Guidebook for Van Nuys
Arts & Culture
Very friendly staff. Great for learning social ballroom dancing in a non-threatening environment. If you say you know me, Sarah Jane Mitchell, you will get a comped lesson.
Soho Dance LA Sherman Oaks
14261 Ventura BlvdVery friendly staff. Great for learning social ballroom dancing in a non-threatening environment. If you say you know me, Sarah Jane Mitchell, you will get a comped lesson.
Great place to learn hip-hop. Very close and another friendly environment. Guest recommended.
54 locals recommend
Millennium Dance Complex
11528 Ventura BlvdGreat place to learn hip-hop. Very close and another friendly environment. Guest recommended.
More great dancing. No-frills but the dance floor is huge! Instructors are fantastic. I adore Jim, Meagan and Pasha.
Dance Revolution
6626 Valjean AveMore great dancing. No-frills but the dance floor is huge! Instructors are fantastic. I adore Jim, Meagan and Pasha.
Part of North Hollywood Theatre Row. It's an equity house. A fun place to see independent plays.
Avery Schreiber Playhouse
4934 Lankershim BlvdPart of North Hollywood Theatre Row. It's an equity house. A fun place to see independent plays.
The movies here are nearing the end of their theatrical run. Think movies that came out 3 months ago... But, for $3/ticket and half-price Tuesdays you can't go wrong.
8 locals recommend
Regency Valley Plaza 6
6355 Bellingham AveThe movies here are nearing the end of their theatrical run. Think movies that came out 3 months ago... But, for $3/ticket and half-price Tuesdays you can't go wrong.
Bring a picnic to the outdoor amphitheater to take in a show. (Bring a blanket too, it gets chilly at night.) Easy to get to using public transit. A big local must during the summer.
1407 locals recommend
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Hollywood Bowl RdBring a picnic to the outdoor amphitheater to take in a show. (Bring a blanket too, it gets chilly at night.) Easy to get to using public transit. A big local must during the summer.
Technically outside of the neighborhood, but if you love art, this place is a must. A friend from CT wanted to come here... the work is thought provoking (and familiar). A precursor to Warhol.
Corita Art Center
5515 Franklin AveTechnically outside of the neighborhood, but if you love art, this place is a must. A friend from CT wanted to come here... the work is thought provoking (and familiar). A precursor to Warhol.
Food Scene
American Food, but all vegan. In a cute cottage-like setting. Go hungry and save room for dessert. They cook with the season, and that's something I really like.
52 locals recommend
SunCafe Organic
10820 Ventura BlvdAmerican Food, but all vegan. In a cute cottage-like setting. Go hungry and save room for dessert. They cook with the season, and that's something I really like.
A menu that is as big as The Cheesecake Factory. They are very savvy with food allergies. I have two Gluten Free Friends, one picky and I'm vegetarian- we can all eat there and be happy.
132 locals recommend
Hugo's Restaurant
8401 Santa Monica BlvdA menu that is as big as The Cheesecake Factory. They are very savvy with food allergies. I have two Gluten Free Friends, one picky and I'm vegetarian- we can all eat there and be happy.
I love their pizza. The crust is New York Style and they are also sanctioned by the gluten free groups here. My brother-in-law (who is GF) says the crust is some of the best crust he's ever had)
Antonio's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
13619 Ventura BlvdI love their pizza. The crust is New York Style and they are also sanctioned by the gluten free groups here. My brother-in-law (who is GF) says the crust is some of the best crust he's ever had)
They have great medium-bodied coffee. An L.A. staple. People are always talking industry stuff and you'll likely run into a celebrity when you're there.... the true L.A. experience, people
36 locals recommend
Priscilla's Gourmet Coffee Tea & Gifts
4150 W Riverside DrThey have great medium-bodied coffee. An L.A. staple. People are always talking industry stuff and you'll likely run into a celebrity when you're there.... the true L.A. experience, people
A little tough to find... just look for a building covered in ivy. A great wine list and a menu that changes with the season. Besides scrumptious food, great for celebrity sitings. Bring $$$
151 locals recommend
Firefly
11720 Ventura BlvdA little tough to find... just look for a building covered in ivy. A great wine list and a menu that changes with the season. Besides scrumptious food, great for celebrity sitings. Bring $$$
Authentic Latin American cuisine. A large menu to pick from. Generous portions. Their condiments are better than what you get at Un Poquito Mas or Chipotle.
El Rancherito
6455 Woodman AveAuthentic Latin American cuisine. A large menu to pick from. Generous portions. Their condiments are better than what you get at Un Poquito Mas or Chipotle.
Coffee shop and bakery. Both are high quality. The back room offers a little more privacy from the hustle and bustle of the main room.
121 locals recommend
Republic Of Pie
11118 Magnolia BlvdCoffee shop and bakery. Both are high quality. The back room offers a little more privacy from the hustle and bustle of the main room.
If you like Southern Cooking or really enjoy good friend chicken, this is the place. My old company would even get catering from here since we all loved fried chicken.
Mom's Bar-B-Q House
7065 Vanowen StIf you like Southern Cooking or really enjoy good friend chicken, this is the place. My old company would even get catering from here since we all loved fried chicken.
They have American stuff too, but I love the Thai here. Very flavorful. Spicy mint noodles are my favorite. Better yet, these guys deliver as well as are quick when you walk up. Limited seating.
Vic's Food To Go
12527 Victory BlvdThey have American stuff too, but I love the Thai here. Very flavorful. Spicy mint noodles are my favorite. Better yet, these guys deliver as well as are quick when you walk up. Limited seating.
(Bakery) Friendly staff and terrific selection of Mexican sweet breads and pastries. They might greet you in Spanish, but easily settle into English if that's what you're more comfortable with.
Panaderia Mexico
6817 Woodman Ave(Bakery) Friendly staff and terrific selection of Mexican sweet breads and pastries. They might greet you in Spanish, but easily settle into English if that's what you're more comfortable with.
The food won't weigh you down. They are conscious of allergies and vegan/vegetarian. Go there to talk about your meal with them. Parking lot is very small. Plenty of street parking south of Victory.
14 locals recommend
Lusy's Mediterranean Cafe & Grill
6357 Woodman AveThe food won't weigh you down. They are conscious of allergies and vegan/vegetarian. Go there to talk about your meal with them. Parking lot is very small. Plenty of street parking south of Victory.
English cottage style... outdoor & indoor seating. Long queue, but the wait is worth it. Besides, the weather is usually nice so waiting isn't a big deal. Delicious food & great atmosphere.
223 locals recommend
Aroma Coffee & Tea Co
4360 Tujunga AveEnglish cottage style... outdoor & indoor seating. Long queue, but the wait is worth it. Besides, the weather is usually nice so waiting isn't a big deal. Delicious food & great atmosphere.
Everything you want in a coffee shop & bakery. The Russian & Armenian pastries are a delicious. Friendly staff. Lots of seating. A 5 minute walk from the house. Reasonable prices. Take small bills.
Maestro Bakery & Cafe's
14050 Vanowen StreetEverything you want in a coffee shop & bakery. The Russian & Armenian pastries are a delicious. Friendly staff. Lots of seating. A 5 minute walk from the house. Reasonable prices. Take small bills.
Remember that scene in Big where Andy and Josh go to an Italian restaurant and the waiters sing? ....Yeah. Kinda like that. Super fun family style atmosphere.
31 locals recommend
Miceli's
3655 Cahuenga BlvdRemember that scene in Big where Andy and Josh go to an Italian restaurant and the waiters sing? ....Yeah. Kinda like that. Super fun family style atmosphere.
Less than a mile away. Convenient for dining in or taking out. Good sushi at a great price. I prefer this place of Midori in Studio City... and cheaper than Katsuya. :)
Yagumo Sushi
14554 Vanowen StLess than a mile away. Convenient for dining in or taking out. Good sushi at a great price. I prefer this place of Midori in Studio City... and cheaper than Katsuya. :)
Another close branch. It's in a large outdoor mall, so there's plenty of parking.
96 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
7220 Balboa BlvdAnother close branch. It's in a large outdoor mall, so there's plenty of parking.
Prices are on the higher end for a brunch place, but worth it. Delicious food, fun atmosphere, friendly waitstaff and generous portions. A unique take on traditional brunch food.
22 locals recommend
SteamPunk Coffeebar And Kitchen
12526 Burbank BlvdPrices are on the higher end for a brunch place, but worth it. Delicious food, fun atmosphere, friendly waitstaff and generous portions. A unique take on traditional brunch food.
A hipster coffee bar in the Valley. Lots of tables and a good cup of coffee. Great for small production meetings or to catch up with people.
22 locals recommend
M Street Coffee
13251 Moorpark StA hipster coffee bar in the Valley. Lots of tables and a good cup of coffee. Great for small production meetings or to catch up with people.
Fun diner style restaurant in an old train. Prices reasonable. Small menu. Comfort food. You go 'cause it's in a train. Very fun.
75 locals recommend
Carney's Restaurant
8351 Sunset BlvdFun diner style restaurant in an old train. Prices reasonable. Small menu. Comfort food. You go 'cause it's in a train. Very fun.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great food. Fun ambiance with cushy booths. Bring a flashlight to read the menu and bring a book to wait. No reservations. It's well worth the wait. I'm told it's great for star hunting too.
73 locals recommend
Casa Vega
13301 Ventura BlvdGreat food. Fun ambiance with cushy booths. Bring a flashlight to read the menu and bring a book to wait. No reservations. It's well worth the wait. I'm told it's great for star hunting too.
My favorite gastro pub. A varied wine and beer list with great tapas. Close to the red and orange lines make it easy to get to. Plus, there's always Uber.
203 locals recommend
The Federal
5303 Lankershim BlvdMy favorite gastro pub. A varied wine and beer list with great tapas. Close to the red and orange lines make it easy to get to. Plus, there's always Uber.
Their wine list is great. Be mindful of their specials, which are top-notch but pricey. One thing that makes this place stand out is the artwork. It's classy bar meets art gallery.
11 locals recommend
Eclectic Fine
5156 Lankershim BlvdTheir wine list is great. Be mindful of their specials, which are top-notch but pricey. One thing that makes this place stand out is the artwork. It's classy bar meets art gallery.
If you like dive bars, this is the place. Feet stick to the floor and all that jazz, but everyone there is friendly. It truly feels like a bar where everyone knows your name.
17 locals recommend
Tonga Hut
12808 Victory BlvdIf you like dive bars, this is the place. Feet stick to the floor and all that jazz, but everyone there is friendly. It truly feels like a bar where everyone knows your name.
Robin Hood British Pub
13640 Burbank BlvdOne of the closest UK style pubs.
The Kings Head
I hear another great bar.
Everything Else
If you need a new hair cut & style, this is the place. Very easy to get to. Just a quick right on Vanowen and a Left on Haskell. Ask for Max. Tell her that Sarah, her fellow 8-21 client sent you.
Epic the Salon
17207 Ventura BlvdIf you need a new hair cut & style, this is the place. Very easy to get to. Just a quick right on Vanowen and a Left on Haskell. Ask for Max. Tell her that Sarah, her fellow 8-21 client sent you.
Close for Continuing Education or if you're a current student working towards a degree.
7 locals recommend
Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton AveClose for Continuing Education or if you're a current student working towards a degree.
Affordable health care if you don't have insurance. The lines are long but again, affordable. Good for general stuff and tests you may need.
Valley Community Healthcare
6801 Coldwater Canyon AveAffordable health care if you don't have insurance. The lines are long but again, affordable. Good for general stuff and tests you may need.
One of my guests stayed here while she was getting settled in L.A. She needed a car, people recommend this place and she got a car. She seemed pretty happy with it. http://hollywoodautocenter.com
Hollywood Auto Center, Inc.
6733 Lankershim BoulevardOne of my guests stayed here while she was getting settled in L.A. She needed a car, people recommend this place and she got a car. She seemed pretty happy with it. http://hollywoodautocenter.com
Did you forger something or need that half gallon of milk? Two blocks east of Matilija, 7-elven has the later hours and random selection of things you need.
10 locals recommend
7-Eleven
13901 Ventura BlvdDid you forger something or need that half gallon of milk? Two blocks east of Matilija, 7-elven has the later hours and random selection of things you need.
A non-denominational church. A friend goes here and likes that there are lots of services to choose from.
The Church On The Way
14300 Sherman WayA non-denominational church. A friend goes here and likes that there are lots of services to choose from.
Located at 14040 Vanowen St. One guest used this as her Zumba spot and said she got a great workout. She also liked that people of all different types of people and fitness levels went.
14040 Vanowen St
14040 Vanowen StreetLocated at 14040 Vanowen St. One guest used this as her Zumba spot and said she got a great workout. She also liked that people of all different types of people and fitness levels went.
One of my guests was visiting from Europe. She was excited because of the proximity to the house. She's says this place is so good, she heard about it from her original gym!
CrossFit Sherman Oaks
5940 Kester AvenueOne of my guests was visiting from Europe. She was excited because of the proximity to the house. She's says this place is so good, she heard about it from her original gym!
Sightseeing
Smaller than Disney Land, but also more economical. There's the added bonus you have different restaurants at City Walk and you won't break the bank going to either.
3326 locals recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaSmaller than Disney Land, but also more economical. There's the added bonus you have different restaurants at City Walk and you won't break the bank going to either.
Valleyheart Greenway
Valleyheart DriveA coupe miles south, very pretty run along the L.A. River.
About a half-mile away from the house. Nice easy run through neighborhood streets to get there and then packed dirt. Uncrowded makes it great for interval training.
Tujunga Wash
About a half-mile away from the house. Nice easy run through neighborhood streets to get there and then packed dirt. Uncrowded makes it great for interval training.
Also outside the neighborhood, but A MUST. Easy Uber ride over. Go for the sunset and star gazing.
4367 locals recommend
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory RdAlso outside the neighborhood, but A MUST. Easy Uber ride over. Go for the sunset and star gazing.
Essentials
Ralphs
7221 Woodman AveHalf a mile away with very convenient hours. Stays open late.
Two blocks away. Specializes in Latin American foods, but also has general stuff can find at a small convince store.
60 locals recommend
Vallarta Supermarkets
13051 Victory BlvdTwo blocks away. Specializes in Latin American foods, but also has general stuff can find at a small convince store.
Specializes in Asian foods... Great selection and it's all a much better price than purchasing from the "Asian section" at your grocery store.
13 locals recommend
99 Ranch Market
6450 Sepulveda BlvdSpecializes in Asian foods... Great selection and it's all a much better price than purchasing from the "Asian section" at your grocery store.
If you're looking for Persian foods, this is the place. If you want a good deal vegetables, nuts or canned goods, this is also the place. Worth the slightly longer drive.
Sabzee Market
17461 Ventura BlvdIf you're looking for Persian foods, this is the place. If you want a good deal vegetables, nuts or canned goods, this is also the place. Worth the slightly longer drive.
Shopping
Armenian bakery. Prices are reasonable & they have a good selection. It could have been the pastry I had, but it tasted a day old. Maestro's at Vanowen & Hazeltine is better.
Vlad's Bakery & Pastry.
13640 Vanowen StArmenian bakery. Prices are reasonable & they have a good selection. It could have been the pastry I had, but it tasted a day old. Maestro's at Vanowen & Hazeltine is better.