By 
This post was originally published in November 2022. It was last updated in October 2023.
Nestled between the southbound I-5 freeway and the LA River lies a tight-knit community: small boutiques and trendy outdoor coffee shops that will make anyone feel as if they’re in a neighbor’s backyard. Welcome to Frogtown.
In the article “Frogtown: Should It Be Called Toadtown Instead?”, author Carren Jao says how the moniker was adopted from western toads that emerged from the grass banks in the 1970s.
Raul Rodriguez, whose family had 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 of them home. His mother would be surprised to find a few in his clothes when she was doing laundry.
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. A shining example of this is the Frogtown ArtwalkFestival, a free-day event where artists showcase their work in pop-up galleries and industrial warehouses. I went in 2022 and there was also live music and a handful of food vendors. If you’re thinking of going, this annual event is held in September.
Over the last year, I’ve spent several weekends and afternoons in Frogtown. I first found out about this neighborhood in early 2021. I immediately wanted to share it with the world and shout it from the rooftops, but part of me wanted to wait. I felt like there was still so much I had to discover.
The eastside of Los Angeles has undergone a massive gentrification. Although there are now many coffee shops and restaurants adjacent to the river, the first restaurant to open in this area was Spoke Bicycle Cafe in 2015, catering to the cyclists on the LA River path. In the following years since then, several businesses have made Frogtown their home.
Sometimes I went for a coffee and walked around the neighborhood. Other times, I went later in the day around sunset and walked along the bike path. There is a sense of calmness being in this part of LA, walking and listening to the sound of the river, away from the chaos and congestion of the city. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I was still in the LA Metro area.
I wasn’t surprised to see a good mix of people there: middle-aged Hispanic men riding their bikes, elderly Asians walking and of course, white male cyclists in their fancy cycling attire. There was another 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 “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, 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.”
Whenever I took strolls in the neighborhood, it was hard not to marvel at the beautiful, remodeled one-story and two-story houses. There was a strange juxtaposition of the newly renovated houses and the modest single family houses that had been around for decades.
David de la Torre, a long time resident, commented on the effects of the gentrification in Frogtown in Molly Strauss’ 2015 essay “The Fight for Frogtown”. It all started when the Army Corps of Engineers announced in 2014 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 found graffiti covering the embankments.
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 comfortable, sturdy shoes! Also, stick to the areas that are in front of the restaurants. The LA River is long and some stretches are very isolated, but no matter where you go, you’ll see cyclists.
The bike path is a shared pedestrian path. It is very narrow, so give them space when they pass you by. If you hear the sound of a bike behind you, stick to the shoulder.
I found out about the Jardin del Rio Community Garden 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, to gather more information about this place.
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.
The 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 then asked LA County to build the garden in 2004.
I asked her what the primary ethnic group was in Frogtown back in the late 90s and early 2000s. She said elderly Asians. Indeed, when I walk around the neighborhood, elderly Asians are still a common sight.
She said that Latinos started to move in much later, but not that many. Asians were the most predominant group in those years. “Now white Americans are starting to move in”, she said,
Angela liked the fact that the neighborhood was gentrifying because it brought new businesses and that she loved Frogtown because of its tranquility. She and her daughters often walk along the bike path, stop at La Colombe for coffee and then go to Just What I Kneaded for a good breakfast. “It’s so good!” she said.
I brought up the fact that this area of LA used to be crime-ridden. 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 steps from the popular 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 that the tranquility 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 has changed.
Taylor Yard Bridge
This bridge, which connects Elysian Valley and Cypress Park, was completed in 2022. If you want to go to the bridge 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. Just park your car and once you access the LA River bike 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. 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
Frogtown Flea Crawl (@TheFrogtownProject)
CLOSED
The Frogtown Flea Crawl is a flea market founded by Analise Anderson, who runs the IG account @TheFrogtownProject. Conveniently located in walking distance to the LA river bike path, the flea crawl is meant to showcase Frogtown’s diversity and eclectic atmosphere with vendors, artisans and live music. There, you’ll find repurposed vintage clothing, food stands, vinyls, trinkets, and even tattoo artists.
The Frogtown Flea Market attracts over 50 vendors each time, which means neighborhood expansion and more awareness of Frogtown. The incredible number and variety of vendors also reflects Los Angeles’ unique flea market scene.
If you want to go, make sure you follow their Instagram @TheFrogtownProject, where they’re constantly reminding their followers on the next market. Their flyer designs are awesome!
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, which is indoors, you’ll find their tie-dye clothing brand, Max Roux.
This has probably been my favorite yoga class I’ve taken in LA. You’re on a 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. They offer an extensive range of memberships and class packages. If you want to do a one-time wheel throwing class, it’s $65. The teacher will cover all the basics of pottery and will guide you on creating your piece on the wheel! It says on the website that your piece will be ready for pick-up 3 weeks from the class’ date.
French General
2009 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
I found this store as I was walking on Riverside Drive. The signage caught my attention and I looked them up online. The store is temporarily closed, but their Instagram remains very active. French General store offers craft workshops, handmade fabrics and vintage textiles that are exported from the South of France. Their 2023 one-week long retreat is currently sold out. It will be held in a 19th century manor house in Toulouse, South of France.
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” of Frogtown that was really bad. Today, this park is impeccably maintained. There is a Spanish mission revival style building, which is very reminiscent of Santa Barbara, grassy areas to sit, restrooms, outdoor fitness equipment, a child’s playground, and even an electric charging station.
The park is easily accessible to the bike river path. If you want, you can 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.
There is now a big industrial warehouse right across the skate park, which are now the Happier Camper offices.
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, supplying espresso machines, doing repairs and selling their own coffee beans. I thought it was also a coffee shop, but it’s not. However, you can still walk inside to appreciate the beautiful 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. They make 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 came across this place as I was walking on the river path, after I got a coffee from La Colombe back in October 2022. I was drawn in by the beautiful patio. Then I saw the sign of the business. Quantum Clinic opened in January 2021 in Downtown LA and it was announced earlier that year that they would be moving to Frogtown in June. The opening date for this new location was on January 4th, 2023!
The clinic offers cutting-edge quantum technology for healing like float therapy 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 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 one. You’re sipping your coffee by the LA river, listening to the chirping birds while surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the LA traffic. When I went there, a few people were reading. Afterwards, I recommend going for a walk on the river path — really relaxing is a big understatement!
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 bike path. It took two years of remodeling before the cafe officially opened at the 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 bike bath. The space has rental service and a repair shop.
The menu offers locally roasted coffee, beers, California 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 in the month of July and tried Hangaburs, Quarantine Pizza Co. and Rubie. After I had my delicious meals, I either sat by the river or walked along the path. The vibes were immaculate: great ambiance, amazing food and relaxing views.
When it’s not a pop-up food night, there’s either live music or a comedy show. To sum it up, there’s always something going on there.
Sometimes I felt like I was in the countryside. While I was waiting for my meal, a few bikers stopped by to refill their water bottles, sat for a little bit to people-watch and then took off.
Spoke Bicycle announces all the food vendors for the week on their Instagram stories and the hours are usually from 5pm to 10 pm or until they sell out. If you love burgers, they usually keep the burger vendors on rotation, like Hangaburs or YellowPaper. The latter has been doing pop-ups there for a while. It’s a great way to find new businesses!
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 place 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 posted on the account’s Instagram stories.
Just What I Kneaded has gathered a huge celebrity clientele, including singers Seal, Phinneas and Lizzo. Actress Kate Mara also frequently posted pictures of the 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 are one of my favorite vegan donuts in LA. The pop tarts are also delicious! They also offer savory items, but if you’re going there for the first time, I recommend something sweet. When you order, you can see the open kitchen and the bakers kneading the dough and preparing the pastries.
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 new business, but Wax Paper Co. has actually been around since 2015 and has become an underground sensation. Owners Lauren and Peter Lemos named all the sandwiches after NPR (National Public Radio) hosts.
Both times I’ve been there, I’ve ordered the Ira Glass sandwich. So simple yet incredibly delicious and flavorful: the cheddar cheese, the garlic aioli sauce, the sourdough wheat bread… all the ingredients compliment each other seamlessly.
If you want to turn the sandwich up a few notches, you can also add turkey. When you get there, you will see all the fresh sauces and ingredients on display. Because of the small kitchen and the high volume of orders, you can only order online through the website. On the weekends, sometimes the wait time can be 40 minutes to an hour, so I suggest you order with ample time before going there. But usually on the weekdays, the wait time is a lot less. Their Chinatown location has a counter where you can dine in if you want, but nothing beats the quirkiness of the Frogtown location!
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 at the shop!
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 so big 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 dishes.
When I came across this place while I was taking a walk, I asked the host if I could take a look inside, and wow! The place was bustling. The bar had beautiful marble countertops and overall, the space was very tastefully designed. The outside area is a beautiful courtyard that will transport you to Baja California.
If you want to enjoy fresh seafood and drinks, then you have to add Loreto to your go-to list!
Morning Service Coffee
3014 Worthen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039
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. There is signage outside with an arrow that signals to keep driving. Once you get to the open parking lot, you will find the coffee shop right there in the middle. You can tell everyone who works there is a coffee connoisseur! They also offer a few pastries, one type of burrito and an avocado toast. On their menu, it says that they’re currently working on offering more menu items.
Morning Service Coffee’s Instagram
Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos
This taco truck is only open 3 days of the 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 — their phone number is also listed.
Salazar
2490 Fletcher Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
You can get amazing, cheap Mexican food at one of the many taco trucks that abound nearby. But if you want to enjoy Mexican food and margaritas on a beautiful patio with saguaros, then Salazar hits the spot. The guacamole is $16, which has caused an uproar among some people who have dined there.
No, you’re not going to get the best carne asadas or al pastor tacos in the city. But if you go, you have to understand that you’re paying for the ambiance and the service. This is not a place where you’ll get the best bang for your buck. 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 quality handcrafted beers in a pub-style atmosphere. They also host different pop-up food vendors and live music. Go check their Instagram stories for the schedule.
Don Shuco
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 Don Shuco, a food stand that specializes in Guatemalan-style sandwiches. There were so many people waiting for their order when I drove by! Hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
I want to thank the owners of Wax Paper Co and Roam Yoga for taking the time to answer my questions. I definitely got a deeper insight into the neighborhood.
Stay tuned for my other article Exploring Mount Washington and Cypress Park. 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!
