Hidden HiFi: The Ultimate Guide to Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles

If you’re searching for a hidden gem in the heart of the city, look no further than Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles, also known as HiFi. This small neighborhood often gets overlooked by tourists, but it’s brimming with delicious eateries, historic landmarks, and cute coffee shops that are totally worth checking out.

As someone who’s called LA home for over 15 years, I’ve explored nearly every corner of this huge, sprawling city. 

Recently, I spent an afternoon with a friend wandering through the roughly 2 square miles of Filipinotown, soaking in its unique charm, snapping photos, and indulging in its flavors.

Did you know that Greater Los Angeles is home to the largest Filipino population outside of the Philippines? To top it off, Historic Filipinotown was named the fifth coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out magazine in 2019.

HiFi is a culturally rich enclave that’s perfect for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

In this ultimate guide to Filipinotown, I’ll share everything you need to know to explore this totally underrated neighborhood. From must-see cultural landmarks to the best coffee shops and restaurants, I’ve got you covered.

Plus, be sure to stick around till the end for a history of Filipinotown, plus a handy map to take your own self-guided walking tour of Filipinotown, including all the spots mentioned in this post!

Now, let’s uncover some of the favorite and must-see spots this beautiful community has to offer!

Must-See Spots in Filipinotown LA

If you’re looking for the top cultural and historical landmarks in the neighborhood, be sure to check out these top spots during your visit.

Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway

First up on this list is the 30-foot-tall archway that lets you know you’re now in Filipinotown.

You’ll find it spanning across Beverly Boulevard with several cars rushing beneath at all times. It’s nearly 80-feet wide.

The archway was actually just constructed a few years ago — in 2022. Designed by Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva, the gate’s official name is Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star.

On the arch, there’s a parol (lantern), the gumamela flower (hibiscus rosasinensis), and the Sarimanok (a legendary bird).

Unidad Park

Just down the street from the arch is Unidad Park. It’s a small little park, but it includes a children’s playground, a few benches where you can sit and relax, and best of all, a community garden.

It’s clean and well-maintained, enclosed with a fence. You’ll spot it pretty easily because it features a big mural.

We spent some time wandering around and a woman let us inside the community garden.

It was really beautiful! She even offered us a free oregano plant, which was so nice.

It’s now sitting on my back patio at home. 😊

Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana

That mural is the beloved “Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana,” the main feature of inside Unidad Park. The name of the mural translates to “a glorious history, a golden legacy.”

The mural was painted by Eliseo Art Silva in 1995, and it’s seriously beautiful. The largest Filipino American mural in the country, it’s been named one of the top 20 iconic murals in Los Angeles by L.A. Weekly.

According to the artist, the mural’s design is separated into two parts: one half is historical, and the other is a tribute, depicting a huge bird with historic Filipino Americans on its wings.

The mural also visually tells the story of the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, along with the image of the 1920s boxer Pancho Villa.

Don’t miss the mural on your visit to Filipinotown!

1644 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

Veterans Memorial

If you’re looking for more monuments and landmarks in LA’s Filipinotown, look no further than the Veterans Memorial. 

The memorial is one of the few monuments in the United States dedicated to Filipino veterans. It stands proudly in Lake Street Park, which is also where the community center is located.

Each slab of the memorial narrates a piece of WWII history in the Philippines, starting from the U.S. colonial occupation.

During WWII, Filipino soldiers fought valiantly under the US flag, expecting to receive the same veterans’ benefits as their American counterparts. 

However, the 1946 Rescission Act cruelly voided their service, deeming their duty not as “active military, naval, or air service” for the purposes of conferring rights and benefits.

For nearly 80 years, these veterans have fought for the recognition and benefits they were promised. Sadly, most of these brave individuals have passed away without receiving their due. 

The memorial stands not only as a tribute but also to remind us of the continued fight for recognition and benefits they deserve.

227 N Lake St, Los Angeles, CA 

Filipino Christian Church

The Filipino Christian Church, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument since 1998, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The church has a rich history, starting in 1928 when a group of young Filipino men from California Christian College formed the Filipino Christian Fellowship. 

Back in the day, the church was a haven for Filipino immigrants arriving to Los Angeles post-WWII. It wasn’t just a place of worship, but also a social hub where people could connect, get support, and feel at home. 

Today, the Filipino Christian Church is still a big part of the community in Historic Filipinotown. On your visit, you can stop by, admire the architecture from the outside, or even take a quick look inside during the church’s opening hours, if you like. 

301 N Union Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Temple Seafood Market

Looking for the freshest seafood in town? Head to Temple Seafood Market, the oldest Filipino market in Historic Filipinotown.

At this mini grocery market, you’ll find Asian veggies, like taro and ube, a variety of seafood, like red snapper and dalagang bukid, and interesting Filipino snacks and candies. 

If you’ve ever wanted to try chicken feet or beef tongue, now’s your chance!

2422 W Temple St., Los Angeles, CA

Coffee Shops in Filipinotown

If you’ve come to Filipinotown exclusively for coffee, drinks, and food, keep reading!

Bloom & Plume

On my visit to Filipinotown, I stopped by Bloom & Plume. I loved it!

Bloom & Plume is a total hidden gem. It’s this stylish little spot with a very pretty purple exterior and plenty of color inside. 

And, not to mention, the flavor of my coffee was delicious. I snuck a bite of my partner’s donut and couldn’t believe how good it was. 

Bloom & Plume is the creation of Maurice Harris, a Los Angeles-based artist renowned for his unique floral designs.

Boba Guys

If you’re a boba lover like me, Boba Guys is a must-visit cafe in Filipinotown.

This cute little shop, located right across from HiFi Kitchen, is part of a small chain with locations in SF, LA, and New York. You’ll love it!

The story behind Boba Guys is as delightful as their drinks. After bonding over a game of ping pong, friends Bin Chen and Andrew Chau decided to start their own business, leading to the creation of Boba Guys.

They expanded to HiFi in 2019, bringing their fresh teas, locally sourced milk from Strauss Family Creamery, and house-made syrups to the neighborhood.

The menu is a boba lover’s dream, with regular, seasonal, and build-your-own options. I can attest to how good their drinks are — I drank ALL of mine in less than 5 minutes! 😅

Each drink can be customized with Grade A boba balls or other tasty toppings like almond jelly and egg cream.

1670 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

Clark Street Bakery

​​Clark Street Bakery, once a humble stall in Grand Central Market, has blossomed into a full-fledged bakery that makes me daydream of a peaceful life on a farm. 

They have an insanely good kouign-amann pastry. It’s caramelized and serious buttery perfection.

But they didn’t stop there! They’ve added new delights, like the Nordic Breakfast. 

This hearty platter features a sourdough roll, Comté cheese, ham, butter, jam, and a hard-boiled egg—it’s like starting your day with a picnic in the countryside. 

331 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 

Doubting Thomas

Stroll past a charming patch of fresh herbs and step into Doubting Thomas, where the welcoming vibe and natural light streaming through big windows make you feel right at home. 

This café is a fave hangout for everyone, from college kids to older couples enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

Thanks to longtime pastry chef Naomi Shim, the menu is full of seasonal delights. Start your day with the signature Thomas Breakfast, featuring sunny-side-up eggs, applewood smoked bacon, a grilled tomato, and a fluffy biscuit with jam.

2510 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

Tribal Cafe

Head over to Tribal Cafe, an eclectic eatery and open mic spot on Temple Boulevard owned by the ever-welcoming Joshua José. 

This cozy joint has a massive menu filled with bowls, smoothies, drinks, sandwiches, and more.

Tribal Cafe is the perfect place to grab a green smoothie and enjoy delicious vegan and vegetarian options, offering a lighter alternative to traditional Filipino fare. 

The friendly vibe and tasty food at this restaurant make it a favorite among locals.

Did you know Tribal Cafe was once the Traveler’s Café? It was a beloved hangout for Carlos Bulosan, a famous socialist Filipino writer, who is honored in a mural at nearby Unidad Park. 

Come for the food, stay for the history and community spirit!

651 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 

Restaurants in Filipinotown Los Angeles

Woon

This fast-casual restaurant is known for its meny of mostly Shanghainese dishes, like pork belly bao and wood ear mushrooms. 

Served in an airy, modern space, this family-owned hidden gem in HiFi is quick, delicious, and a great place to hang out.

You will love their chewy beef noodles, which you can have for lunch or dinner, then follow it up with ice cream bao. 

Woon, which means ‘bowl’ in English, offers shareable bowls, so you can bring a pal or two and try nearly everything on the menu.

2920 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

The Park’s Finest

The Park’s Finest blends Filipino flavors with Southern BBQ techniques. This comfy spot on Beverly Blvd., which started as a backyard catering company in Echo Park, now serves unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else in LA. 

Think smoked beef top-round stewed in coconut-cream sauce and cornbread baked on banana leaves, inspired by Filipino bibingka.

The Park’s Finest opened in 2009 by the Concordia family. Today, this hidden gem in Filipinotown is all about fusing Filipino food with traditional BBQ.

You’ve got to come on Wednesday for the “Worker’s Wednesday” special, which is just $13. You get pulled pork, BBQ chicken, hot links, coconut beef, veggies, and cornbread, plus rice.

It doesn’t get any finer than the Park’s Finest. This is the spot where Filipino cuisine merges with all-American BBQ.

1267 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA

Crawfords Chicken

Crawford’s Chicken on Beverly Blvd. is known for its piping hot fried chicken and fantastic selection of beer.

It has one of those signs out front that boldly declares “ice cold beer.” Side note, I always love pointing out these signs to everyone I’m dining with. I always like testing it out and seeing if the beer really is as cold as advertised. 

This place is super laid-back, and it’s part chicken restaurant and part dive bar. You can also get wine here if that’s your jam.

2616 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Porridge + Puffs

Step into Porridge + Puffs, and you’ll be in love instantly. This cozy spot is known for its innovative take on traditional dishes, blending the old with the new. 

Their unique bowls of porridge, which change seasonally, are a bit different from traditional congee. 

One standout you must try that’s available year-round is the poultry and mushroom porridge—creamy, savory, and topped with soy-sauce braised chicken and crispy shallots.

They also have a fantastic Thursday special—a $20 cash set menu that’s a great deal.

Whether you’re enjoying Vietnamese cold brew, hibiscus shrub, or dishes like Szechuan shakshouka and eggs meurette, you’ll find each bite bursting with flavor.

2801 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 

Gigi’s Cafe Cubano

Gigi’s Café Cubano, nestled in Historic Filipinotown, is a Cuban bakery and cafe that harks back to the days when the area was known as Little Havana. Known for its incredible sandwiches and pastries, Gigi’s stands out as a culinary gem.

When you enter, your eyes will immediately gravitate towards the glowing cases of decadent cakes and pastries. 

But resist the temptation and head straight to the cashier to order their perfectly pressed Cubanos or plates of ropa vieja, which offer a masterful balance of sweet and salty.

For early birds, Gigi’s offers delightful pastelitos de guayaba queso (guava cheese strudels) and papas rellenas, fluffy potato balls filled with spiced meat that rival even those from Porto’s. 

Gigi’s Café Cubano is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Cuban flavors in a charming, historic setting in Filipinotown Los Angeles.

2200 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 

Dollar Hits

Dollar Hits is the place to go for the best authentic Filipino street food in Historic Filipinotown. On my recent visit, we discovered this gem, and it’s safe to say we’ll be back for more!

For about $16, you can enjoy a plate of rice, chicken skewers, and chicken adobo. Don’t miss their cucumber lime drink—it’s not too sweet and incredibly refreshing.

At night, the real stars are the $1 BBQ skewers, including grilled isaw (pork intestine), enrile (fried chicken head), and betamax (congealed pig’s blood). These skewers are bursting with flavor, especially after a dip in Dollar Hits’ special vinegar-based BBQ sauce.

Once you’ve got your food, head to the parking lot where you’ll find families and friends grilling and enjoying one of the best street parties in town. 

Just beware—you might leave smelling like a grill master, but that’s kind all part of the fun… right?

2432 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

Bahay Kubo (Kubo Restaurant)

Bahay Kubo on Temple Street is a traditional Filipino restaurant that brings the comforting charm of a cafeteria to your dining experience. 

The style of restaurant is called “turo-turo,” which roughly translates to “point-point.” You just point at what you want, and that’s what you get.

This affordable spot offers Filipino favorites like pancit noodles, turon (sweet, deep-fried lumpia with bananas), and kare kare (a savory stew with peanut sauce). 

If you’re new to Filipino cuisine, the friendly staff will guide you through the options, ensuring you get a taste of everything.

Vegetarians, take note: fresh lumpia and melon juice are options here. Come for the hearty dishes, stay for the welcoming atmosphere.

2330 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

HiFi Kitchen

HiFi Kitchen offers an LA twist on Filipino classics, thanks to HiFi native Justin Foronda.

Inspired by his upbringing and the vibrant neighborhood, this fast-casual spot brings together the eclectic mingling of Los Angeles cultures.

As you groove to throwback tunes, check out the menu filled with classic Filipino dishes. You can choose from vegan or beefy options served in bowls, perfect for dining in or taking away. 

The adobo is available with chicken or mushrooms, and La’ing, typically made with shredded meat, can be enjoyed with a generous serving of cauliflower.

1667 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Best Bars in Filipinotown 

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt is the brainchild of Mike Capoferri, who transformed an old jazz club into a hip cocktail lounge. With an impressive drink list and mouth-watering bar bites from Chef Johneric Concordia of Park’s Finest next door, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.

Overlooking the 101 freeway, Thunderbolt offers a calming view in an otherwise busy area. Recently named number eight on North America’s 50 Best Bars list, it’s officially the Best Bar in West USA 2024. 

The cocktails, like the tamarind-mango La Frutera, are strong and delicious, and the Madeira selection is unmatched. After dinner at Park’s Finest, head here for drinks and a relaxed vibe.

1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

1642 Beer And Wine

This Temple St. gem features local wines and beers, a tamale-filled Happy Hour on Thursdays, and live music most nights after 9pm.

The dark, cozy interior with candle-lit tables and booths makes it a perfect spot to chill. With organic beers, wines, and an awesome playlist of tropical and jazz tunes, 1642 Beer and Wine is the neighborhood hangout you didn’t know you needed. 

Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, this place is sure to impress.

1642 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

History of Filipinotown Los Angeles

The first significant wave of Filipino immigrants arrived in Los Angeles in the 1920s, with many settling in what was then called Little Manila.

Over the decades, Filipino immigrants faced many challenges, including restrictive housing policies and urban renewal projects, which forced many to relocate to the Temple-Beverly Corridor. 

In 2002, then-councilmember Eric Garcetti sponsored a bill designating the area as Historic Filipinotown to honor its cultural significance. The idea was that with an official name, more businesses and political representation would result.

More recently, in 2018, Filipinotown was recognized by Michelle Obama as a “Preserve American Communities,” which resulted in federal support.  

FAQ about Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles

Why is it called Historic Filipinotown?

The idea behind the name, Historic Filipinotown, came from Michelle Magalong, executive director of the advocacy group Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation.

Even without a predominantly Filipino population currently living in the area, the name would serve as a tribute to the area’s historic roots and promote cultural tourism. 

However, the naming of the area has brought rising concerns about gentrification, which continues today. 

Where did the nickname HiFi come from?

HiFi is short for Historic Filipinotown. People started using “HiFi” after the neighborhood was designated in 2002.

People have mixed feelings about the name. 

Some think it opens the door for ‘hipsters’ and newcomers who have little interest in the area’s history to move in and take over. 

On the other hand, others think the name puts the area on the map and helps local businesses thrive.

Is Historic Filipinotown safe to visit?

Yes, Filipinotown is a safe area to visit and walk around in. I spent the afternoon there with my friend, chatting and taking photographs with our cameras. We loved it!

As with anywhere in the world, be mindful of where you go, especially if you’re alone. I would recommend being more cautious at night, however, that doesn’t mean the area is not safe. 

Bottom line — be cautious no matter where you go in Los Angeles. 

Are there any events or festivals in Historic Filipinotown?

Yes! A few events in Historic Filipinotown include: 

• Halika Dito sa, from May through July
• Philippine Independence Day Festival
• Baryo HiFi (the inaugural event was held this past May)

If you are interested in more cultural events in Los Angeles, you could also consider timing your visit with the Shōgatsu New Year festival in Little Tokyo.

Are there any guided tours available in Historic Filipinotown?

There are not many guided tours of Filipinotown available. There is a Jeepney Tour that you can take through the Pilipino Workers Center that runs once per month, however, I was not able to verify if it is still operating. 

What are the demographics of Historic Filipinotown?

​​When we think of places like Koreatown, Thai Town, or Little Armenia, it’s easy to think that a majority of residents are of that particular descent.

But actually, in Los Angeles, it’s often not the case. In Historic Filipinotown, the neighborhood has a majority Latino population.

That’s a Wrap: HiFi Los Angeles

This neighborhood is packed with history, mouth-watering food, and a friendly community vibe that makes every visit fun. 

Whether you’re into history, a foodie, or just looking for a new adventure, an afternoon strolling around HiFi is a great idea! 

Here’s your Map of Historic Filipinotown!

But why stop there? Make your day even more awesome by heading over to Koreatown next door.

Trust me, combining these two culturally rich areas will give you a great introduction to the less touristy, more off-the-beaten-path parts of LA.

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