Visiting the Brentwood Country Mart feels like stepping into a charming small town in the middle of Los Angeles. Tucked away just a few minutes from Santa Monica, this historic shopping village has been a favorite gathering place since 1948. With its white picket fences, rustic buildings, local boutiques, and excellent restaurants, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an afternoon browsing, enjoying lunch, and treating yourself to ice cream before exploring more of the Westside.
Whether you’re looking for unique shopping, celebrity sightings, or simply a relaxing place to wander, the Brentwood Country Mart deserves a spot on your Los Angeles itinerary.
A Brief History of the Brentwood Country Mart
The Brentwood Country Mart was founded in 1948 by architect Rowland Crawford, who designed it to resemble the traditional country markets found throughout rural America. Rather than building another shopping center, Crawford envisioned a community gathering place where neighbors could shop, eat, and spend time together.
Today, the Country Mart has retained much of its original charm while evolving into one of Los Angeles’ most beloved shopping destinations. The historic wooden buildings, brick pathways, outdoor seating areas, and post office substation make it feel worlds away from the busy streets surrounding it.
Despite its upscale reputation, the atmosphere remains welcoming and casual. Families push strollers, locals stop by for coffee, and tourists browse the independently-owned boutiques alongside well known brands.
What Makes the Brentwood Country Mart Special?
Unlike large malls, the Brentwood Country Mart is intentionally compact. There are around 25 shops and restaurants, making it easy to explore everything without feeling overwhelmed.
The Country Mart is also known for attracting celebrities. Because Brentwood is home to many actors, musicians, and entertainment executives, it is not uncommon to spot a familiar face grabbing coffee or shopping. That said, the atmosphere remains relaxed and respectful rather than touristy.
One of the Brentwood Country Mart’s most charming and historic features is its post office substation. Since the Country Mart opened in 1948, the small post office has served the local community and remains a nostalgic reminder of the property’s original vision as a true neighborhood gathering place. Tucked among the shops and restaurants, it feels delightfully old fashioned in an era when few shopping centers still have their own postal station. Even if you’re not mailing anything, it’s worth taking a moment to notice this unique piece of Brentwood history that adds to the Country Mart’s small town atmosphere.
Where to Eat
One of the biggest reasons people visit the Brentwood Country Mart is the food. Several restaurants have developed loyal followings and are worth planning your visit around.
Farmshop
Farmshop is the Country Mart’s signature restaurant. The California inspired menu changes seasonally and features fresh ingredients sourced from local farms whenever possible.
Stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Favorites include artisan pastries, avocado toast, wood fired pizzas, seasonal salads, and beautifully prepared entrees. The adjoining market also sells gourmet pantry items, baked goods, cheeses, and picnic supplies.
Frida’s Taqueria
For a quick, flavorful meal, stop by Frida’s Taqueria. This casual favorite serves fresh Mexican cuisine made with high quality ingredients and is a great option whether you’re grabbing lunch between shopping or looking for a satisfying dinner.
The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and fresh salads, along with house made salsas and guacamole. Popular choices include the carne asada tacos, grilled chicken burritos, and crispy fish tacos. Vegetarians will also find plenty of options featuring fresh vegetables, beans, and rice.
Reddi Chick
A longtime local favorite, Reddi Chick has been serving fried chicken since 1957. The menu is simple and nostalgic, with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, sandwiches, and comfort food classics that have changed very little over the decades.
Caffe Luxxe
Need a caffeine break? Caffe Luxxe serves expertly crafted espresso drinks, cappuccinos, pour overs, and pastries. Grab your coffee and enjoy one of the outdoor tables while watching the neighborhood come alive.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Don’t skip dessert! No visit is complete without ice cream! Sweet Rose Creamery is one of Los Angeles’ favorite artisan ice cream shops. Every batch is made from scratch using seasonal California ingredients, organic dairy, and fresh fruit.
Popular flavors rotate throughout the year but often include:
- Salted Caramel
- Fresh Mint Chip
- Chocolate Gooey Brownie
- Roasted Strawberry
- Honey Lavender
- Coffee
Seasonal flavors make repeat visits worthwhile, especially during summer when local fruit is at its peak. The shop also hand-makes their waffle cones and the smell is delicious!
Best Places to Shop
The Brentwood Country Mart offers a carefully curated mix of fashion, gifts, beauty products, children’s clothing, books, and home décor.
Some favorite stops include:
Jenni Kayne
Known for timeless California style, Jenni Kayne specializes in elevated basics, cozy sweaters, leather accessories, shoes, and beautiful home goods.
Goop
Founded by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Goop’s boutique offers luxury skincare, wellness products, beauty items, clothing, and unique gifts.
Sugar Paper
If you love beautiful stationery, be sure to stop into Sugar Paper. This stylish boutique is known for its elegant greeting cards, personalized stationery, notebooks, planners, journals, wrapping paper, and thoughtfully curated gifts. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or simply looking for a unique souvenir, Sugar Paper’s timeless designs and high quality paper goods make it one of the Brentwood Country Mart’s most delightful shops to browse.
Diesel Bookstore
Independent bookstores are becoming increasingly rare, making Diesel Bookstore a wonderful place to browse. The knowledgeable staff offers excellent recommendations, and the shelves are filled with bestselling fiction, travel books, children’s books, and local authors.
Toy Crazy
Families with young children should stop by Toy Crazy, which specializes in educational toys, puzzles, games, stuffed animals, and creative gifts.
Visiting with Kids
The Brentwood Country Mart is surprisingly family friendly.
Children enjoy:
- Browsing Toy Crazy or the kids’ books at Diesel Bookstore
- Sharing ice cream from Sweet Rose Creamery
- Riding the mechanical horse
- Santa and Easter visits and looking at the seasonal decorations throughout the year
Tips for Visiting
- Plan to spend about two to three hours exploring.
- Parking is available on site, although weekends can become busy. We parked on the street around the corner to avoid the mess.
- Weekday mornings are generally quieter if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
- Most visitors combine the Country Mart with other nearby attractions, making it an ideal stop during a full day on Los Angeles’ Westside.
What Else to Do Nearby
One of the best things about visiting the Brentwood Country Mart is its convenient location near several popular attractions.
Santa Monica
Only a few minutes away, Santa Monica offers beautiful beaches, shopping, and classic Southern California attractions.
Spend the afternoon exploring:
- Santa Monica Pier
- Pacific Park
- Third Street Promenade
- Palisades Park
Read More: Checking Into The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, California
Getty Center
Just a short drive inland is the spectacular Getty Center. Admission is free, and visitors can explore world class art collections, stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Will Rogers State Historic Park, where hiking trails, horseback riding, and the historic ranch home of actor Will Rogers await.
Montana Avenue
If you still have shopping energy, nearby Montana Avenue offers several blocks of charming boutiques, cafés, bakeries, and local businesses in a quieter setting than the Third Street Promenade.
Is the Brentwood Country Mart Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. While it may not be as famous as the Santa Monica Pier or Rodeo Drive, the Brentwood Country Mart offers a completely different experience. It is relaxed, beautifully designed, and full of local character. Between the excellent restaurants, artisan ice cream, thoughtfully curated shops, and welcoming atmosphere, it is one of those places that captures the laid back elegance of Los Angeles.
Whether you’re starting your morning with coffee, enjoying lunch on a sunny patio, browsing independent boutiques, or ending your visit with a scoop of handcrafted ice cream, the Brentwood Country Mart is an easy place to slow down and enjoy one of the Westside’s most charming hidden gems.
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Land Acknowledgement
Salty Canary wants to acknowledge that we live, operate, gather, and benefit every day on the traditional stolen lands of several Indigenous peoples and nations including the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Kizh (Gabrieleno), Chumash, Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun), Ohlone, Awaswas, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples who have stewarded the lands and waterways throughout their many generations in what is now the state of California. I wanted to personally acknowledge these Indigenous people and nations and both their commitment and current contributions to the land with a donation to the American Indian College Fund because acknowledgment without action does not begin to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous people. If you feel as though you benefit from the land you’re living on or traveling to and you have the means, I kindly ask that you donate to a Native-led organization such as the Native American Rights Fund or the American Indian College Fund.