Grab a coffee inside one of Downtown’s most beautiful historic buildings, where soaring architecture and thoughtful brews make for a quintessential DTLA stop.
Hidden Gems
Downtown LA is full of surprises, so it's worth exploring slowly. Behind the landmarks and the big-name venues, you'll find neighborhood institutions that have been here for generations, creative spaces that defy easy description, and the kind of food that earns a devoted following one bowl at a time.
These are some of our favorite discoveries.
Scroll List to Pan Map
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1 Aquarela Coffee in the CalEdison Building Aquarela Coffee 601 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA, 90071 |
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2 Art Trail throughout DTLA Blue Ribbon Garden 111 S Grand Ave Blue Ribbon Garden Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Explore Downtown’s creative side by discovering public art, murals, galleries, and unexpected installations around nearly every corner. |
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3 Blue Ribbon Garden behind the Music Center Blue Ribbon Garden 111 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Escape the bustle of the city with a peaceful stroll through this hidden oasis featuring fountains, sculptures, and skyline views. |
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4 Uncle John’s Cafe on 8th Street Uncle John's Cafe 421 W 8th Street Los Angeles, CA, 90017 Step into a beloved local institution serving classic Chinese and American comfort food plus old-school diner charm that has been fueling Downtown for generations. |
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5 DS Night Market 932 Mei Ling Wy Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Experience the energy of a Southeast Asian night market with bold flavors, vibrant dishes, and a lively atmosphere perfect for sharing. |
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6 The Smell for LA music history The Smell 247 S Main St. Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Catch a show at this legendary all-ages venue that has helped launch countless local artists and remains a cornerstone of LA’s independent music scene. |
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7 Bar CDMX under 7th Street Bar CDMX 515 W 7th St, Basement Los Angeles, CA, 90014 Sip inventive cocktails, play some pool, and soak up the moody ambiance at this Mexico City-inspired hideaway tucked beneath the streets of Downtown. |
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8 Au Lac for shockingly good vegan Vietnamese food Au Lac 710 West 1st St Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Even dedicated meat-eaters are often surprised by the depth of flavor at this acclaimed vegan Vietnamese restaurant known for its creative takes on traditional dishes. |
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9 Holy Basil, tucked-away Thai Holy Basil 718 S Los Angeles St, Space A Los Angeles, CA, 90014 Grab a quick bite in one of Downtown’s most charming pedestrian alleys, where old-world character and local flavor collide. |
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10 Docent Tours at Central Library Central Library 630 W. 5th Street Los Angeles, CA, 90071 Discover the fascinating history, architecture, and hidden details from those who know it best at of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic civic landmarks. |
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11 Garo’s Deli in St. Vincent Court Garo's Deli 639 S. Broadway, GL - 106 Los Angeles, CA, 90014 Grab a quick bite in one of Downtown’s most charming pedestrian alleys, where old-world character and local flavor collide. |
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12 MOCA Museum Stores MOCA Museum Store 250 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Find unique art books, design objects, and creative gifts that make for far more memorable souvenirs than a typical gift shop purchase. |
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13 Artful Souvenirs The Broad Shop 221 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Find unique art books, design objects, and creative gifts that make for far more memorable souvenirs than a typical gift shop purchase. |
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14 Martini Mondays at the Historic Biltmore Hotel The Biltmore Los Angeles 506 S. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA, 90071 Sip a classic cocktail surrounded by the glamour and grandeur of one of Los Angeles’ most storied hotels. |
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15 Skyline Views at UCA Terraza ÜCA Terraza 550 S. Flower Street Los Angeles, CA, 90071 Take in gorgeous views of Downtown’s skyline while enjoying drinks, dinner, or a sunset in this quieter little corner of DTLA. |
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16 Grand Star Jazz Club for dancing Grand Star Jazz Club 943 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA, 90012 Hit the dance floor at this Chinatown institution where live music and DJ nights keep the party going well into the evening. |
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17 ASU FIDM Museum for fashion history ASU FIDM Museum 919 S. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA, 90015 Explore a remarkable collection of fashion, textiles, and costume history that offers a fascinating look at style across the decades. |