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American Girl Place
Category: Shopping Toy Stores Toy Stores [Edit]
189 The Grove DrLos Angeles, CA 90036
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
(877) 247-5223
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for American Girl Place
Review Highlights
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"Cafe: Want to treat your doll to a fancy place." In 34 reviews -
"...doll for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or dessert." In 3 reviews
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"below and scheduled a personal shopper, Ann." In 3 reviews
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68 reviews in English
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Review from kat t.
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
WOW.. CRAZINESS.. Every girls dreams.. Well not mine more for my daughter. We didn't buy anything but just wanted to check out the place since she keeps talking about it. But yet she has to wait til she is 6 years old. I personally don't care for this place but if it makes her happy all for it.
The prices are freakin unbelievable expensive. I was counting how many girls holding dolls. Almost counted to 200. Now $105.00 a doll times 200. HOLY SMOKES I wish I owned American dolls. Plus the accessories, clothes and if they are hurt and matching outfits. UGH...
The place is cute has it's little hospital, doll dress up and cafe. It even has a place if you want twins dolls. UGH. There is also a area of the dolls of different eras. I guess when she turns 6 she can go with her aunt and cousin. Which I told them I'm not taking her. LOL.
If you or your daughter is a doll lover and have the cash. Check this place out. If you don't like crowd, kids and expensive toys.. then this is NOT the place for you. -
Review from Ralph O.
Chino Hills, CA
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
The wife and I brought the nieces here as it was one of their birthdays. The niece wanted a bed for her doll. The bed was outrageously priced but I got it as that's what she wanted for her birthday. But then again everything here is outrageously priced. Things get more expensive when you have to buy items a la carte.
I've even had the "pleasure" of eating lunch here. They have "chairs" that attach to the table for your doll so you can have lunch with the doll. They will even lend you a doll if a girl in your party doesn't have one so she doesn't feel left out. The food though was below average and again expensive, 2 adults and 2 kids is going to set you back by $100.
The workers here are very friendly and go the extra effort to help you. The main reason I've come back here over and over again is seeing the smile and happiness from my nieces. -
Review from Cherie C.
Las Vegas, NV
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Talk about OVERWHELMING... but in a good way. :)
While visiting CA we stopped in cuz my 4 year old has the 2011 doll of the year and she was in major need for a hairstyle! :)
I felt to have the dolls hair styled was resonable and there are several different styles you can choose and different price points you can stick with if you don't want to spend a whole lot.
Upstairs they have all the dolls in their own little showroom. Which was really cool to see.
If hubby wasn't with us my daughter and I would have walked out with more AG bags than we did. I had the Kirsten doll growing up so in a sense its a form of tradition that she would also have her own AG. -
Review from J D.
Fountain Valley, CA
5/25/2012
My daughter loves everything from this store! She has seven American Girl dolls and is hoping for an eighth... There is a wonderful selection of clothing that can be tailored to your daughter's interests. In addition, there are historical dolls with interesting back stories and clothing and accessories related to that time period.
I love the wholesomeness of these dolls and they are age appropriate. The cafe is expensive but my daughter was thrilled to celebrate her birthday there. They have an afternoon tea which was delicious and presented so adorably. For her, the best part was that her doll had a seat at the table!
The furniture and clothing are all well constructed, so if you are balking at the price, let it be known that you are purchasing quality items. -
Review from Maggie C.
10/25/2011 17 photos
My jaw dropped when I walked into the store. Barbie has Ken & her pink corvette but American girls have so many other fabulous things.
Welcome to American Girl Place. Let me give you a tour...
First Floor:
Bookstore: Discover award winning books, movies & games at the bookstore.
Hair Salon: Pampering your doll at this place is a must. The doll hair stylist can make over your doll while you watch. You can choose pigtails, braids or even ponytails. You can also take the special doll hair salon class. Ears piercing is available @ the salon also.
Hospital: Oh no...you broke your doll's neck/leg again? Bring your doll to this hospital and the "doctor" can magically heal little Molly.
Second Floor:
Cafe: Want to treat your doll to a fancy place? Enjoy delicious gourmet dishes and desserts at this white linen-bright daisy centerpieces cafe. Your doll gets her own doll-sized cup and saucer.
Bistro: Casual dining for you and your doll for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or dessert. Same special treatment for your doll as the cafe.
Photo Studio: Capture the kodak moment at this place. You and your doll can pose together to create a memorable keepsake.
The dolls are pricey but they also have less expensive dolls such as mini dolls and baby dolls. They come in different ethnicities too so you can match the doll that looks like you.
4 stars!! I am a fan!!! I really like this store and I can pretend I am a little girl again. I'll probably have to buy a doll so I can have afternoon tea with my little Kanani.Listed in: Tea Party!!!
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Review from Vanessa C.
Beverly Hills, CA
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
eh... i'm not a kid... what do I care?
It's overwhelming, exciting and they even have a doll hospital. Holy mole, they even PIERCE a doll's ears there.
Overpriced, but lovely. There is even a restaurant it seems. Great for a little gal. I remember being 9 or 10 when the books originally came out and read all of the series that were available at that time, but my parents would not buy me the dolls from the catalogs... AND NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY.Listed in: in the park after dark
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Review from Kali K.
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
There isn't a day of my daughter's life when she doesn't live for a trip to American Girl Place at The Grove. And since we used to live across the street, we practically moved into AG Place; all the staff knows her. In fact, we've discussed installing a canopy bed for the tot. Jk/lol.
Two floors of pure girly heaven are offered here. Full exhibits of treasured dolls--Kaya, Kit, Julie, Addy, Ivy, Josefina, Molly, Emily, Ruthie, Rebecca, Kanani--provide a lesson about both history and culture as well as the coveted dolls.
On the first floor, custom dolls stand in display cases, ready to be matched with girls who will later dress their dolls in one of the many outfits hanging on the display walls. A lounge area, complete with a bookstore, computer, and velveteen sofas, occupies the main room.
On the 2nd floor, there is a whole showroom of outfits for both girls and their dolls. And each doll has her own quarters, complete with a display about her history, culture, and interests. This floor is also home to Bitty Baby and the Bitty Twins. There used to be a theater even, but that was canned for some reason, never to return.
Among amenities available at the store are a doll hair salon (1st floor), a doll "hospital" (2nd floor), and--of course--the American Girl Café (2nd floor), which gives girls a lesson in etiquette and fine dining with its four-course gourmet meals. Oh, yes, there is also a photo studio (2nd floor), where your two dolls--the real one and the purchased one--may pose for a faux magazine cover or another novelty background.
Tip: Check the AG website for free events for your princess (and her doll). ;-)
Even if your prima donna doesn't walk out of the store with a red and white shopping bag, the experience of a girl-centric store is one that all women (present and future ones) deserve. In my many visits, I have learned that AG is less about the dolls and more about fostering a sense of pride and assertiveness in young ladies. And that inspirational message is "mom approved". -
Review from Patricia E.
Alameda, CA
5/16/2012
Truly a dream weekend for my 8 year old. My daughter was soooo excited she was dancing in front of the store before it opened. We drove down from the SF Bay Area for her 8th birthday. She got the American Girl Doll Mia who was the doll of the year in 2008. I got her from Ebay because the looked like my daughter. I purchased the "Day at American Girl" package. It included a gift card for 130.00, a doll salon visit to get her dolls hair done, and a photo shoot to get my daughters picture with her doll on a magazine cover. We ended the day with a lunch in the Cafe where I also added the birthday package. The customer service was amazing and really catered to every little girl. I was really impressed with the cafe. I expected the food to be mediocre and it was great. I had the cheese stuffed shells and everything was fresh and delicious. They had great appetizers and the birthday cake was amazing both to look at and to eat. They even sent us home with the leftovers. They also had chairs and little plates and cups to use for her doll. It wasn't cheap but was worth it for the overall experience. To see my little girl's face....well, I'll never forget it. I was able to get tons of pictures. I am glad I waited until she was 8. We stayed at The Hollywood Hotel on Ventura in LA and it was a short drive away without costing an arm and a leg.
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Review from Daryl C.
10/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My daughter is 6. She loved the store. I would highly recommend setting a budget prior to entry as they have found many ways to spend your money. Google can also provide other manufacturers of clothes that will fit the dolls.
i.e. http://www.uniquedollc... has worked well for me. -
Review from Michelle T.
South San Francisco, CA
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
This store is amazing. Nothing like it and expect to spend a good amount of $$$ while your there. The store is nicely laid out and being from out of town, I would prefer buying things directly from the store than online. The customer service is amazing, you have personal shoppers that will assist you with just anything you need. My daughter looves this store and we will definitely be back.
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Review from Scott E.
El Toro, CA
9/30/2011
I'm a 6'4" male, so this is an odd review for me.
There is one accessory necessary to visit this store ... a daughter.
Its a fun store for a little girl to run around in. Their set up is great making a great story for each little girl and a room for each.
I will say that The Grove is a perfect setting for the store too, even if the traffic make me want to gouge my eye out and dump salt into the wound. -
Review from George B.
Country Club, CA
12/31/2011
Santa brought my daughter an AG doll - which seems nice enough. How to bring out the inner girly girl in you! The bad part is the web site code provided with the doll, which provides access to the "Inner Star University" (introduces your kids to on-line gaming). The University setting is actually more like a Mall / Entertainment complex. Save points, go shopping etc. What a mistake...
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Review from Malisa C.
Upland, CA
6/23/2011
First off, do NOT bring your daughter to this store if you have an issue with the cost of the dolls. Yes, they are expensive. With tax, the average doll comes out to $109.75. And yes, girls and their mothers do have a tendency to get caught up in the fenzy once their in the store and end up wither wanting a doll they can't afford or buying things they never thought they would beforehand... In my many trips there, I have seen horrific, kicking/screaming/lying on the floor tantrums to heartbreaking crying spells...
BUT, if you want to expose your little girl to an enviornment that extolls the virtues of reading, exploring different historical eras, and learning about good morals, then this is most definately the place for you!
It is a beautiful, 2-story store @ The Grove. Girls can choose dolls that look like them, the current 'Girl of the Year', or one of the many historical dolls. They also have adorable 'Bitty Baby' and 'Bitty Twin' dolls for younger girls, as the larger dolls are geared toward girls who are 8 years and up.
There is a doll hair salon, a doll hospital, and a gorgeous cafe... If it's your first visit, try and do a little research before your trip so your daughter can identify with some of the characters in advance!
Everyone who works here is friendly and helpful- When I brought my Girl Scout Brownie Troop to visit the store last month, Karina in Personal Shopping was absolutely wonderful! -
Review from Nerissa O.
Canoga Park, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a girl's dream! I wish they had something like this when I was young! The ladies were very helpful in finding a doll that matched my daughter. She loves it!
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Review from Rachel M.
12/31/2010
I was here with my boyfriend's daughter finding her a Christmas present. She ran around the store like all the other girls there. Initially, it seems like a cute concept. Then once you're in the store after ten minutes, it suddenly becomes not so pretty once you look at all the price tags. I got a headache when I was here because it was just merchandise overload and way too many people.
Where were you when I was six years old? My parents probably wished that you weren't around when I was six or they would be dropping the benjamins during every visit. I remember the American Girl dolls based on the book series, but it now has evolved into a money making empire. These aren't the dolls I used to get when I was little that were $20 complete with shoes and five outfits. In American Girl, there are several dolls to choose that with match the girl's hair, eyes, and skin color. Those are $95 with a complementary outfit. I'm sure little girls won't just settle for that T-shirt and capris. They want the whole deal. The average outfit cost around $20-$30 ranging from pajamas to a snow skiing oufit. That doesn't include accessories like shoes, glasses, earrings, and even braces (sticker versions). So there is every little detail that will make the doll a little mini-me.
There is also a hair salon if the daily brushing and regular hair clips won't do. It's around $20 a hairstyle as the doll sits on the chair with the cape. There is also hospital admissions in case there is something happens to the doll. There is a little cafe if tea parties at home don't suffice. Customer service is excellent. The staff is friendly and willing to help you especially if you look confused or are torn between what item to purchase.
I hope my niece or if I have a daughter of my own won't succumb to the American Girl mania because those will be expensive birthday, Christmas, and just because presents.Listed in: The Grove/Farmer's Market
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Review from Theresa Q.
Long Beach, CA
3/2/2011
This was our first visit. My daughter has 3 American Girl dolls, so she was very excited to visit this store. It was a day just with mommy. She dressed up and asked me to give her and American Girl updo. She looked adorable and the sparkle spray in her hair kicked it up a notch.
We had a 12:30pm reservation for the cafe (which you make in advance on line). We were given a ticket and told to stand outside the cafe doors until our 12:30pm seating time. First impressions when they opened the doors: It's an adorable room. We were seated at a long booth that held 5 tables. Our waitress introduced herself and I immediately noticed her pink apron was dirty. Then I looked around and noticed that the details of cleanliness was not on their priority list. The metal flower pot vase on our table was FULL of fingerprints -- it had not been wiped down. And, there was a big dark spot on the black and white striped booth next to my daughter. It's all in the details. Knock off 1 star for cleanliness.
My daughter loved every bit of her Tic Tac Toe pizza -- it was a nice size portion. I ordered the snapper and was disappointed that the fish arrived lukewarm. The texture was DRY (overcooked) and NOT VERY TASTY. I left half of my $22 fish on the plate. The vinaigrette salad and potatoes (not hot) were average. Knock off another star for not enjoying my dish.
The service was good, with my ice tea filled 3 times. I liked the conversation questions, however, it was SO LOUD with the poor acoustics that I had to raise my voice to carry on a conversation with my daughter. There were 4 other tables seated at our booth and a birthday song at 3 of them. I guess it's a birthday hot spot. I kid you not, we heard the birthday song, 8 times while we were there! Knock off another star for straining to hear and too much effort to talk. Overall, I will probably not take my daughter here again.
My daughter has a container full of American Girl clothing. She did not see any items that appealed to her.
With lunch and parking it came to a $60 event. Hope readers find this helpful! -
Review from Monique T.
San Diego, CA
2/5/2011
With the amount of high emotions running around in this place, I wouldn't be at all surprised if there was a spontaneous combustion at the AG store in the Grove. I've been here 4 or 5 times now and each time I have walked out either laughing, smiling or with a throbbing headache and nightmares of a high pitched scream of a child not getting the doll they wanted. OY VEY!
What I've learned from each experience:
Children do not appreciate browsing or window shopping while tons of children are getting their fantasy doll and or accessories.
Be prepared to spend money (This isn't Walmart or Target)
Doll & book $100
Doll, book w/ accessories $118
Bitty babies start off at $50'ish
bitty baby twins $100
lunch, high tea, dinner range from $20- $24 per person
Browsing is Free....I quiver/wince at the thought of the screams and children flopping about like flounder.
Parking- get your ticket validated. The staff is great about reminding you. But a child could erupt at any moment and reminding you of your parking validation could escape them.
Schedule a shopper - It's free
inquire on the hospital and salon prices (I've never used either)
This is an awesome place to have your child's birthday but certainly isn't cheap. $$$ très chic and très expensive !
The Grove is a hot spot for celeb's, so there is a small chance for a celeb sighting to go along with your AG moment (if it helps ;) ) -
Review from Michael S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/9/2010
Umm. I actually have no idea what to say about this place.
I'm extremely conflicted. I am a 29 year old grown up kid, grew up on anime, vid games, sports, and technology, and my dreams were always filled with post apocalyptic settings. Power Rangers, GI Joes, Voltron, HeMan, all of that.
I saw this place multiple times, as I often go to the Grove, but intuition "like when a dog barks at a bad person, cuz they just know" kept me from actually every going into this weird place where I saw a steady stream of children go in only to walk out with a spliced twin.
American Girl is the first official American cloning company, and it's beyond terrifying.
I finally walked in while hanging out with one of my girlfriends whom said she grew up on them, which confused me cuz she's asian lol, but we went in and ?!?!? This place turned out to be a DNA driven cloning lab, complete with a 2nd floor and everything.
They had a place where they make you eat with the clones, "I presume to ease you in to being around it without passing out", and even a theatre where you watch either humans performing as the clones or the clones performing as themselves "I don't know which actually, but should it be the latter, this would mean these clones are advanced in showing self awareness...terrifying".
Also, they make you buy food, which is no doubt drugged with child clone awesomesauce, and they even display the clones in a color coding that alerts you that they have the technology to splice and clone every nationality on earth, "including asians, which are lumped into one doll regardless right next to the blacks, and racistly enough given a china costume as opposed to what all the other clones are wearing".
This is my nightmare.
Why the 5 star rating? Because my dreamscapes are now filled with anime armies of these vicious little clone dolls battling it out with other forces of my universe. It's awesomesauce.
Ps - When I have a daughter, and she wants something like this, I will know I have failed as an otaku father. My daughter better want barbies, and she better want them as recruits for her space adventures with her gundam toys :)
On the other hand, should she request one of these dolls in order to destroy it with her Evangelion limited edition Eva Unit 0, then I will happily purchase 5.Listed in: Top 10 favorite reviews I've…
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Review from C D.
Anaheim, CA
11/24/2011
I've been a loyal American Girl customer for years. I've become very disappointed by this company. I returned one item to them and followed their request to receive a refund and not a gift card. I got a gift card in the mail. Its been a month and this company has yet to honor its return policy. This is completely unacceptable from a high end company. Beware that if you buy something from this company, that you had better make sure that you and your daughter really want it. This company DOES NOT honor its return policy. I have called them countless times and have been told that the refund is on its way. Its not. Make sure that you really really want what you buy. Again, American Girl DOES NOT honor its return policy! In other words, they will screw you over if you try to return something!
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Review from Jemina O.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2006 ROTD 1/9/2007
I hope my daughter does not read this...
This place gives me the creeps...
Yes, I know all about the American Girl empire. More than anyone should know. My daughter owns several of their books: about girls from different time periods in history, arts & crafts books and instructional (hair and body care) books; she owns the American Girl game; subscribes to the magazine; wears their clothes; uses their lipgloss AND this coming holidays she will probably be the proud owner of a $87 + tax doll that looks just like her. From the American Girl "Just Like Me" line of plastic dolls of course. No, not a handcrafted doll made by an old German lady from an unheard-of village or a super detailed Madame Alexander collectible. A plastic doll. One that needs a $19 dog, $20 dresses and $15 trips to the salon.
Oh, yes. American Girl Place not only sells books, games, dolls, accessories, clothing (for real and doll girls) but they also have a doll salon. Along with a doll hospital, a museum of their 'historical' dolls, a photo studio so your girl can be on the cover of the American Girl magazine, a cafe that looks like it jumped out of an Eloise book, a concierge and ... drumroll ... a theatre where real live girls perform a musical.
Yes, a musical. In a doll store. About fictional historical characters. haha. Yes, it is wholesome. A lot more than High School Musical. With an anthem.
The guy in a wig that plays some sort of xylophone to announce that tickets for the 7 o'clock show are still available... made me twitch all over.
I am a certified hippie-dippy, homebirthing, breastfeeding, no spanking, organics only, let's-work-things-out kind of mom. This place makes my armpit and leg hairs stand on end.
but hey, if you're into this... -
Review from Susan H.
West Covina, CA
2/2/2008 1 photo
VALUE: A, because of my niece
SERVICE: A, always willing to help with a smile
DECOR: A, 2 story mega doll store with cafe, picture studio, theater, hospital, and beauty salon
RETURN RATE: Only with my niece
In the summer of 2007, I took my niece to this store for her birthday and for a book signing. Boy, would I do anything for her. She loved the place so much that we spent a total of six hours in the store (including tea time). I was pooped by the time I dropped her off.
First off, let's understand the premise of this review. My niece grew up playing with barbies begging us to dye her hair blonde. She also used to starve herself at day care because she thought her booty was fat. I mean, how do you explain to a little 4 year old that it's just in the family's genes. I can't even count the number of times she fainted and the ambulance took her to the hospital restraining her on the bed because she would always pull out the IV ... it was awful. We always told her that she was beautiful, but she always wanted to look like Barbie. And then we went through the Bratz phase ... ahhhh! I was desperate to find something better for her.
Okay, so I know the dolls are on the pricey side ($100+) ... but like I said ... I was desperate. She really enjoyed meeting the author of the Niki books ... getting a poster and her books signed ... getting a photo with the author ... even though we didn't get a Niki doll.
We opted for a "Just Like You" doll and she loved it! She loved it so much that we sat in the store while she read a book to the doll. I mean, how can I put a price tag on that. She's reading without being told. She sleeps with "Summer" every night and I love playing with "Coconut," the dog, with her.
Here's our recent text conversation (02/02/2008) - she's 10 years old:
Me: 'sup? Did u look up the stuff on the net?
Niece: What stuff?And sorry that i didn't call u ... reading book ... almost done ... so maybe 5 i'll call u k ... thanks bff!
PRICELESS and I LOVE MY NIECE! That's all I can say. -
Review from InSil T.
Brooklyn, NY
12/25/2007
As a former Cabbage Patch parent, I think this place is genius. Why didn't I think of it myself? American Girl has it all: outfits, fake baby food, a movie theater, even a cafe that provides highchairs and caters to the dolls so that they're one stop short of being a real human. Bravo, nicely done, hence the three stars up top.
I have a few concerns regarding the dolls; the first of which - they are creepy! They have those button eyes that close when you put them down and open when they are standing up. They remind me of those horror movies where there is a peculiar collection of porcelain dolls that come alive when the clock strikes twelve.
In the upstairs Bitty Baby Collection, I looked through the selection of babies and noticed that they had strategically coordinated the dolls according to their skin color. Almost like a foundation make-up counter, except with dolls. The black baby was way on the left because it had the darkest skin tone, and the white baby was on the right. What was in between was a mystery. So I had to ask the worker, "Which one is the Asian one?" He pointed to the doll one over to the right from the black baby. Honestly, I thought that was a lighter skinned black baby. But then I noticed the hairline. "OOOh," I said, "The Asian one has stick straight hair, while the black baby's hairline is curly." The worker smiled and walked away.
One more thing about these dolls... why does the Asian doll always have to be wearing the Chinese outfit while all the other babies have cute Gap-style clothing on? Seriously, the folks over at American Girl have come so far with their creativity, but some things still haven't changed.Listed in: My Most Memorable Anecdotal…
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Review from Liza G.
Downey, CA
7/31/2011
This review is for the store only I have not tried cafe
GET READY TO SPEND !!!!!! This place is the place for all little girls.I have to say this is one of the best places to create memories,I LOVE IT!!!!! Dolls are very pricey but well worth it. I took my little girl and only anticipated to buy her the doll but you can't just stop there,if you buy a regular doll ,meaning they are not themed they just look like your little girl then you have to buy an outfit too. SAVE UP. Little girls really need a friend they can imagine with and play , I have gone back a lot and my daughter loves them.I have seen where some little girls do not like playing with dolls but if maybe you sit with them , they will try it . I do not own a cell phone but some people spend more on their phones ,lol!!! this place is about the memory , try one doll and then head to sears ,they have a line that includes a dress for your little girl and the doll!! way cheaper.
P.S check the website and decide which doll is best before hand -
Review from Moye I.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2006
So I'll admit it. I have an American Girl doll. In fact, I have four of them: Kirsten, Samantha, Felicity and poor Molly (the ugly one with the glasses). And I waited, patiently, year after year, for the one Asian girl to come out but alas...I'm still waiting.
And then, of all times, right when it's a little TOO embarassing to admit that you have these dolls or play with them with all the adorable accessories, they have to go and open up a store at the Grove! Thanks a lot, AG. You're like 15 years TOO LATE. I hate you.
Like, when I was small, I wanted to be a Disney character for Halloween so so so bad, but I couldn't because well, have you ever seen an Asian Ariel or Cinderella? NO. So I waited and waited for an Asian princess but when Mulan finally came around, it was TOO LATE for me to dress up for Halloween. Bitches.
But the AG store still worth a trip to go through (much like the pointless trolley that goes around the Grove. Why is there a trolley? I don't know, but it's cool.) and reminisce about the good old days when combing Samantha's hair was all that you cared about.
Plus, there's are always at least 3 to 5 young girls in hysterics over some thing their parents wouldn't buy them around outside, which is just hilarious to watch. -
Review from Fanon P.
To tell you the truth I really think this place is a front for a diabolical test lab Engineering new cyborg mind controlling dolls that will brainwash our daughters gradually and clone them into trained assassins! Their ultimate goal will be to establish American Girl as new communist government ran by only A BUNCH OF SPOILED ASS LIL GIRLS ranging form 2 to 12!!!! Beware!!!
This is the one place where I actually feel like im not even cool in! Im so insignificant here it makes me look at my life through the eyes of a wise 9 year old.... " what are you doing in our cafe?" "Why are you walkin around with 10 outfits for a doll? "How come youve been in here for 2 and a half hours?" why are you holding the doll like its a new born baby? " why do you keep pacing back and forth frantically?" is that your daughter runnin around with the same outfit on? So are you gonna buy her one everytime you step foot in this institution?? well are you???
Me and my daughter were suppose to be window shopping!!... There Beff! -
Review from Ogre O.
Los Angeles, CA
12/8/2008
Good god. This place creeped me the f--k out. I wandered in with a few friends and immediately saw a frowny little brat girl staring at us holding a doll that looked exactly like her that was also frowning at us. The kids who were in there were creepy, the parents in there were creepy, and the staff was creepy. After a quick lap around the store I had to leave because I was scared I was going to get kidnapped and turned into a doll. It felt like a toy store run by a really rich religious cult.
Aaaand of course now I'm obsessed with finding a doll that looks exactly like me that I can take everywhere I go. -
Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2007
I'm going to have to second my dear friend Aunny D. with...
What the shit is this place????!!!!?
I came by here while tooling about the Grove one day just to see if the nightmare causing rumors were true and guess what folks, they are. It's like a whole store full of Chucky with a sex change on crack!
I'll be honest, I never played with dollies as a kid. Barbies, sure? I mean she was a Rocker and was the cat's meowch in her red Ferrari as she drove around my livingroom with Skipper and would never give In The Closet Ken a ride, but dollies, hell no!
I would never bring a child here! All of these creepy dolls could really mess a little one's head up for life. All those creepy glass eyes that look like Sally Stoner and her pot head friends got to her first and the really 'spensive ones that if you drop them their head's will crack open. What kind of child's toy is that?
I say stick with Barbie's, GI Joe's and Star Wars action figures for little girls, cuz then they will grow up to be kick ass tomboys that still know how to be ladies...not that I'm biased or anything.Listed in: Los Angeles Shopping, Los Angeles Businesses to…
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Review from Martha and David and Rebecca H.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
1/30/2012
My daughter thinks this store is literally heaven on earth!
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Review from Kristen F.
12/13/2006
Walked by this place last night to see what the fuss was about. I walked towards the dolls in the display window. They seemed adorable, cute and harmless. Then something strange happened. Something that I only thought happened in movies.....
They began to talk.
No I wasn't on drugs. I think after this experiance I might need to be on drugs or begin therapy because I am officially scared to step foot any where near The Grove. -
Review from Joel G.
Claremont, CA
8/8/2008
So here's the thing...
For my niece's seventh birthday, my mom had the brilliant idea of taking her granddaughter to American Girl Place to buy her a doll and eat lunch at the cafe.
First off, the dolls are ridiculously ugly, and at $100+ a piece, this store is pretentious and overly elitist. Rich little girls were scrambling about the store bragging about who had the best doll. Worse were their mothers who seem to be a bunch of desperate housewives with nothing better to do on a Wednesday afternoon.
The cafe has 5 distinct seating times (2 lunch, 1 afternoon tea, and 2 dinner) each of which you need to make a reservation for a couple weeks ahead of time. Fifteen minutes prior to seating the crowd of little girls and mothers in the lobby is unbearable. Once in the cafe, parties are seated with their dolls...yes, their dolls are given a place to sit, and later given a plate and a cup as if they're going to eat.
Despite being the only man in the cafe, I did not feel as if I was the most odd person there. Across from my family there was a table of 4 women, ranging from 25 - 45 years old. There were no children with these women and each of them had a doll sitting next to them. NO JOKE! Adult women eating lunch with their dolls!!! Disturbing.
The food was mediocre at best. Way to pricey for what you get. (Except the cinnamon crisps were pretty good) The quiche was bland, the pasta was plain. They do serve wine and champagne for adults, but it is way too pricey.
For my niece, the table was set with name placard wishing her a happy birthday, and I do have to say that the staff did treat her as if she was a princess.
Overall, don't waste your money, through. I don't understand the fascination with American Girl Dolls. There's a whole hoity toity upper-class charade happening there. If you're looking for a fun dining experience for kids, I suggest the Rainforest Cafe, or something along those lines. -
Review from Aunny D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/31/2006
What the shit is this place????!!!!?
I was terified walking past this store over the weekend. The creepy dolls in the window sent chills up my spine. -
Review from Mike M.
1/15/2009
How does a heterosexual male give this place a decent review? It's all about perspective. If I told my single friends about this place or Chuck E. Cheese, for example, I start to see the polite smile....then the arms start to fold...and the backward steps..."Hey, that;s great...gotta go" But my demographic includes an 8 year old girl, and she absolutely had a ball for her birthday party. The service was out of a 5-star restaurant. The decor (I hope you like pink) was attractive and the food was pretty good. The private room in the back was expensive, but the main room was so loud, it made the upgrade well worth it.
I also like Chuck E. Cheese. I can drink beer, not worry about my kids and if mine are loud, who cares? They are all loud. Woo Hoo!!! -
Review from Shannon V.
Los Angeles, CA
8/6/2011 1 photo
I am the auntie. I met up here for lunch with my sister and 2 nieces, 7 &9. They LOVE American Girl!! They each brought 2 dolls and we shopped!!! They had been looking sooo forward to this after living in Alaska for 2 years! Yes, it is, to me crazy expensive, but if you know this going in, it's doable. My sister told the girls beforehand that they could each pick out one outfit for their doll. I can see how this could be an issue because a lot of the outfits come sized for the girl!! We dodged the photo studio and the hair salon. We took lots of our own pictures, told the girls we would do their hair at home (just spritz it down with water and brush away) and I got ideas for them for Christmas. My sister spent $75 on 2 outfits, one came with a skateboard and one was a 2 in 1 running outfit. There is a separate room for itty bitty or is it just bitty baby.... my sister wasn't impressed with it.
What a beautiful space, there are different "rooms" chronicling history, people and places. I actually learned a few things!! I had no idea what American Girl was all about, it is very educational and gives girls a positive message. There is a library which frequently hosts FREE events. While we were there, each of the girls filled out a card about their favorite book then they each received a FREE book! The books were nice too, not just cheap freebie type books. They had so much fun and as Ms. Marley said, "Best day ever!" How can you deny that??!! Super Special. See my separate review for the cafe, it is FUN! -
Review from Heather O.
Roseville, CA
11/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Rachel H. was AWESOME. I highly recommend scheduling a personal shopper because it made the experience official and all the more special for our 8 YO daughter on her birthday (and also for her younger sister). A pseudo tour guide for all the historical-related dolls (which I enjoyed) and also walk us through the entire store and guide us through the store. We had a great day. My daughter knew all the history of all the dolls and ended up getting the "just like me" doll. I may have the name wrong.
This is an EXPENSIVE day, accept and embrace it if you are coming here. It was hard to refrain from grumbling because my daughter loved her day. I had an appointment scheduled for the cafe, but I ended up canceling because it became too much for me and we had already had a full day after being there right when the place opened (recommended).
I hear the cafe is a great time, but it will have to wait for next visit. ~ This place is a finely-tuned machine for exposing your child to a ton of expensive things and activities and so it's your responsibility to be educated in advance about the things and options there before going in - or you WILL be overwhelmed and frustrated. I recommend calling ahead and being aware of all appointments and options you can make in advance, well in advance of your actual trip to your store (if a holiday weekend, get on the horn early folks).
Also ask if they can hold a doll in advance if you are concerned it will make or break your daughter's heart. I was warned by the workers there that most girls change their minds once they see all the dolls in real life. Get there when they open and you will enjoy your experience much more. Less crowds and less overwhelming for younger ones. - Don't forget to validate your parking and if you are walking around the area, when we were there, the front desk will house your shopping goodies. -
Review from Candice L.
San Francisco, CA
4/12/2007
Oh my!
I love this place!
I grew up reading every book I could get my hands on at our school's library and staring in the catolagues day dreaming of how happy life would be if only I could have a kirsten doll....
And now there is a huge store with a cafe and doll salon...I am 21 and it still make me so fucking excited!!
So now I have 3 dolls I set up in my room and buy new outfits for on occasions.....oh jeez my girlhood dreams have come true!! -
Review from Lah G.
Los Angeles, CA
8/10/2009
I'm conflicted about the American Girl thing. Being childless and over 30, I'd only vaguely heard of these things. But a trip here with an 8-year-old and a 10-year old made me realize that their cult-like fervor and devotion to American Girl was no joke.
Pros: Beautiful store. 2 stories of fantastic clothes, dolls, accessories, a cafe, theater, "hospital" and salon. Each historical doll has its own little room where the doll's story is explained and you can see some of the accessories available. Then there's a department-store-like section with the clothes, horses, bikes, scooters and costumes. Everyone working there was super friendly and knowledgeable. I like the historical aspect of the dolls, too. Much better for little girls' egos than Bratz or Barbie.
Cons: screaming girls in the midst of hysteria. Overpriced toys that encourage girls to one-up their friends with the latest "Girl" (although maybe it's just preparing them for life as a girl, constantly trying to be prettier, richer and thinner than her friends). The knowledge that all that money spent on these dolls will be a waste in a few years when these girls discover makeup, boys and drugs.
Oh, and I was informed by my 8 and 10 year old companions that i am NOT to call them DOLLS. They are "babies", "kids" or "girls". -
Review from Kate E.
Los Angeles, CA
8/4/2006
I basically wept the first time I walked in here.
When I was a kid, I had a Felicity and a Kirsten doll. Standing in the Kirsten room, I called my mother and screamed for her to "find Kirsten now! FIND FELICITY! SEND THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I have no shame. If you love AGs, you shouldn't either.
Point of note: I wasn't alone on this excursion, I had two of my best friends with me and they felt the same. I'm 22, Allie and Cat were 23 at the time. COME ON! -
Review from Catherine K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/9/2007
Why this place did not exist when I was at a socially acceptable age to appreciate American Girl dolls I'll never know.
I was a huge fan of the American Girl dolls, books and the magazine. I think for a large corporation, it's probably one of the best you can point your daughters to. The books are well written, relatively historically accurate, and the whole message is about celebrating girls and who they are, and have been through the years.
I think the magazine is still one of the only magazines for young girls that is actually made for younger girls. It really lets the girls be girls, and doesn't focus on fashion and sex, and all that crap. It's a wholesom type of deal, and I think a lot of that is missing for girls today. -
Review from Cheryl L.
Inland Empire
1/4/2010
Really, I don't like dolls. I was in team stuffed animal. And I tried to stay away from AG or not show my daughter the line, but darn.. They are cute--and the thing I like the best is that they are good quality, they have a good moral story to them, and they aren't skanky like Bratz and the other cheezy toys that are thrown at little girls nowadays to grow old too fast.
So as promised, I bought my daughter her lookalike doll (doesn't really look asian, listen up AG- just b/c a doll has black hair doesn't make her asian) that she wanted, and now we had to go to the store to get the "real" clothes so she can dress like the doll. Kill me now. Anyways, pretty much any of the clothes in her size were gone from Christmas. They had larger sizes, but really, what size 16 girl is going to be playing w/ dolls? So I convinced her to just get the doll clothes and some accessories and let's get the flock out of here since now it's after noon on Sunday when everyone got out of church, synagogue, etc.. and i'm dying b/c Andre's is across the street calling me, etc. okay, so i'm digressing again as usual.
$120.00 later, out we go-$10.00 for a style at the salon (two ponytails, really I could have done that myself for less. Anyways, it's all about the kid, right?) $110.00 on accesories. I do love this store and I can totally see how they can get the kids excited about their product. I hope to see them re-open the theater one of these days- and i'd love to try the cafe as well. The cafe is $22.00 per person, and the menu looks great. Just not this time around! -
Review from Kris M.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/17/2008
This review is for the personal shopping department that has helped me with orders over the phone. I have never been to the store or cafe. I have a collection of AG that I have had since I was a child and their dolls and accessories are high quality and make great gifts for other collectors, nieces, cousins, etc. Winnie, Karina and Florence in the personal shopping department are great, they are very professional and ship your orders out fast. They always returned phone calls, found items that weren't in stock and followed up with wait list requests. Thank you all for your help!
If you're having trouble with online ordering or items are out of stock online, I would suggest calling a personal shopper and have them fill your order and ship it to you.
