A microcosm of Los Angeles as a whole, there are many different neighborhoods that make up DTLA. From the Financial to the Entertainment to the Arts and even including Little Tokyo, Chinatown and El Pueblo sections which all highlight some of the most influential cultures in Los Angeles. There are more than enough options to pick from that are packed into roughly a 2 mile radius.
Disclaimer: This post is long overdue, but as a DTLA resident, I am constantly checking out more and more places opening up in the area, so consider this post a working document since I will update as I find new favorite spots to check out. There are more places than those on this list to checkout, but I’m narrowing down my personal recommendations. Please share any of yours in the comments section.
STAY
Ace Hotel, Historic District
Opening January 2014!
In the meantime, check out O Hotel in South Park or The Standard Downtown in the Financial District.
EAT
Mo-Chica, Financial District
Peruvian restaurant where everything you taste is a party in your mouth. We happened to stop in during DineLA without a reservation and they were happy to find us a spot. I don’t think we could have been there at a better time since the prefix was the best way to go. We alternated menu items and were able to taste a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Recommendation: Ceviche Mixto and stopping by during lunch when there is a $15 Special.
Ricky’s Fish Tacos, Chinatown
I’m happy to see that Ricky’s has relocated to Chinatown so that I can claim this place as a DTLA spot. Originally located in a parking lot on Virgil, this Taco stand has a following and rightfully so since it has been named one of the best in LA. Shrimp and fish are the mainstay tacos served up with an occasional lobster thrown in every now and then. They do not skimp on the seafood, so I can typically only comfortably finish one and I go for the shrimp. Find out location and times by following Ricky on Twitter @RickysFishTacos
Stumptown Coffee, Industrial District
Portland coffeehouse now brewing in DTLA. Go early to avoid the line.
Bestia, Industrial District
Tucked away from the craziness and around the corner from Stumptown, Bestia is one of the harder reservations in Downtown LA and worth the wait and the hype. I went with the Gorgonzola and Kale pizza which was delicious. I’m a sucker for roasted vegetables and despite making them at home all the time, Bestia still manages to put mine to shame.
Wurstkuche, Arts District
Brats, Fries and Beer are the attraction here. I cannot recommend a brat for you, but I’ve yet to hear anyone complain. I go here for the Belgian and German beer selection and the fries. Order the large fry and get 2 dipping sauces. Make sure one is the Chipotle Aioli and you will not be disappointed. Sit outside on the patio for awesome people watching and your daily dose of Vitamin D.
Pizzanista, Arts District
NY style pizza by the slice. This pizza shop is in the Arts District and is adjacent to Tony’s Saloon where you can place your order and then have them send it through a hole in the wall to the bar once it is ready. White pizza and Meat Jesus are some of the favorite staples.
Lette, Little Tokyo
Call it a trend or whatever you may, macarons are delicious and I hope they are here to stay. Lette is a good stop to pickup this sweet treat. More on the chewy side compared to the lighter airy versions, the flavors are solid and the salted caramel is divine.
Big Man Bakes, Historic District
This Downtown bakeshop serves up BIG and mini cupcakes. Classic flavor assortment, no fancy frills, packaging or marketing, just good moist flavorful goodness.
Pie Hole, Arts District
Don’t just go for the sweet, but try out the savory Chicken and Cornbread Pot Pie. It is one of those pies that is so rich and clearly packed with enough butter you will feel guilty after indulging, but totally acceptable every now and then. The perfect item to order once the weather breaks and the fall/winter chill starts to set in.
Hama Sushi, Little Tokyo
Small Sushi/Sashimi bar around the corner from the Japanese Village. Do not go here to order anything but sushi or sashimi. They have signs posted throughout the small bar to reiterate the fact that they do not serve rice. Try the yellowtail and any other suggestions they recommend.
Orochon Ramen, Little Tokyo
Daikokuya is the more popular Ramen spot in little Tokyo, but because I’m not a traditionalist when it comes to my Ramen (I prefer a soy/vegetarian broth) I opt for Orochon for my go to Ramen spot, plus the wait is much shorter. Choose your level of spicy or opt to take the challenge to get your mug shot added to the wall of Champions.
Grand Central Market, Historic District
Los Angeles’ oldest public market is right in the middle of all the action and is a one stop shop to taste a variety of cuisines. Salvadorean, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Persian, Hawaiian and the list goes on with the options under one roof. Popular Food truck Eggslut recently opened a fixed location here as well.
DRINK
Little Bear, Arts District
This might be my favorite bar in all of LA-why? Belgian beer. They have a wide range of beers on tap and bottles that are Belgian in style. The traditional Belgian food is really good here too-mussels, grilled cheese, brussels sprouts, frites, etc. The space is inviting and light so I recommend going earlier in the day when the sun is still out.
Public School 612, Financial District
The theme alone should pull you into this Downtown gastropub. The regular menus are typed up in Composition notebooks with the tap list on ruled lined paper attached to a clipboard. Stop in for “Recess” when sports are broadcast on all televisions and food is at an exceptional value with items starting as low as $2, carafes of wine for $10 and always a $4 handle. The value is unmatched in Downtown and I give a thumbs up on the options and the taste.
6th Street Tavern, Financial District
Open Sundays starting at noon, this bright and open Tavern sits on the corner of 6th Street and Hope and features open air windows where you can dine and drink indoors or outdoors. The rotating tap is listed on a board above the bar. A very good stop when Malhuer 12 is on tap.
Seven Grand, Financial District
Whiskey Bar located on the 2nd floor above Mas Malo. I point this out because there is another bar called Seven at the corner of Seven and Grand which should not be mistaken for this spot. Walk upstairs into a little bit of whiskey heaven with awesome bartenders that are happy to answer any questions you may have in addition to offering great recommendations. Two pool tables and an outdoor terrace make this place a great spot to meet-up with friends.
PourHaus, Arts District
Winebar located in the Arts district. With an outdoor veranda, it is a nice spot to catch up with friends. They have a version of a filo empanada on the dessert menu, and they are delicious way to do fruit and cheese with your wine. Happy Hour from 4-7 daily.
Perch, Historic District
Go on a weekend afternoon and don’t grab a seat on the terrace, but make sure you walk the additional set of stairs all the way to the rooftop. Order a bottle of wine or drinks and take in the awesome views of Los Angeles. In my opinion, one of the best views for any bar in DTLA.
Varnish, Historic District
The “speakeasy” located in the back of Cole’s. Go during the week and order the White Russian-this could possibly be the best cocktail I’ve had in my entire life.
EXPLORE
MOCA/MOCA at the Geffen, Bunker Hill & Little Tokyo
Museum of Contemporary Art with 2 locations in Downtown LA. The main location is located in Bunker Hill and holds the permanent collection. The Geffen is a temporary collection space located in Little Tokyo. The museum has featured many exhibits and I’m happy I was able to see Murakami (2007) and Art in the Streets (2011) here.
Staples Center & LA Live, Entertainment District
A must stop if staying in Downtown LA. The arena is rarely dark with either Clippers, Lakers or Kings games happening 8 months out of the year and with concerts and shows when there isn’t a sporting event.
Club Nokia, Entertainment District
For a more intimate concert setting, on scale with some of the more historic concert venues in LA (Wiltern, El Rey, etc), this is a great spot to checkout. I’ve been catching quite a few shows here recently and the size is perfect. Close enough to not have to watch a monitor, but with enough space to choose your level of involvement whether it is at the front packed in with other fans or towards the back taking in the sounds by the soundstage.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bunker Hill
I’m going to be upfront and admit that I have actually never gone to see the La Phil here. It’s on the bucket list and they now do nights where it is a more casual dress affair, so I really have no excuse. Regardless, the building alone is a landmark and was designed by Frank Gehry.
Little Tokyo District
Take a step into another world when you enter Little Tokyo Village. Lined with restaurants, shops, bars and more, this section of downtown comes to life once the sun sets and has a little something for everyone from restaurants, to bars and activities such as bowling and karaoke to name a few.
Flower Market, Flower District
One of my most cherished gems in Downtown LA, the flower district is a few blocks of flowers and anything you would need to create a special arrangement. It doesn’t get better than strolling vendor after vendor of flowers especially when they are at wholesale prices.
Grand Performances and Angel’s Flight, Bunker Hill
Live outdoor music on the weekends during the Summer. Check out their website grandperformances.org for schedule and acts. Bring a picnic to take full advantage of the scene and live music. If you forget or do not have time to pick up something, there are a few restaurants and a Famima located in the plaza where you can grab a few items. Angel’s flight is one way to arrive to the performance and is a bit of a historic landmark downtown.
One.Checked.Bag 