Deanna’s Downtown: 9-to-5(ish) in DTLA
Downtown LA has a rhythm of its own and for Deanna, a professional based at Wells Fargo Center, it’s all about finding the balance between productivity and discovery. A lifelong Angeleno, she never imagined she’d become a “Downtowner.” But after three years of working in the heart of the city, she admits she’s hooked. “Even though I grew up in LA, I can't believe how many hidden corners of the city still hold something new and special, just outside my office.” Her take on DTLA is a reminder of how much joy you can pack into the work week when you pause to explore what’s around you.
Morning Rituals
Deanna likes to ease into her workday with a coffee from Lontra, tucked inside her building’s lobby. The seasonal drinks are always worth the stop, but it’s the owners’ backstory that makes the place extra special—they were baristas here, fell in love, and eventually bought the café to live their dream of running a business Downtown. When she’s craving a stroll, she’ll pop over to Surfboy for their Harmless Hippie Matcha Americano, where owner Ed uses ceremonial-grade matcha and coconut water. On days when there is time to linger, Deanna says she’ll wander down to Aquarela, a Brazilian-style coffee kiosk hidden in the beautiful Art Deco lobby of the Cal Edison building. “These little shops deserve more love. The drinks are fantastic, and you get a moment of calm to put you in the right headspace before the day ramps up.”
Midday Reset
Lunchtime offers a chance for Deanna to log off and explore the city. For a quick bite, she often heads over to Salata at Cal Plaza. “Even though there are multiple locations, I love the staff here. They are so kind and welcoming, I swear it makes my food taste better.” When it’s time to gather with the team, Settecento in Maguire Gardens is her pick. The coursed $25 lunch special is easy on the wallet, and the ambiance is so charming that even the most serious coworkers soften under the tree canopies. She also admits the excitement of discovering newer spots in the area like Sandcouch Café, a fast-casual spot with great sandwiches and salads, or Jumsim, where you can expect sizzling, sweet and savory galbi (short rib), fire-red pork duruchigi, along with crowd pleasers like beef japchae noodles and ddukbokki rice cakes. “We’re so lucky to work in an area with an abundance of creative restaurants and year-round outdoor spaces. I try to get out and around the city as much as I’m able to.”
Between meetings, Deanna takes full advantage of Downtown’s hidden green spaces. Blue Ribbon Garden, perched above Walt Disney Concert Hall, is her spot for a quick reset. “It’s small, beautiful, and feels like another world. A hidden oasis.” And when she stumbled upon Biddy Mason Memorial Park—a tribute to the formerly enslaved woman who won her freedom in Los Angeles court before becoming a landowner and philanthropist—it left a lasting impression. “It's a humbling area blending education and quietness, and it makes you realize the layers of history we walk past every day.” (Read more about the Memorial park and Biddy Mason’s extraordinary life and legacy here.)
Sweet Spots and Sunset Views
Though she’s not usually one for sweets, Donut Friend is a recent exception. “The Compassion-Fruit donut, with a passionfruit glaze and cacao nibs topping, has the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and bitter. I don’t even feel guilty eating it.”
And as the day winds down and the crew wants to meet up for drinks after a big win, Deanna skips the trendy rooftops and heads for nostalgia. Her top pick is the BonaVista Lounge, inside the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. She loves slipping in through the YMCA bridge entrance and timing her drink just before sunset in the revolving lounge. "You get 360-degree panoramic views of the city from the comfort of your seat. The rotating lounge offers a magical experience of watching the city lights flicker on as the bright sky fades into twilight. It feels like stepping back in time while taking in the whole city at once.”
DTLA Community
For Deanna, an ideal day isn’t about doing everything she talked with us about, but instead pausing to enjoy the little things that make Downtown feel like more than just your average day at work. And it’s clear that what makes DTLA most memorable is our community. Behind coffee runs, quick lunches, and quiet garden visits, the human side of Downtown shines through. “Downtown isn’t just where my office’s located,” she says. “It’s where I’ve found new rituals, new friends, and a deeper connection to the city I’ve always called home.”