Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue
4
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This funky, eclectic, unique, trend-setting neighborhood includes shops, restaurants and galleries.
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Neighbourhood: Fairfax District
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4.0
162 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
53
Average
37
Poor
14
Terrible
4
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Régis1972
Lancy, Switzerland18,397 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We had parked the vehicle in the main street and planned to take a 15 or 20 minute walk to take pictures and look at the small shops and other shops. In the end, we stayed for more than two hours taking pictures of all the graffiti, frescoes and artwork done against the walls of the main street but also adjacent streets. Amazing, bluffing and unique in the world.
Automatically translated
Written 22 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrequentFlier22426
Pasadena, California1 contribution
Melrose Avenue, a place to see and be seen. Long before the t.v. show ever had a start, the name 'Melrose' already had its own claim to fame. Melrose avenue is filled with unique shops, tourists, metal-studded purple-haired punks, and the rich and the famous. Every time a head is turned another shop of attraction becomes the eye-candy. Stores, stores, and more stores plus unique style and intriging crowd equals Melrose shopping, land of glitz glamor and money well spent. If anyone is looking for a good time send them to melrose. All in all Melrose is fatty-bo-batty!
Written 14 December 2002
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChantalTee
Melbourne, Australia192 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Melrose Avenue - such an iconic spot to shop. What I love about this famous strip is that it changes so much from one end to the next. Starting on the West side, it becomes apparent that this is real high end shopping at it's best. There are some very big names along this strip and this continues for quite some way. You'll need to save megabucks if you want to shop up big in this area. But it's quite a beautiful stretch of road to see all the designer digs and homewares.
An absolute must for lunch is Crossroads Restaurant, just on the corner of Sweetzer Avenue. It's a beautiful restaurant that is ripe for celebrity spotting, not to mention a beautiful meal.
As you begin heading eastbound, the shops start to take on an interesting twist. What was once high end fashionist heaven, soon becomes funky, unique boutique shops. You will get some magnificent original pieces once you get past Fairfax Avenue.
There are your big brands like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but be sure to check out American Vintage and Sportie LA for some really cool finds.
Johnny Rockets, the original hamburger joint, is along this strip and you'll be sure to find loads of really cool retro vintage thrift shops and bohemian boutiques the further along you go.
If you make it all the way along, head to Larchmont Boulevard and turn south, just off the corner is Cafe Gratitude which is a beautiful place to rest your feet and get a healthy, wholesome meal in a vibrant and peaceful setting.
Melrose Avenue definitely has something for everyone is is far more affordable than Rodeo Drive. It's a fabulous place to find a bargain, but also to do some really unique boutique-style shopping without all that mass-produced stuff you find in all the chain stores. Have a good look in the thrift shops though, there are some pretty incredible finds to be discovered in here and some equally eccentric characters.
An absolute must for lunch is Crossroads Restaurant, just on the corner of Sweetzer Avenue. It's a beautiful restaurant that is ripe for celebrity spotting, not to mention a beautiful meal.
As you begin heading eastbound, the shops start to take on an interesting twist. What was once high end fashionist heaven, soon becomes funky, unique boutique shops. You will get some magnificent original pieces once you get past Fairfax Avenue.
There are your big brands like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but be sure to check out American Vintage and Sportie LA for some really cool finds.
Johnny Rockets, the original hamburger joint, is along this strip and you'll be sure to find loads of really cool retro vintage thrift shops and bohemian boutiques the further along you go.
If you make it all the way along, head to Larchmont Boulevard and turn south, just off the corner is Cafe Gratitude which is a beautiful place to rest your feet and get a healthy, wholesome meal in a vibrant and peaceful setting.
Melrose Avenue definitely has something for everyone is is far more affordable than Rodeo Drive. It's a fabulous place to find a bargain, but also to do some really unique boutique-style shopping without all that mass-produced stuff you find in all the chain stores. Have a good look in the thrift shops though, there are some pretty incredible finds to be discovered in here and some equally eccentric characters.
Written 17 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anteater805
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Family
As others have mentioned, Melrose Avenue used to be a eclectic, trendy, fun area to shop. We went yesterday and it was anything but. Graffiti on empty storefronts, lots of people in the street. We were driving through it in the afternoon and we had to turn down a side street because the intersection was blocked by a large melee or brawl. So sad.
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick S
Cranston, RI130 contributions
July 2013 • Couples
At one time Melrose was the place to see and visit for the newest trends, cool people and now....it looks like a broken down old rusty car. Didn't feel safe at all, stores mostly looked broken down or ready to go out of business. Somewhat depressing to see.
Written 29 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoctorFodrey
Denver, CO82 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
There's definitely some weird shops on melrose. If you're in the market for a giant body suit made of chain mail and pink rubber spikes, this is your jam. I wouldn't go east of la brea unless you're going to golden apple comics which is just east of labrea. The farther west you go, the nicer the street gets.
You're gonna see some record stores, a bunch of really bizarre clothing shops, a few restaurants, and a lot of vintage clothing stores before you hit fairfax. If it's early in the day, eat at blu jam. If it's late, try vinoteque.
After fairfax the stores get a little bit more pricey and after crescent heights you can start to find some designer stores, a couple fancy bakeries and some juice bars. If you make it all the way past la cienega you're gonna find urth cafe which is amazing no matter what time it is.
You're gonna see some record stores, a bunch of really bizarre clothing shops, a few restaurants, and a lot of vintage clothing stores before you hit fairfax. If it's early in the day, eat at blu jam. If it's late, try vinoteque.
After fairfax the stores get a little bit more pricey and after crescent heights you can start to find some designer stores, a couple fancy bakeries and some juice bars. If you make it all the way past la cienega you're gonna find urth cafe which is amazing no matter what time it is.
Written 29 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
em m
Los Angeles, CA58 contributions
June 2012 • Solo
I would like to know, how does one get a dress that is tailor made for them and then get charged alteration fees??? If it is made for me and I mean tailor made for me had to pay a rush fee of $500 to get it here at the 3 month mark, how can it finally get here and then I get gouged for more money as an "alteration fee" when its tailor made for me!!!!
I left Vera Wang today so frustrated and upset with my decision. I FELT VIOLATED. Yes the dress is beautiful, but would I have gotten it for this price if I knew how much they would tag on as fees, NEVER!!
When I came to this store there was so much politics and lies involved. There were 2 dresses that were in the running and I really had a hard time deciding between the 2, when I decided on the more expensive dress they told me "oh we've already put the order in for the other one so why don't you leave all your credit card information and we'll let you know Monday which dress the factory is going to make". Right, so I'm supposed to believe that you have an opportunity to make the more expensive dress and charge me more and you're not going to take it?
SUCH A SCAM. I already had had enough and then today to get told I need to pay $1200 in alterations when I've already paid $500 and the dress is TAILOR MADE FOR ME.
I want every bride to know how ridiculous this institution is.
I was approached by Tara who is their manager, who decided to talk to be about my previous review.
Apparently these are not made to order dresses. When they ordered the dress they ordered a size 8 which I was shocked at because I have a large bust. I thought they were going to order a size 12 and shrink the rest of the dress down to fit. But they ordered a 8 and had to increase the bust size and charge me $600. I was told by Tara that the length of the bust to bellybutton doesn't matter between a size 6 or 12 and so it would have had the same problem if it was a size 12, which is a lie. That's not possible, a larger size dress has more fabric period.
This is why my bikini top is a size 10-14, when my bikini bottom is a 4 or 6, the larger top size has more fabric. A size 14 dress has more fabric than size 4, and not only that its longer so I didn't agree with her notions that they are the same.
On to my point, Vera wang dresses are not made to order, you are approximated by a size chart and then it comes in and a tailor adjusts it. So its not couture. I was told by Tara that couture usually costs more, which i wouldn't know, all I know is that if you're going to sell something and make the customer perceive something that it is not, that is a deceitful and unethical practice.
My dress price increased %20 from its original price tag, due to alterations, because basically they ordered a size that was so small for my chest, the bust had to be enlarged and because of my height, I am told I can only wear a 4 inch heel. I cannot accept paying that much money to be told I cannot wear higher than a 4 inch heel. Furthermore, if this was a made to order dress like they make everyone think, I would have not had these limitations and problems.
So that's the deal, the dresses are beautiful but what you walk out paying is much more than you think, and you are made to believe each dress is for you, which its not really.
I would love to share the final price tag of this dress but I will not because honestly feel so stupid that I bought a dress I will wear once for 6 hours and I paid this much. :(
I left Vera Wang today so frustrated and upset with my decision. I FELT VIOLATED. Yes the dress is beautiful, but would I have gotten it for this price if I knew how much they would tag on as fees, NEVER!!
When I came to this store there was so much politics and lies involved. There were 2 dresses that were in the running and I really had a hard time deciding between the 2, when I decided on the more expensive dress they told me "oh we've already put the order in for the other one so why don't you leave all your credit card information and we'll let you know Monday which dress the factory is going to make". Right, so I'm supposed to believe that you have an opportunity to make the more expensive dress and charge me more and you're not going to take it?
SUCH A SCAM. I already had had enough and then today to get told I need to pay $1200 in alterations when I've already paid $500 and the dress is TAILOR MADE FOR ME.
I want every bride to know how ridiculous this institution is.
I was approached by Tara who is their manager, who decided to talk to be about my previous review.
Apparently these are not made to order dresses. When they ordered the dress they ordered a size 8 which I was shocked at because I have a large bust. I thought they were going to order a size 12 and shrink the rest of the dress down to fit. But they ordered a 8 and had to increase the bust size and charge me $600. I was told by Tara that the length of the bust to bellybutton doesn't matter between a size 6 or 12 and so it would have had the same problem if it was a size 12, which is a lie. That's not possible, a larger size dress has more fabric period.
This is why my bikini top is a size 10-14, when my bikini bottom is a 4 or 6, the larger top size has more fabric. A size 14 dress has more fabric than size 4, and not only that its longer so I didn't agree with her notions that they are the same.
On to my point, Vera wang dresses are not made to order, you are approximated by a size chart and then it comes in and a tailor adjusts it. So its not couture. I was told by Tara that couture usually costs more, which i wouldn't know, all I know is that if you're going to sell something and make the customer perceive something that it is not, that is a deceitful and unethical practice.
My dress price increased %20 from its original price tag, due to alterations, because basically they ordered a size that was so small for my chest, the bust had to be enlarged and because of my height, I am told I can only wear a 4 inch heel. I cannot accept paying that much money to be told I cannot wear higher than a 4 inch heel. Furthermore, if this was a made to order dress like they make everyone think, I would have not had these limitations and problems.
So that's the deal, the dresses are beautiful but what you walk out paying is much more than you think, and you are made to believe each dress is for you, which its not really.
I would love to share the final price tag of this dress but I will not because honestly feel so stupid that I bought a dress I will wear once for 6 hours and I paid this much. :(
Written 26 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kitten712
Los Angeles, CA99 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
This use to be the place to shop and people watch. But now it's full of resale stores, cheap tacky clothing store and homeless youth. You feel like you want to keep you wallet and bags fully in view at all times.
Written 20 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frosty205
hk12 contributions
u definately have to go there if u consider a self a instyle youngster. this place is amazing, you can find accessories to big cool brands like EVISU from low to high prices. u can get a lot of cool accessories there and dun hav to worry u will clash with someone else because they usually only keep one or two. remember if u are buying things with a higher price, rmb to ask for a lower one since the shop owners usualy do so! u can also find a lot of stuff that celebrities wear, so it is definately a hip place!
Written 26 June 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
topjoe
Southern CA12 contributions
May 2015
Not what it used to be...10+ years ago Melrose avenue was more Bohemian with shops and restaurants ranging from tattoos to shoes, vintage clothing, burgers, car washes, specialty lighting, antiques and bike fix-it shops. There was a fun "hip" feel to meandering down the famous avenue. Always alive with pedestrians and traffic there was an almost small town "buzz." There were the few "fancier" boutiques and expensive designer stores mixed in for interest. Now almost all of the little shops have been either abandoned or replaced by expensive names like Alexander McQueen (ahem) and whoever has that Pepto Pink building near Crescent Heights and of course the "anchor" of the avenue Fred Segal (restaurant and clothing store? hmmm never did get that one)...but I digress. If you still wish to tour, shop, dine or otherwise check out the Melrose strip be sure to bring lots of $$$ unless of course you plan on window shopping and wasting an hour or so waiting in line at Pink's hot dog stand. (That's a whole other one-star review though).
Written 3 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do all stores open at 11Am?
Written 24 September 2019
Most stores open at 11:00 but some open at 10:00 and others even at 12:00.
Written 24 September 2019
What time do the shops on Melrose Ave close?
Written 31 July 2018
Hi, what is the nearest Metro/ train stop pls?
Coming from UK. Thanks!
Written 3 June 2018
Is there a lighting fixture store that sells chandeliers in the Melrose shops.
Written 8 March 2015
Coming in to visit with a group of friends...where is the best place to park and then walk and see the various stores? (i.e. Can we part at one end or the other and if so, what address or closest store would that be?)
Written 24 February 2015
Coming in to visit with a group of friends...where is the best place to park and then walk and see the various stores? (i.e. Can we part at one end or the other and if so, what address or closest store would that be?)
Written 24 February 2015
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