Josh’s Secret to Celebrating in DTLA Like a Local
The holiday season is a magical time in Downtown LA. Between tree lightings, pop-up markets, and glittering rooftop views, there’s a special kind of charm that comes from celebrating in the heart of the city. And for Josh, a longtime resident currently working out of The El Dorado Lofts, the holidays are all about community.
Josh moved Downtown in 2002 and has called Spring Street home ever since. “I always tell people, DTLA is the epitome of small-town living in a big city. You get to know your neighbors and local business owners on a first-name basis,” he says. “It’s a tight knit community.” After more than two decades, he’s seen Downtown evolve, but the sense of connection has only grown stronger.
Neighbors and a Great Cocktail
When it comes to celebrating with his crew, Josh keeps things simple but meaningful. He suggests starting at a neighborhood favorite that captures that nostalgic, familiar vibe. His current go-tos, both recently opened, are Spring Street Bar and Florentin. “They’ve both nailed what makes Downtown special,” he explains. “Incredible hospitality, a top-knotch cocktail program, and genuine neighborly energy.”
Spring Street Bar, with its cozy interior, is where Josh reconnects with fellow Downtowners over a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned (or two). Florentin brings the celebration skyward, an airy rooftop perfect for impressing new coworkers or friends with sweeping city views and a specialty drink in hand. “Spring Street Bar is where you go to bond,” Josh says. “Florentine is where you go to toast.”
A Cheese Board Worth Sharing
No good gathering is complete without something to snack on, and Josh swears by DTLA Cheese Superette. “It’s my one-stop shop for entertaining,” he divulged. “The owner, Lydia, curates these beautiful cheese boards that make you look like you’ve been planning your party for weeks.” Ordering one is an easy win for the office potluck or any small get-together. But DTLA Cheese Superette is also perfect for quick lunches or impromptu picnics, with seasonal cheeses, fresh bread, and pantry staples like gourmet condiments. “It’s the easiest way to elevate a gathering without any fuss.”
An Institution of Connection
Josh’s idea of the holidays Downtown wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, where he’s been a member for two decades. “The Club is truly a DTLA institution,” he says. “It’s where community happens.” More than just a health club, during the holidays, it’s an ideal spot to host a private happy hour in one of the lounges or an intimate sit-down dinner. “You know you’re a real Downtowner when you start running into your neighbors at the Club.”
The Local Spirit
Josh’s guide is a reminder of what makes the holidays in Downtown LA so special— it’s the people and places that give the city its warmth. “These spots are all run by people who care about this community,” he says. “That’s why I chose to live, work, and celebrate in DTLA.”
And even if you only spend your weekdays here during work, there’s room to join in the spirit. Grab a coffee and stroll through one of the many decorated parks, unwind with close ones at a neighborhood bar after work, or stop by one of the holiday markets on your lunch hour. When you shop, eat, and celebrate the season locally, you’re not just passing through. You become a part of what makes Downtown thrive.