Jefferson Park Hot Spots

Jefferson Park is bounded by Western (on the East), Crenshaw on the West, Exposition on the South, and Adams Avenue on the North.

While these largely commercial corridors (as well as the bi-secting Jefferson Blvd.) look at points ragged and forlorn, they nonetheless feature a few useful businesses and worthwhile destinations.

Hardware Stores: In addition to specialty plumbing (Hirsch) and electrical retailers, Jefferson Park boasts two good general purpose hardware stores: Tak's (with an emphasis on gardening supplies) at Jefferson and Norton, and a family run Ace on Crenshaw just South of Adams. A building materials yard (CBM) can be found on Exposition at 10th, and a flooring supplies store, called Old Masters is on 2nd Ave between Exposition and Rodeo.

Restaurants: Crenshaw Boulevard hosts two celebrated bar b-que joints, Phillips and Tasty-Q. The acclaimed Harold & Bell's, a high end Creole establishment (at 2920 Jefferson) has served up big portions since 1969. Aunt Rosa Lee's Mississippi Soul Food is located in a strip mall along Western Blvd, between 27th & 28th. Choice Cuts, a meat market at 333 Jefferson, also serves lunch. Joan and Sister Belizean restaurant is on Western near 36th. Johnnie's near Adams and Mont Clair is renowned for their Pastrami and is open late.

Libraries: Two unique institutions are located on either side of Grammercy, at Adams Avenue. The Clark Library, which also hosts a popular chamber music series, houses the special collection for the University of California, and can be visited by appointment. In the rear of the Britt Mansion, the Amateur Athletic Association keeps an all sports library open to the public. A local LA branch library, with a special emphasis on African-American authors, is on Jefferson, next to Shaw Park at 2nd Avenue.

Specialty stores: Antique Stove Restoration, at Western and Exposition, offers an amazing selection of vintage stoves. Port Royal, antiques and bric-a-brac, is at 3128 Jefferson. Bryant's nursery, small and accessible, is on Jefferson near Cimarron.

Barber shops and 99 cent stores are too numberous to list. Lou Marnie dry cleaners is located on Jefferson, near 2nd. Houses of worship abound, as do party supply stores. Crenshaw Boulevard features fast food, banks, and drug stores.