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Wacko
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Toy Stores, Cards & Stationery, Bookstores [Edit]
4633 Hollywood BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90027
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 663-0122
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11 am - 7 pm
Thu-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Sarah B. said: "Dan really is the best! He is a genuinely nice person who is passionate about his work. He truly was a pleasure to work with and made this part of…" read more »
375 reviews for Wacko
Review Highlights
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375 reviews in English
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Review from Christina K.
Los Angeles, CA
I love to browse and this place did not disappoint. Tons of odds and ends, random & intriguing books, little mechanical toys, figures, jewelry, gags gifts... what didn't they have? Could easily spend an hour or more in here.
What was even cooler was there was a small art gallery in the rear of the shop. Interesting styled paintings. Some twisted. All unique and I found pretty engaging.
Good place to find odd little gifts. -
Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
Wacko is fun.
They house a vintage-ish toy store, an odds and ends shop of all things artsy, edgy, and all around nifty, a homemade soap store, and the Luz de Jesus Gallery.
If you're into Dia de los Muertos altars, Polynesian tiki mugs and barware, Bettie Page memorabilia, beaded curtains, tin wind-up toys, kitschy knickknacks, obscure candies, and the like, this will tickle that fancy.
You never know when you'll need bacon-flavored toothpaste, a brass knuckles-shaped meat tenderizer, or "Maybe You Touched Your Genital" hand sanitizer. ESPECIALLY that last one.
Picked up a faux-rusted, mermaid bottle opener for $5. Considering how handy it's been around the house, I'd say it was worth it. -
Review from Michelle T.
Burbank, CA
unique merchandise
diverse collection of books
cool knick knacks and toys
interesting animal body parts in the back
overall, 5 stars for standing out in a city where it's hard to do that. -
Review from Leslie W.
Los Angeles, CA
This is one of the most eclectic, interesting book/nic nac stores you will ever find! Tons of books on every subject, especially related to alternative hipster lifestyles. There is a very cool art gallery in the back that shows local artists work which can be purchased. Really a unique LA spot. Oh and if you are there go have an Umami burger right next door!
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Review from Nicole F.
Great store! I'll definitely be making a point of coming back here on my next visit to LA.
I spent over an hour in here wandering up and down the aisles so that I didn't miss anything, and then did it all over again just to make sure.
Not only do they have an awesome collection of random yet awesome junk, they also have an amazing selection of books. Especially books of low brow art, which I have come to love in the last 2 years. Oh, and fashion books!
I managed to find a wonderfully obnoxious wallet by the brand Fluff that has a Mermaid on it.. AND an Octopus, and a package of 17 Mark Ryden post card sized prints. I spent a long time debating the Elvis fridge magnets and am full of regret for not getting them. There were more things I wanted (books books books) but I only have so much room in my suitcase! Maybe next time! -
Review from Katie M.
You can literally find anything here, from the ridiculous to the remarkable. I love their selection of books and figurines, plus the art is great to look at, even if I can't afford it.
I find it to be a little pricey here sometimes, but if you want to find something for everyone without having to bounce between shops, this is the definite eclectic choice at the top of my list.Listed in: Shopping
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Review from Marisol G.
Los Angeles, CA
I went crazy while doing some Christmas shopping. I wanted all items just for me. I actually ended up grabbing some Tim Burton items for my own collection.
There is so much to choose from. They get different items daily. If you want rare items to gift I suggest you come here. -
Review from carlos c.
A great place in the area for some really interesting shopping.
From amazing books, comics, oddities, art, toys, games, home decor, bizarre, unusual, and just about all sorts of things for that friend that you JUST can't decide to get them for christmas.
I have a couple of friends that work here and this place always is fun to just wander around in, check out the gallery, and just browse some different stuff.
Not super expensive, but definitely lots of rare things inside! Only setback, parking can kind of SUCK.Listed in: favorites!
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Review from Miguel R.
Great, great, great gift shop!!!!
If you have a special someone who likes odd gifts and/or collectibles come here!!!! They have tons of cool post cards and magnets. They have tons of cool books! Great sense of kitsch! Want a Jesus night lite? Want a Star Wars out fit for Jesus? Want a dashboard Jesus? How about tacky ubercolorful Mexican plastic tablecloths?
Some of the stuff here is downright creepy, like raccoon penisbones...WTF? Yes, you read it right....
Lots of Hello Kitty and Star Wars and Japanese stuff!
They have all kinds of incense.
They actually have a cool art gallery too. It's great eye candy but the art isn't really good...more like weird and cool to look at at.
The aisles are packed and narrow so beware! We spent more than an hour here.... Truly, an hour is not enough to check out this place.
There is only one bathroom to my knowledge and it seems like it's a girl's bathroom only. Enter it if only to see the crazy decor inside haha!
Everything you could possibly want is here!
BTW....Free parking here is a real problem.... -
Review from Joyce V.
Monterey Park, CA
Wacko saved the day again! Just gave my girlfriends their little gifts today. I've been coming here forever and I never get tired of it. It's always sensory overload and you will always find something cool. They have the best books, toys, nic nacs, tiki mugs, cards, etc...
Just go! -
Review from Vince D.
Los Angeles, CA
I love the Wacko! You can literally spend hours browsing everything from Edward Gorey books to Tiki mugs. You can also spend time in the back half of the store, which is an art gallery with an always interesting display of weirdness. If you've got a sharp eye, you should also be able to find the refrigerator magnet of a ripped and naked Tony Danza, once and for all answering the age old question, Who's the Uncut Boss? Wacko, an awesome place to buy your weird friends things for their birthdays.
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Review from Kevin N.
Holy dang! This place is like the ideal toy store for not only hipsters but for everyone in general.
Seriously, this place has toys ranging from toy story clocks, to zombie books, to funny post cards. Imagine Spencer without the dirty jokes and a toy r us for the sheer variety, with a huge sprinkle of pop culture.
I am still amazed at the size of the store. Also for a trinket store, the gifts are reasonably priced. Add in the small art section in the back and you have a gem.
Definitely a toy store on steroids. I'm definitely coming back here for future gift shopping! -
Review from Renee K.
Los Angeles, CA
Trying to figure out what to buy your best indie rock friend for a wedding present or just some need a wacky plastic chatchie (sp), this is THE place. Now, if neither of these strike a cord, waltz past the racks into La Luz de Jesus Gallery. This is where the real one of a kind masterpieces live. The rest of the experience is your own, just don't miss this retail experience!
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Review from Angela M.
Burbank, CA
Up until yesterday, I would have given this place 5 stars. I loved to browse here for books, gifts, etc and I normally don't post scathing reviews on Yelp, especially for small businesses. But my experience was one that I really think I should share.....
I tried to shop here yesterday. Tried being the key word, because they refused to let me in with my PURSE. They said they hold all large bags and purses behind the counter. Excuse me? My purse is exactly 9.5" x 8"......hardly huge. I have worked retail, and I understand holding large shopping bags, but they are way paranoid here. I have carried this bag here more times than I can count, and never been harassed before.
I called the manager to complain, and she was polite. She informed me that their policy for the past 8 months has been that they don't allow bags bigger than a breadbox. Fine, but I can barely fit a sandwich in my bag, let alone a freakin' LOAF OF BREAD. She told me to come back, and they would "review the size of my purse". Um, no thank you. I am a paying customer, and don't need to be inspected to shop, here or anywhere else.
I will miss you Wacko. Maybe one day you will trust your customers. Until then, I will shop where I don't get treated like a criminal. -
Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
Love this store. One could literally spend forever in here perusing through the many books, novelty stuff and strolling through the gallery. Not to mention hit the far room for some really random things. Like a crocodile head. YEP.. Taxidermy things along with little bones which the sad thing is that they are from farm raised animals. Like the vertebra of a snack, fox knuckles of various animals.. Other than that this place is the perfect place to find everything from calenders, note pads that are not the boring run of the mill kind, magnets, make-up bags, iPad cases, matryoshka cups, housewares, home stuff, greeting cards, post cards, games, toys.. etc etc..
My favorite part of the shop was the book section. I actually got to thumb through the new Mark Ryden book rather than see pages of his book on-line. As well as the Marianne Peck book. Tons of street art books and the Juxtapoz mags here as well as Juxtapoz books. It seriously is the best book store ever if you have an interest in art. The design and architecture section is also boasting tons of books. I found some books on the Bauhaus (the school of design/architecture not the band) that I have always looked for here.. Including tons of Dada artist as well. OK I love this place.
uMM.. Lava lamps. If you need one they have 'em. Quiet possibly the LARGEST lava lamp that I have ever seen as well. -
Review from Matthew F.
Los Angeles, CA
If Rob Zombie had sex with a Toys R Us, Wacko would be the resulting love-child.
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Review from Clay O.
Monterey Park, CA
I first stumbled across Wacko many years ago with a couple of friends while walking down Melrose. At that time, the passage leading up to the entrance was a hallway of concave, amusement park style mirrors. Too bad they scrapped it... honestly, what other store do you know of where you're already having fun before you're even inside? I suppose there isn't room for it at the Hollywood blvd location, but I do miss it.
Anyway, we had no idea what it was, but like moths drawn to a flame, we were lured into Wacko by its colorful sign with crazy lettering. However, it was just then that we encountered something to tip us off. As we entered the corridor of mirrors, watching our bodies mutate into bizarre and humorous shapes, who else passed us but Weird Al Yankovic himself!
He was staring into a bag of... really, God knows what... that he'd just purchased, glancing up only to keep from walking into us. I didn't know what this place sold, but whatever it was, you could tell Wacko was Al's kind of store. He had the expression of a kid from the 1940's who'd just come out of a candy shop with a bag full of salt water taffy, root beer barrels, and necco wafers.
Still, I never imagined I could also be thoroughly entertained for a couple of hours simply perusing Wacko's strange and hilarious inventory. I must have spent a good 45 minutes on the postcards alone. I guess you could say Wacko is like... a museum... except... a really FUN one... and they'd like it if you'd buy something. -
Review from Matt L.
Los Angeles, CA
I had driven by this place a million times, and never been compelled to go inside. Last night, i wandered in. It was like everything I knew I wanted, but didn't know that I did.
Books that looked interesting even if they weren't my interests. It was the first time I was actually struck by an art gallery.
Toys that looked interesting even if they weren't my interests. It seems like there is alot of attention spent on originality and creativity of the merchandising of this store.
I wound up buying some cool stuff for my place and I'll probably be back.
I don't mind paying a little more for a locally owned cool place. DO THIS. -
Review from Jeanine B.
Glendale, CA
Yo. So there are currently 345 reviews of Wacko as I write the 346th.
There isn't much else to add.
This place, in a nutshell, is spectacular. Oodles of goodies to ogle and buy.
Funmazing. Amazintastic. Splendiferous.
Check it out. -
Review from Anthony A.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
This is one of those stores that's CHOCK FULL of all kinds of absurd, hilarious, jawsome, useful, horrific, gag-worthy stuff that, quite frankly, doesn't need to be anywhere near my place.
Don't get me wrong, I'd back a truck up to the front doors and haul it all away if I could, but what do I really need with a guitar neck pot holder? Or a faux astroturf goose coin bank? They've got some awesome books - too bad I read about as much as Stevie Wonder. I'd love the giant Frankenstein's Monster they've got perched up above, but not for $1300.
I can spend an hour browsing these aisles easily, and yet not spend a buck. But, you know, if I'm ever in the market for useless shit that'll make someone laugh for a couple minutes, then I know the spot.Listed in: Places that don't suck in LA…
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Review from Heather F.
Austin, TX
This place is the kind of shop you could spend hours upon hours in if you had the time.
They have wacky, off the chart books, stickers, magnets, toys, art, postcards, games, gifts, and more. The books alone will keep you entertained for hours. My friend picked up a book on 100 different ways to flip people off and instantly discovered the Cowboy method which entails pulling out both middle fingers from "holsters" by your hips.
They have an art gallery in the back that changes art. They have sushi magnets and quite the selection. You need some of those for your fridge for sure. They have a pot holder for your kitchen shaped like a pot leaf. My friend works in the film industry and says this store is good for props to use in films like tiny toy robots and even decorative, wearable props.
When you go to check out you will find a small sign that says "As Soon As You Hang Up Your Cell Phone We Would Love To Help You Mr. Rude". Thank you Wacko for taking a stand.
When you walk out the store be sure to pick up some literature on the up and coming shows around Hollywood and L.A as they have tons of take-home ads for all the cool venues around town like the Echo and Roxy. -
Review from Christy L.
Los Angeles, CA
I used to like shopping at this store. However, today my friend and I were told by the cashier that we had to check our PURSES at the counter. Our purses were no larger than 8"x5"x2"! She said noone can walk around the store with any bags.
Upon being told this, we thought for a second and decided there was no way we were going to leave our purses at a front counter in exchange for a clothespin as a claim check. Our purses had personal id, credit cards, cash, expensive sunglasses, checkbooks, etc in them.
We left, and will not return to a TRINKET STORE that trust it's clientele so little that you are not allowed to carry your purse with you. Why should I trust their cashier with all of my personal articles when they don't trust me enough to walk around and look at cheap books, toys and incense? Seriously??
I wanted to give this place zero stars, but Yelp makes you give it at least one. -
Review from Mike V.
Los Angeles, CA
The staff is DI-NO-MITE! I brought my doggie for a walk not knowing I could bring him in to Wacko, I asked the guy at the counter if I could carry the dog while I look around, he told me "Noooooooo problem". One of the clerks even offered to stroll my dog around as hers (cool staff).
From there on out it was sensory overload (in a good way). I was shopping for my friends hard to shop for teenage daughter and I had no problem picking up the weirdest, wackiest gifts that I think she'll at least trip out on.
From odd books, to cool memorabilia toys and art they've got those hard to find gifts covered. If not it's definitely worth killing some time. -
Review from Karina S.
Pasadena, CA
i love their kidrobot yummy breakfast and toki doki cactus pups!i got great service
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Review from Tonya T.
Santa Cruz, CA
What a strange place... It was very big, with a lot of peculiar little things.
I saw a lot of stuff that I used to order off-line when I was a youngin (middle school & high school). They sell the exact strange toys I used to own in my adolescent, defiant stage.
I know, from experience, that once I get those funny little things home, they all just get lost in the cobwebs somewhere... Because it was a huge "been there, done that" experience for me, I won't buy anything for myself from there. But those little things will make interesting gifts for people I can't find functional presents for. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Stockton, CA
I've always loved this place since the first time I came here. A shop full of really cool books, toys, random stuff but most area art inspired. The place is filled from floor to ceiling of products that they sell.
There are lots of things in the store that will remind you of your child hood but for sure you'll spend at least an hour here browsing through all of the cool stuff that they offer. Lots of stuff from street artists from prints and toys. Take your time to look around because there will be things that you missed that was there.
They also have a gallery in the back and have exhibits. In the far back room there are bags, dogs, sculptures and all this other fun stuff.
I'd give them 5 stars but the last visit me made almost every single person I came with was harassed and followed by a worker (for whatever reason) but we thought was very unnecessary also that person treated them very rudely :( whoops because they were ready to drop some money that day.
I hope no one else has to go through that but aside from that the place is great for what it has to offer. Also it pretty much all street parking so have fun with that!Listed in: Undergrad life in the IE and…
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Review from mike r.
Oakland, CA
One stop shop for anything wacko. A lot of their products are either rare or uncommon. I shopped in only one section of the store and it was a lot to take in. I could spend hours in this store. I can spend a lot also. I had been shopping all day in hopes to bring something home for my kids (i was visiting from the SF bay area) My friend said if I can't find anything here I wouldn't find anything anywhere and he was right! I found an Astroboy plush toy, perfect! Nice little gallery as well.
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Review from Ivana Y.
Irvine, CA
The moment I walked in, I knew that I had never, ever been in a store quite like this. It's an eclectic bookstore first and foremost, but walk the side aisles and sidle to the back, you'll find lots of tchotchke items ranging from the playful to the morbid variety. The store is a riot of culture, art, colors, and a lot of the content just seems wrong but where else are you going to find all of these things in under one roof?
If I could describe the sort of stuff they have, I would say it's a little like the non-clothing things that Urban Outfitters sells. But hopped up on roids. Yeah.
Come see the place for yourself! Fun for ages 18+, it's pretty much a hipster/urban paradise. (The age rating is there because of the more mature content you'll find in the book aisles, front and center--example, 'Coloring Book of Vaginas'. No lie.) -
Review from Connie L.
Love this store. Huge warehouse with basically all the weird shit, books, postcards, toys, postcards, and gag gifts you could wish for and more to boot. The fabulous La Luz gallery is situated in the back. A definite stop if you're in the Loz Feliz area.
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Review from Ed K.
Wacko.
How to describe this store?
Sometimes in cases like this it's better to look at the photos than read the review descriptions.
Take everything hip, kitsch, trendy, retro, cool, stir it up in a pot, make sure you throw a selection of action figurines, bobbleheads, artbooks, sculptures, and color it up with a touchy of the arthouse and japanese pop art.
There I hope that gives you an idea of the sheer coolness that is Wacko.
For those that have been to the Giant Robot stores on Sawtelle, imagine that, but 10x, and better.
Anyone who wants to buy really cool, offbeat trinkets, gag and humourous gifts for friends or loved ones, please check out this store. I'm positive you'll find something that will delight and push the buttons nostalgic. -
Review from Marla V.
we were looking for a place to wander about after breakfast...and my friend suggested Wacko. He couldn't believe we had not yet been there...
wow...I fell in love...Their book selection is amazing...I especially fell in love with the Mexican Cinema section...but there are so many beautiful books and trinkets throughout this store...AND they have a wonderful gallery in the back.
thanks for stealing my heart, WACKO. -
Review from shelby l.
Los Angeles, CA
I wish I could give 4.5 stars. This place is great.
Huge selection of art/coffee table books, and every kitschy collectable known to mankind. The soaps and fragrances smell divine.
Gigantic Frankenstein statue? they have it
Taxidermy? sure why not
A great selection of Edward Gorey? yup
Vagina coloring book? ....well yeah they have that too
Basically this is a weirdo's wonderland & breaking the bank here is a little to do-able.
- half a star because SOME of the employees are very stuck up/rude. They know they work at a great store, so they use that as an opportunity to have a holier than thou attitude. -
Review from Maggie K.
Los Angeles, CA
You MUST take advantage of this place if you live in Los Angeles. It surely is the neatest and wackiest store ever!
No need to explain what they have because it takes away from the surprise this place entices. BE SPONTANEOUS and STOP reading these reviews and go check out the place.
What I end up purchasing: A PUSSYWAGON keychain from Kill Bill and a Mr.Rogers mini book. -
Review from Anne N.
Santa Ana, CA
Looking for a cool artsy place to inspire you? Wacko is a great store to get you into inspiration mode. They have books galore about illustrators, artists, graphic design artists and photography. Some books that they have are the Art of Tara McPherson Vol. I and II, Taschen's Illustration Now books, and Taschen's web design interactive books, just to name a few. Looking for a cool concept for your art? Then Wacko is definitely the place to unleash your artsy self.
They even have a gallery in the back showcasing artists with cool concepts, some Tim Burton style art and edgy art. It is always entertaining and always shocking.
What else can I say? Well, you can just spend hours here looking at every little item they have here. They have artistic toys, funky items, incense, and almost every book that you will probably not find at a regular book store. This place is for the artist.
If you are visiting from out of town, you should definitely check this place out or if you have a day off and want to find your creative self again amidst this crazy world, then check this place out and become the artist again that you truly are.Listed in: The 2011 Artists Generation
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Review from Edward C.
San Jose, CA
Warehouse-sized store decked out like Pee-Wee's Playhouse. Huge art book and magazine selection of the Hi-Fructose bent. Things like posters, jewelry made out of rare beetles and scorpions, dolls, CDS, comix, toys and head shop bric-a-brac are also for sale. You can literally spend an entire day here..
And did I mention the Wacko/Soap Plant/ La Luz de Jesus compound contains a totally rad art gallery too? -
Review from Elinore K.
Los Angeles, CA
Whenever I am looking for gift or a new decor item to add to my room, I never fail to consider Wacko; it's definitely the place to go to if you are looking for something special.
They have a wide variety of unique gift items to choose from, which is great if you are looking for various items for more than one person.
Every visit is worthwhile; the shop never fails to amuse me because they always have something new to offer.
Wacko brings a new meaning to novelty shopping. From books, to toys, to home decor - it is a one-stop shopping destination. You can get items for any occasion: birthdays, weddings, office parties or even the arrival of a new baby.
I can't wait to visit them again!Listed in: Places you have to check…
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Review from June P.
West Covina, CA
Awesome store full of toys books and artsy stuff... kinda reminds me of Urban Outfitter/japanese toy store.
The only problem is parking! Lets just say I got towed where I parked my car. 30min later waiting for my cousin to pick me up and $255 down the drain at some shady tow truck place... I still want to come back to Wacko... its just a unique place! -
Review from Rachel R.
Los Angeles, CA
What can I say, I LOVE this place! Yes another 5 star to me. I have been coming to Wacko for as long as I can remember, way back before they were at this location. I have been hooked for years!
I went on a whim yesterday, and yes I got a plethora of cool stuff! Shouldn't have, but I did. I sat my goods up for you all to take a look at and as I went to hit the power on my handy dandy camera, no light. I cant find my charger, so pictures later.
What I like about Wacko is that, the one thing I can't find anywhere, Wacko will have, along with a bunch of stuff I really like but don't have to have but get anyway. OK, so I have said it, Wacko is my major down fall.
Wont be going there for a while, unless I really need something I cant find anywhere else.
I was on a hunt for a book about unusual, interesting things in Minnesota,
and to my surprise and amazement, a book exists! I got it, had too, along with a Derby, Sideshow, Illustration, Funeral cars, art of urban mystery at night, the last book I allowed myself to get, Halloween Ball and Paddle game, Star Trek coasters, presents, so I can't say some of the other things. Hell Babies stationary (Junko Mizuno), and a Fluff shirt.
There is always art up in the back as it is also a gallery. The staff was getting ready for a show I believe. I really like the staff there, they are awesome! This is one of my most favorite spots! Hooray for WACKO!Listed in: Shopping fun 101
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Review from Mark L.
my friend annie t. introduced me to this place. Once you walk in you will know if it's for you or not. I'd say if you like well known street art, random humor, and perverted jokes then this place is for you.
It's so hard to describe but it is definitely for the quirky artsy people. It sort of reminds me of Aahhs! but for the more intelligent and cultured person. If you consider yourself cool and not like "athlete" cool but "street smart" cool, you will enjoy this place. I've picked up books from artists like Mark Ryden and Craola here.
They've got soaps, decor, books, ceramics, posters, random toys, and a bunch of other stuff that you wouldn't expect to be sold under one roof. It's a great place to get someone a gift.
just check it out. If you live in LA and you don't know about this place, then you must be the type of person that still goes to Sizzler for steak. -
Review from Benedict G.
San Diego, CA
1st time here...man I think of this place like the store "Spencers" but 5x bigger! They have so much stuff here likes books, toys, collectibles, bags, bedroom stuff and I even saw an insect collection and real turtle shells for sale.
They had an art gallery but it was closed. They got some old school stuff here too.
Metered parking available but can be difficult since there are many businesses around. Customer service good. Worth coming back!
