Looking for a cup of joe? Mar Vista may be small, but we have a ton of places to get Coffee. Whether you’re looking for a Coffee To Go, a snack or pastry to go with your java, or a place to sip caffeine and write the next great American screenplay, Mar Vista has it all.
This local fave has terrific decor, a back patio, a few select indoor spots, and a set of tables out front, perfect for seeing and being seen. There’s even a parking lot! Order online for quick pick-up.
Having an iced coffee, watching the world go by, at Alana’s Coffee Roasters
The Coffee Connection is a non-profit coffee house serving up hot beverages and pastries 6 days a week (they’re closed on Sundays for Church) – and, when possible, it’s a great meeting place, with multiple rooms available for rent, and ample seating for drop-ins.
Mavro Coffee 12224 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Taking over the spot where the Venice Grind used to be, Mavro serves up coffee to go – with a back patio available as well.
Starbucks Multiple locations in Mar Vista and around the world
While they are maligned for their cups and their ubiquity, Starbucks is nonetheless a terrific place to get coffee – and snacks. They pay a living wage to their employees and they are good community partners. App-based ordering and payment – plus there are now 2 drive-throughs open in Mar Vista.
Sick of cooking? Too busy? Or just craving a favorite delicacy? Consider ordering Take-out food from one of these terrific Mar Vista Restaurants.
Wondering which Mar Vista Restaurants are open and offering Take out or food to go right now? We’ve got the latest scoop. Whether you’re looking for fast food or fine dining. Whether you want to pick it up yourself or have dinner delivered.
Even snacks and desserts are available close by! Note that some places don’t have big websites, but you can order delivery via one of the many apps, like Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub, or Uber Eats.
Casa Sanchez 4500 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066
This restaurant in Mar Vista/Del Rey is well known for their delicious Mexican food, their banquet and catering options, and for hosting Mariachi performances. They’ve also got food to go, for individuals as well as Family-style meals.
El Sazon Oaxaqueño 12131 Washington Place, Los Angeles 90066 310-391-4721
Well known for their Oaxacan food, this restaurant also has a bakery. Try the mole sauce, on anything, or their tamales.
Delicious Thai food, from papaya salad, to Tom Yum Kai soup, to Thai curry and of course Pad Thai.
Little Fatty 3809 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Known for their Taiwanese Soul Food, Little Fatty has been a neighborhood staple for years. Try the scallion pancakes, the General Tso’s cauliflower, the Taiwanese Sunday Gravy, 3 cups chicken – and any of the rest of their terrific menu. Now also serving beer, wince an cocktails to go from their adjoining bar, accomplice.
This relatively new addition to the Mar Vista dining scene offers modern Vietnamese cuisine, served fast-casual style. Build your own bowls, from ingredients like rice or vermicelli, chicken or tofu, cilantro and peanuts – and much more.
Terrific sushi to go. Choose from rolls, sashimi, tempura, it’s all good.
Pitfire Pizza 12924 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90066
Pitfire has got you covered when it comes to pizza, pasta and salads. They’ve even got kids’ pizza making kits and family-style meals to go.
Rasselbock 3817 Grand View Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
This German restaurant and pub serves hearty German food with a twist, with schnitzel, sausages, Bavarian pretzels and their famous apple strudel, not to mention their impressive German beer list.
fried egg on avocado toast from Rustic Kitchen
Rustic Kitchen 3523 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066
Rustic Kitchen serves up comfort food and groceries if you need them. Try the burgers, poutine fries, and more. Open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.
Rutt’s Café 11707 Washington Place, Culver City 90066
A little bit of the Islands here in LA, Rutt’s serves up authentic and delicious Hawaiian food. known for huge portions and great prices, Rutt’s is a favorite in Mar Vista. They also cater for larger groups.
Sakura Japanese Restaurant 4545 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066 310-822-7790
This restaurant doesn’t seem to have a website, but they’ve been around for (is this possible?) 65+ years! They are a neighborhood stand-by, with regulars galore and a wait out the door – for table service. Get their terrific sushi to go and you won’t be disappointed.
Saby’s Café 12900 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 90066 310-313-3867
This great neighborhood cafe is well known for delicious Mexican food, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – as well as juices, baked goods, and coffee.
Take-out is right in their name. The MV Grab and Go has a breakfast menu, as well as multiple options for lunch, like tacos, sandwiches, salads, plus specialties in their deli case.
Tut’s Grill 12114 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Part of the Rutt’s family of restaurants, Tut’s Grill serves Egyptian cuisine you will surely love. Choose from Kebabs, shwarma, felafel, gyros – and so much more.
Family-owned and in business since 1972, this bakery specializes in French and Japanese baked goods. Try the cream puffs, the strawberry shortcake, the chiffon cakes, the dobash cakes – heck, try them all!
Hotcakes Bakes 4119 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90066
This bakery is well known for cakes and pastries, including their amazingly delicious Canneles. Order ahead for special occasions or just because.
Family-owned and in business since 1956, Primo’s has terrific donuts any time, but they’re well known for seasonal specialities that are worth the wait in line to try. Buttermilk bars are the bomb!
Famous for their breads, especially pretzel bread, but just as well-known for their café menu, this neighborhood favorite is part of a larger food empire.
Chipotle may be the originator of the Fast Casual dining experience. They offer Mexican food in an assembly-line, add what you like and avoid what you don’t. They offer individual meals and can do catering as well.
El Pollo Loco 12860 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90066
Delicious chicken and tons of sides, this chain serves food fast, but we think of it more as healthy Mexican-style food, perfect for when you’re hungry and want to eat!
Grocery Stores with Deli Counters
Sometimes the meal you’re craving comes from the grocery store deli counter – plus you can pick up some milk and eggs at the same time! These grocery stores serve everything from sushi to sandwiches, carne asada to tamales, soup to nuts – and everything in between.
Help Primo’s Donuts celebrate 64 years in business – and get a free donut – on Saturday, August 1st from 9am – 12pm.
In appreciation of their loyal customers who have kept them in business for 64 years, Primo’s Donuts will be giving away free mini Buttermilk Bars to every customer from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday August 1st, 2020.
Customers are also welcome to try Primo’s newest donuts: Hawaiian inspired jelly-filled donuts. The Mauisada Donuts come in an assortment of flavors including guava, mango, pineapple, and Nutella.
Primo’s Donuts is located at 2918 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
What are you doing Thursdays from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m? You could head over to nearby Marina del Rey and grab some delicious food from one of the gourmet Food Trucks at Beach Eats To Go. The trucks will be there every Thursday through September, with a different lineup each week.
Orders must be made online, ahead of time, and the food is grab and go only. Then bike or drive over to Parking Lot #11 – 14101 Panay Way, Marina del Rey, to get your meals. Enjoy! Safe Social distance rules apply.
We are all staying home right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t support our favorite local businesses that are doing their best to remain open during these unprecedented times.
Many Mar Vista business owners are working hard to stay open and serve their customers, and we want to help when we can. So here’s a list of businesses we know are operating – and if you know of others, please let us know.
Restaurants Open in Mar Vista (Alphabetical Listing)
NOTE: the Market will be open under new rules this Sunday, April 5th. The market remains open as an essential food source, every Sunday from 9am – 2pm. Please click through to read all the new rules and regulations they are operating under.
Bel Air Branding is offering complimentary 20-minute strategy calls for business owners and waiving minimum contracts to accommodate business owners as they navigate uncertain times. The ability to communicate with customers is now more important than ever as restrictions on physical interactions are ever-changing. If you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain of how to shift your business model to adapt to current times, we are ready to help in any way we can with developing and implementing a short or long-term strategy for your business. Services include: business consulting, social media advertising & management, and web design. Contact us info@belairbrandingagency.com
According to Eater LA, Mar Vista will soon have a new German Biergarten-style restaurant and bar, taking over the spot where Louie’s of Mar Vista once was.
Looks like it will be called Rasselbock, and that there will be plenty of beer and schnitzel to go around. Boots full of beer. Look for an opening date in early January 2019.
I love living in Mar Vista. You probably already knew that if you’ve been reading this blog for a while. I post about all the great things that go on in this neighborhood, and I’ve been doing it since 2008.
I have supported local businesses as past President and co-Founder of the Mar Vista Chamber of Commerce. I produced the Make it Mar Vista event for the past 3 years, which is held on Small Business Saturday, and is designed to support shopping local and shopping small. The Chamber has no paid staff – we’re all volunteers, by the way – so I’ve been working to help build up local businesses for years just because I believe in it.
I put a high priority on supporting local businesses, and I practice what I preach. Here’s a list of all the places in Mar Vista where I happily spend my money. I guess you could say these are endorsements, because I love all these places.
Hair (alphabetical listing)
Mar Vista Mom and Richard Baier of All About Color
All About Color is owned by Richard, who’s a sweetheart and does a great job on my hair. He’s been a serious pro forever, came up with a great look for my hair, plus he cracks me up.
12324 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Peters Salon decorated for Xmas
Peter’s Salon is not only a terrific place to get a cut, color and style, but Peter is known for his amazing holiday decorations. And he’s a doll. I love his blowouts.
12209 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop has had a great deal running: $55 for shampoo + cut + blow out. Not bad! And the last lady who cut my hair there was very kind about my roots, so she’s got an A in my book.
12200 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Nails
Nails by Lisa is located within Peter’s Salon and Lisa is terrific, with super loyal clients. I love getting a mani-pedi from her.
12209 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Star Hair & Nails
This is a great little spot to get a mani-pedi, with a nice back parking lot and a super loyal clientele.
4040 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Vanities
12615 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066 (310)391-4849
Great place for a mani-pedi, hair cut and color. Plus great chit-chat!
Food & Drinks (alphabetical listing)
coffee outdoors at Alana’s Coffee Roasters
Alana’s Coffee Roasters – this newest coffee spot in Mar Vista has a super cute interior seating area, great coffee, and even tables out front where you can sip your beverage and watch the world go by.
12511 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Atmosphere Café patio
Atmosphere Café – I just had breakfast there as a farewell to an old friend who’s moving away. Delicious food – lunches, too. And now they have a wine list!
12034 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Canela Cocina Latina – I love this place. Terrific Mexican food and great prices, plus it’s owned by a wonderful family. Burritos are awesome.
12326 1/2 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Coffee Connection
The Coffee Connection is a non-profit coffee house serving up hot beverages and pastries 6 days a week (they’re closed on Sundays for Church) – and it’s a great meeting place, with multiple rooms available for rent, and ample seating for drop-ins.
3838 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
El Sazón Oaxaqueño
This place has seriously some of the best food in town and at a terrific price. If you like Molé you must try it. Authentic Oaxacan food and panadería.
12131 Washington Place, Mar Vista 90066
posole at Grand View Market
Grand View Market is possibly the best deal in town – great prices on great food. Plus they have a beer & wine license and a market, too. Weekday lunch specials are not to be missed. My fave is Wednesday: Posole!
12210 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Lunch at Little Fatty
Little Fatty – I love Chinese food, and this authentic Taiwanese spot has some of Mar Vista’s best food. I raved about the cauliflower dish so much, my friends made me buy it for them and then shush, once we all agreed it was fantastic. Had a fun celebrity sighting there the last time I went – someone I had worked with years ago, back in my TV days.
3809 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista, The – My family and I ate dinner there when it first opened last Winter and I’m heading back this week for a lovely patio experience now that it’s Summer time!
12249 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Grab & Go – I had a terrific breakfast there recently and I’m looking forward to a lunch soon. I love that the patio connects with the Venice Grind for coffee, too.
12226 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mitsuwa Market
Some of the best ramen in town can be found in this food court hidden inside a grocery store. Udon and tempura, too. Plus you can buy prepared sushi to-go from the market. Yum.
3760 Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Rustic Kitchen (RE-OPENING September 9th!)
This relative newcomer to the neighborhood has delicious food and a great wine list – plus they’ve got a market and terrific pastries. They were sidelined by a fire this Spring, but they’re ready to re-open soon and I’m ready to go back!
3523 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Rutt’s Café – I grew up in Hawaii and there’s no getting around it: I consider rice with every meal normal. Head there for plate lunch, the famous Royale – and we’ve had them cater a few of our parties as well. Two words: Spam Musubi.
11707 Washington Place, Mar Vista 90066
Venice Grind – this is the stand-by coffee joint in town and where I love to have people meet me: everyone either knows where it is or can easily find it because of the cool sign.
12224 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Yum Yum Donuts – my kids have loved their donuts forEVER, and I can’t help myself but indulge their cravings every now and then.
12201 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Shopping
Brenda’s Flowers – I’ve always shopped here for a hostess gift or bouquet to celebrate with a friend. They even do graduation leis, if you’re in the market.
3827 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
a few great bracelets I got at Council Thrift
Council Thrift Store – This place has some of the best clothes anywhere, new or used. I get a lot of my wardrobe here, and quite often they still have the tags on. My favorite thing is the accessories, though: I love scoring a new handbag for $7 or all the jewelry I’ve found there, sometimes on Buy Two Get One day.
12120 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Dick’s True Value Hardware – I always need something that only Dick’s carries. Sometimes it’s a part my plumber tells me to pick up and have ready, or sometimes it’s spare key copies, but I love going in there and I love that I can always count on them.
12216 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
The Hängar
Can I share a secret? I want to live inside this store. Everything is beautiful and there’s a comfortable vibe throughout. The woman who runs this place has a fabulous eye and chooses wonderful pieces, from furniture to art and décor. Great spot for when you don’t want an ordinary gift.
3472 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Art Department
Mar Vista Art Department
I love the super trendy fashions, jewelry, and gifts I get at this local store. Plus they hold fabulous events and workshops here, and they’ve been helping create some of the cool murals around the neighborhood, too.
12513 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Soaptopia – How many bars of soap does a woman need? Well, I’ve got more than that. I love everything they make and sell! I’ve been shopping at Soaptopia since they first opened and it’s my go-to spot for when I need that perfect gift. Especially good for Teacher Appreciation Week.
12228 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Timewarp Music – OK this isn’t me, but my husband shops here for his guitar babies and has had his amplifiers repaired as well.
12257 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Vintage on Venice
Vintage on Venice – I have the received the most delightful gifts from Vintage on Venice from my sweet family. I love going in the shop – so many wonderful things to look at an choose from!
12218 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Services
ABY Rentals
I don’t own enough tables and chairs for a party, much less a bouncy house or a cotton candy machine. But ABY does, and they’ve rented them to me many times over the years. They’re terrific.
12215 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Celeste’s Alterations – Celeste is an artist and can repair just about anything. She’s taken in some dresses for me – and let out others (it happens to the best of us). We get all my family’s jeans hemmed there, too.
12028 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Service – This tiny service station right on Venice Blvd is just terrific. I’ve taken my 12-year-old car there for many an oil change and I love that I can walk to pick it up.
12100 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Cleaners – Matthew is the unelected Mayor of Mar Vista, and is a charming guy to get to know. They will take great care of your dry cleaning and always have a smile for you when you pass by.
3831 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
This is the ribbon cutting at Sweet Lucie’s ice cream from Make it Mar Vista 2015. I sure do miss their ice cream!
This post was written by Sarah Auerswald. To be 100% clear about this: none of these businesses has paid me to write this or say these things. I give THEM the money.
Say hello to some new businesses in Mar Vista – that we actually probably still know pretty well. Status Kuo is becoming two new spots in town: accomplice bar and Little Fatty restaurant. Let’s help welcome them!
accomplice bar is now open, but Little Fatty is coming soon.
If you had told me last week I could fall asleep floating in ten inches of water inside what resembles a small spaceship, and mere yards from the Costco that’s known as the busiest in the US, I would have thought you were crazy. And yet, there I was, being awakened from my slumber by the dulcet tones of the alarm, letting me know my first Float session at Pause Studio was complete.
I was as shocked as anyone, trust me. But my sleeping self hadn’t lied: I was thoroughly relaxed.
In the waiting area at Pause Float Studio
Getting into a pod at Pause Float Studio was a little unnerving at first, and I will tell you honestly, I wasn’t sure it was my cup of tea. (Which, by the way, they serve you after you’re done with your float, in a lovely, calming room where you can transition back into the loud world.)
But apparently it was as relaxing as I needed it to be, because I felt wonderful afterwards and I really want to float again.
I remember when people used to call this kind of thing a “sensory deprivation tank,” which brings to mind something a bit frightening, but that couldn’t be further from the reality of Pause Studio, which is a lovely, calming place and a state-of-the-art facility.
The glowing pod at Pause Float Studio
Self Care is So Important
I have embarked on a bit of a personal challenge; to turn Back to School Time into Back To Me Time. Summer vacation kicked my butt this year and I barely had time for personal grooming, much less time to recharge my batteries and take care of myself.
So I gladly accepted the invitation to sample my first Float.
Preparing for one’s Float is essential. Naked is the preferred way to go, although you may wear a bathing suit if you choose. The idea is to feel the sensations on your skin and so I floated in the nude. The pod is in a private room with a shower, and you must clean off before entering. You also wear ear plugs, so the water won’t get into your ears and so that outside sounds really can’t distract you.
Some of the fabulous beauty products at Pause Float Studio
Inside the pod, floating in water the same temperature as your body, which is saturated with Epsom salt, you are in complete control of the situation: lights on or off, music playing or silence, pod lid open or closed – its totally up to you.
So what was it like? It was very strange at first. I had trouble letting go, even closing my eyes at first. I chose to leave the lid of the pod open, because I worried about feeling trapped, but the downside was I was a little chilly – at least, the parts of my body sticking out of the water were. Poor toes.
I gradually got more comfortable and would close my eyes for a few minutes at a time, trying to meditate, but I would catch myself opening my eyes and wondering how much time had passed! Not relaxed at that point.
Finally, and I have no idea when, I fell asleep, and was brought back to consciousness by a gentle alarm that let you know the 1-hour session will come to an end. As I got out of the pod and took another shower, the filtration system kicked in, automatically replacing the water for the next floater.
Floating Great for Pregnant Women
The most interesting thing about this truly interesting experience was the feeling of weightlessness, that my body was not touching any thing, but was nonetheless supported. It was delightful.
Jeff Ono, owner of Pause Studio, recommends this experience for pregnant women, since they are often not able to lay comfortably on their backs at a certain point in the pregnancy. With nothing to press against, their backs are supported and their babies are not pressing against them.
Pregnant or not, I highly recommend Moms give Pause Float Studio a try.
reception area at Pause Float Studio
I appreciate being a guest of Pause Float Studio to try my first Float. Their hours and prices are listed on their website. 13353 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Meet the newest business to open in Mar Vista: Light on Lotus. Offering yoga classes in their brand new studio with a Gold Wall designed by Local Artist DJ Neff, please check out their website for all their classes and scheduling details. And welcome them to the neighborhood!
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