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.

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!

Boy oh boy we hope you’re up for a part this year because DTLA is popping off along with the champagne this year!  There are so many events to choose from, but here are some of our top picks for an incredible last night of 2017.

Bootie L.A.

Forget the pomp and circumstance of fancy soirees at Bootie L.A., this is the place you go to dance the night away!  A down-to-earth crowd paired with mash-ups and mixtapes that will have you dancing your face off in Bootie L.A.’s playful NYE bash.

N.Y.E. LA

Grand Park

N.Y.E. is truly a unique event that celebrates the community of downtown LA (and the closest thing we might have to Times Square!)  A midnight countdown will be projected on the exterior of City Hall followed by music and dancing!

Prohibition NYE

Union Station

New Year’s Eve will forever be reminiscent of the roaring 20s with champagne flowing and flappers swinging to the music.  Prohibition NYE set in Art Deco Union Station is just the place to celebrate on-theme.  The Main Concourse sets the stage for a stunning backdrop and the event will feature live DJs, jazz musicians, burlesque dancers,  and craft cocktails (and champagne of course!).  Formal attire is required, so get your feather headband and pearls out and get ready to swing dance your way into the New Year!

Dita Von Teese New Year’s Eve Gala

The Theater at Ace Hotel

Does ringing in the New year with some seriously seductive burlesque showcases sound about right to you?  Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese is sure to delight your senses with a one-of-a-kind show and some sparkly costuming!

No Cover New Year’s Angel City Brewery

If you want to avoid the fuss and paying for an expensive cover fee, head over to Angel City brewery where there will be no cover for the night!  Angel City has live entertainment, food trucks, some of LAs best craft beer, games, and more.  Can you head out on the town and still have a low-key New Years Eve? We think so, Angel City is the spot!

Everyone has holiday traditions, and for some of us — that means reserving a table at a restaurant where we can sit back, relax, and savor culinary experiences.  DTLA is a hotspot for world-class food, and this holiday season brings some truly delicious meal options to LA diners.  From the conventional holiday offerings to the unconventional like Chinese — here’s our top picks!

Fogo De Chao

800 S Figueroa St

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Can you think of a better way to celebrate the holidays than endless carved meats delivered to your plate?  Fogo De Chao offers a churrascaria experience complete with 16 different types of fire-roasted meats and seasonal side offerings.  If you’ve never experienced the magic and tradition of a Brazilian steakhouse, there’s no better time to treat yourself, and Fogo De Chao is the king of their domain.  Open Christmas day till 9pm!

Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood Restaurant

845 N Broadway

Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you don’t celebrate Christmas the traditional way, Hop Woo is the place for you.  Standard chinese fare and seafood (try the lobster!) alongside some pretty out there offerings like duck tongue, rocky mountain oysters, and chicken knuckles are to be expected.   Hop Woo will make for an unforgettable holiday feast!

Le Petit Paris

Le Petit Paris is preparing a special gift for Angelenos this Christmas, the perfect opportunity to add a little french je ne se quoi to your holiday.  Christmas Day at Le Petit Paris features a special brunch buffet with chef Baptiste Grellier and pastry chef Stephane Carriere.  Don’t fill up on pastries out of the gate though — Le petite Paris’s Christmas day menu offers oysters mignonette, king crab, and a complementary amuse buche. Bon apetit in DTLA!

Redbird

Redbird features modern American cuisine tailored to reflect Los Angeles’ diverse culinary scene.  Redbird is an award winning restaurant located in the historical Vibiana building, once a cathedral.  They are hosting a Christmas eve feast complete with traditional dishes like roast turkey and some holiday interpretations like scallop crudo and rack of lamb.  Oh, and the cocktail list?  To die for.  The Redbird dining experience will have you lit up like a Christmas tree!

Eat, drink, be merry!

We’re in the home stretch for Christmas shopping, time to get everyone checked off your list!  Lucky for us Angelenos, we have some of the world’s best shopping at our fingertips.  In fact, you can walk to almost every one of these DTLA shopping hot spots.  Here’s our guide to holiday shopping in DTLA!

The Last Bookstore

For the bibliophiles in your life, look no further than The Last Bookstore.  Home to rare books, records, and everything in between, you’re guaranteed to find something of interest for everyone in your life.  Plus, that book tunnel always makes for a great photo — who says holiday shopping can’t be fun!?

The Arts District Co-Op

The Arts District Co-Op is an eclectic mix of retail concepts that joined forces to create a communal environment.  It’s creative commerce at its finest located in the heart of the DTLA arts district.  This is a great place to find unique gifts specific to Los Angeles for friends and family.

Mr. G’s Toys

Want to be the favorite aunt/uncle?  Mr. G’s Toys makes kids dreams come true a great retro selection of toys, games, stuffed animals — you name it.  Not only a kids store, Mr. G’s has some cool stuff adults will love too.  This is a great mom and pop gift shop to help you check a few people off your list!

Poketo

Oh how we love Poketo!  Perfect for the design-conscious people on your list, Poketo is filled with all kinds of beautifully crafted goodies from toys to chic clothing in Little Tokyo.  Stylish accessories, clothing, and homewares are the name of the game here so you should have no problem finding some lovely gifts (and perhaps a few things for yourself too!)

May the odds ever be in your holiday-shopping favor!

Los Angeles is brimming with culture, street art, and glitzy hangs — so it’s no wonder it makes for one of the most ‘grammable cities in the country.  Not that you’d go anywhere solely for the Instagram photo ops (okay maybe sometimes), but these are super cool places to hang out and take in DTLA’s particular brand of creative eye candy.  And sure, get a photo for the gram while you’re at it!

The Last Bookstore

A multi-storied (and story-ed) building in DTLA housing thousands upon thousands of books and records makes it a bibliophile’s dream.   A tunnel made entirely of books on the upper floor has caught the attention of many Angelenos and visitors alike, quickly becoming a must-gram location when exploring DTLA.

The Broad

The Broad houses some of the country’s finest contemporary art and installations, but the building’s architecture alone makes The Broad visually striking and well-worth planning a day to see the space.  Plus, they often have really cool rotating exhibits that allow you to interact with the art!

Perch

Rooftop cocktails and the best view in town — can’t beat it.  From your perch at Perch, you’ll have a 360 view of the LA skyline from above, and a direct view into Pershing Square in the evening. Great for people and city watching!

 

The Ace

This historic LA building is now a hip downtown destination that is both a hotel, bar, lounge, and theater for all kinds of high-society LA events.  From the black and white tile and industrial design in the lobby to the rooftop pool and bar with spectacular city views, let’s just say The Ace doesn’t have a bad angle.  

The Museum of Ice Cream

Perhaps the most over-grammed spot in all of Los Angeles, The Museum of Ice Cream is a pastel-packed gramfest in DTLA.  This one takes some planning, you’ll have to reserve tickets in advance.  Once you’re in, the world is a dream sequence made of sprinkles and ice cream — doesn’t get much more insta-worthy than that.

 

Bradbury Building

If you ever saw 500 Days of Summer, Tom meets Autumn in the Bradbury Building at the very end.  This historical architectural gem has been around since 1893 and was also featured in Blade Runner!!  Try to soak up some historical significance between shots.

 

Besides the slew of destinations in DTLA to serve as insta-eye-candy, don’t forget to sneak in a few of DTLA’s  famous angel wing murals while you’re at it!

Want to leave the cooking to someone else and enjoy your day off?  We don’t blame you!  In fact, you can wear your stretchy pants all day and have Thanksgiving dinner delivered directly to your door if you’d like.  Without further ado, our favorite Thanksgiving dinners in Los Angeles (hope you’re not hungry!):

Patina

Want to treat yourself to an upscale Thanksgiving this year?  Patina is just the place!  For $95 per person you can enjoy a French-inspired Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.  The menu includes a three course meal where you can choose from items like Pumpkin Agnolotti, Maine Lobster, and Jidori chicken. Yum! Make your reservations now if you’re trying to get in at this DTLA hotspot.

Spring

Do Thanksgiving like the french with chef Tony Ensault’s Spring Thanksgiving menu.  Entree selections like free-range turkey, prime rib, and the classic sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing are elevated to perfection within the gorgeous interior of the Douglass building. A three course meal will run you $65 and leave you happy as a clam.

Manuela

Manueal is one of our favorite DTLA restaurants to visit year-round, and their Thanksgiving feast is enticing to say the least.  Cider braised pork belly, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, delicata squash are a few noteables!  It’s not a pre-fixe menu so you can order everything you or your party want and enjoy sharing a little bit of everything.   

Le Petit Paris

We’re really on a French kick this Thanksgiving, but we couldn’t leave out Le Petit Paris.  Everything that comes out of this restaurant is fire, and the Thanksgiving menu does not disappoint.  They had us at “Vol au Vent” a dish comprised of asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, poached egg with a puff pastry and wine red sauce.  Bon Apetit!