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Categories: Toy Stores, Cards & Stationery, Bookstores
Neighborhood: HollywoodMon-Wed. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"Great service, well-organized, and a chair in each section to prolong your browsing! I can't walk out of this store without a bag full of…" read more »
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If I had more money - the inside of Wacko's is what my house would look like. A brightly colored building on the outside and definitely wacky on the inside. A mixture of toys, books, Tikis, and religious imagery - I thought I had died and gone to kitsch heaven, seriously! I mean where else can I find a two foot tall red fuzzy Jesus and Mary coin bank? Where else can I find a 6 foot tall plastic Tiki that plugs in and his eyes light up?
A huge selection of books you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else - a lot of coffee table books too. I love the tattoo book section as well as the Dia de Los Muertos section. They have a huge isle of various lunchboxes both new and old. There are a lot A LOT of toys of varying types from mainstream movie and TV show related figurines to Japanese toys to retro toys, etc.
They just have a lot of fun, funny, cool, and time wasting toys here. In the back they have a small art gallery where local artists can showcase their work. Wacko's has something for everyone - from inexpensive to slightly pricey - they have it all!
Every time I'm in Hollyweird I make it a point to come here .. even when I lived in West Hollywood I came here weekly. I have never walked out of here empty handed...never.
Reading reviews of Wacko's does not even being to scratch the surface of just how flipping cool this place is .. you just have to and see for yourself!
I freakin love this place! talk about random, you can find the most random outrageous things here and to top it off theres a gallery!
amazing.
When I lived in Hollywood, I would ride my skateboard over to Wacko to have my fix of interestingly wacked out stuff.
You could practically spend a whole day there just checking out reeeeaaallly random stuff, reading and flipping through crazy books, playing with toys, and finding odd little novelty items and trinkets.
Beware......This store sells some really twisted stuff that nobody else has, and thats why I love it!
Wacko is purty wacko.
But I like Wacko.
Because Wacko have cool coffee table books (racy ones too- oh my virgin eyes!), cute mints, and funny looking objects, one can call toys.
They also have a small art gallery in the back which was closed when I last visited.
This is a really fun place to go. The people are very knowledgeable and its a fun, comfortable atmosphere. There is a pole on the second floor in the back. It is very useful if you are open minded, free-thinking, and receptive to learn and explore.
Out of all the places in Los Angeles, this is THE store.
Others may have that sort of, charm and eccentric vibe but it would not even be close to what oddities Wacko has in store. The place carries so much variety in novelties and books - and the place is huge, with the luz art gallery in the back - so you will definitely find something to give that weird friend of yours over here. The workers are very diverse and friendly as well; ask them a question, they won't bite even though they look like they could definitely kick your ass, they're as friendly as Mr. Rogers is when he visits neighborhood sex shop.
Every time I come here I am mesmerized by the varitey of stuff they have. Books, magazines, jewelry, cards, posters, trinkets, toys, candy and more. I can spend hours looking at the magazines/books alone.
They even have an art gallery in the back (La Luz De Jesus Gallery) where an exhibit of some sort is always featured.The last time I was here, Liz McGrath (Miss Derringer) had some of her art on display.
I really can't describe this store well enough to do it justice. You have to stop in and see for yourself.
A great place to buy wacky, cool gifts!
Wacko...
Because sometimes you need a witty gift that'll make the Pope blush.
_C$
Oh crap, it's time for another Birthday. I really hate these. While I never get anything I want, I always seem to want to go out of my way to get others that perfectly odd gift.
That is why I go to wackos. The book section alone can be a completely awesome experience in finding new reads that will just be entertaining to no end. Maybe I should just refer people to come shop for me here. I'm sure they'll be confused as to what to get me.
The back art gallery is something that is out of a bazaar. But I'm in love with the work and oddly enough, have known a couple of artist who have been featured here.
A treat for the eyes as well as a drain on the wallet. While it's all great stuff, it's hard to tell what the breaking point is on what you should and shouldn't buy.
This is a venture in itself. And since it's near the fair oaks area, you can go get yourself a freshly made fish or shrimp taco from best fish taco in ensenada if you get tired of spending a couple of hours here.
Something for everyone.. even if you don't think they'll be as eccentric enough to enjoy one of the more odd items here, there is still something to be found for one and all.
Going through the doors is like stepping into a new dimension. A dimension that is covered in flyers… Read more »
MY FAVORITE BOOKSTORE. EVER.
I walk into this place, and I literally feel like my "cool-ness" just jumped 10 points. Then I leave and I feel like a poser. :P
You will find books explaining everything (!), including Mexican luchadores, body mutilation, odd fetishes, Mobster crimes, and whatever-the-heck your twisted mind can wrap itself around. If you want to learn about anything underground, any eccentric subcultures, come here. You will find it.
There is also an art gallery that features all the odd, eccentric artwork you could imagine. The words "ugly-beautiful" come to mind. I would never actually *buy* any of the artwork (Marilyn Manson probably would), but I can't help but be fascinated. Let's look inside the brain of the outcast! Sheesh, this is why I was a psych major!
I come here for pretty much any gift I want to buy for someone. Or myself! Wacko is the coolest shop ever.
Cool store with lots of books and toys that you've never come across before. It's a good place to browse if you have a lot of time to kill (because looking through everything could take a while!) I saw some very strange, fascinating, and racy books, most of which I've never seen anywhere else. If I lived locally, I probably would visit this place once a month or so just to look around. There is also a small gallery area, where you can look at and/or purchase art by underground artists. The art pieces were very retro and really cool. The shop staff is nice and they pretty much let you do your own thing and look around, which is nice. I didn't buy anything this time, but I would like to come back again next time I'm in socal.
I don't think Wacko carries anything that I actually need, but they've got so many things that I want! So much weirdness going on in this store. I usually go here when I'm getting my car washed next door. It's easy to burn time, a hole in your wallet, and find some sort of eclectic treasure or last minute birthday gift. Recommended.
Wacko fulfilled every little chotchkie fiend tendency I have.
It's got loads & loads & loads of randomness (IE: My interesting final selection of purchases):
1. the most AMAZING incense I have ever found, srsly, a locally made forest blend that takes me right back to a headshop I used to frequent when I was a teen
2. old school 50's candy to take back home as souvenirs for the BF (slow pokes, b-b-bats, abba zabba's, you get the picture)
3. a mini t-rex
4. a miniature bowling dude for our crazy toy crown molding collection
5. a japanese key wind-up tin chicken
6. free postcards from the Martha Rich (LOVE HER) exhibit currently going on now at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery which happens to be conveniently housed in the back of Wacko!
Why not 5? I'm taking off one star because I think they need a photobooth. I know, it may seem like a harsh critique, but for reals, I think a photobooth would absolutely complete this place. It would be over the top wild and wacky perfection.
DO IT.
Lots of books, little knick-knacks, odd stuff, comic/movie/tv bobbleheads, action figures, paintings in their gallery within the store, and small selection of old school candy, oils, and clothing. I bought a tin, wind-up robot that I'm pretty happy about. I might go back to get their van gogh action figure =p
Worth a looksie if you're ever in Hollwood!
Want to kill a couple of hours and seriously amuse yourself in the process? Then come here. It's probably the most entertaining shopping experience you will ever have, guaranteed!
It's so RANDOM and there is just so much STUFF from toys to cards to books to candles and body lotions and freaking animal skulls! And when I say books, I don't mean New York Times Bestsellers, I mean weird, fascinating books on some pretty racy subject matter. Highlights: a book devoted to crime scene photos of suicides and a giant photography book devoted to large penises. Get the vibe of this place? Stuff for your car, your home, for you! Everything!
You can browse forever and it seems like they are always acquiring new stuff. A fantastic place to find the most random interesting gift for that one person who seems to have everything. Probably not exactly the place to bring your child though...there are some pretty R-rated things lurking about mixed in with stuff like My Little Pony lunchboxes.
I can never leave without buying something because something awesome always catches my eye. Last time I bought a fox skull ($16. Bargain? dunno but it looks cool on the mantle...) and a bday card for my sister. Who knows what I'll pick up next!
A real treasure!
Best place to get weird, random stuff you don't really need. My friend from Queens finally found a job so she I gave her a "rat race" from here. My boyfriend and I went in looking for something cool for the bathroom. He walked out with magic sand that doesn't get wet and a coconut mug. Unfortunately the mug had "may cause birth defects" written under the price tag. I don't know.. he was born 23 years ago so maybe he's safe to use it. I wish we waited on getting our shower curtain because the Titanic one is really cute. Nice Tim Biskup Helper standing near the art gallery in the back of the store. Lots of cute stickers, toys, etc. It's a good way to waste an hour and 15 bucks.
As I was thumbing about the fine prints and Pop Rocks on display, a tiny Japanese model jumped out at me.
I made short work of it with my umbrella.
Smashing! 5 stars.
You know all the kooky, off beat yet interesting trinkets, toys, gifts and books that you find online sometimes that are awesome yet you can never find ONE really good resource or place to find them all?
Wacko is your answer.
I can't even really give any more description other than to visit the store even IF you don't need to find a gift for someone. You'll be able to take it all in and know that you can come back for, or get something for yourself.
My purchase included a Luchador 2009 calendar and a skeleton shaped pen that has both blue and black ink. They also had a book about perms and a drug dealer magnet set that I purchased elsewhere (just so happened to have the same things but not nearly the selection Wacko has).
I also found two huge photo books. One dedicated to boobs and one dedicated to penises.
I love you, Wacko.
I love this place. Back in my olden high school days, we used to come here quite often after school. We'd be entertained for hours just looking at all the stuff they had. And what DIDN't they have?? They had all sorts of crazy stuff - very eclectic. I remember they had very interesting books. Haha...I also remember they had Mein Kemf. There were interesting toys as well such as a punching nun and other funny items.
Even if you don't need anything, you should come here and check it out. You'll love browsing around and checking out all the random stuff they have.
Look, just because you probably saw Los Lobos play with X back when Jesus had a mohawk doesn't mean you can't STOP and SAY HELLO when I walk in, or HELP when I need something. That too cool thing only works when you are a TEENAGER, not 47 years old. Just be nice. Nice!
It was like, I stepped into a time warp and turned into a fourteen year old geek asking where the Dead Kennedys records were at Vinyl Fetish and being met with a sigh.
Aside from that, I love this store. It's FILLED with stuff I don't need. I LOVE IT. They have an awesome tiki collection (oh, APE cookiejar, you will be MINE!) They also have an awesome gi-normous and super glorious Tim Biskup Helper sculpture I want SOOOO BAD but it's $5,000.
And who DOESNT need a large book dedicated to penises? Heart!
Offbeat. Kitschy. Fun.
This place has a little bit of everything, especially if you lean toward the weird. I try to get a visit in every time I'm in LA.
I'm an art nerd and spend a lot of time in the gallery and in the book section. They have a huge selection of art books with the majority of them being geared toward pop/contemporary art. Bonus: every time I've been there, they've had really good books at discounted prices -- I think the last time I was there they were having a sale on TASCHEN books!
Aside from the "normal" art books, they have a decent selection in other categories, like design, body art, erotica and cinema, to name a few.
As for the rest of the store, tchotchkes galore. If shopping for a gift, make sure to bring some extra money for all the things you'll want to buy for yourself.
I needed a thingy that makes that noise "BOING!!!" like in cartoons.
They had it. No contest.
One of the oddest stores I have been to in my travels. It carries a wide variety of books, toys, collectibles, music, fossils, artwork, antiques, clothing, etc. Most of this stuff I have not seen for sale elsewhere.
Come in and browse. Check out the nude flip books towards the front of store. Sample the smells of the dozens of different kinds of incense. Find a local and/or independent experimental rock CD. Relive your childhood with an action figure. View the small but interesting, and constantly changing, art gallery - and purchase something if you'd like. Check out the Mao-era Chinese antiques next to the various animal skeletons. Oh, and don't forget the under a dollar trinket bin.
If you are looking for a cool toy store that will carry some of the most peculiar toys that you have ever seen in your life then this is the place to go. They also carry cards so you can do all your shopping for that special young or old someone in your life. I got a bizarre doll for my nephew and a card to go along with it.
Great place to buy gifts for someone else or your self! I ended up doing both when I made the trek out here from Westchester to buy my roommate a birthday gift... In fact I had a hard time not buying one of everything in the store... It was pretty much a cute purse paradise as well as being stuffed full of fabulous dolls, cards, books, and other awesome and random crap (ie a can of "magic beans")...
as far as price goes... you pay for what you get... a simple cloth tote will run $ 10.00 to $ 18.00's but if your willing to pay $ 45.00 you could get something similar but double lined and embroiderer... you know the sort of thing that random strangers will stop you on the street to "coo" over
I will be coming back to spend more money soon
cool place to kill some time and buy cool little gifts
Some of the coolest things I found when I went here:
-A pirate card deck, complete with doubloons
-Kabuki mask bottle openers
-Lucha libre stickers
-Happy Bunny mints that say, "Please enjoy a mint. Since your breath smells like butt."
-Some awesome koi and lotus themed giftwrap
I love stuff and things.
I adore stuff and things.
I open wallets, bags and bank accounts to stuff and things.
I enjoy a shopping experience that ends in Gummi bacon, dead bugs encased in a bracelet, sushi pins, Elvis tiki mugs, Jesus Save so Breathe Easy mints, and wind up turtles.
As most things in LA involved, there were lots of cooler than me folks taking my money, and not being too helpful finding the things that I wanted to trade my money for.
you may know that you could wander through this large store for hours, admiring their miscellaneous decor, toys, and accessories. you may not know that Wacko stocks an incredible selection of fiction, non-fiction, and art books. next time yr in the Los Feliz neighborhood, check it out.
this space is also the home of La Luz de Jesus Gallery, bringing underground artists and counter culture to the masses. the gallery opens a new exhibit the first friday of every month as part of the Los Feliz Art Walk.
Let's face it, sometimes you need a book of 40's crime scene photos, a Mexican Luchadore mask and a KISS-shaped incense holder, but you only want to stop once. Well, this place might be able to hook you up. And here's a last second impulse buy for you. What is it? Why it's tarot cards made of gum, silly!
Those of you with friends who fall into the, "you'd like to get them a present while expending zero effort and forethought in doing so," category, and let's face it, this is ninety percent of people, would do well to come here. Over the years this place has kept me tenuously associated with numerous people whose names I can barely recall. Tons of books, sculptures, action figures, pirate flags and wind-up robots densely packed into a brightly-lit store with an art gallery inside it.
What's a reasonable price for a squeaking rubber cockroach? That's right, you have no idea and neither do I. So don't bother shopping around, just get the one Wacko has.
Yay, I love this place! I came here looking for some fun birthday presents for my niece and brother. I was looking for something fun and quirky, and this place has it all. They had a great selection of books, mostly pop culture stuff, social commentary, and art-related. They also have loads and loads of fun tchotchkes. I spent a good amount of time taking it all in. There is an art space, La Luz de Jesus Gallery, near the back of the shop which has great art on display. I picked up a few birthday cards and a handbook on how to interact with girls for my lil' bro. Oh, and my boo picked up a cool phrenology head. Fun place, I'll definitely be back!
Looking for a wind up granny on her walker toy, care bare lunch box, crazy Japanese stationary, a laughing Buddha paper holder?
Wacko was a totally great find, I was taken by a friend and it was a fiesta for my eyes. From fun books, to awesome toys, to cute-makes-me-so-happy stationary, to the best hipster bags to everything my heart desires.
It is a great place to buy gifts and everything you don't need but want really really badly; it's a great place to knock out hours on a Saturday afternoon in Los Feliz.
From a girl constantly thirsty for Cabbage Patch Dolls, Hello Kitty and Garbage Pail Cards, it's nice to know that I can still go somewhere to get my fill.
This place is just amazing, all it does for the community.
Its great to hike up to after being thrown around at Ts king MS all day...
Crazy that I live just a few minutes away and I had no clue that such an amazing treasure trove was just on my doorstep. LOVES it. Only been once but I plan to go back and do some serious shopping.next time. It's got everything from original artwork to candles and incense to books to actions figures and the list goes on. It's literally endless. Anything kitschy, eclectic, that can be used as a gag gift, even down to skincare items can be found there. I could spend hours just perusing the aisles. Really awesome place, no reason to feel unwelcomed , it's very inviting and the staff seems really cool. Great prices also.
Now that you're done reading my review....WALK, RUN, DRIVE LIKE A MADMAN, OR even SKIP(if you'd like) over to Wacko....you won't be disappointed! :]
** shout out to zoie for taking me there yesterday. love ya, chica!
It's Xmas time and I have a white elephant gift exchange coming up with a bunch of friends. The first thing I thought of was to check out Wacko. Ever since I discovered it on Yelp I have been meaning to go there and it didn't disappoint despite almost an hour worth of driving to get there from my place in Santa Monica. Came close to getting the Magilla Gorilla bobble-head doll, but ended up going for a sweet lucha libre mask for $20...AWESOME.
I seem to always read the reviews that have bullets, so here are some bullets about Wacko.
-It's like Spencer's Gifts, but more original, bigger, and filled with hipsters
-Apparently they have gallery viewings and small parties in the back, but at least the time I went you could still shop up front.
-You'll find things here you'll never find anywhere else.
Have one of those friends who always have the coolest hard to find things and now you have to get that person a gift? WACKO.
Seriously this place has some really great stuff. A good friend of mine is now a criminalist and I found the perfect gift for her. A crime scene book! YEAH!
I dig this place.
One of the reasons I love LA.
This place is a toy store for grown-up kids that refuse to grow up! Great eclectic books, art, chackies, just fun stuff. The art gallery is great and the old fashioned candy is just what the doctor ordered. You need cheering up? Get yourself some Sea Monkeys. If you get bored with them they taste as good as they look...
There's a reason this place is pretty much the number one rated spot in Los Angeles. It might not be as cool as visiting Venice beach, or a huge mansion perched on a pile of mud, but it is destination kitsch/novelty/pop culture shopping with gallery space and a nice architecture and planning book section for you new urbanists out there.
Do show some restraint because sometimes a place like this can help you find the perfect gift and sometimes it can result in purchases that seemed funny at the time, but leave you scratching your head the next day.
So much fun to visit, though, and so many cool (figurative) gems and conversation pieces.
One of the rare 5 stars!
The only store for really really eclectic items I get for gifts, home, moreover ME!
Where else I can get a tiki shot glass set, a photo book on lucha libre and a bust of Mao! I usually end up spending 45 min to an hour just browsing, drooling, etc. This is one of the spots I'll go to once I win the lottery.
Neighborhood: Burbank
Category: Comic Books
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Category: Toy Stores
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