HelMel—named after the intersection of Heliotrope and Melrose—is tucked away under that huge green net behind Los Angeles City College. The area is less a neighborhood than it is two corners featuring a diverse cluster of businesses catering to an even more diverse clientele. We don’t know why this veggie-friendly, bicycle-loving and art-supporting zone took root on this random block off Vermont Ave., but the result is a walkable destination we love.
Local Positioning: Heliotrope Dr. at Melrose Ave.
by Jean-Luc Renault, Special to Metromix
February 13, 2008
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Pure Luck
707 N. Heliotrope Dr. - Los Angeles323-660-5993
Good fortune surely awaits you at this modest restaurant serving creatively tasty vegan dishes and a solid lineup of hefty microbrews. Space is limited, though, so finding a table can sometimes be a matter of, well, pure luck.
Scoops
712 N. Heliotrope Dr. - Los Angeles323-906-2649
This cash-only storefront keeps a low profile but is known for infusing truly bizarre ingredients into singularly delicious frozen concoctions. I scream, you scream, we all scream for...foie gras ice cream?
Bicycle Kitchen
706 Heliotrope Dr. - Los Angeles323-662-2776
More like a pantry than a kitchen, this tiny shop provides riders of all levels with tools, racks and tips for fixing up your bikes, as well as workshops. A mere $7 donation is requested for every hour you're there.
Fake Gallery
4319 Melrose Ave - Los Angeles323-661-0786
A performance space known for its weekly alternative comedy shows in a scene that typically takes itself too seriously. But if the actors don't leave you laughing, there's always the weed pharmacy a few doors down.
Pizza Paul
4330 Melrose Ave. - Los Angeles323-663-1210
Decent pizza, cheap oversized sandwiches and even cheaper beer. What else could you ask for?
Majestic Golf Land
4301 Melrose Ave. - Los Angeles323-662-7979
There are no clubs in HelMel (at least not yet), so blow off steam by whacking a few balls at this three-story driving range.
