One Stellar Day in DTLA

Let’s be real getting to DTLA can be a real trek if you’re driving in prime time traffic. But then, of course, we play the question game. Isn’t it worth braving rush hour if we have a reservation at Majordomo? Do we ball out on an Uber if we’re grabbing a beer at Arts District Brewing with some buds? This is where we come in to tell you to stop with the back and forth. Head downtown in the morning, dilly dally back and night, and there you have it a totally epic day in DTLA. There’s absolutely no shortage of stellar things to do and, much to your advantage, we’ve curated a guide just for you.

 

If you’re like us, heading out to explore mostly entails finding the best food. But, really—how can you begin a day of DTLA discovery without a delicious and satiating breakfast? Poppy + Rose is amongst the most popular joints downtown, serving up classic American comfort food with a fresh, California spin. We’re talking mind-blowing buttermilk fried chicken and waffles and steak breakfast burritos. But don’t worry, you’ll find your avocado toast here, too.

 

 

And if you’re looking for a modern coffee shop paired with Asian-inspired breakfast eats (don’t knock it ’till you try it), head over to Chimney Coffee House. We hate to say it, but order The Bieber—an explosion of a breakfast sandwich with spiced chicken sausage, scrambled egg, Thai fried egg, cheddar crisp and sriracha-yuzu mayo. After, there’s no doubt you’ll feel ready to take on the day in DTLA.

 

Now let’s get to exploring. There are countless activities to do in DTLA, but we’re not about to throw you into a total tourist trap. So, instead, we’ve conjured up a list of must-see sights and DIY downtown adventures.

 

Sure, The Broad is a busy place but for good reason. The contemporary art museum is a sure sight to see, brimming with more than 2,000 works in a stellar 120,000-square-foot building. While tickets are free, you have to reserve them online; and, if you can, try to get into Yayoi Kusama’s jaw-dropping Infinity Mirrors Room. You can’t live in L.A. without checking this out.

 

 

Don’t sleep on DTLA’s incredible museums. Hauser & Wirth features a collection of historic buildings in the burgeoning Arts District, each home to unique and often interactive exhibitions. No tickets, no hassle. All you have to do is wander at your own pace. And, if you build up an appetite, take a seat at Manuela in Hauser & Wirth’s hidden courtyard, featuring a menu driven by locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

 

If you find yourself in DTLA on a Sunday, be sure to check out the always epic Smorgasburg an open-air food market featuring over 90 food and shopping vendors, a beer garden with local craft beer, plus live DJs to wish away your Sunday scaries. Keep an eye out, too, because you’ll likely spot F. Ron meandering the aisles for the best tacos (it’s a real toss up between TJ’s and Mideast Tacos right now). How ’bout you help him decide?

 

 

No day in DTLA is complete without some day drinking. The area is teeming with awesome breweries and, in our opinion, it would be a crime if you didn’t create your own crawl out of it. Be sure to hit up spots like Angel City Brewery, Arts District Brewing, Mumford Brewing and Iron Triangle Brewing Company for a real taste of DTLA’s craft beer scene.

 

Alright, you’ve made it. It’s been fun, right? Now it’s time to cap the day with a totally unforgettable meal. And, luckily, DTLA is home to some of the best restaurants in, well, the world. But, if you have time to kill before your reservation, check out some of the area’s hippest cocktail bars—whether that be The Varnish (a sweet Prohibition-era spot) or Everson Royce Bar (with some sweet outdoor seating).

 

 

Finally, finish off the evening with a completely-worth-it meal from Majordomo, Bestia, Rossoblu, The Restaurant at The NoMad Hotel, Bavel or Broken Spanish that is, if you can snag a resy at any of these [insert incredibly advanced planning here]. And now you have it—the most stellar day in DTLA. If you come across any spots that you think we should know about, let’s chat.