Echo Park Bar Hop (VIDEO)

In my latest Travel with Kate video, I explored a side of my own home town that I was not so familiar with: Echo Park.  There, I met up with the rock band, Kiven. Their latest album, In The Fire, just came out and last month they were #1 on the famed radio station KROQ! Below is a clip from their single.

Most of the band lives in Echo Park – a place once known for being rather dangerous. But now it is evolving (like so much of the East side of LA) into a more friendly environment for hipsters and creatives looking to carve out a new identity for the city.

We start the video off in one of the guys’ backyards (Danny’s). From there we head out to three of their favorite hangout spots (listed below). And it was really awesome to see how even in my own city I can feel like I was traveling.

Our first stop was the Sunset Beer Company (1498 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA). We were there pretty early – but I hear it gets packed as the night goes on. And being able to choose from so many quality beers was a huge draw.

Next up was El Prado (1805 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA). This is a no fuss type of place. It comprises of a bar, a few booths, and mismatched tables and benches in the open-air backyard. The simplicity of bellying up to the bar for a nice glass of imported wine is the draw here. And El Prado is perfect to catch up with a friend or two over that glass of wine.

Finally, we ended the night at The Bigfoot Lodge (3172 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA). This place certainly has a sense of humor with all it’s log cabin decor in the middle of LA. They often feature live music that adds to the ambiance. And the place seems like an ideal venue for big groups to hang out.

For a listen to Kiven, here is their latest single, In the Fire (with Introduction)!