Discovering Frogtown: A Hidden Gem In Los Angeles

Turn onto the wrong street from Riverside Drive and you might never find it. You’ll hit the 2 or the 5 freeway, or maybe wind up at a side entrance to Home Depot. But once you do enter this neighborhood of single-family homes and low industrial buildings, nestled along the curving, soft-bottom section of the L.A. River, you’ll know that you’re in a part of Los Angeles like no other—secret and self-contained, where the hum of industry is quieted by a blanket of tranquility that seems to emanate from the river. This is Frogtown.

The name comes from the frogs that used to emerge from the grassy banks, and it was later adopted by local gangs that gave the area a dangerous edge and kept most except locals and intrepid artists away. But things have changed over the past few years—dramatically in the last year alone—and a genuinely thriving creative community has blossomed. Artists, musicians, and local businesses are now finding their place in this unique environment, transforming Frogtown into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.

The musician Mia Doi Todd is a rare breed: a native Angeleno who is also a Frogtown local. She describes the walk between her mother’s house in Silver Lake and the Frogtown art studio of her father, the sculptor Michael Todd, as “the thoroughfare of my life.” She recalls the delicious smells wafting from the bakeries that once dotted the area, including Van de Kamp’s, Dolly Madison, and Hostess, which employed 500 people at its height. Today, the Twinkies have been replaced by Eames-style chairs in a bar and music venue called Zebulon, a place that has become integral to the community since it opened in a former bakery on Fletcher Drive last May.

When Zebulon’s founders—brothers Jef and Joce Soubiran and Guillaume Blestel—began looking for a home in Los Angeles, the bakery-turned-CD warehouse’s bowstring-truss roof offered perfect acoustics for live music. The location—beside the freeway with no residential neighbors and just around the corner from the popular taco spot Salazar—was ideal. The involvement of Doi Todd and her musician husband Jesse Peterson eased the neighborhood-council approval process, making Zebulon a cozy café setting that has hosted a variety of artists.

Frogtown has long been a hub for artists and cultural happenings. The author and activist Lewis MacAdams founded Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) in 1986, aiming to create an ecologically sound recreational space. With kayak rentals and the Los Angeles River Greenway Trail bike path extending to San Pedro by 2023, Frogtown is becoming more accessible and inviting than ever. The Frogtown Art Walk, which takes place in September, invites the public into artists’ studios, showcasing the creativity that thrives in this area.

This community continues to attract renowned artists, such as Shepard Fairey, Mark Grotjahn, and Thomas Houseago. Houseago, who bought his first building in Frogtown in 2008, has turned his studio into a destination for collectors and art enthusiasts. His work, inspired by the peaceful surroundings and the river, reflects a deeper connection to the space he inhabits.

Many local business owners, like Karl Kruegermann, president of Kruegermann Pickles and Sauerkraut, have witnessed the transformation of Frogtown firsthand. His family has been manufacturing traditional pickles and sauerkraut in the area since 1961. While he appreciates the new energy brought by tenants like French artist Claire Tabouret, he also feels the weight of rising real estate values and changing neighborhood dynamics.

Kelly Lamb, an artist and designer, shares similar sentiments. She moved to Frogtown to tap into the creative energy and convenience of the area. In just two years, she has converted a former plumbing company into a workspace and showroom, and she embraces the vibrant community around her. As rents continue to rise, she remains hopeful for the future of Frogtown.

The neighborhood has also become a culinary hotspot. Salazar, a popular restaurant that opened in a former auto-repair shop, has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With its unique tacos-and-tequila menu, it’s no wonder people are drawn to the area, contributing to its ever-evolving landscape.

In conclusion, Frogtown is more than just a hidden gem in Los Angeles; it's a flourishing community that celebrates creativity, art, and culture. From its rich history to its vibrant present, Frogtown represents a unique blend of the past and the future, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.