Burbank: Neighborhood Guide
A Local’s Guide to Burbank
When my husband and I moved to Burbank three years ago, we had no idea how quickly this quirky, charming city would feel like home. Burbank has a way of growing on you—its unique mix of small-town vibes, creative energy, and fascinating subcultures make it a city unlike any other. From the amazing coffee shops to the hidden gems for weekend fun, here’s a guide to some of my favorite spots in Burbank, shared from a local’s perspective.
To Drink
I’m not a coffee drinker, but Burbank’s café scene has plenty of incredible options for tea and other delicious drinks. Each spot offers something unique, and these are my favorites:
Three Sisters – This cozy and welcoming spot serves my favorite drink in town: the iced strawberry matcha with macadamia nut milk. The owners are incredibly kind, always offering my pups treats and kisses when we stop by. On weekends, they host an adorable airstream trailer filled with books for sale, alongside fun events like Magic: The Gathering nights, tarot readings on Tuesdays, and seasonal holiday markets. Whether you’re into coffee or tea, Three Sisters is an absolute delight.
Cafecita Organica – Small, charming, and full of heart, Cafecita Organica is located within Tansy, a Black woman-owned floral shop that hosts creative workshops and events. This women-owned café features beans from women-owned roasters, and the workers are wonderful (shoutout to Maxa!). My favorite drinks are the almond chai latte and the oatmilk turmeric latte—both delicious and packed with character. Whether you’re a coffee lover or prefer tea like me, you’ll find something to love here. Whether you’re a coffee lover or prefer tea like me, you’ll find something to love here. It’s refreshing, unique, and just the right treat for any day. Whether you’re a coffeeCafecita Organica – Small and charming, this gem is located within Tansy, a wonderful Black woman-owned floral shop that hosts fun events and workshops. Cafecita is women-owned and features beans from woman-owned coffee roasters. The workers here are all wonderful (shoutout to Maxa!), and my go-to drinks are the almond chai latte and the oatmilk turmeric latte—delicious and full of character.addderful Black woman-owned floral shop that hosts fun events and workshops. Cafecita is women-owned and features beans from woman-owned coffee roasters. The workers here are all wonderful (shoutout to Maxa!), and my go-to drinks are the almond chai latte and the oatmilk turmeric latte—delicious and full of character.
To Eat
Burbank is filled with dining options, from casual eats to special-occasion spots. While the city boasts every chain restaurant you could imagine, it’s the local gems that truly shine. Here are my top picks: Here are my favorites:
SOTTA – This stylish spot offers elevated Italian dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. My go-to dish is the grilled salmon with Greek salad and rice, and their desserts—every single one—are a must-try.
Basecamp – A neighborhood favorite with hearty, comforting meals. They serve the BEST chai latte of my life (though I could easily drink ten of them!). Highly recommend their gigantic omelettes, surprisingly delicious oatmeal, and brioche French toast.
Niko Niko – This cozy neighborhood sushi spot is high-quality, delicious, and affordable. The service is fast, the space is small and charming, and you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Yakumi (Toluca Lake) – From the owners of Sushi Roku and Katana, Yakumi is a fantastic happy hour destination with deals Monday to Friday from 3-6 PM. This fast-casual spot offers great combo deals reminiscent of Sugarfish, but with its own twist.
Porto’s – A beloved Burbank institution, this Cuban bakery is renowned for its guava cheese pastries, potato balls, and mango smoothies. It’s worth braving the crowds—just go early to avoid long lines!
Bagel Boss – This new bagel spot has quickly become a favorite. The fresh bagels and variety of shmears are a dream. My go-to orders are the whole wheat everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox, or the cinnamon raisin bagel with blueberry cream cheese.
Slice House – This spot offers incredible pizza, with both deep dish and NY-style thin slices. Truly a must-visit for any pizza enthusiast.
Acai Jungle Bowls Cafe – My go-to acai spot, and honestly the best I’ve ever had. The classic bowl with mixed fruit and granola is my favorite, and during the summer, I’m here at least twice a week. Their smoothies are also excellent—my husband loves the coffee shake, and their quinoa kale salad with added tuna is a hidden gem.
To Sweat
Burbank is home to some truly excellent fitness studios, and I’ve explored nearly all of them to find the best. As a fan of pilates and yoga, I tend to gravitate toward studios that offer both challenge and mindfulness, but there’s truly something for everyone here. I also keep a super affordable membership at Blink Fitness to round out my routine with strength training and cardio. Here are my top recommendations:
Bloom Loft (Toluca Lake) – It took me years to find a yoga studio I genuinely love that’s local. Bloom Loft checks all the boxes: it’s intimate, clean, and offers a variety of classes ranging from serene and restorative to more sweat-inducing flows. Bonus: no heated classes, which is a big win for me.
Avenir Pilates – My absolute favorite pilates studio. The instructors are phenomenal (special shoutout to Selena and Arpi), the playlists are always on point, and the classes strike the perfect balance of challenging and rewarding. The studio is pristine, parking is easy, and every visit feels like a treat.
Sunset Pilates – A hidden gem, this studio operates out of the founder’s home and only has a few reformers, making classes feel semi-private. The instruction is highly personalized, and the workouts are tough but rewarding. On one occasion, I was the only attendee and got a 1-on-1 session—a truly special experience.
Personal Pilates – A haven for true, classical pilates enthusiasts. While there are options for more intense classes like cardio reformer, I gravitate toward the traditional pilates sessions. Cynthia, Kim (the owner), and Chris are all exceptional instructors who create a welcoming and focused environment.
Rumble – For those times when you need to release some pent-up energy, Rumble delivers. The dark, vibey studio paired with high-energy music makes every class an exhilarating experience. By the end, you’ll feel strong, accomplished, and maybe a little sweaty.
To Fun
As a former LA bar-rat turned homebody suburban dog mom, my going-out habits have shifted quite a bit. These days, when I venture out for an evening, I gravitate toward places that are relaxed, unique, and full of character. Here are my favorite spots:
Tony’s Darts Away – The coolest, most random dive bar you’ll find. Its punk rock interior, all-vegan menu, and an ever-rotating selection of craft beers (including rare finds) make it a standout. I especially love their outdoor patio, where my pups are always welcome companions.
Wax Poetic – This romantic wine bar is everything I want in a neighborhood spot. Whether I’m sipping on a chilled red or a crisp orange wine, the cozy ambiance makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a low-key evening.
Guild Hall – A haven for geeks and gamers, this bar swaps sports games on TVs for streams of video game competitions. Even though I’m not a gamer myself, I love the unique concept and the laid-back vibe—it’s a fun and unexpected spot to hang out.
Farmer’s Market – Held weekly, this market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, vibrant flowers, and local goods. I’m a huge fan of the hummus and spreads vendor, who offers delicious gluten-free crackers (usually at a discounted bundle price). It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week while enjoying the buzz of the community.
Wine and Design – Though I’ve yet to attend, my neighbor is a frequent participant, and we proudly display one of his masterpieces (a portrait of our dog!) in our dining room. This is the perfect spot to unleash your creativity while sipping on wine and enjoying a laid-back evening.
Geeky Tees & Games – This spot blew me away. Even though I’m not a gamer, I was floored by how incredible this place is. Always bustling with activity, they recently moved to a larger location to accommodate the crowds. They offer private rooms for Dungeons & Dragons, a billion board games to play, and even have a cat rescue inside. It’s a must-visit for anyone, gamer or not.
Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum – So wonderfully weird and so quintessentially Burbank. Here, you can have your tarot cards or palm read, explore the museum in the back (which changes themes throughout the year), and browse unique oddities. It’s equal parts spooky and fascinating.
Fleet Feet Run Club – My husband is an avid runner and participates in their Saturday morning coffee runs, which is how we made many of our friends here in Burbank. Even if you’re not a runner (like me), it’s worth meeting up afterward at Starbucks or Cafecita for coffee and some quality hang time.
Why I love Burbank
Burbank is endearingly quirky. My husband and I joke that living here is like being in The Truman Show—everything is so charming it feels almost unreal. (Fun fact: The Truman Show was partially filmed here, and Truman’s last name is literally Burbank!)
Because Burbank is its own city, it has a small-town vibe where community matters and familiar faces are everywhere. Yet, it also has these fascinating subculture pockets—from a thriving goth scene to geek culture galore, with specialty stores for everything from vintage comics to action figures. As Media City, it’s home to creatives of all kinds, from studio execs to set designers, mixed with longtime residents who’ve seen the city evolve over decades.
It’s weird, kooky, charming, and wonderful—just like the people who call it home.
