TOP SPOTS IN DTLA FOR THE 9-5ISH CROWD: August 2025

Bites, Brews & Brain Teasers 

Cheers to happy hour done right. Karl Strauss offers $6 beers and bites daily from 3–5PM. Don't sleep on the wings and beer pretzels (personally, I love the duck fat version), or sign up for their “Club Karl” reward program” free to register and get a free appetizer when you return (you know you’re going to)! Insider tip: starting Sept 3, trivia nights hit every Wednesday from 7–9PM, making it a prime pick for team bonding, or just unwinding with something cold in hand. 

Unleash the Fun! 

Look at us plugging our own event! Don’t pass up the opportunity to catch golden hour with a refreshing off-menu “barkarita” from Settecento in one hand and the leash to your four-legged office bestie in the other. Quite possibly the cutest event all year, Dog Day brings fido-friendly vendors, live music, caricatures, community dog walks, and so much more. There’s a reason it’s been wagging tails in the Downtown community for 17 years. Secure your swag bag and RSVP at downtownla.com/dogday

Historical Happy Hour

Why have y’all been gatekeeping this place?! Housed in a 1912 firehouse, Engine Co. 28 brings vintage DTLA charm and shockingly good deals. And the menu leans into elevated American comfort food with shockingly low pricing. Think $12 wagyu sliders and fish tacos paired with a $6 beer – prices that can make this place an everyday stop, because I know my grocery bills aren’t keeping up. Beyond happy hour, the beautiful interior makes the space great for client meetups or when you want your group outing with a side of vintage DTLA character.

Sip with a Skyline 

True to form, 9 to 5-ers always know where to find the best views, and Broken Shaker on the Freehand Hotel rooftop is no exception. This award-winning oasis is renowned for its handcrafted drinks infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients. I recommend sharing the guacamole, while treating yourself to the Up on the Roof cocktail off the happy hour menu; a delicious mix of mezcal, watermelon, and basil, blending smokey notes with a refreshing twist. Although if you’re lucky enough to sit at the bar, Joey or Karissa can use their extensive knowledge of mixology to create unique something you’ll love. Happy Hour runs Monday through Thursday, 3 PM to 6 PM by the pool, making it your go-to midweek retreat. 

Your Japanese Izakaya Fix 

HATCH is one of those IYKYK spots in DTLA for Japanese tapas-style dishes, curated cocktails, and a killer happy hour. To celebrate the return of the lunch crowd, HATCH offers a $25 egg-cellent lunch pre fixe coursed lunch, perfect for those who appreciate a good pun and a great meal. For folks who don’t have a full hour to linger, there’s Bento boxes for both dine-in and takeout as a "quick lunch" option. I've had the smokey vegetarian "PLANT MCCARTNEY" with mushroom and eggplant skewers with a side of charred edamame. For groups, HATCH caters with trays of their famous skewers plus platters like squid ink karaage with 48-hour brined fried chicken thighs and black garlic ranch dip. Yes, please! 

From Morning Kickstart to Evening Unwind

Located in the bustling City National Plaza, Nice Coffee is a true crowd favorite. Known for smooth espresso and creative lattes made with washed coffee, giving a clean and lighter flavor that perfectly suits our LA weather. But the recent surge in recommendations is probably because they’ve reopening from 3PM – 7 PM for wine and beer every Tuesday – Thursday, and 1-5PM on Fridays, and rumor has it they’re serving hot dogs too. I stopped by and Malvina served me a lovely glass of Spanish orange wine with a citrusy base with herbal, tea-like notes, just perfect for late summer. In a nutshell, swing by in the morning to fuel up, then return in the evening to unwind — especially for those summer Friday beer lunches.