TOP SPOTS IN DTLA FOR THE 9-5ISH CROWD: September2024

Find Your Fit 
We all know the YMCA for its fitness facilities, infamous stair climb, and catchy theme song by the Village People, but the Y still has a few hidden treasures. There are a wide range of classes from strength training to yoga, a pool and sauna, plus extremely friendly staff. Yet somewhere between the free weights and treadmills, you’ll also find a genuine sense of community where friendships form and colleagues connect over shared activities. As all the regulars can tell you, Monday’s lunchtime pilates is the ultimate core workout. The YMCA is more than a gym—it's a supportive community striving for healthy living and a better lifestyle. 

Specialized Sips 
For a coffee experience as vibrant as its atmosphere, head to Aquarela Coffee. Nestled inside the Cal Edison building, this shop focuses on quality, serving up perfectly brewed cups of farm-direct Brazilian coffee, micro-roasted right here in Los Angeles. Their menu specializes in Brazilian-inspired flavors, like the refreshing Chopp—a chilled drink with lime juice, simple syrup, tonic water, and a Tajín rim. The stunning Art Deco setting is ideal for a leisurely afternoon pick-me-up. And with friendly baristas always ready to offer a great recommendation, it’s a spot you’ll want to return to. 

Craft Cocktails in Retro Vibes 
A brisk walk down 7th Street, and you might pass right by Shoo Shoo Baby. Lush palms spill from planters, and the bar’s name is quietly painted beneath. But step inside, and the space is anything but demure. Part 1940s throwback, complete with WWII-era murals, and part chic DTLA hideaway with warm lighting and leather armchairs, it’s a gorgeous bar. The drinks and bites follow suit—we recommend the “Atomic Blonde” from their happy hour menu, made with Japanese blended whisky, lime, and mint. The lively, quirky atmosphere makes this the perfect place for an extra special after-work outing with your coworkers.  

Slurp Up Savings
This popular ramen chain is well known for creating some of the most consistently delicious ramen nationwide. But Jinya's secret is that it hosts one of the best Happy Hours in DTLA. From 3 PM to 5 PM weekdays, you can indulge in their signature tonkotsu ramen while pairing your bowl with a cold beer or Lycheetini at a deeply discounted price. Add a few items from the happy hour food menu like the spicy tuna tacos or creamy shrimp tempura to stretch your hard-earned dollars even further. The cozy, laid-back setting makes it a great spot to unwind after work alone (you can catch the game on the large tvs) or with colleagues — the perfect recipe for a satisfying end to your day. 

Small Space, Big Taste 
Don’t let the name fool you—Little Spread is serving up big flavors in DTLA. Finding it, however, feels like uncovering a treasure. Inside the Gas Tower, take the escalator up a few floors, head out to the patio, and you’ll discover this no-frills kiosk between two buildings, beneath a mural. Known for its made-to-order salads and sandwiches, Little Spread packs each dish with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu combines classics with unexpected twists, like the Roast Beef Sandwich topped with Swiss cheese, harissa aioli, and zhoug vinaigrette on seeded sourdough. Pop in for a bite and see why this little spot has a big following.  

Underground Postal Pitstop 
No list of DTLA’s best-kept secrets would be complete without mentioning the most hidden post office location, underground at 505 Flower St. Recommended by several 9-5ers earlier this year, the popularity of the post office hasn't waned. It may be elusive, but it’s perfect for a quick, crowd-free experience when you’re short on time. Take advantage of this secret spot, where a quick errand can feel like a breath of fresh air during a hectic workday. 

Taste of Italy To Go 
While this Italian eatery is known for its upscale seasonal dishes and sleek atmosphere, what many don’t realize is Vespaio is also home to some of the best grab-and-go selection in the city. Secluded towards the back of the building, you can find a fantastic collection of sandwiches, desserts, specialty drinks, and illy brand coffee. When you don’t have time for a sit-down lunch to enjoy their signature cacio e pepe, you can still create a luxury moment with a few items from their deli case. Grab a few items to go, and with one bite, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a serene European escape—even on your busiest workday. "

Bookish Brews 
Another previously recommended spot is back again, Library Bar. A walk down 6th street and you might just miss this neighborhood gem offering handcrafted cocktails and tasty gastropub bites to the afterwork crowd. I especially love the buffalo cauliflower from their happy hour menu, featuring large pieces of lightly fried cauliflower served with a savory vegan blue cheese. But most compelling is their punny literary-themed cocktail series. We recommend the Tequila Mockingbird– a rye whiskey cocktail with maple syrup and housemade allspice, making this deliciously strong beverage the perfect transition from summer to fall. Happy hour runs from 3-7 PM, Monday through Friday. 

Create, Innovate, and Learn 
The Octavia Lab, a do-it-yourself makerspace located inside the historic Central Library, is a hidden treasure trove for creators of all kinds. This do-it-yourself makerspace offers free access to top-of-the-line tools like 3D printers, music recording equipment, photo editing software, and so much more— Octavia Lab has everything you need to bring your projects to life. Best of all, it’s free with a library card. Workshops and equipment reservations fill up quickly, so schedule an orientation tour on the Central Library’s website today and discover your next big idea!