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Downtown, Los Angeles, CA

Downtown, Los Angeles, CA

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193 Photos of Downtown

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Venues
Events

Includes: Little Tokyo and Chinatown.

Although the media has been prematurely heralding the resurgence of downtown Los Angeles for over a decade, it’s not until recently that the area truly started delivering on its promised potential.

For a long time, there wasn’t much to downtown LA other than financial office buildings and skid row, and a daytime scene of bustling lawyers and business lunches that gave way to a ghost town at night.

Today, the still up-and-coming region is home to many of the city’s most interesting and offbeat kitsch bars, good restaurants, and the Frank Gehry-designed Disney Concert Hall, all of which attract a diverse crowd of artsy trendsetters, adventurous locals, bearded and flannel-clad hipsters, and students from nearby USC.

The often playful venues are full of character and authenticity, and run the gamut from flamenco clubs, burlesque shows, retro lounges, speakeasies, and mixology bars to thriving underground, alternative, and afterhours scenes. The atmosphere is remarkably unpretentious with a decided lack of velvet ropes, and at once laid back and edgy.

Also of note is the completion of the long-awaited multibillion dollar entertainment complex LA Live. Adjacent to the Staples Center – home of the Lakers, Kings, and Clippers – the venue offers a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, sporting events, live theater, and concerts for both day and night activity that have helped usher in Downtown’s prominence on the LA social scene.

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What to Do in Downtown LA

La Barca Restaurant

20s / 30s / Bar / Budget-friendly

Reviewed by Kevin K.

"This is a solid Mexican food spot. I came here for lunch today. I got the chicken enchiladas, with red sauce and cheese. and I tried the albondigas so ..." more

2414 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90007

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Los Angeles Brewing Company

20s / 30s / American Restaurant

Reviewed by Natalie M.

"The owner was way cool! We came in here late on a Saturday night and they were doing "karaoke" which was really the owner playing his ipod and letting ..." more

750 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Màs Malo

Mexican Restaurant

Reviewed by catherine c.

"I came here with my sisters and brothers for a random night out. I was impressed with their selection of cocktails, which can be spicy. Since tequila ..." more

515 West 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Mignon Wine & Cheese Bar

Beer & Wine Only / Chill / Tapas

Reviewed by Jackie D.

"My Advice/My Take: Mignon is a super cute little wine bar that provides a more intimate atmosphere than most of the bars and restaurants in the area. ..." more

128 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Big Wangs (Downtown)

20s / 30s / American Restaurant

Reviewed by Jayson M.

"Dude 1: “Hey bro, I’m about 15 years past college, but totally looking for an excuse to wear my Big Johnson t-shirt.” Dude 2: “Hey bro! Me too. You k ..." more

801 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017

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Caña Rum Bar

Casual / Chill / Cocktail Lovers

714 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015

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Las Perlas

40s / ATM / Blouses / Boisterous / DJ

Party Earth Review A small bar specializing in the agave-powered greatness of mezcal, Las Perlas features a menu centered on this Oaxacan favorite, from rare “mezcaleros” meant to be sipped slowly, to ... more

107 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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The Pie Hole Los Angeles

After Work / Budget-friendly

Reviewed by Ellie D.

"My Take: Pie Hole is a quaint dessert spot located in Little Tokyo that brings sweet and savory pies to the Downtown Arts District. Doubling as a coff ..." more

714 Traction Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90013

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The Down & Out

20s / 30s / 40s / Anything goes / DJ

Reviewed by Yvonne B.

"I came here once to see Virginia Reed (http://msvirginiareed.bandcamp.com) and I thought it was an awesome dive. It's pretty effing huge, which is awe ..." more

501 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

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The Original Pantry Cafe

Breakfast / Family / Groups / Lunch

Reviewed by Rachel E.

"My Take: At first glance, The Original Pantry Cafe doesn’t make much of an impression. Located a couple blocks away from the glamour of L. A. Live an ..." more

877 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017

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Chado Tea Room

All Ages / All Types / Asian

Reviewed by Rachel E.

"My Take: Located on the back end of the Japanese American National Museum, the outside of Chado Team Room is so subdued you would never know it was th ..." more

369 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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The Edison

20s / Absinthe / Artsy / Bar / Club / DJ

Party Earth Review Located in the basement of the Higgins Building – LA’s first private power plant – The Edison is a massive nightclub that combines 1920s luxury with a bit of history and industrialism ... more

108 West 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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