Top Spots in DTLA for the 9-5ish crowd: May 2024

Meet Your New Lunchtime Crush for May

The spot that is on everyone's lips this month, Villa's Tacos, finally has a DTLA outpost in Grand Central Market. Known for its handmade masa tortillas, fresh salsas, and creatively topped tacos, it's the ideal spot for a quick yet exceptional lunch that consistently impresses. Our sources confirm that their colorful dishes are not only delicious, but a feast for the eyes and friendly on the wallet. And it's not just us— their flavors have earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. Why not swing by and see what all the hype is about?

Loving This Specialty Coffee Find

Discover why Peregrines Coffee has captivated the discerning DTLA office crowd. Tucked away on the Concourse level of the Bank of America Plaza, far from the bustling downtown streets, this coffee stop might remain unnoticed unless you work nearby. Quite a few office workers have recommended Peregrines to me, praised for its expertly crafted espresso and unique blends, boasting intense aromas and creamy textures that appeal to both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers. The website mentions a mobile coffee cart rental for corporate events—office managers take note! Next time you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon boost, head to Peregrines and see what all the buzz is about.

Your Escape That's Open Late

Late night at the office? Grab a colleague to commiserate with and escape to Bar CDMX, where mezcal-infused seasonal cocktails will whisk you away to Mexico City. A hot tip from your fellow 9-5ers—their happy hour stretches from 5 to 8 PM, ideal for those days when deadlines push you into overtime. Because the bar is literally underground, I've found it to be the perfect spot to mentally transition from office mode to off-duty. As for drinks, I'm partial to their spin on an Old Fashioned, but as spring turns to summer, the refreshing options you all have recommended, like the "Fresas en Lima" with pisco and strawberry, will be populating my bar tab. Trust the word on the street and make Bar CDMX your go-to spot this month for winding down in style.

Spring is Still in the Air

And it seems like everyone in DTLA is splurging on flowers this month. Based on raves from DTLA workers, we’ve rounded up the top spots to pick up blooms:
1. Downtown Flowers (505 S Flower St. Level B) - DTLA worker, Beatriz, suggests heading down the escalator to this fantastic flower market or opting for delivery straight to your desk.
2. Farmer's Market at Bank of America Plaza - Fellow 9-5er Evet swears by the unique blooms here and other fresh market staples.
3. Bring Something to the Party (the Bloc) - Our favorite for gifts, this spot also offers charming plants and custom arrangements.
4. The Flower District - A sensory dream spanning six blocks. If you haven't visited these wholesale markets yet, are you even in DTLA?

A Favorite Any Time of Day

Denae's has quickly become a DTLA darling for its outstanding dining experience at any hour. Let me tell you, this upscale but accessible diner has it all. Dashing out for a quick lunch with your work bestie? Absolutely, and the food will impress. Arrived at work too early on a rare traffic-free LA morning? No worries—Denae's opens at 6:30 AM. Looking to unwind with friends after work? Their Thursday night jazz nights are perfect, or explore the full roster of events on their website for something new and interesting. Located in The Delphi Hotel, our DTLA sources confirm that the vibe is just as delightful as the menu. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Your Midday Art Break

Want a lunch break that will feed your soul? Step away from your desk and head to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Open Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and until 8 PM on Thursdays, MOCA is the ideal spot for a culture boost that fits into a workday and general admission is free! Check out the current exhibition, "Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom," which thoughtfully explores themes of race, body, and performance through video and sculpture. Go ahead and shake up your routine—MOCA promises groundbreaking contemporary art right here in DTLA.

Your Go-To Spot

Nestled right off the train stop at the northeast corner of 7th St & Flower, Marie's Coffee Deli has been a daily stop for many in DTLA. Since opening in 2003, this quaint spot checks all the boxes: easy access, small-business charm, and a menu that draw people back time and again. Renowned for its artisan sandwiches—often touted by the office crowd as some of the best in the area—Marie's also offers breakfasts, crunchy salads, and smoothies for those seeking a non-caffeinated boost. Pop in for a quick coffee or linger for lunch; we love supporting this beloved local cafe while fueling up with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Discover why locals consistently praise this spot.

Your Not-So-Secret Waxing Session

With beach days just around the corner, many folks are starting to prioritize regular grooming rituals. European Wax Center comes highly recommended by several DTLA professionals, making it the perfect midday destination for a quick eyebrow touch-up or more extensive sessions. It's no secret that many of us in DTLA rely on this spot year-round because they are swift, professional, reliable, and offer affordable services. I recently learned that they also provide specialized services for men’s grooming needs—just give them a call to learn more. Though waxing isn’t always a favorite chore, we love having a local spot that keeps this task manageable. Really, what more could you need?

A Local Culinary Treasure

Step into Uncle John's Cafe and be transported back to a time when delightful old-school Chinese American diners dotted the downtown landscape. This gem serves up greasy spoon classics like hearty breakfast plates, alongside specialties such as Shanghai-style braised pork belly with quail eggs, served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables, and stir-fried chow fun noodles with shrimp. With the recent addition of Vietnamese dishes, Uncle John's continues to impress with its diverse and flavorful offerings—there's something for even the pickiest of eaters. Frankly, it’s a mystery why there isn’t a line around the block every day. Authentic dishes in a cozy, unpretentious setting make this culinary treasure worth stepping out of the office.

New and Trending in DTLA

Craving a Chicago-style dog without the flight to the Midwest? Look no further than Rita's Deluxe. Although known as a cozy burger joint, we heard this spot serves up some of the best Chicago-style hot dogs around, along with a rotation of creative milkshake flavors to wash it down with. This month’s "fancy" shake features red velvet macarons, chocolate fudge, and caramelized cherries—perfect for when you're feeling extra. Stop by the new spot that everyone is raving about, whether you’re in for a quick lunch or just a treat. Rita’s Deluxe is definitely punching above its weight.