My Highland Park Favorites

When I returned to Compass in September of 2025 to launch MINIMALISM LA, one of the main reasons, beyond its technology, clean marketing, management, and the seller friendly Compass Concierge program, was the NorthEastLA, Compass Highland Park office. I recall walking the workspace while it was in the process of being built-out circa 2017/2018 and falling in love with the building, the location at 5715 N Figueroa Street, and all things Highland Park.

Some of my favorite spots along Figueroa that remain consistent favorites are:

Kinship Yoga

My Highland Park Favorites | Rich Michalowski • Los Angeles Real Estate

I was introduced to Hot Yoga at Kinship by a fellow Compass agent and shortly thereafter relaunched my practice. The building is extremely spacious, memberships are well priced, classes are available from early morning to late at night, and the Yoga teachers are experienced and truly there to help — And for those not into the hot side of Yoga, Kinship offers room temperature classes. From Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga to breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and aerial fitness, Kinship offers a broad selection of option for every Yogi. And some of their full-time instructors also lead workshops, teacher trainings, and yoga retreats outside of the classroom and around the world.

Kitchen Mouse

My Highland Park Favorites | Rich Michalowski • Los Angeles Real Estate

Kitchen Mouse is the go-to caterer for many Northeast LA Realtors. On any given Tuesday Broker’s Open, you’ll likely find MLA serving one of their signature dishes, Moros Cakes (black bean and brown rice cakes), a plant-based, gluten-free dish with a delicious combination of smoky, spicy, creamy and tangy flavors. Outside of catering, their restaurant is a Highland Park favorite known for its well thought out plant based menu and specialty drinks (try the Dirty Chai Latte!). Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, it’s a great option for vegans and vegetarians alike.

My Highland Park Favorites | Rich Michalowski • Los Angeles Real Estate

Palomino

My Highland Park Favorites | Rich Michalowski • Los Angeles Real Estate

Located in the former ETA cocktail bar space (RIP) on Figueroa Street and brought to you by the same folks as Goldline, Palomino hosts vinyl-focussed DJ nights and is known for their vintage inspired interior (disco ball included) as well as an elevated cocktail menu that includes the ‘Pera Martini’ made with pear, elderflower and Mexican rum, along with celery martinis and tropical-inspired cocktails. And for those of you who enjoy beer, Palomino is known for its surprisingly affordable beer, even though it’s primarily a cocktail bar. I’d say Palamino is more of an intimate alternative to Goldline across the street and always a good time.

Day/Hours:

Monday–Tuesday, 5 PM–12 AM

Wednesday–Thursday, 5 PM–1 AM

Friday–Saturday, 5 PM–2 AM

Sunday, 5 PM–12 AM

@palominobarla

My Highland Park Favorites | Rich Michalowski • Los Angeles Real Estate