Grandview, Glendale, CA

Grandview in Glendale runs across the city's northwest side between West Glenoaks Boulevard and San Fernando Road, and West Glenoaks here is lined with Armenian bakeries and grills that critics keep writing about. The name shows up on the Grandview Library and on the avenue that crosses the neighborhood. Many homes date to the early twentieth century, with Spanish and Mediterranean style houses sharing the blocks with Craftsman cottages and small postwar homes. Newer apartments sit closer to Glenoaks. The feel is residential and a bit more spread out than Glenwood next door, with the Verdugo foothills close enough to fill the view to the north. Pelanconi Park sits just east in Glenwood, and Brand Park with its trails into the Verdugo Mountains is a few minutes up the hill past El Miradero. The Grandview Library on 5th Street is a small branch and a common stop for weekday errands. Grandview has a serious food lineup. Monta Factory on West Glenoaks makes tiny Armenian dumplings, and Sipan Bakery in the same block is known for its beoreks. Uptown Coffee on Glenoaks covers espresso and cold brew, and Movses Pastry is one of several bakeries on the boulevard. JONS International Marketplace and Smart & Final are both on West Glenoaks, and smaller delis fill in. Most people drive, with the 5 and the 134 a few minutes away, and Burbank's shops and studios are next door. Grandview rewards anyone who likes to cook. A single walk down Glenoaks passes several bakeries, a produce market and two big international grocers.