Chulerias

Kind of a funny shop — the interior always seems to be rearranging, which I like. Part of the fun is rummaging around to find things but you’ve gotta stop yourself after a while or else your head my explode. Today, I found a mod lamp and some sweet marble/​brass Bull and Bear bookends, and was able to haggle the price down. $ 50 total.
Sometimes you just want some cheap deals — so if you’re not up for the prices that you’d find at, let’s say, the much better curated Mohawk General Store down the street, this is a good alternative.

I found this place on Unilocal for my vacation in LA and was excited based off of the reviews. I personally was pretty unimpressed, there was really not a lot in here and no rhyme or reason to the store.

Whenever I am at Good Restaurant, I stop by Chulerias! Great incense and candles, but also unique gifts! Whenever I walk in, the people in there are so very friendly. It also has a nice aura about it!

Whenever I need a quick gift for a loved one, I go here! I love the variety of imports, jewelry and art, oh, and the refurbished items out front. I picked up a real cute dresser there for $ 20 a couple of months ago!
If I need some earrings too, I know I will always find something I’ll love at Chulerias. Plus the owner, Antonio, is a real gem. He’s been so nice and friendly all these years, and even given gifts to his customers during the holidays.

OK I hate to out my secret special store for gifting but I guess this is what Unilocal is for…
One of a kind Mexican folk knick knacks abound– this place does not disappoint for getting someone something that is truly unique. They carry a large assortment of jewlery, Santeria type stuff, Catholic stuff, carefully selected used furnishings, wall art (vintage Mexican cinema posters!), cute mesh plastic totes with loteria prints, some «mature lady «shawls and clothing, candles, incense, statuettes of all persuasions, etc.
Damn, why did I let this one out of the bag!!!

I love this little store. My landlord owns it. HOWEVER, I don’t think he knows about Unilocal,so I’m not trying to get a discount on rent or some such sleaze…
It’s a great place to stop in for the perfect dia de los muertos items you’ve had your eye on! Or incense. The store has a LOT of it. It kind of gives me a headache.
But the owners/​partners, Antonio and Victor, seem to love each other and their store, and it SHOWS! The goods are all hand selected. I got my most favorite birthday present ever from here. My fiancé knew I had spotted this teeny, tiny minimalist painting of little birds on a branch. I was in love. But the little jewel was very expensive (apparently painted by a renowned local artist in the 60s — not TOO renowned, cause I don’t know him…)
Anyway, months later, Mike returned to buy me the painting. The store is just brimming with things like that. Just be prepared to do a liiiiitle sifting through the nagchampa incense and the smelly candles. There are unique Mexican and local finds throughout.
Enjoy!