TOP SPOTS IN DTLA FOR THE 9-5ISH CROWD: June 2024

Your New Lunchtime Crush

Are you fantasizing about the perfect chicken sandwich during those late-morning Zoom meetings? Let Tokyo Fried Chicken bring those daydreams to life. This spot is celebrated for Tokyo-style chicken, marinated in a soy-based sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, then fried to crispy perfection. Located near Grand Hope Park, it’s the ideal fix for a savory and unique picnic lunch if the mood strikes, or it works just as great as an upgraded desk lunch. Multiple 9-5ish regulars swear the chicken here beats any midday slump—and it’s wallet-friendly too, a win-win in my book.

Your Caffeinated Retreat

Tucked inside the lobby of the Wedbush Center building, Harbor House used to be one of those best-kept secrets mainly serving those who work in the building—until now. A few 9-5 insiders have recommended this café and the adjoining seating space as a respite from the downtown bustle, featuring a full espresso bar with specialty drinks like the "Sweet Z Latte" made with condensed milk. With fresh-baked pastries from Bread Lounge served daily and a hypnotic view of the 101, it's worth checking out if you’re in the area or when the communal coffee pot just won’t do.

The Happiest of Hours

Join the laid-back crowd at Golden Gopher where it feels like everyone knows your name, even on your first visit. This friendly, dive-ish spot is dark in all the right ways, appealing to folks across generations and corporate ranks. I've found the $9 happy hour cocktails, like the "Gold Rush" with bourbon, lemon, and honey, to be straightforward, strong, and always satisfying. Plus, it opens daily at 3 PM, making it perfect for when you’re looking for a place to start unwinding early. See you on the patio.

More Than Dinner and a Movie

Alamo Drafthouse is the perfect post-work sanctuary, whether you're celebrating a great week or just need a temporary break. Enjoy the pub-style menu from a scratch kitchen with 30 beers on tap, cocktails, award-winning shakes, and popcorn, of course, to complement your film lineup. Although I’m a huge fan of their buffalo chicken pizza (which I’ll typically sub out for cauliflower), what keeps me coming back consistently is their signature programming and eclectic mix of films. This June, catch everything from 1989 classics to Pride films, with special brunch screenings and educational Q+As.

Your Urban Golf Retreat

I was thrilled to discover the newly opened Swing Factory Golf in the heart of the city, which lets you virtually play 18 holes of golf in just an hour. The facility boasts high-tech simulators that enhance your swing, form, and putting accuracy, suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re taking a beginner-friendly class on your lunch break or attending advanced clinics after work, it’s all here. Plus, hitting a few balls is known to be incredibly therapeutic—which you can do without even leaving downtown. Check out their website to book a session or learn more about this spot. This is going to be a lunch break game-changer.

Sit and Stay a While

If you don’t know about Little Sister yet, your office must be located under a rock because this place is a favorite among DTLA 9-5ers. Little Sister dishes out bold, Southeast Asian cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere that will spice up your dining routine. It’s the type of restaurant that makes me proud to work in DTLA with access to world-class cuisine, fresh ingredients, and innovative chefs. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, it’s my ideal after-work bite with friends so we can share the perfectly spiced ‘xoi’ sticky rice, seafood curry, all the small plates, and a bottle of natural wine.

Cool off this Summer

As temperatures rise, go cool down with a treat at BellaLina Gelato. This artisanal gelateria crafts exotic flavors like Real Belgian Chocolate, Argentine Dulce de Leche, Alphonso Mangoes from India, and my favorite, Ube–BellaLina delivers some of the finest gelatos in DTLA. Their commitment to sustainable practices includes using traditional methods, responsibly sourced products, and hormone-free Real California dairy, which makes me feel great ordering that second scoop. Drop by The Bloc from 1 PM to 7 PM on weekdays for the perfect post-lunch or pre-commute treat.

Your Postal Pit Stop

It seems like we’re all hitting the post office these days, myself included. Recommended by numerous DTLA 9-5ers, our local post offices are shedding their reputation as a slow-paced chore and offering a breath of fresh air during a hectic day. Evet raves about the convenience of their local outpost near The Bloc, where stepping out to send mail also means soaking up some sunshine. Meanwhile, Noelle at Bank of America Plaza has shared an insider tip: the best post office is tucked away in the underground plaza at 505 Flower St—elusive but ideal for a quick, crowd-free experience when you're pressed for time. Maybe I’ll see you at the post office!

Local Secret Worth Spilling

Mr. Mustache, nestled in the basement of 505 S Flower Street, operates like a speakeasy for food lovers, offering an uncomplicated yet delightful menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches from a modest kiosk—all under $10. My tomato bisque was packed with flavor and served with ample portions of crusty bread, though everyone else in line seemed to go for the salads, raving about the dressings. With no online presence, Mr. Mustache remains one of DTLA’s best-kept secrets, known mainly through word of mouth, which is how I found out they now serve breakfast from 8 AM on weekdays. Discover this hidden treasure for an affordable lunch that’s worth the hype.