Best Shopping And Dining In The Revitalized NoHo Arts District

In a neighborhood that boasts more than 20 theaters, professional dance studios, art galleries and recording studios, creativity thrives. The area has long been sought after for artistic pursuits. Those in the know visit Nohoartsdistrict.com regularly to discover all things artistic going on in town. In recent years, a plethora of new local businesses have taken notice, leading to the revitalization of the neighborhood. If it's been a while since you've visited the square mile that makes up the NoHo Arts District, you'll be impressed. In this young, eclectic enclave of the valley, there is more than just the temperature rising.

What To Eat

Republic of Pie

11118 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 308-7990
www.republicofpie.com

There's home and there's work. What's the in-between? Created from a love of baking, passion for coffee and a strong sense of community, The Republic was created to fill that third place. It's where people come to enjoy handmade sweet and savory pies, pastries and much more. It's where you can expect quality espresso pulled from the likes of Stumptown Coffee Beans and the skillful latte art that is almost too pretty to drink. It's a place to discover new ways to enjoy coffee with siphon brews and pour over offerings. It's a venue that hosts a variety of local talents including singers, songwriters and artists. It's an opportunity to relax, have meetings, visit with friends and connect with neighbors. This is a true, locally-owned hangout loved by the community and visitors alike. On weekdays, select items are half-price during happy hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Federal Bar

5303 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2555
www.thefederalbar.com

This two-story bar, restaurant and event venue is the where you go for a nightlife fix in the area. Check the event calendar for everything from comedy to live DJ's and other happenings taking place on the second level. Valley dwellers can thank Morgan Margolis (Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO) for his pivotal role in the revitalization of the NoHo Arts District. The building holds historical significance as a former bank from the 1920's, giving instant credibility to the Prohibition-era theme.

Wine and other alcoholic beverages are available at the bar, but they are most popular for their impressive collection of 20 craft beers on tap. As for food, expect an array of approachable, yet sophisticated pub fare. For sharing, the Michelada Clams, Yellowtail Crudo and Short Rib Poutine are tasty highlights. If you feel like indulging for dinner, the Fried Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles (available from 5 p.m. to midnight) is a must.

There is a daily Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. with select food items available for $2 off, $2 off bottle/draft beer, $3 wine/well drinks, $5 select call drinks and $7 premium drinks. With the Metro Red Line directly across the street, you have a built-in designated driver that will also get you 20 percent off food (with proof of transit).

EAT

11108 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 760-4787
eatnoho.com

EAT cafe offers reasonably-priced lunch and dinner items in a casual yet bustling atmosphere. It's a popular place to go for brunch, especially on the weekends. They have creatively addressed the demand for more seating by expanding down a Sunny Delight-hued alleyway lined with tables, leading to even more tables in the back patio. The Banana Nut Caramel Pancakes are a decadent treat if sweet is your thing. A tasty savory choice is the Blue Crab Benedict, made with wild caught crab claw cakes. Be sure to include Ned's Shreds, a signature side item that's made with shredded zucchini and cooked like hash browns.

Shops And Services

Jenny and Jimbob

11114 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(323) 274-5684
jennyandjimbob.com

Jenny and Jimbob are the husband-and-wife duo behind this colorfully quirky jewelry shop. The beauty of it is that each piece of jewelry in the store is handmade by Jimbob, who works in a cool workshop loft. The brand is popular for its playful Matchbox line (seen in more than 1,000 stores nationwide and two international). However, as locals to the neighborhood, the couple made sure to offer an expanded range of additional styles to suit the eclectic tastes of people living here. You'll want to check out the unique pieces on the wall lined with display shelves, cleverly equipped with decorative weights that double as theft prevention devices.

In addition to the creations on the shelves, the store is sought after for their custom work. Just one look at Jenny's wedding band and you'll know why. Jimbob has done an array of custom pieces, including engagement rings and what he calls Freedom Rings. Divorcees come to him with wedding rings, asking him to repurpose it into a new piece of jewelry that they'll love wearing again.

Aside from selling jewelry, the shop hosts events that bring the community together. They recently launched small group jewelry classes that teach students the basics of the lost wax process. To sign up, call or email the store for more information. Featured art and music events that emphasize local talent also take place in the shop. The next one, Chicks and Cocks, takes place on June 28. Paintings of roosters, hens and chicks by local artist Jeffrey Vincent Parise will be showcased, along with live music, drinks and goods.

State Bikes

11223 1/2 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 761-6434

Come down to the neighborhood's own State Bicycle for all of your cycling needs. They specialize in custom-built fixed gear bicycles and all that the cycling culture involves. Have a question? Need a part? Stop in and have a chat with shop proprietor and master bike mechanic Wade Hamilton. He'll be glad to share what he knows in a pressure-free environment. Located in the heart of the NoHo Arts District, State Bicycle is a must-visit destination for pros and anyone new to the sport. It's hard not to notice the sleek shiny bikes displayed in the store window.

The Sweat Shoppe

11049 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 287-3997
thesweatshoppe.com

One day, Mimi Benz (Founder) was in a spin class and the air conditioning broke. She discovered she liked how it took her workout to a different level, and the idea for The Sweat Shoppe was born. Inspired by heated yoga, this fitness studio is the first of its kind to specialize in heated indoor cycling classes. Their signature Sweat Cycle classes are like none other in the country and have received national coverage.

The studio comes well equipped with Schwinn IC Pro bikes, a professional sound and lighting system, and some of the best instructors in L.A. Some of the benefits of this unique class format include elevated fat burning levels, detoxification and a more challenging workout.

The Sweat Shoppe currently offers 32 classes per week, including a new offering, the "Tri Class." This specialized format helps condition those training for a triathlon in a way that simulates the cycling effort and temperature exposure of a sprint-distance triathlon. Call the studio to try out a class. A good rule of thumb is to take a class with one of the more popular instructors like Jason, Melissa or Sandra. Westside students currently schlepping here will be happy to know that The Sweat Shoppe projects the opening of their second location on that side of town this fall.

Strip NoHo

5217 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 761-4411
stripnoho.com

This modern and chic boutique offers full body waxing, results-driven Cosmedix facials, organic spray tans and electrolysis. Strip uses a waxing technique that involves a high quality cream wax and a hard wax from Paris. It's an amazing wax that is suitable for all skin types and results in a nearly painless process. More importantly, Strip never double dips their wax sticks during sessions, ensuring the safest and most hygienic waxing experience in town. The caliber of service found here is so fantastic, they attract clients from over the hill and beyond.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.