Local Businesses in Venice I love!

Awesome Local Businesses in Venice Area

Are you spending a day on the west side or a week in Venice and want something to do after your music lesson with me? Searching for a lunch spot near my music studio after your voice lesson? meeting a friend for lunch after your piano lesson? Just a block away, you can enjoy some excellent yellow curry at Star of Siam.Craving a tasty fish taco after your singing class? Check out the Mariscos place across the street on Lincoln.

The Importance of Small Businesses

Why do I feature other local businesses in Venice on my site? I'm a strong advocate for entrepreneurship. Having managed my studio throughout my adult life, I believe that small, family-run shops are vital to a vibrant and joyful community. Buying a guitar is much more fulfilling when the seller has known you for years, having re-strung your other guitars or provided you with lessons. Enjoying lunch at a family-run coffee shop means encountering baristas who are genuinely excited to see you because they value your patronage and are grateful when you return or recommend them to friends. Scroll down for a list of my favorite spots!

Group Singing Class for Adults at Venice School of Music

Local Businesses in Venice

Restaurants & Bars

Penmar Cafe - a laid-back spot perfect for sports lovers. (Sorry, LA! As an Eagles fan, I can’t help but love this place for catching the games.) Enjoy tasty food, watch golfers wrap up their rounds, soak in some live music, and feel right at home with the friendly staff.

Tacos Por Favor - A longtime favorite in Venice - I love their hard shell tacos and I'm thrilled about a new location opening just three blocks away from my music studio on Lincoln!

Star of Siam - this Thai restaurant serves delicious food and is conveniently situated right next to VSOM! It's perfect for a quick lunch when you're pressed for time.

Hinano Cafe- I'm hesitant to share this spot, but it seems TikTok has already revealed it. It's one of the oldest bars around, a place where Jim Morrison used to frequent, and in my opinion, one of the best burgers in LA! Insider tip: give the Philly Cheesesteak a try. This Philly girl gives it her stamp of approval!

George's Burgers not only serves up an excellent burger and has a welcoming staff, but also offers pancakes and breakfast tacos. This perfect diner features a panoramic view of Lincoln Blvd, ideal for those who love to look out the window like I do!

Crimson Cafe - if you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, this is the place to visit, and you'll be pleased with any dish you choose.

Lares - a classic Mexican restaurant known for its upscale regional cuisine. It boasts a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere on the lower level and a sophisticated ambiance upstairs. This venue has been a longstanding presence on Pico for many years.

Teddy's Cafe - I believed all the classic diners in Los Angeles had disappeared until I discovered this gem. Ideal for enjoying biscuits and gravy or pancakes in the morning. Open until 8 if you're interested in trying those diner dinners!

Mariscos Guillen La Playita - a small stand offering excellent deals on tacos, particularly fish tacos! There's always a line, and the staff at the window are cheerful. I love the fish taco plate.

The Great Western Steak and Hoagie Co is renowned for its tasty cheesesteaks and burgers, and it serves as a notable architectural landmark on Venice Blvd.

Live Music & Entertainment

Electric Lodge - I conduct my Singing for Fun Vocal Workshop at this wonderful non-profit venue, which features a black box theater, beautiful dance rooms and constant supporters of arts in Los Angeles

McCabe's - Looking to buy a guitar, enjoy live music, or take a guitar lesson? This legendary music store on the west side has a beautiful theater in the back for successful folk and blues acts. Why am I highlighting another music school on my website? Because I take guitar lessons here and highly recommend lessons with Jimi!

Trip Live Music Are you searching for a venue to enjoy live music and a beer or perform your own gig? Luckily, this spot made it through the early 2020s and is an excellent venue for live performances, open mic events, and even trivia nights!

Fitness

Shefayoga in Venice - a remarkable community of yogis with excellent owners and distinctive features like a Himalayan Salt Room!

The Loop Massage - I'm reluctant to share my top massage location, but I want them to thrive, so now you're in the loop!

Deuce Gym I can view this gym from my office window, and I must admit, the individuals working out there appear extremely STOKED. The staff are among the friendliest I've met when I walk past. Do I participate in group workouts? No! Have I observed people getting fit and having a great time there at some outdoor parties and workouts? Yes!

Trashie Yoga Want to exercise while helping clean up Venice? Join this amazing group that combines volunteer trash collection with fun activities! Who would have thought?!

Coffee Shops

Alana's Coffee speaks for itself in that this vibrant coffee shop is already opening a second location in Venice! Check out their calender for art-shows and open mics (yes I make the Venice School of Music student perform here!)

Cafe Bolivar A perfect place to enjoy delicious coffee and arepas, ideal for chatting with a friend or tackling some administrative tasks if you're like me!

Little Lunch is Located just a block from the beach & offers great vibes, delicious coffee, and some really cool merchandise. (I own the most comfortable sweatshirt from this place!)

Other Stores and Shops:

The Colony is a great place to eat when you're unsure of what you're in the mood for. It's essentially a market combined with various restaurants in one location. You can grab a coffee from Good People Coffee or perhaps try some Mediterranean cuisine.

Venice Paparazzi - whether you need a photo booth for your event or want content for your social media, the team at VP are the friendliest and coolest people you'll meet.

David Uzzardi (Photographer) - While he's an eastsider, I mention David because this amazing photographer has been snapping pics of my band and business for years. He puts you at ease and has the talent to capture your true essence in a photo. He also has extensive professional experience in photographing products and merchandise.

Marina Music - step inside, let them know which musical instrument you're looking for, and you'll likely leave with it the same day. So far I've purchased 3 guitars here!

Kitsugi with Kat - This Japanese art is currently very popular, and my favorite Kitsugi master, (she's also a fellow musician), will guide you in learning this art form!

Baked on Rose crafts exquisite and heavenly cakes straight from her studio apartment in Venice. Pro tip: sign up for her tri-slice cake drops for when you don't need to buy a cake but still want a taste. The latest one showcased a mouth-watering strawberry cake!

Bob's Market is a charming, traditional, family-run grocery store. It boasts a deli that serves tasty chicken tenders and their unique brand of egg muffins. Make sure to get there at 7am before they sell out!

I update this list frequently, so always check back!