The Guide to Shopping in Leimert Park

Leimert Park and its most famous area, the Historic Leimert Park Village, centered on Degnan Boulevard in South LA, has been dubbed the epicenter of black culture in Los Angeles. The village is the center of historical and contemporary African American art, music, and culture. You can find artisan coffee shops and art and restaurants from across the diaspora. The streets are always alive with music, as many local artists and jazz musicians inhabit the area. On the weekends, there's a local vendor market with handmade apparel, art, and food, and you can even stay for the drum circle! If you are looking for something unique, Leimert Park will certainly have what you are looking for, and all the shops are a stone's throw from each other, so you can park and walk to each one in one trip.

When you walk into Aziz Gallerie (3343 W 43rd St, Los Angeles 90008) you will find gems! Aziz hosts one of the few fine art galleries in South LA. The gallery is curated by multimedia Senegalese artist Aziz Diagne and holds some of his unique art, so there's something for everyone. Almost all the pieces are available for purchase, so this one-of-a-kind gallery is constantly growing and changing. If you want to cultivate your inner Basquiat, you can also sign up for one of Aziz’s many art and print-making workshops.

Nappily Naturals & Apothecary (4342 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is a black-owned organic wellness shop. If you are looking for all-natural and safe hair products, herbs, teas, and tonics, you can find those and more inside the calm and relaxing atmosphere at Nappily Naturals. They have an array of wellness products to cater to the needs of men, women, and children and can even custom blend teas, oils, and tinctures that are more uniquely suited for your specific issue.

Neighbors Skate Shop (4344 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) prides itself on being a bridge between generations. The shop carries a few boards but is more tailored to those looking for skate fashion. Neighbors host several skate apparel and shoe brands as well as clothing under its own moniker. You can even pull up with your skateboard to skate on the ramp in front of the shop with a few locals.

Queen Aminah’s Clothing & Sisters Marketplace (4339 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is a boutique that features African wear, accessories, art, sculptures and more for men, women & children. It also features traditional Islamic attire; Queen Aminah has stated one of her goals is to provide traditional wear that is both fashionable and versatile. You can also schedule an appointment to get a custom ensemble created.

Ride On! Bike Co-Op (4319 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is a one-stop shop for bicycle enthusiasts. The shop aids cyclists of all levels with purchasing a new bike and ensuring the perfect fit, repairing your favorite bike, and sourcing the gear and equipment needed to take your bike adventures to the next level. Once your bike gear is all set, you can join them for one of their regular group bike rides and start finding your bike tribe!

Sika (4330 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is home to one of the oldest shops on Leimert. Named after its namesake artist, Sika Dwimfo, you can find jewelry, African art, clothing, and housewares like traditional masks, fans, and jewelry; many of the jewelry pieces are handmade by Sika. If you're feeling adventurous and want to try out a new look, you can also get your nose pierced by Sika, who makes it a spiritual experience; a large sign welcomes you into the shop with confidence: "If I don't pierce your nose, don't have it pierced!"

Sole Folks (4317 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is an apparel and lifestyle store for men and women, from iconic shirts, sweatshirts, and shoes to accessories. You can grab the latest Fear of God Essentials drop or an array of limited-run items from their carefully curated black designers – many local to Los Angeles. Since all the shopping is sure to wear you out, you can also grab a juice from the juice bar right inside the store.

Ackee Bamboo (4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) has been serving up delicious and authentic Jamaican food for almost 20 years in the heart of Leimert. With jerk chicken to die for and a classic beef patty, among other heavy hitters, you will feel as if you are right on the island. They also offer catering if you are considering hosting a big event. There are also many veg-friendly options for those who want a plant-based version of their Caribbean favorites.

All Chill (3415 W 43rd Pl, Los Angeles 90008) is an artisanal ice cream shop serving up "culture, community and cream." The shop was started after husband and wife owners realized there were no real ice cream shops in the area. This isn’t your regular ice cream shop; it’s a hip-hop museum with an extensive hip-hop memorabilia collection. All the ice cream and flavors are homemade with fresh and organic ingredients, so get a double scoop. In fact, they carry a selection of non-dairy flavors, go ahead and make it a triple!

Harun Coffee (310 N. Stanley Ave, Los Angeles 90036) isn't your average coffee shop. Owned by Chace Johnson, a former music executive, this coffee shop boasts fresh coffee, mushroom lattes, smoothies, vegan pastries, and more while being home to an art gallery and lifestyle apparel shop. Centered on Degnan Boulevard it's a community hub with regular panels, events, and pop-up shops. So, you can grab a coffee and some knowledge and get to it on the co-working side of the shop all in one stop!

Formerly Hot and Cool Café, ORA (4331 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is now open and sure to regain its place as a hotspot in Leimert Park. The sleek renovations welcomes guests with the smell of freshly roasted coffee from its sister brand, Crenshaw Coffee Company. They source coffee from private coffee farmers in Ethiopia and pay the farmers above market prices. So, you can get your caffeine fix and feel good knowing that your dollars are going into the hands of the growers. ORA also features delicious vegan meals and treats.