The Immigrant and Legacy Businesses of Silver Lake Food Tour at Micheltorena Stairs – Los Angeles, CA

Silver Lake is often referred to as the “Brooklyn of LA.” Known for its hipsters, coffee shops, and painted stairs, Silver Lake is usually on the all the lists of cool LA neighborhoods. Timeout has even called Silver Lake the “14th coolest neighborhood in the world!” However, being cool comes with a literal price.

As the area has changed and gentrified, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Many of the great legacy businesses are struggling to survive in a world where major brands are buying up the block. This tour will focus more on classic Silver Lake businesses, immigrant operations and locally run spots that have been pillars of the community. By supporting these businesses, we can help Silver Lake retain some its character (and characters) that helped make it one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

Not only are you supporting great businesses with this tour, you’ll also learn a ton about Silver Lake! From LA’s “Little Havana” to the beginnings of the LGBTQ+ movement, Silver Lake’s story connects to major moments in world history. You’ll learn about the early films that were made in the area and take incredible pictures with the painted stairs. And, this is the only regularly offered tour in LA that is led by a stair adopter and painter! You’ll hear all about the original artists behind “the most Instagrammed stairway in the world” and what it takes to maintain them.

But what about the food? That’s the real point, to get out and eat incredible food in a great neighborhood. The options are always changing depending on availabity and season, but some of the samples and items you may try include:

• Award winning coffee
• Incredible fish tacos
• Delicious Cuban pastries
• Filipino empanadas
• Salvadorean pupusas
• Fresh produce at the farmers market
• Locally made gelato

From a family owned Filipino bakery to a 50 year old Cuban coffee shop, this tour will introduce you to some of the best local businesses that LA has to offer. Immigrants brought us all of these incredible dishes from their home countries and we can show our appreciation by eating as much as possible!