Whether you have a new significant other you’re trying to impress for the first time, or are looking to spend a romantic evening with your longtime partner — DTLA is burgeoning with romantic spots to spend an evening.   Stunning city skyline views and twinkly light patios here we come!  Here are some of our favorite spots to set the mood in DTLA this Valentine’s Day

Redbird DTLA

Redbird is such a stunning restaurant, it would be impossible to leave it off our list of romantic spots to dine in DTLA.  Redbird is set amongst one of the city’s most historical gems, the Vibiana — a cathedral turned event venue.  The food is incomparable, and features multi-culturally inspired dishes from seasonal samplers to shareable entrees.  Check in with Redbird for their Valentine’s Day menu and be sure to inquire about difference spaces within the restaurant like Nest, which are more intimate seating options.

Shibumi

Something about Shibumi is undeniably sexy — perhaps its the moody, dim lighting that will make you feel like you’re in a hip Tokyo neighborhood. Shibumi is known for its kappo fare, which is a coursed out Japanese food experience — expect far more curation than just sushi.  The bar is cut from a centuries-old cypress and is over 30 feet long, it’s an impressive design to say the least.  Foodie lovers, this one’s for you.

Perch

Lovers have a view of the entire DTLA city skyline from the outdoor dining deck at Perch LA.  Truly, little else compares to the stunning views and twinkling lights from the 15th floor of Perch.  The restaurant and bar is carefully adorned with lush landscaping, ornate fireplaces, and antique-french inspired lounges.  The menu features sumptuous french cuisine, and the ambiance is ideal for a romantic tête-à-tête with live jazz music and city lights as the backdrop.  Make your reservations early, Perch is the premier dining destination in DTLA.

Cafe Pinot

Nothing spells romance quite like a softly lit outdoor patio, and Cafe Pinot has one of the best in town.  Under olive trees and twinkling lights and surrounded by the LA Library’s Art Deco design, you and your Valentine will be delighted by Cafe Pinot’s rich wine list and elegant french-inspired bites. Their Prix-Fixe menu offers a three-course and four-course options and their special Anel’s Champagne Flight too! You’ll be living la vie en rose this Valentine’s Day at Cafe Pinot!

Living in DTLA has so many perks, but if we had to choose a ‘top perk’ it would probably be access to all the cool shopping and events in the heart of DTLA.  I guess you could say we’re big believers in the healing powers of retail therapy!  The Bloc and Fig at Seventh are both newer additions to DTLA, so we’re here to help you navigate your shopping experience in DTLA.  

Fig At Seventh

Fig At Seventh has all the basics you need for a quick or a full day of shopping from Target to Victoria’s Secret.  They recently added a Nordstrom Rack, which is perfect for finding designer deals.  There’s even a Gold’s Gym in the center if you’re feeling ambitious!   Another thing we absolutely love about Fig at Seventh is that they are creating more than just a shopping experience in the space, they’re creating a community around fun events.  The second Thursday of every odd month (add it to your calendar) they put on  a drinking and painting event where a local artist will coach you through creating your own masterpiece.  While you paint, margaritas, wine, and cocktails are served.

The Bloc

The Bloc is a super cool new shopping center filled with unique stores,  yummy restaurants, and even a fitness center!  It’s perfect for a daytime or afternoon perusing everything from eyewear to toys and tech.  One of our favorite shops at The Bloc that breaks this center out of the mall mold is Handcrafted LA, offering items from local LA makers and includes items like perfumes, leather, ceramics, and so on!  The Bloc also does events here and there, which are great opportunities for networking and getting to know local DTLA dwellers.  Each Tuesday there’s a taco Tuesday, and rotating events like #Fitspo, Valentines Day fun grace the calendar as well.  

All this is practically in our backyard, so go ahead — shop till you drop!

Most people immediately think of Hollywood when they think nightlife in LA, but locals know that DTLA has some of the coolest clubs and bars in Los Angeles.  Whether you’re looking for mellow drinks to catch up with friends, a dance-all-night club experience, or a romantic date spot — DTLA has it all. Here are some of our favorites for any occasion!

The Edison

The Edison captures the history of DTLA with its uniquely gritty industrial backdrop.  What was once the Edison power plant is now an elegant 1920s themed subterranean lounge and club.  Perfect for a romantic rendezvous or cocktails amongst friends!

The Ace

The Ace is one of the newer additions to DTLA, and has quickly become a hip go-to the Angeleno in-crowd.  The rooftop bar views are stunning, the digs are cool, and there’s even a pool on one side where you can swim day and night.  It’s a great place to meet friends for drinks and listen to some great music. 

Perch

The view to end all views! Perch is an incredible two-level rooftop bar and restaurant with unbeatable views over Pershing Square and the rest of DTLA.  Patrons enjoy live music in the evenings during the dinner hour, and can head upstairs to the very top of the roof for an outdoor bar.  The surroundings are absolutely stunning from every angle, and the craft cocktails make it even better!

La Cita

If you like to dance, you’ll love La Cita.  While it’s more of a dive bar, this spot has a great down-to-earth feel to get you comfortable and moving your hips.  This Latin dance club is right next door to the famed Grand Central Market in the center of DTLA, and you’ll often find some very cool up-and-coming DJs playing sets here!

Angel City Brewery

For a beer and games, Angel City Brewery is the place to be.  This art-deco inspired warehouse space is an Angeleno favorite for chill weekend vibes on the town.  They have shuffleboard, board games, cornhole and more to keep you entertained any night of the week!  On weekends you can catch some of LA’s best food trucks in the front lot!

Ready to hit the town? Cheers!