When Melrose Feels Like Fall | Coffee for Sasquatch

Good morning, Los Angeles. You’re reading Obsessed LA, your insider guide to what’s actually worth being obsessed with in the city. Each week, we highlight the restaurants, events, and hidden gems that capture LA’s best energy.

Fall finally tapped LA on the shoulder this week. The mornings have finally cooled, and for once it feels right to reach for a hoodie without sweating through it by noon. There’s a softness to the city right now, the kind that makes a good coffee hit deeper and a great meal feel like a small victory.

This week’s issue leans into that mood. A coffee shop that understands atmosphere, a burger spot that turns hype into reality, and a cozy neighborhood staple that feels half diner, half living room. And to round it out, an art gallery pick that reminds you why LA’s creative pulse never really slows down, it just changes color with the season.

Let’s get into the obsessions.

Forget the forests, Sasquatch has been hiding in Hollywood all along, and somehow it makes perfect sense. The storefront is bright and clean, with a calm interior that feels intentionally put together. The place has this quiet confidence, designed with warm and purpose without ever trying too hard.

I stopped by with Tanner, who’s a big part of what makes the spot feel genuinely welcoming. The way he and the team move behind the bar has an ease to it. They are attentive, grounded, and organically friendly, and the coffee more than holds its own. The Maple Orange Clove latte is the standout for me. It’s layered, aromatic, and seasonal without leaning into gimmicks. It tastes like fall without being sickly sweet, and it’s one of those drinks that makes the whole visit feel a little more complete.

I’ll be honest. I’ve always been obsessed with Sasquatch, so featuring this place was especially fun. It feels like the kind of cafe you stumble into once, then keep coming back to because the energy just fits.

If you’re looking for a coffee shop that gets the details right, both in design and hospitality then Coffee for Sasquatch is an easy call. Ask for Tanner and he’ll take great care of you.

Two different people told me about Amboy in the last month, and frankly, I was skeptical. LA has no shortage of “best burger ever” claims. But after the first bite, I hated how right they were. The char, the crust, the way the fat hits the bun just enough to leave a mark, it’s the kind of burger that shuts you up mid-sentence.

Amboy sits quietly in the middle of a Chinatown plaza, the kind of spot you could walk past twice before realizing what you missed. No theatrics, no big signage, no branding circus. Amboy is just a small set of tables, a tight menu, and a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. The patties come off the grill with that golden, laced edge everyone talks about. The buns stay soft but never collapse. And the seasoning feels really deliberate and balanced.

I ordered The Single Classic, which hits the sweet spot for me: crisp edges, a soft bun, and flavor that carries way further than you expect from a single patty. Amboy is not chasing trends, it’s just the best burger in town.

If you want to understand why people won’t shut up about it, go try it yourself. You might end up annoyed at how right they were too.

La Luz de Jesus definitely isn’t your typical art gallery, and that’s obvious the moment you step through the door. Part gallery, part cultural time capsule, it’s one of the birthplaces of pop-surrealism and community art, a space that’s been shaping the city’s art scene since 1986.

The walls are packed with work that is simply awesome: figurative pieces, sculptural oddities, and a signature mix of humor, character, and edge. It’s bold and strange in the best way.

What makes it even more fun is the setting. It’s connected to Wacko Soap Plant, a local favorite filled with books, prints, toys, and the kind of wonderfully bizarre finds you only get in Los Feliz. It’s a gallery that feels accessible, warm, and original.

If you want a hit of LA creativity that hasn’t been sanitized for the algorithm, La Luz de Jesus is worth a wander. Come for the art and stay because you found something you didn’t even know you were looking for.

Downtown LA
A massive curated vintage pop-up with clothing, jewelry, home goods, and local designers. Perfect spot for early holiday browsing.
Tickets →

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Hollywood
An over-the-top festive pop-up bar with immersive decor, themed cocktails, and plenty of holiday energy.
Tickets →

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Hermosa Beach
A cozy local holiday market with makers, food vendors, live music, and beach-town Christmas vibes all weekend long.
Tickets →

I don’t think I’ve ever had brunch at a place more homey. MeeMas literally feels like stepping into a comfortable and familiar living room, with soft lighting and super cozy booths. It’s part diner, part family kitchen, and somehow it makes the combination feel completely natural.

The menu is classic in the best way. You’ll find eggs, pancakes, and breakfast plates with nothing over-styled. Just simply comforting food cooked with care, the kind that lands exactly how you want it to on a slow Sunday. It’s the spot you go to if you want to ground yourself.

What makes MeeMas special is its sincerity. Our server, Miguel deserves his own shoutout. He has hospitality that you can’t teach. He’s attentive and quietly making sure everyone feels taken care of. It’s the kind of service that turns a casual brunch into something that you really do remember.

If you want a brunch that feels like a reset button, MeeMas is exactly the move.

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