All you need in DTLA
fromWe know, we know…. Downtown LA can be A L O T! The traffic just getting there, paying $20 for parking, the overrated pretentious bars and the overwhelming presents of the unfortunate homeless community… Quite honestly there’s a plethora of reasons to steer clear of the hustle and bustle of this city; but there are also plenty of other amazing reasons you need to get down there and take in what Los Angeles has to offer! Here are some of our favorite restaurants, bars, shops and hotels you need to check out while your in the city!
There are SO many places to eat in DTLA! It really just depends on what you are looking for! Leo and I have been vegan / vegetarians for almost a year now and we have to admit that living in LA makes it very easy to give up meat without giving up the flavor! Like anything on this blog we want to recommend the things WE personally enjoy and share them with you. The list below are mostly vegan / vegetarians restaurants in DTLA that you gotta try!!!
DOWNTOWN EATS:
The Vegan Joint We love this place! First off its a minority woman owned business that now has three establishments in LA! Go ladies Go! Second its just some frickin’ good vegan food!
Cinnaholic VEGAN Bakery, Cruelty Free, fresh, delicious and a whole lotta varieties of cinnamon buns
Shojin Downtown Vegan Sushi! Shall we say more?
Ramen Hood Take-out counter in Grand Central Market for vegan ramen dishes from “Top Chef” winner Ilan Hall
Wild Living Foods A fully organic, plant based, living foods that mindfully prepare their dishes under 118º to keep their vital nutrients and enzymes intact!
Localita & The Badasserie Greasy delicious vegan sandwiches and yummy fresh smoothies! (Get the OG badass!)
Peddler’s Creamery Artisan bicycle-churned organic dairy and non-dairy ice cream and frozen desserts for Los Angeles
Bestia Although this place isn’t all veggie it is just really darn good Italian food with good vibes!
Au Lac One of the oldest all-vegan restaurants in the county! Inspired by traditional Vietnamese cuisine but everything is completely plant-based!
Madcapra Falafel…Because Vegetables! Located inside Grand Central Market!
Juice Crafters Amazing cold pressed juice in the heart of DTLA
Cruzer Pizza & Pasta A 100% meat-and-dairy free pizza parlor that’s also gluten-free
BabyCakes Bakery Looking for a gluten free, vegan, & kosher cake? This is your place!
K-TOWN
Thank U Pho Damn good Pho!
Openaire at The LINE LA We LOVE this place! Set in a botanic garden greenhouse, this vegetable-centric spot is located in the Line Hotel offers Pan-Asian fare all day! From the food to the atmosphere we cant get enough!
FAIRFAX
Angelini Osteria Bustling trattoria presenting upmarket Italian cuisine.
Prova Pizzeria Pizzeria slingin creative & traditional Neapolitan pies in a modern & relaxed setting.
WESTLAKE
Langer’s Deli Old-fashioned deli serving up hot pastrami sandwiches & other traditional comfort food since 1947.
ECHO PARK
Sage Organic Bistro MMM! This place is legit! Their Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are AHHH-MAZING!!!
Woodcat Coffee Bar A neighborhood specialty coffee bar located in the heart of LA’s Echo Park
ARTS DISTRICT
Cafe Gratitude (Arts District) Vegan organic fare & smoothies with hippie-inspired names- Namaste!
DOWNTOWN DRINKS:
Lets be honest, we came for the drinks! Whether it’s day drinking or a night out on the town your looking for, you’re bound to tap into your inner Sex in the City character at one of these places! Most of these on the list have unbelievable menus as well (if you aren’t into that whole veggie thing.) Here are a few places to catch a buzz and make everyone prettier.
Mezcalero DTLA This is by far our favorite spot for drinks in DTLA! They are truly re-inventing the wheel here! From the “SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM”—roasted corn infused maestro dobel tequila, burnt tortillas, byrrh quinquina, cinnamon, fresh celery & lime juice to the – “MONEY IN THE BANANA STAND” — selvarey cacao and blanco rum, el silencio mezcal, plantain, black peppercorn & lemon this place is KILLING it!!! AND the food is AMAZING!!!! Oh and did we mention Happy hour every Day 3pm-7pm
Birds & Bees Tiny little hard to find lounge with twists on classic cocktails & midcentury-modern flair.
The Normandie Club Hidden, charming, and cozy little cocktail lounge in the heart of Korea town. Located inside the Hotel Normandie.
Everson Royce Bar Polished cocktail spot with a backlit bar, banquette seating & bar bites from burgers to bao buns.
The Varnish Mixologists handcraft custom cocktails at this dark, moody speakeasy hidden behind Cole’s bar.
Villains Tavern Artsy bar lures locals with vintage decor & artisanal drinks, plus live music on the outdoor stage.
Westbound Eatery & bar with train-style booths, swank travel-inspired drinks & a playful small plates menu.
Tiki-Ti This local landmark whips up tropical drinks in a tiny room covered in tikis & Hawaiian decor.
The Dresden Featured in the film “Swingers,” this throwback lounge offers classic Continental eats & live music.
The Griffin Cavernous watering hole with arched-brick ceilings, fireplaces & a spacious patio.
Sunset Beer Co This low-key hangout has craft beers on tap, plus a selection of hundreds of bottles to take home.
Bar Bandini Sexy nightspot with eclectic list of natural wines, sour beers & saisons on tap, plus small plates.
ETA Long, narrow bar space with artsy, casual-sleek decor for a variety of elevated drinks & bar snacks.
71Above Luxe eatery, bar & lounge on the 71st floor of the US bank tower where the drinks are as good as the views.
The York Beer, wine, cocktails & gourmet pub grub in a counter-serve space with a hip, industrial vibe.
Good Housekeeping Classic & craft cocktails served in a low-key, brick-walled bar & lounge tucked behind Cafe Birdie.
Sonny’s Hideaway Trendy, wood-paneled gastropub supplying contemporary American eats & ample craft cocktail options.
Bar Jackalope Hidden-door backroom of bar Seven Grand, specializing in Japanese whiskey amid a moody vibe.
Tony’s Saloon Masculine old-school joint goes hip with craft cocktails & beer plus pool, Ping-Pong & music nights.
Broadway Bar Bi-level haunt attracts a hip crowd with trendy drinks, ornate ’40s-style decor & a rocking jukebox.
Faith & Flower Vintage-inspired New American restaurant serving rustic dishes, raw-bar fare & craft cocktails.
Mignon Quiet, cozy wine bar pairs unique pours with small plates of French bistro fare, plus happy hour.
Perch Glamorous rooftop setting with French small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city.
Pacific Seas Decked out in everything tiki, a hidden bar for famous drinks like mai tais & Singapore Slings.
Angel City Brewery An LA-based craft brewery located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Dog friendly and games galore!
Manuela Cocktails & delicious food w/ house-grown ingredients in a rustic-chic arts complex.
DOWNTOWN SHOPS:
Los Angeles has some of the best shopping in the world! When we are traveling we love looking for bargains and really immersing ourselves in the culture of that city! Being home is no different. Check out these local spots and just put it in the bag!
The Santee Alley Over 150 stores selling apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty supplies, cosmetics, and more. The Santee Alley makes up two blocks of the 100-block LA Fashion District. It is popular for bargain shopping and a lively atmosphere. Open 7 days a week, rain or shine!
Ooga Booga one of our favorite secrete shopping spots carrying a mix of books, records, home goods & trendy apparel for men & women.
Poketo Gifts, art, home goods and clothes
Shareen Vintage Women’s vintage – SO good!
The Well Men & women clothes and accessories
Apolis Mens clothes / accessories
Virgo Downtown By Boos & Besito Trust, this place is a real downtown L.A. gem for vintage clothes and adorable accessories!
ROW DTLA A collective of smaller shops, brands, labels all in one place
The Last Bookstore Books!
Myrtle Women’s clothes/accessories
Mohawk General Store Gifts/home goods
Clare V Leather made handbags and accessories
Barkeeper Bar accouterments, spirits
Dream Collective Accessories, apothecaries, gifts
Yolk Children’s clothes, accessories, toys
Skylight Books Books
Shout & About Cards, stationary and gifts
Alchemy Works Unique gifts, books, clothes, accessories
DOWNTOWN HOTELS:
When it comes to stay-cations we have are so many options to choose from! What we love most about DTLA hotels are most of them are historical buildings that were saved and revamped. Here are some of the hippest and some of the oldest hotels in DTLA that will make you wanna take up residency.
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles This place has so much history and we LOVE it! Upon its grand opening in 1923, the Los Angeles Biltmore was the largest hotel west of Chicago, Illinois in the United States and had over 3,000 people in attendance to its grand opening! During Prohibition, They ran a nightclub where the celebrities of the day went to partake in some bathtub gin in the gold room! It’s still a very luxurious hotel with elegant renovated rooms situated right in the heart of LA that you cant help but get lost in!
Ace Hotel DTLA Opened early 2014 in the historic United Artists building in Downtown LA. This ornate, storied and vibrant Los Angeles gem will have you wanting to stay and play all day!
The Standard Smack-dab in the center of booming Downtown Los Angeles, this 207-room hotel features massive guest rooms, a rooftop pool and bar with stunning panoramic views of LA! A rooftop beer garden serving traditional German food and beer, a stellar 24-hour restaurant, and the full-service Ping-Pong club SPiN Standard…Full service Ping Pong…you read that right.
O Hotel The O is an independent boutique hotel in a unique, historic setting. Built in 1925, The O was completely renovated in 2007, and now presents a warm, sophisticated experience, with a bit of vintage flair!
The Los Angeles Athletic Club Feel like a part of some secret society when you stay at the LA Athletic clubs boutique hotel! For more than 125 years, The Los Angeles Athletic Club has remained dedicated to its mission of providing for the body, mind and spirit of its members. Our private club includes state-of-the-art athletic and spa facilities, award-winning restaurants, bars, luxury meeting, conference, and hotel rooms. A stay at a historic private club is an entirely unique experience.
The LINE This place is awesome and totally central! Tucked between hollywood and DTLA its a serious gem! Rooms are kinda small, but with floor to ceiling windows and amazing city views and cement walls/mid century vibe this stylish hotel give off an airy feel.
Hotel Figueroa Yet another L.A. hotel built in the 1920s, the Figueroa Hotel was originally a YWCA. After the Great Depression, it was turned into a hotel and has now become a popular choice for visitors staying in Downtown. Its proximity to STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE make it an attractive option, but the Figueroa’s Moroccan theme is the hotel’s main draw. Starting with a spacious Spanish Colonial lobby, the hotel plays with Persian decor throughout all its rooms – Moroccan-inspired rugs, billowing drapes, grain sacks, deep bursts of color, and detailed tile work.
Well there it is folks. Leave us a note in the comments and let us know when you try these awesome LA staple and what you think! As always we are on a constant hunt to find new digs so if you know of some places we should try please let us know!! Check back often as we will update this list as we explore and find new spots in this great city!
XO
Callie & Leo