Downtown LA’s Arts District is one of the most exciting and hip pockets of Los Angeles, and unlike many other neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the arts district is surprisingly walkable.  This pocket of DTLA was once an industrial hub, but started attracting artists in the 70s for its large industrial space and affordable rents. Today it’s a hub for music, art, and vibrant community life in LA.  So if you’re spending an afternoon or evening in DTLA’s Arts District, this is what you should see, eat, and drink!

Art Share LA

If you’re going to explore DTLA’s Arts District, start with art of course!  Art Share is a massive live/work space with community classes, exhibits, and events.  You can always catch some creativity at Art Share LA from live performances to painting — join in on the creativity if you so desire!

Bestia

Some would call Bestia the best restaurant in LA, and we wouldn’t argue with that.  Bestia is set in a large, industrial space like most downtown locales, and is the brainchild of husband and wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis.  The menu consists of Italian inspired dishes from pasta and pizza to delicacies like roasted bone marrow, branzino, and artfully done pastries. Make a reservation far in advance because Bestia is quite popular among the Angeleno foodie crowd.  

Salt and Straw

Salt and Straw is ice cream heaven.  Originally from Portland, Salt and Straw ice cream set down roots in Los Angeles a couple years ago with a location in DTLA.  You won’t find a plain vanilla or mint chip ice cream here, Salt and Straw is all about the experimental, avocado and oaxacan chocolate fudge for example!  The flavors rotate seasonally, but a few mainstays are worth coming back for again and again — the lavender honey and freckled woodblock chocolate YUM!

Everson Royce Bar

If you’re looking for a watering hole, Everson Royce Bar is the perfect neighborhood hang with a pretty interior and bustling outdoor patio.  Perfectly paired craft cocktails and bar food make this an ideal day to night hang. @eversonroycebar (ig only)

There’s so much cool stuff happening in the arts district at any given time.  Galleries like Hauser & Wirth, The Box, Harmony Murphy, The Wulf usually have a gallery opening and showing monthly with some special events.  There’s an incredible amount of tasty food and pretty places to eat it from Zinc with an industrial meets garden chic vibe and cafe style food to the Urban Radish which serves up sustainable vegan foods to art district locals.  It’s all happening in the arts district, happy exploring!

DTLA has seen a boom in the last 10 years with no signs of stopping.  Not only is DTLA brimming with vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping destinations — it’s literally overflowing with craft beer. So much so that it requires a guide! Here are some of DTLA’s best craft breweries for exploring beer and the downtown social scene.

Angel City Brewery

A stalwart of DTLA, Angel City Brewery was one of the first to hit the scene and perhaps the largest.  This art deco warehouse style space houses two floors and plenty of room for cornhole, picnic benches for board games, and an outdoor area where food trucks gather on weekends.  Angel City is a great starting place for downtown fun and craft brews.

Mumford Brewing Co.

Small batch beers by Mumford Brewing Co. quickly shot them to the top of the DTLA craft beer game.  Conveniently located in the Arts District, Mumford is just steps from some of the other large breweries but is worth spending some time to get a taste of this small batch specialty brewery.  

Arts District Brewing

Games, games, games!  Skeeball, darts, ping pong, cornhole and more.  The beer on tap is brewed under master Devon Randall and accompanied by food by Fritzi.  Inside taps are pouring every night and on busy weekends an extra bar on the patio pours as well.

Boomtown Brewery

Boomtown Brewery often hosts large groups and is great for an event or a night out with friends.  Their newly opened tasting rooms and set hours make it accessible to the public. We love their After Hours Oatmeal Stout and are often pleasantly surprised by the craft brews thrown into the rotation!
Iron Triangle Brewing Co

The Iron Triangle brewery and tasting room are housed in a historic warehouse, well worth a visit for the ambiance alone.  Brewing operations are led by Darren Mosery formerly of Maui brewing. The brewery is open daily and home to some incredible IPAs, ales, and lagers.