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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

Sushi Go 55

20s / 30s / Asian / Asian Food / Chill

Reviewed by Paul F.

"My Take: Once you get past the sketchiness that is the weird mall you go through to get to Sushi Go 55, you'll be quickly put at ease with how incredi ..." more

333 South Alameda Street
Suite 317
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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The Smell

Anything goes / Artists / Goth

Party Earth Review An all-ages, alcohol-free nightspot run by volunteers, The Smell is a cavernous, two-chambered live music venue that showcases indie, punk rock, experimental, and even unsigned garage ... more

247 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Syrup Desserts

20s / 30s / Ambient / Anything goes

Reviewed by Chris G.

"This dessert location is by far one of the most eloquent and well-decorated atmospheres in Downtown LA. Great for a late night snack because they are ..." more

611 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Sprinkles Cupcakes (Downtown)

All Ages / All Types / Casual

Reviewed by Gerard Nash G.

"If you have a sweet tooth and are looking to satiate it with some delicious sweets, then look no further! Sprinkles has an amazing assortment of tasty ..." more

Figat7th
735 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017

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Wurstküche (Downtown)

20s / 30s / After Work / Beer / DJ

Party Earth Review Despite its out-of-the-way location in the downtown Arts District, Wurstküche (“sausage kitchen”) draws a loyal crowd of folksy eastsiders, after-work professionals, and couples on ... more

800 East 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

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Golden Gopher

20s / 30s / Arcade Games / Diverse

Party Earth Review Serious drinkers will want to make a beeline for Golden Gopher, a lively bar whose liquor-to-go booth offers still-thirsty patrons full bottles of spirits, six packs of beer, and boxes ... more

417 West 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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Sushi Gen

20s / 30s / 40s / Asian / Casual / Dinner

Reviewed by Mo Yi L.

"I have personally been to Japan for more than ten times and tried different sushi restaurants in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, etc. Sushi Gen is one ..." more

422 East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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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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Blue Whale

Ambient / Ambient Jazz / Beer / Bar

Reviewed by Andrea A.

"Hidden in the vast sea of Los Angeles lives a rare and magnificent beast: Blue Whale. Known and revered by the truest jazz disciples, Blue Whale is a ..." more

123 Astronaut East South Onizuka Street, Suite 301
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Tenno Sushi

ATM / After Work / All Types / Sake

Reviewed by Ellie D.

"Tenno Sushi My Advice/ My Take: Tenno Sushi is located in the heart of Little Tokyo and is one of the best-kept sushi secrets in downtown Los Angeles ..." more

207 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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The Varnish

20s / 30s / 40s / After Work / Artsy

Party Earth Review Marked only by a small drawing of a cocktail, the discreet entrance to The Varnish at the back of Cole’s restaurant lends an air of secrecy and forbidden frolicking to this updated ... more

118 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

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