Formerly known as Little Osaka, Sawtelle Japantown is a West LA gem, known for its many trendy shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also home to Comma Barrington, our co-living project offering 4 to 5-bedroom homes for young professionals, students, and digital nomads alike. Here’s a peek at just some of this dynamic, quirky, and walkable neighborhood.

Bonsai Coffee Bar
1573 Santa Monica Blvd

An official partner of Comma Barrington, Bonsai Coffee Bar opened a little over a year ago and has since amassed a loyal community of regulars –  coffee and matcha lovers who spend hours in this bright, spacious cafe to enjoy cozy drinks and even matcha-making lessons.  

Hermanito
2024 Sawtelle Boulevard 

(Bar) Hermanito is a bar-forward, neighborhood Mexican restaurant offering simple, fresh food built around house-made Sonoran-style tortillas. Experience new and classic Mexican cocktails with subtle nods to the neighborhood’s Japanese heritage. It’s bound to become your new favorite spot for delicious local nosh.  

Giant Robot
2015 Sawtelle Boulevard 

Giant Robot opened in 2001 and is a manifestation of the famous Giant Robot Magazine that existed from 1994 to 2010. This beloved local shop carries pop culture goods from blind box toys to artists art prints, cards, stickers, and pins, along with also branded T-shirts, home goods, and its own line of clothing.  

Only the Lonely
2025 Sawtelle Boulevard 

This charming apparel and goods boutique has everything you need for the perfect gift or treat for yourself. Pick up some fun vintage clothing, hats, homewares, and more from this friendly shop.  

GoodPeople
11609 Santa Monica Blvd 

As GoodPeople’s friendly team would say, ‘there’s coffee shops and there’s COFFEE ROASTERS”. This inviting, vibrantly designed cafe is known for roasting their own coffee beans, offering fun coffee beverages that rival most mocktails. Whether you’re looking familiar favorites or something totally new, you’re sure to find your next favorite bevvy here.  

Tsujita Noodles
2057 Sawtelle Boulevard 

Originating in Tokyo, Japan in 2003, Tsujita offers hearty, nourishing, and delicious noodles. They are famous for Tsukemen, thicker noodles made to be dipped into simmering broth and devoured in one delicious slurp.