Favorite Spots in DTLA

I’ve lived in downtown Los Angeles since the moment I hopped off the plane at LAX ;)

Over the last 4 years I’ve discovered some really awesome spots that you should definitely check out if you’re ever in the area! We’ll cover my favorite coffee shops, restaurants, activities, and just places to check out in the downtown area!


COFFEE SHOPS


LOIT Cafe

301 West Olympic Blvd, LA, CA 90015

LOIT Cafe TARA MICHELLE

In most of my vlogs when I go to a coffee shop… this is where I am! The aesthetic inside is so clean and marbled, PLUS they have the most incredible matcha latte I’ve ever tasted.

My order: iced matcha latte with non fat milk

Verve Coffee

833 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

LOIT Cafe TARA MICHELLE

Verve is a downtown classic. The plant wall and their delicious sweetened lattes will always have a special place in my heart!

My order: iced sweetened latte with coconut milk


RESTAURANTS


Yardhouse

800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Yardhouse TARA MICHELLE

This has always been one of my go-to spots to grab dinner in downtown! Fun fact: the night I moved to LA, this is where we came for dinner! The menu is huge so you can just about find anything you may be craving!

My order: grilled chicken & avocado sandwich OR the spinach dip

Grand Central Market

317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

grand central market TARA MICHELLE

I freaking LOVE grand central market! There are so many different options to choose from. My favorite spot here is Eggslut, they have the most delicious eggs! The line can get pretty long on the weekends though, so I’d recommend hitting it up during the week if you can.


Backyard Bowls

801 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Backyard Bowls TARA MICHELLE

One of my most recent discoveries, Backyard Bowls! They have incredible açaí bowls but also have different grain bowls for more of a lunch option! I haven’t tried one of the grain bowls yet but they looked delish!

My order: the island açaí bowl


Bottega Louie

700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Bottega Louie TARA MICHELLE

For a bit of a boujie-er lunch, this is definitely the spot. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with hundreds of beautiful macaroons. It’s beyond cute. I always love this spot for a ladies lunch, we get dressed up all cute and make a time out of it!

My order: the chicken sandwich or the tartufo pizza (it’s incredible)

Sakana Sushi Lounge

321 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Sakana Sushi Lounge TARA MICHELLE

You guys know my love for sushi, or should I say “sushi”. I don’t eat fish so it’s not really the same, but the rolls I do get… YUM. This place is usually pretty empty and their rolls are so fresh!

My order: a miso soup + avocado and cream cheese rolls


PLACES TO GO


The Broad

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Broad TARA MICHELLE

The Broad is a contemporary art museum in downtown! Better yet, it’s FREE. You can keep track of how long the line is on their twitter, or get tickets in advance. They have some awesome installations, it’s great to check out in some spare time.

Pershing Square

532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Pershing Square TARA MICHELLE

Pershing square is my favorite in the winter months. They always decorate it so beautifully with lights and a skating rink! Year-round they do a little farmers market here every Wednesday which is also adorable!


BARS


Golden Gopher

417 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Fun fact: I found this place because I went on a first date with a guy (like 3 years ago) and he took me here! Ever since, it’s been a go-to spot when we’re looking for a chill bar to hit up.

Clifton’s

648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Clifton’s… not so lowkey. This is a HUGE bar… like 4 stories huge. You actually have to go through a secret door to get to the top floor, which is the cutest little tiki room! You feel like you’ve been transported to Hawaii! Always a good time here though, it’s just a bit crazier hahah!


Mignon

128 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Golden Gopher TARA MICHELLE

Probably one of my all time favorite spots, Mignon. This is a super cozy and quaint wine bar with the best cheese board I’ve ever had. We usually come around happy hour (between 6-8pm) because wine is $6 a glass. Don’t even get me STARTED on their grilled cheese… I shed a tear for every bite.

My order: happy hour white wine, cheese board & gouda grilled cheese with fig jam

Perch

448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch TARA MICHELLE

A rooftop bar with VERY overpriced drinks, but the view is outrageous. I’ve only gone here a few times because the drink prices really are absurd, but it really is cute and great for people watching!


Rhythm Room

206 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Rhythm Room TARA MICHELLE

One of my favorites!!! We usually end up here after a couple drinks at Mignon because it’s just down the street from it. The best part is their board game collection. Grab a drink & grab a game, it’s great for keeping off your phones and socializing with friends (something we should all do more!).

The Standard Rooftop

550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Standard Rooftop TARA MICHELLE

The rooftop at the Standard hotel is pretty famous actually and has been in multiple movies, such as Get Him To The Greek! They have a beautiful pool and the coolest waterbeds to chill on with your friends as you’re sipping your drinks! It’s as LA as it gets!


Of course there are so so so many other spots in downtown, but these are my go-to spots! A lot of people don’t give DTLA a chance because of some stereotypes, but I absolutely love living here and I think it’s a great place to check out!


Hope you guys enjoyed this post! XO

 
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