurants. The LA River is miles-long with very isolated stretches.
Frogtown’s bike path is a shared pedestrian path. It is very narrow, so give joggers and cyclist space when they pass you by. If you hear the sound of a bike behind you, stick to the shoulder.
One of Frogtown’s mainstays is the Jardin del Rio Community Garden, which I found on Instagram and thought it was open to the public. When I arrived, I saw that the gate was locked. As I was perusing the area, I talked to Angela, who was taking out the trash in the house next door.
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Angela moved to Frogtown in 1999 with her then two young daughters. She said that the Jardin is actually a community garden. Every year, you pay $20 and you have your own space to grow fruit and vegetables.
This now beautiful garden used to be an empty lot where people would do drugs. “Sometimes, when I was playing outside with my daughters, I had to take them inside the house.” Angela said that she, alongside all the neighbors, distributed pamphlets around the neighborhood, and asked LA County to build the garden in 2004.
Angela said that the primary ethnic group in Frogtown back in the late 90s and early 2000s was elderly Asians, which are still around today.
She also explained that Latinos started to move in much later, but not in droves. Asians were the most predominant group in those years. “Now white Americans are starting to move in”, she said.
Angela likes the fact that the neighborhood is gentrifying because it was bringing new businesses. She and her daughters often walk along the LA River path, stop at La Colombe for coffee and then go to Just What I Kneaded for a hearty breakfast. “It’s so good!” she said.
But what about the crime-ridden days? She said, “that was in the other area, the park area around Marsh Street. Where we are it’s the church area, which wasn’t bad at all, but the other area? Yes!”
On another day, just a few feet away from the popular vegan cafe Just What I Kneaded, I spoke to Ebelia. Also from Jalisco, Ebelia, just like Angela, moved to Frogtown in 1999. Her daughters were born and raised in Frogtown. On the weekends, Ebelia puts all her plants on display for sale in front of her house on Blake Avenue. She also liked that the neighborhood was gentrifying and the tranquility, which was a huge draw for her as well. She said that before, once the sun set, there was a fear of going outside because of the crime, but today, that is a remnant of a distant past.
Taylor Yard Bridge
This bridge, which connects Elysian Valley and Cypress Park, was completed in 2022. If you want to go but you don’t want to walk for too long, the cross streets are Riverside and Riverdale Avenue. Riverdale Avenue is a dead-end street, so just park your car nearby. Once you access the LA River path, you’ll see the bridge on your left side.
When I first discovered Frogtown, the bridge was still under construction. It’s fascinating to see the development this area has undergone in such short amount of time. When the bridge was finalized, LA’s Mayor Eric Garcetti said: “The opening of the Taylor Yard Bridge is an important milestone in our work to give Angelenos more access to this iconic waterway, as well as new places to safely walk, bike, and enjoy green spaces.”
January 2021
Roam Yoga
1492 Blake Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Roam Yoga was founded by husband and wife Chad Dennis and Jennifer Perry. In the front-desk area you’ll find their tie-dye clothing brand, Max Roux on display.
This was probably the best yoga class I’ve ever taken in LA, with the gorgeous breezy outdoor patio, listening to the birds and the soothing music in the background. The class ended with a nice meditation session. When I opened my eyes, I could see an airplane flying across the stark blue sky. If you go, make sure you book an outdoor class!
Jennifer DMed me back her answers from Costa Rica, where she and Chad are currently building a center.
What’s the story behind Roam?
My husband Chad and I have been practicing and teaching yoga for almost three decades. I was a professional dancer, and he used to tour with a band teaching yoga. Once we had our first son, we decided it would be better for him to be home. A friend of ours let us know that a super cool building was available on Hoover Street in Silverlake, so we decided to open our own center! Six years and one very long pandemic later, we are still going strong. We needed to condense our studios and hold classes in Frogtown during the pandemic, and we’re so happy we did! People can expect an extremely well-rounded, intelligent sequence of movements with very knowledgeable and personable teachers. Good music is also a plus at our studio!
What do you like about living in Frogtown?
We love that Frogtown feels like Brooklyn NY felt in the late 1990s. Both Chad and I moved to LA from NY and we feel like the vibe in this part of town is so similar to NY. We love that the bike path is only 2 blocks away and that we are so close to so many great places like Highland Park, Atwater, Echo park, Downtown, and even Pasadena —- and we can get to San O to surf weekends in no time!
What are your favorite restaurants in Frogtown?
My favorite place in Frogtown is hands down Just What I Kneaded. The owner is super rad and a local Frogtown resident. I’m also obsessed with Salazar!
What is Max Roux?
MAX ROUX is my pre-pandemic love child. It’s an online tie dye sweat suit company that I launched two months before the pandemic ( got very lucky with the timing ) haha. We have the collection for sale at our studio and online at MAXROUX.com. My boys’ names are Max and Roux and the name of my company is inspired by them 🙂
Book your class with Classpass , through the MindBody website or through Roam’s website.
Cobalt and Clay
2017 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
This pottery studio has been deemed the best ceramic studio in LA, not just because of the classes, but due to its inclusive community. Cobalt and Clay offers an extensive range of memberships and class packages. If you want to do a one-time wheel throwing class and learn all about the basics of pottery, it’s $65.
French General
2009 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
I found this store as I was walking on Riverside Drive. The vintage-style signage caught my attention. French General offers craft workshops, handmade fabrics, jewelry kits and unique vintage textiles exported from the South of France.
Once a year, owner Kaari hosts one-week retreats in the South of France, where you’ll visit flea markets, artisan shops, and even take cooking classes. Their 2023 was sold out and it was held in a 19th century manor house in Toulouse.
Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park
2944 Gleneden St, Los Angeles, CA 90039
This is the area Angela was referring to when she said “the park area”, which was overrun by gangs and drug trade. What a change! The grounds include grassy areas to sit, restrooms, outdoor fitness equipment, a child’s playground, and even an electric car charging station. The public restrooms are also impeccably clean!
The park is easily accessible to the river path. You may park your car here and head over to Spoke Bicycle or Just What I Kneaded, which isn’t too far. Another option I recommend is to bring your coffee and your meal and eat it there.
Just a few feet away from this park, you can find the Marsh Street Skate Park, which I went to when Yellowpaper Burger did their pop-up during the Frogtown Artwalk Festival.
Right across the skate park there is a big warehouse that has been taken over by the trailer manufacturer company, Happier Camper, which recently opened their own cafe: HAPPIER CAFE by TADDAA.COFFEE
LA River Kayak Safari
Amp up your wildlife experience in Frogtown by kayaking down the LA River on this 3.5-hour tour, which also includes cycling. All the guides are certified in CPR, First Aid and have the State Fire Marshall Swift Water Rescue Certification.
Book your tour here.
Pasquini Espresso Company
2902 Gilroy St, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Pasquini’s impressive family lineage can be traced back to 1957, when Ambrose Pasquini opened Moka D’Oro, one of LA’s first espresso bars.
Today, his successors continue to carry on his legacy by supplying espresso machines, performing repairs, and selling their own coffee beans. I thought Pasquini also doubled as a coffee shop, but it’s not. However, you can still peruse their impressive inventory and appreciate the craftsmanship on the sleek stainless steel machines.
The Left Bank
2479 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
This quirky store offers a curated selection of resale vintage clothing and accessories. Their stuff is so cool and you can also buy their products online! Instagram.
Suay Sew Shop
2915 Knox Ave #105, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Suay Sew Shop is a sustainable clothing and accessory manufacturing company specializing in apparel and home goods from recycled and rescued textiles. Additionally, Suay offers clothing repairs, alterations, and if you want to transform the color of any of your clothes, they offer community dye baths! At the store, you will also find racks with donated clothing items. Website and Instagram.
St. Ann Catholic Church
For hours, visit the website here.
Quantum Clinic
2828 Newell St Suite 6, Los Angeles, CA 90039
I randomly found this place as I was walking on the river path after I got a coffee from La Colombe, back in October 2022. The beautiful patio compelled me to walk into the clinic.
Quantum Clinic offers cutting-edge quantum technology for healing, including float therapy and frequency therapy. Given the tranquility of the LA River, it makes sense for the clinic to be in this area.
Update: Read my review of my float session at Quantum Clinic here. The space is so beautifully designed and a great addition to the neighborhood.
For more information, visit their Website and Instagram
Hair salons
You will find these two hair salons in Frogtown: Lucas Salon and The Powder Room. Lucas Salon is just a few feet away from La Colombe, and The Powder Room is next door to the pottery studio Cobalt and Clay.
La Colombe Frogtown Cafe and Roastery
2828 Newell St #4, Los Angeles, CA 90039
This is one of my favorite coffee shops in LA. La Colombe has a few locations across SoCal, but in my opinion, this is the most beautiful. You’re sipping your coffee by the LA River, listening to the chirping birds while surrounded by nature and the sight of the running river. You may even spot a heron! Once you get your coffee, I recommend drinking it as you walk along the river path — relaxing is a big understatement!
HAPPIER CAFE by TADDAA.COFFEE
In late 2024, what was once a coffee trailer exclusive to employees and weekend events on the river path became available to the public. Happier Camper made Frogtown their home in 2019. I had seen their warehouse plenty of times, which is why I was surprised to find out their outdoor space was open to the public. And what better way to invite bikers and walkers than to advertise it on the LA River bike path?
Whether you want a hot espresso or a refreshing cold treat, Happier Cafe is one of the few recent additions to the neighborhood! Occasionally, they offer free yoga classes right outside their warehouse offices. Stay tuned on their Instagram for their upcoming community events!
Spoke Bicycle Cafe
3050 N Coolidge Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Owners Laurie Winston and Rich first found the space in 2015 while they were riding their bikes on the LA River path. After two years of remodeling, Spoke Bicycle Cafe opened at end of 2016. Not only is Spoke Bicycle Cafe the first bicycle restaurant in LA, but it was also the first business to open along the LA River path. The outdoor patio features a bike rental service and a repair shop, shaded by colorful umbrellas for guests to linger and enjoy the surroundings.
The menu offers locally roasted coffee, beers, local wines, brunch items made with seasonal ingredients and homemade baked goods. However, for me, the best part about Spoke Bicycle Cafe is that they host different pop-up food vendors on certain days of the week, some of which I had been wanting to try for a while. I went to Spoke Bicycle Cafe almost every Saturday during the month of July 2022. Some of the vendors I tried were Hangaburs, Quarantine Pizza Co, and Rubie. After I had my delicious meals,I either sat on one of the river banks or walked along the LA River path. The vibes were immaculate: great ambiance, amazing food and relaxing views.
When it’s not a pop-up night, there’s either live music or a comedy show. To sum it up, there’s always something exciting going on at Spoke Bicycle Cafe.
In the summer of 2022, I went to Spoke Bicycle almost every weekend. It felt like its own world because I always felt like I was in the countryside. During my visits, it was a common sight to see bikers stopping by to refill their water bottles and sitting down for a few minutes of respite before taking off.
Just What I Kneaded
2029 Blake Ave #104, Los Angeles, CA 90039
The first all-vegan bakery in LA! Although Just What I Kneaded opened in 2020, owner Justine Hernandez started the business in 2017. I first heard about this bakery at the beginning of 2021 when I was doing my research for the best vegan donut places in Los Angeles.
With the exception of a few menu items, the menu changes every day and is shared on their Instagram stories.
Just What I Kneaded has gathered a huge celebrity clientele, including singers Seal, Phinneas and Lizzo. Actress Kate Mara frequently posts pictures of their delectable cinnamon rolls on her Instagram.
When I went there for the first time, I got to talk to Justine and she highly suggested that I order a cinnamon roll. If you’re going there for the first time, definitely get it! It was mind-blowingly good!
Also, as you can see in the pictures, the pastry portions are huge! Ask them to heat it up if you’re going to have it there. If they have donuts available that day, I also recommend getting one. They’re truly one of the best in Los Angeles, and their pop tarts are also worthy of a mention! Although Just What I Kneaded offers a wide array of savory options, getting something sweet is the best way to appreciate their baked goods, especially if it’s your first time. When you order, you can see the open kitchen behind the counter, with the bakers kneading the dough and preparing the pastries.
In August 2023, Justine opened Justine’s Wine Bar, which is adjacent to the bakery and perfect for a night out. The bar offers natural wines, small appetizers and vegan Italian food, like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna or pasta rigatoni.
Wax Paper Co.
2902 Knox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (Frogtown)
736 N Broadway Suite 106, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Chinatown)
Just a short walk from Just What I Kneaded lies Wax Paper Co. This tiny sandwich shop built inside a repurposed shipping container offers some of the best sandwiches in LA. I thought it was a brand new business, but Wax Paper Co. has actually been around since 2015, becoming an underground sensation. Owners Lauren and Peter Lemos named all the sandwiches after NPR (National Public Radio) hosts.
Every time I go there I always order the Ira Glass sandwich. A high-stacked sandwich with cheddar cheese, garlic aioli sauce, sourdough wheat bread and sprouts.
If you want to turn the sandwich up a few notches, you can also add turkey. Because of the small kitchen and the high volume of orders, you can only order online on their website. On the weekends, sometimes the wait time can be from 40 minutes to an hour, so I suggest you order with ample time before going there. They used to have a Chinatown location with dine-in service, but nothing beats the quirkiness of the shipping container in such tranquil atmosphere!
I asked co-owner Lauren these questions on Instagram.
What is the mission of Wax Paper Co.?
Wax Paper evolved from our dream of opening a simple, but delicious neighborhood sandwich shop. It is a place of warmth, comfort, and creativity. Our menu features homemade sandwiches, salads, and sides, with ingredients sourced from many wonderful local vendors. We also offer an array of beverages including fresh-brewed coffee & tea and real sodas. We always have two rotating flavors of organic and vegan soft serve ice cream. We are dedicated to respecting our Earth’s resources, and we take every possible measure to uphold our responsibility toward our environment. Our main goal is to provide the community with a place where its members can eat, drink, relax, relate, and create a place of happiness and the feeling of being at home.
For a first-timer, what sandwich do you recommend ordering?
I think what you got, the Ira Glass! It’s our most popular sandwich and it’s the perfect culmination of flavor and texture.
What do you like about Frogtown?
We love being so close to the LA River and all of the nature and activity that it holds. We are a super tight-knit community with incredible neighbors.
Any recommendations on what to see and what to do?
Definitely visit: Salvare Goods, Just What I Kneaded, Spoke Bicycle Cafe, The Left Bank Vintage, Frogtown’s Gourmet Tacos, and Frogtown Brewery.
I see on your Instagram that you also offer soft serve! Can you tell me more about it? What’s your personal favorite flavor?
Yes, we always carry one vegan and one dairy flavor. Our little concept in the shops is called @closeencountersco. My favorite flavors have been Thai Tea / Coconut as well as Matcha / Pineapple.
I see that you’re opening up a new restaurant called Lingua Franca, also in Frogtown. When is it going to open and what can people expect?
We are hoping for the next couple of months. It’s been about 6 years in the making. It’ll be breakfast, lunch and dinner, new Californian cuisine!
YOU CAN READ MY REVIEW OF LINGUA FRANCA HERE.
The seating at Wax Paper Co. in Frogtown is very limited, and sometimes the weather is a bit too hot. This is why I recommend one of these two things:
Drive to Rio Grande State Park, which is on the other side of the river, and eat your sandwich on one of the benches, which is what I did last time. It’s a lot quieter than eating it outside the shop with the constant hassle of people waiting in line.
Or, if you want to stay in Frogtown, go to the Lewis MacAdams Riverfront park, where there are plenty of benches and shady spots. If you’re going to eat your sandwich right after you pick it up, take a few extra napkins! The sandwich is stacked so high that there’s no guarantee it won’t fall apart while you eat it.
Loreto
1991 Blake Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
More places are popping up in Frogtown! The latest one is Loreto, a modern Mexican-inspired restaurant where guests can enjoy the beauty of Frogtown while indulging in elevated Mexican seafood fare.
When I came across Loreto while I was taking a walk, I asked the host if I could take a peek inside, and wow! The place was packed. The bar had beautiful marble countertops and the interior was tastefully designed. The outdoor area is a beautiful courtyard that will transport you to Baja California.
Morning Service Coffee
3014 Worthen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Note: In March 2025, Morning Service Coffee was replaced by 10 Speed Coffee.
Just when I thought I had discovered every nook and cranny of Frogtown, I casually stumbled upon Morning Service Coffee on my Instagram explore page. As soon as I saw the address, I drove there two days later. Once you get to the open parking lot, you will find the coffee shop right in the middle of the roundabout. You can tell everyone who works there is a coffee connoisseur! Their offerings include a few pastries, one type of burrito and an avocado toast. The barista told me that they’re currently working on expanding the menu.
Morning Service Coffee’s Instagram
Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos
This taco truck is only open 3 days a week and their hours are very limited, but apparently, their shrimp tacos with their handmade tortillas are life-changing. Someone on Yelp wrote that he drove all the way from Vegas and he said he wished they would open a taco truck there. Frogtown Gourmet Tacos was also recently featured on Yelp’s “Top 100 Taco Spots in America” list. They’re always in Frogtown, but the exact location varies. For schedule and hours, check out their Instagram page.
Salazar
2490 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
You can get outrageously cheap Mexican food at one of the many taco trucks that abound in this part of LA. But if you want to enjoy Mexican food and margaritas on a breezy patio with saguaros and trees, then Salazar is the place to go. Their guacamole is $16, which has caused an uproar among some diners.
No, you’re not going to get the best carne asadas or al pastor tacos in the city. Overall, Salazar is not a place where you’ll get the best bang for your buck, but at least the tortillas are handmade, which is always a plus when it comes to any Mexican restaurant or truck!
Frogtown Brewery
2931 Gilroy St, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Opened in 2016, Frogtown Brewery offers handcrafted beers in a pub-style atmosphere. They also host different pop-up food vendors and live music shows.
Other businesses
Riverside Dr. & Newell St, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Next to the General Consulate of Guatemala, under the I-5 freeway overpass on Newell Street, you will find a handful of food trucks and vendors that are stationed there on weekdays.
I want to thank the owners of Wax Paper Co and Roam Yoga for taking the time to answer my questions, which allowed us to get a deeper insight into what has become my favorite neighborhood in LA!
Have you been to any of these places? Since the neighborhood is growing at such a rapid pace with new businesses, I will definitely keep updating this article!
What do you think?