At the center of Los Angeles lies one of its most iconic and historical thoroughfares: Fairfax Avenue, closely linked with hipness and urban culture.
HuffPost
he dubbed it “the coolest street in Los Angeles” back in 2015, while
Complex
referred to it as the “mecca of streetwear.” The mid-city Fairfax area has been a predominantly Jewish neighborhood since the 1920s. Around the early 2000s, it evolved into an international cultural center following the emergence of streetwear stores such as Supreme, The Hundreds, and Crooks & Castles. Although Los Angeles is famously difficult for walking,
the city’s easiest areas for walking around
Would disagree), Fairfax was consistently a location where one could effortlessly walk around (provided they managed to find parking). Each block featured an assortment of stores, pubs, entertainment spots, and eateries, with numerous options staying open well into the evening—a uncommon trait for the City of Angels.
In recent times, the queues outside these renowned establishments have given way to empty storefronts, as an increasing number of long-standing businesses in Fairfax shut down. The area, which used to buzz with activity and was a hotspot for insiders, now has an eerie emptiness about it due to its prime location and stark contrast from past conditions. To those familiar with Fairfax’s glory days, returning nowadays evokes images akin to encountering phantoms. While rent prices and operational expenses are escalating throughout Los Angeles, one can’t help but ponder what additional factors led this iconic thoroughfare into such rapid decline.
Read more:
Top Local Eateries Recommended By Angelenos That You Shouldn’t Overlook In Los Angeles
How Fairfax Evolved Into a Pioneering Destination
In 2004, the launch of Supreme’s West Coast flagship store on Fairfax Avenue dramatically reshaped the avenue and its surrounding area virtually instantaneously. Situated close to Rosewood Avenue, this location for the once-underground skate brand began attracting large crowds of visitors. It evolved from being known only among select individuals to becoming a prestigious emblem for those ready to endure long waits and pay significant sums. Soon after, brands like The Hundreds, Huf, and Crooks & Castles joined in, converting Fairfax into the central hub for streetwear fashion—not just within Los Angeles but globally—as it gathered together skateboarders, hip-hop enthusiasts, and aficionados of urban culture alike.
Soon after, other businesses recognized this neighborhood’s newfound appeal. In 2008, acclaimed cooks Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo—nicknamed the “Two Dudes”—launched their protein-focused eatery called Animal. It swiftly gained recognition as one of Los Angeles’ premier dining spots and earned international acclaim. They later introduced another gem in 2015: Jon & Vinny’s, an adored Italian place located on Fairfax Avenue.
For decades, Fairfax transformed into a symbol of the multicultural tapestry of Los Angeles, encompassing residents and visitors from various age groups and origins. The area managed to preserve its rich Jewish legacy, evident through the enduring appeal of local landmarks such as Diamond Bakery and Canter’s Deli—the latter possibly boasting fewer years than
Hollywood’s oldest restaurant
However, it has been nourishing the city since 1931. The true distinction of this street lies in how the older establishments seamlessly merged with the newer ones, giving rise to a distinct version of the Fairfax community.
What Became of Fairfax Avenue?
The sudden decline of Fairfax came from a combination of factors. For one thing, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the neighborhood hard, as it lost its foot traffic for that period and people started turning to online shopping. Although it’s definitely possible to
savor an affordable adventure in Los Angeles
Generally, rental and living expenses have risen, posing challenges for small enterprises trying to sustain operations and for consumers who find it tough to splurge on discretionary items. This situation has worsened due to widespread inflation, driving up the prices of fundamental goods such as eggs, thereby complicating matters further for local eateries aiming to keep their doors open.
During the initial stages of the pandemic, the boulevard witnessed clashes between peaceful demonstrators and law enforcement officials amid the Black Lives Matter protests condemning police brutality and the death of George Floyd in 2020. Several shops faced looting and destruction, with many not resuming operations afterward. This led to Fairfax acquiring a reputation for being prone to criminal activity.
After nearly two decades as one of the pioneers of Fairfax’s streetwear scene, Supreme decided to close its location and relocate to the Sunset Strip in 2023. This move significantly impacted the neighborhood: foot traffic declined further, leading similar establishments such as The Hundreds to shut down operations in 2025. In 2023, both Animal and Diamond Bakery also ceased their activities. Despite this exodus, some venues like Canter’s and Jon & Vinny’s continue to thrive; however, numerous vacant shops now line the streets of Fairfax, prompting questions about the future of what was once a hub for streetwear fashion.
Eager to uncover additional hidden treasures and get more insider travel advice?
Sign up for our complimentary email newsletter.
to unlock the globe’s most closely guarded travel tips.
Read the
original article on Islands
.
Leave a Reply