Erewhon Beverly Grove

The original Erewhon in Beverly Grove has become something of a Los Angeles institution, though perhaps not entirely for the reasons you might expect. This upscale organic market has carved out a unique niche as both a grocery store and a scene unto itself, where the parking lot drama rivals any reality TV show and the clientele makes for unparalleled people-watching.

The hot bar situation here is legendary for its intensity. When the evening rush hits, particularly around dinnertime, you’ll witness an impressive display of LA’s wellness-obsessed crowd jockeying for position to fill their containers with organic, health-conscious fare. It’s a chaotic ballet of yoga pants and designer athleisure that you truly have to see to believe.

If you’re the type who enjoys observing the particular species of Angeleno who can afford $18 smoothies and luxury SUVs, this is your anthropological field research destination. The store attracts a fascinating cross-section of the health-conscious elite, making it prime territory for celebrity spotting and witnessing the peculiar rituals of LA’s wellness culture.

Fair warning: arriving here expecting a peaceful shopping experience will only lead to disappointment. The parking situation alone is an exercise in patience and defensive driving skills. But if you approach Erewhon Beverly Grove as the entertainment venue it truly is—rather than just a grocery store—you might just find yourself oddly captivated by the whole spectacle.