Best Places To Eat Sleep And Hangout In Downtown LA

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Tourists in Los Angeles often overlook Downtown LA and for good reasons. Although the neighborhood features some notable attractions, it tends to be overshadowed by more famous spots like the beachfront regions of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, the well-known upscale Beverly Hills, and the trendily cool West Hollywood.

In contrast to those districts, downtown LA is rough and metropolitan, featuring tall office structures and warehouses along its bustling streets. It is one of the rare pedestrian-friendly zones in car-dominated Los Angeles.

Downtown LA sign
Downtown LA sign

Although certain areas of the neighborhood may appear dilapidated and could benefit from some renovation, there are also significant sections of charm—including independent fashion stores, art galleries, lively bars, and downtown Los Angeles restaurants.

In recent times, Downtown LA, or DTLA, has experienced major transformations, featuring large residential and commercial projects emerging in once-neglected and crime-infested neighborhoods, especially close to the Crypto.com Arena, home to NBA games and various large sporting events.

Where To Stay In Downtown LA

From prominent hotel chains like The Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott to stylish venues such as the British import The Hoxton, DTLA offers a range of accommodation choices.

The latest addition is the AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Los Angeles, serving as a perfect base if you intend to attend a basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena.

View of downtown LA from the Griffith Observatory
View of downtown LA from the Griffith Observatory

Situated on Figueroa Street, across from the stadium and the Los Angeles Convention Center, the hotel serves a trendy audience of design-focused business and leisure visitors. As a member of the Spanish-founded AC Hotels chain, the Los Angeles location boasts sophisticated interiors with a natural color scheme, crafted by the Canada-based design firm Yabu Pushelberg, drawing inspiration from the simple yet inviting atmosphere of an artist's loft.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel provides stunning views of the whole city – extending to the famous Hollywood sign on a clear day – from the rooms and the lively La Lo La Rooftop bar.

Located in the same building is the budget-friendly Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, aimed at younger and less particular travelers while still offering excellent design and an enjoyable vibe.

Downtown LA’s Hottest Dining Destinations

The latest thrilling enhancement to DTLA’s culinary and beverage landscape is Level 8, a venue showcasing eight distinct dining ideas crafted by two of Los Angeles’ most renowned nightlife creators: Mark and Jonnie Houston, famously called the Houston Brothers. The twins are responsible for several of the city's most popular hang-outs, and for their newest project, they collaborated with New York developer Lightstone.

Referred to as "a Disney World for adults," Level 8 has quickly turned into a hotspot for both residents and visitors. Its dining venues are beyond mere restaurants; envision them as engaging theatrical environments where you can savor a meal or drink while experiencing a burlesque performance or a luchador wrestling event.

Since it's LA, a food truck must be included in the scene. Situated on the outdoor patio, The Brown Sheep serves "genuinely fake" Mexican tacos, making it perfect for a late-night snack after the game. You can conclude your evening with a drink at the playful Sinners y Santos: the club aims to reflect an old cathedral, featuring Gothic and somewhat risqué elements.

No roundup of Downtown LA dining options would be complete without mentioning Bestia, which established the Arts District as a culinary destination when it opened in 2012 and continues to be one of the city's top fine dining spots with challenging reservations. The husband-and-wife duo Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis lead this Italian establishment located in an industrial warehouse setting featuring exposed brick, beams, and chandeliers made from meat hooks, offering striking but harmonious takes on traditional dishes.

Conclude your cultural journey with a dining experience at the nearby Grand Central Market, a downtown landmark brimming with delicious food stalls. Established in 1917, Grand Central Market has remained at the same location as a large food court. The historic market has experienced its fair share of gentrification throughout the years but continues to provide a wide range of tasty and diverse options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Stalls illuminated by neon lights serve local delights like breakfast sandwiches from Eggslut and Korean lunch combinations from Shiku. The menu includes pastrami sandwiches, fresh pasta, vegan ramen, and Salvadoran pupusas. Choose your path, then savor a meal outdoors on the sunny terrace.

The Top Attractions In DTLA

For music enthusiasts, the Grammy Museum, just a short stroll from Crypto.com Arena, is definitely worth a stop – however, be sure to verify the schedule before you go, as the themed exhibits can vary in quality.

Art enthusiasts will be thrilled by the remarkable permanent collection and consistently captivating temporary exhibitions at The Broad Museum, named in honor of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. In three words: Endless Reflection Spaces. The contemporary art museum downtown features Yayoi Kusama’s captivating mirror installations, which can now be reserved through a new booking system.

Complimentary entry also provides access to Eli and Edythe Broad's vast post-war art collection, which includes pieces by Warhol, Lichtenstein, Ruscha, Sherman, Kruger, and Koons. The billionaire duo funded the US$140 million structure, crafted by acclaimed architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, to showcase their art collection and present it to the public.

Walt Disney Center
Walt Disney Center

Right next door, architecture enthusiasts will be amazed by one of Los Angeles’ most impressive structures: the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the renowned steel creation designed by “starchitect” Frank Gehry.

Downtown LA: A Haven For Shoppers

Downtown LA may not be a thrilling shopping spot, hosting affordable chains like Uniqlo and major department stores like Macy's, yet the close-by Row DTLA offers various more appealing choices, including a charming open-air farmer's market and shops like Bodega, specializing in streetwear and sneakers.

A trip to DTLA isn’t finished without exploring the adjacent Arts District, just a brief drive away. In addition to its numerous art galleries, the region hosts the west coast location of Dover Street Market, the fashion hub with a dedicated fanbase originally founded in London by Comme des Garçons innovative creator Rei Kawakubo and her associate Adrian Joffe.

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