The cultural resurgence of downtown Los Angeles has been taking place for decades, but there’s no time like now to visit and experience DTLA which is on it’s way towards becoming the modern day metropolis that it was always destined to be. Downtown is filled with destinations for both locals and tourists, from museums and cultural institutions atop Bunker Hill, restaurants and bars in the Historic Core and sporting events in South Park. Downtown’s classic older buildings and contemporary skyscrapers may not have the hype of other parts of Los Angeles, yet, but it’s quickly becoming the heart and soul of the city and is on it’s way towards reclaiming it’s status among all the glamor of Hollywood and its neighboring beachfront communities that make up the greater Los Angeles area. Below are some of our highlights of what can’t be missed while visiting DTLA.
Los Angeles City Guide
EAT & DRINK
Broken Shaker - In the heart of downtown, practically next door to Level South Olive, on a rooftop pool deck you’ll find Broken Shaker, a James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, this rooftop bar brings exotic homemade elixirs that bring a bit of the beach to the center of the city. Try the PB&J Old Fashioned made with a peanut butter fat washed lot 40 rye, makers mark bourbon, guava cordial and everything bagel bitters.
Tacos 1986 - For quick, simple and out of this world incredible tacos, check out this Tijuana-style restaurant from Victor Delgado and Jorge “Joy” Alvarez-Tostado who have mastered the art of simplicity with handmade tortilla, salsas and guacamole. Choose from asada, mushroom, adobada and chicken. Learn more.
Good Clean Fun - Conveniently connected to our South Olive location in a shared space with Cognoscenti Coffee (café by day, wine by night... our favorite kind of transformation), Good Clean Fun is a wine bar and bottle shop serving up an international selection of natural wines, beer and hard seltzers from small producers that care about their craft. Sit on their street level patio and sip on wines in glasses uniquely decorated by past guests and nosh on menu of Southern Californian fare. Recognized as one of LA's Best New Restaurants 2021, it's a refreshingly laid-back wine experience that will have you coming back for more.
Shibumi - Shibumi means creative restraint in the arts and the restaurant prides itself on upholding traditional techniques from 1600s-1800s Japan. There are three meal options, all coursed plates, and depending on your level of self-proclaimed royalty status, guests can max out with the Emperor’s Meal which is a long-lasting, beautifully presented and paced out feast for all your senses to enjoy. And did we mention its conveniently located around the corner from Level South Olive?
PLAY & EXPLORE
Spring Arcade Building - Guests can walk through the terracotta archway of this 1924 arcade where they will be greeted with a glass-roofed alleyway lined with shops and restaurants. Stop by Guisados for a chorizo taco or indulge in some gelato at Gelateria Uli. When it’s time to wind down with wine, transport yourself to Paris by stepping inside Garçons de Cafe.
El Pueblo - The city’s oldest section, established in 1787 as a farming community, El Pueblo has an authentic, Spanish colonial feel. The area is made up of 26 historical structures, 11 of which are currently open to the public, as well as the famous Olvera Street, which is perfectly made up of local independent makers and vendors, all selling mostly hand-crafted goods.
Angels Flight - Most recently making a comeback is the little funicular that could, seen in the movie, La La Land. The 118 year old two car train, once known as the world’s shortest railway, has given over 100 million rides on its hillside track and offers views of the Historic Core below as it bumpily makes its way up Bunker Hill. You can board Angels Flight from either Hill Street or Olive Street, but be prepared for routine mechanical problems as it’s been chugging along for over a century.
Last Bookstore - Currently housed in an old bank building, the Last Bookstore is not only popular for its intense book selection within the 22,000 sq feet of space, but also for its marble columns, giant doors and its labyrinth of literary photo ops (IG feeds get ready). Inside you will also find a record store, comic book store, 5 art studios, a yarn shop, a famous book tunnel, vaults filled with the unknown and of course, ghosts (ghosts can’t be confirmed).
SHOP
The Santee Alley - If you are in the mood to explore a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District, then look no further than The Santee Alley, an outdoor flea market with over 150 retailers. Also here, check out DTLA’s newest coffee shop, Virtu Coffee (opening soon) one of the many new trendy eateries and cafes coming to The Santee Passage. Santee Alley is open 365 days a year from 930am to 600pm. Learn more.
ROW DTLA - Set across a sprawling 32 acres, ROW DTLA is a growing collection of globally recognized shops and restaurants as well as innovative offices that are spread over six buildings to create their own unique space and environment that exude a new and unique L.A. vibe. Shop homewares and furniture, footwear, apparel, accessories, local produce, wellness products and more. Make a day of it with plenty of eateries to choose from - start the day with coffee & donuts at Café Dulce, grab a light lunch at LA favorite Sweetgreens and finish off a day of shopping with oysters & wine at Rappahannock. If you're visiting on a Sunday be sure to check out Smorgasburg, a weekly market featuring dozens of exciting food vendors, pop-up events and artisan shopping.
Downtown Farmer's Market - If in need of groceries to stock the kitchen while in town to put your in-suite kitchen to good use, experience a community market curated by the people of DTLA. Find fresh produce, artisans, local food, and live music every Sunday from 9am - 3pm. Located a short drive or a 15-minute walk from Level LA’s three properties. Learn more.
