Shopping Local with the Prism Team
We know you know the importance and impact of shopping local - it supports the individuals who own the business, it helps the community, etc. etc. But it never hurts overstating something we care so deeply about, especially since shopping locally isn’t the most convenient option. So to get you inspired to look for how you can support small businesses, we asked our team to tell us about their fave spots to eat, drink, and shop where they live, from Orange County to Los Angeles.
Allison, Copywriter
Costa Mesa
Hola Adios
Hola (as I call it) is my absolute favorite coffee shop. Not far from my house in Costa Mesa, they make a mean breakfast burrito and my favorite iced oat milk latte. Plus, everyone who works there couldn’t be nicer.
Semi Tropic Wines
Not only does this wine shop have the best selection of natural wines, it’s so beautifully designed. And the staff is so knowledgeable and can help anyone new to the natural wine world navigate their preferences. Grab a bottle and don’t show up to the holidays empty handed.
Seed People’s Market
While the LAB and Camp are filled with cute and unique shops, Seed is my go-to for gifts, or a little something for myself. They carry such a wide range of products and brands, including a lot from small, independent makers.
Mellowist
Mellowist has the coolest selection of ceramics and a really unique assortment of succulents and cacti, which make the perfect gift for even the hardest to shop for.
Cory, PR Manager
Monrovia
Wine + Eggs
It’s a neighborhood grocery shop located in Atwater Village with a great selection of natural wine, snacks, cheese and more. It’s a great place to discover new brands and support small, local food and beverage businesses.
The Prince
I think this is one of the coolest bars in Los Angeles. Located in Koreatown, it’s been around since the 1940’s, was famously featured in the film Chinatown (and other tv shows/films!) and feels like you are walking into a Wes Anderson film.
Burritos La Palma
The best spots are discovered by word of mouth. My bf and I recently moved to a house in Monrovia and our friends told us to go to Burritos La Palma in El Monte close to us. It’s an unassuming spot with the most tasty small burritos. We later discovered they are Jonathan Gold’s list of the 5 best burritos in Los Angeles which affirmed our La Palma love affair.
Eleena, Social Manager
Long Beach
Relics
This black-owned film camera store and lab is always so welcoming and helpful everytime I’m in. I love the creativity swarming the place and their vibes are unmatched.
Padre
Their pinchazo marg is to die for. I love sitting out on their cute patio and enjoying a dinner catching up with a friend, it’s even dog friendly so my pups get to be in on the action!
The Good Bar Long Beach
My favorite neighborhood dive bar. This place is always a good time. They have everything from karaoke nights, to emo nights. And they have the best bar food in my opinion. (and vegan options!).
Linda, Brand Manager
Highland Park
Good Housekeeping
A classic cocktail lounge located in the back of another HP staple, Cafe Birdie, I love this spot for a quiet martini before dinner, or to cap a night out. The bartenders are friendly, the music from the gorgeous vintage stereo system is good and the vibes are always low key and fun.
Shorthand
Stylish stationery and letter-pressed paper goods? Take all my money. Their beautifully-made notebooks, notepads, and other paper goods are super high quality and make the perfect gift, plus I always get to grab something for myself.
Belle’s Bagels
There are soo many great restaurants and places to eat in Highland Park, but when I want to really treat myself, I go to Belle’s. Grab a breakfast sammy and a dozen everything bagel for the rest of your week.
Lena, General Manager
Long Beach
Commodity
When you need coffee before work and you’re seeing a friend right after, Commodity is the perfect place to go! Grab a yummy latte to start off the day and a nice bottle of natural wine to enjoy with your lover or bestie for after work hangs. They also have @hamburgersnice that pop up every once in a while. Who says you can’t have a cheeseburger for breakfast?
Pho Hong Phat
If I’m not here a few times a week, I make sure to stop by at least once a week. The best pho joint, in my opinion, with the best staff. I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl and am just so happy at how much the restaurant has grown. If you’re a Pho lover or just need to cure a hangover, please stop by. Don’t forget to use their homemade chili sauce. Small #8 with rare steak + fatty brisket, Vietnamese iced coffee and spring rolls please!
Hi-lo Liquor
The most amazing liquor store with hard to find natural wines as well as craft beers. You’ll definitely get into trouble here, only because they have the best selection and you’ll want a little bit of everything. There’s a bar counter where they serve tastings as well. Of course, they have the most wonderful staff who are knowledgeable in all things boozy.
The Hangout
Every time I walk into this beautiful shop, I am always in awe. The magic it has. With a bar, cute curated shops, from books to plants, you can find a little bit of everything here. In a cute location on Retro Row that features other great shops and amazing eats, this is the place you’ll want to visit when cruising to the LBC.
If you're local to any of these areas, make sure to stop in and support these shops and other local businesses. If you’re not, let us know where you’ll be shopping small this holiday season.
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