Delicious DTLA: Delis, Diners & Dips!

Do you ever get the urge to dive into a big juicy sandwich, stacked a mile high and dripping with gastronomic goodness? How about whiling away a lazy Saturday morning over blueberry pancakes and a fresh brewed cup o’ joe? Or do you prefer your meal with a side of noir?

DTLA is the ultimate destination for vintage diners, authentic delis, Prohibition-era eateries, and legendary French Dip spots–some even have a shady past! Delicious DTLA has many fascinating stories to reveal, told through the language of great food!

Coles

Cole’s French Dip 118 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Cole’s, Originator of the French Dip Sandwich, opened in 1908 in the Pacific Electric building. Evoking the spirit of an early 20th century saloon, the welcoming 40-foot Red Car Bar boasts original glass lighting, penny tile floors, and historic photos, preserved in the restoration of the cherished landmark. During Prohibition, Cole’s was a favorite hangout for gangsters like Mickey Cohen (If you were a regular customer, your “coffee” came with a little something extra!). Today, continuing the tradition of the Golden Age of American cocktails, the Red Car Bar’s ample selection of premium spirits, drafts, and historic cocktails compliment the saloon’s classic French Dip sandwiches, appetizers, salads and sides.

Philippe

The Original Philippe 1001 North Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California, established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the “French Dipped Sandwich.” One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the “French Dipped Sandwich,” so called either because of Mathieu’s French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on, or because the officer’s name was French. The answer is lost to history.

plate of food at Nickels Diner

Nickel Diner 524 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Featured on Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives, the Cooking Channel and Jonathan Gold’s 101 List, this cozy vintage-style diner serves updated versions of old-school comfort fare, such as maple-glaze bacon doughnut, baked eggs, steak sandwich, and catfish, plus creative desserts. Located on a historic stretch of Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, the restaurant occupies the site of a long-forgotten diner, with the original hand-painted wall menus still intact. High ceilings, vintage wallpaper, wooden tables, scuffed tile floors, cushy red leather booths and an old-school, lunch counter-style open kitchen evoke a picture-perfect model of a pre-WWII-era diner.

Original Pantry storefront

The Original Pantry 877 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Established in 1924, The Original Pantry has spent eight decades providing its customers with generous portions of traditional American cuisine. More than just a casual eatery, The Pantry offers diners an atmosphere rich in character and history. An integral piece of Los Angeles culture, The Pantry has served many movie stars, politicians and other celebrities and continues to be a gathering spot for the city’s movers and shakers. As The Pantry’s current owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan likes to boast, “We never close. We’re never without a customer.”

Nicks Cafe storefront

Nick’s Cafe 1300 N. Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nick’s Cafe started back in 1948 by Nick, his Navy buddy, and Lois the server. Nick was just out of Navy and decided to open a little diner across from the River Station freight yards. Known for serving bone-in ham at the horseshoe counter, customers started calling the little cafe the “Ham House.” After a successful run, Nick sold his diner to a couple of LAPD detectives who put in a train that ran around the ceiling. After many good years, the place fell into dark times–the old rail yards were grown over and the freight buildings were empty. Flash forward to 2009, when the current owner took over. Over 60 years later, Nck’s is still known for the ham, the smiles, and the coffee.

Sandwich at Wexlers

Wexler’s Deli Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Wexler’s Deli stands for three things: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Born of a desire to serve classic Jewish deli food made by people who care, Wexler’s uses old-school methods to handcraft their pastrami and smoked salmon. After curing in a special blend of salt and spices, the meats and fish are slowly smoked in-house over apple wood and sliced by hand in front of your eyes. Wexler’s also serves breakfast sandwiches (Cheezy Eggs, Bagel with Lox) and a selection of sides including coleslaw, potato salad, egg salad and tuna salad. Wash it all down with a good old fashioned Chocolate Phosphate or Chocolate Egg Cream.

Mels Deli

Mel’s Deli 548 S. Spring St #114, Los Angeles, CA 90013

This unassuming, counter-service standby is known for its hearty, deli-style sandwiches with an Italian flare. Indulge yourself with the spicy Mel’s Melt (Russak Roast Beef, Habanero, Jack Cheese, Horseradish, Pepper Spread, Dill Pickle). Or settle into the generous Mel’s Italian (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Capicola, Jamon, Soppressata, Provolone, Homemade Mustard). Other zesty choices include Prosciutto & Burrata (Prosciutto di Parma,  Burrata, Arugula Dressed, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar);  Caprese (House Made Pesto, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar), and Muffaletta (Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Provolone, Olive Tapenade, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion). Delivery is available through these apps: Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, Grubhub, Eat24, and ForkSpot.

DTLA Holiday Shopping: Big Brands, Hot Shops & Pop-Ups

This holiday season, DTLA is truly a shopper’s paradise! Big name brands are rubbing elbows with experiential stores, artsy concept shops, and an ever-passing parade of retail pop-ups. With so many options to choose from, it’s a good thing December has just begun!

Here are some ideas for Holiday Shopping that will bring good cheer to everyone on your list!

Dover Street Market

Dover Street Market 606-608 Imperial Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

Dover Street Market, one of the most exclusive and highly regarded retail trendsetters in the global fashion scene, recently opened DSMLA, its Los Angeles flagship store located in the Arts District just two blocks from the LA River. Housed in a 15,000 square-foot warehouse, painted a graphic white, DSMLA is the latest art-meets-retail concept from the Commes des Garçons label. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a life-size hippo sculpture and there the fun begins! The interior is laced with a warren of arresting visual displays, art installations, chain link fencing, and galvanized metal, creating distinct sections for coveted brands like Gucci, Palace, noir kei ninomiya, Chanel Fine Jewelry, Marc Jacobs, and Comme des Garçons Women’s and Men’s. Holiday hours, parking and public transportation info here.

Jumpman LA Storefront

Jumpman LA 620 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA

Situated on DTLA’s “Sneaker Row,” a collection of athletic shoe and streetwear stores on South Broadway between 4th and 9th streets, Jumpman LA is a three-story 25,000 square-foot experiential retail space from Nike’s Jordan Brand–Michael Jordan’s shoe and athletic wear label, in partnership with footwear retailer Footaction. Serving as a hub for athletes, creatives and passionate Jordan fans,  Jumpman LA encourages customers to test drive their products in a sports-science-equipped Flight Lab weight training room and full regulation-size rooftop basketball court. After all that exertion, patrons can relax in the recovery lounge.

UNIQLO Bloc Opening Flyer

UNIQLO THE BLOC 700 S Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017

OPENING December 13, 2018

A Tokyo fashion and clothing company with locations in 12 countries, UNIQLO is one of the five biggest specialty fashion retailers in the world. Owned by Fast Retailing, a Hiroshima based company, UNIGLO is known for making accessible, affordable T-shirts, jeans, outerwear, and casual wear for women and men. One of UNIQLO’s main products is HEATTECH–a thin, anti-static, stretch fabric that keeps in heat and dries quickly–perfect for wearing layers of clothing. UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, that fosters responsible action among companies and organizations and aims to materialize sustainable growth for the international community. As a signatory, the company will contribute to ongoing social progress in keeping with its sustainability statement, which is Unlocking the Power of Clothing to create a force of social good.

Gentle Monster

Gentle Monster 816 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster takes the concept of immersive, artful shopping to new heights–marrying their signature experimental visual style with unique, boundary-pushing sunglasses. The Los Angeles store brings a zen mood to the core of DTLA’s historic theatre district with Gentle Monster Harvest, inspired by the spirit, emotions and oriental traditions associated with harvesting. The space takes visitors on a journey through the stages of harvest from paddy fields through threshing with captivating kinetic installations and handmade visual objects to create a unique and never before experienced space.

Made by DWC presentation photo

Made by DWC  325 S Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

MADE by DWC is a social enterprise operated by the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to provide job training and transitional employment in product and retail environments for women transitioning out of homelessness. By purchasing from MADE by DWC’s signature line of products, you directly contribute to ending women’s homelessness in Los Angeles. Products include apparel, bags, candles, cards, gift sets, journals and soap. Want to give back this holiday season? Made by DWC’s volunteer program is run by Downtown Women’s Center. More details here.

Books on shelf at Marfa

Marfa Book Co Pop Up at ICA 1717 E 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

Marfa Book Co. is an independent bookstore, publisher, and project space based in Marfa, Texas. After 20 years as a brick-and-mortar shop, Marfa Book Co. opened its first experimental pop-up at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles in 2018. The store offers an eclectic catalog from publishers such as Gato Negro, an art and poetry press based in Mexico City; Dorothy, a publishing project, a St. Louis-based publisher dedicated to prose works by women; Haymarket, a publisher of progressive political theory and social history; and Primary Information, a specialist in facsimile reproductions of artists books and writings from the 1960s and 1970s. Marfa Book Co. is committed to the belief that bookstores can provide their communities with spaces for generative cultural encounters. They will be co-presenting a number of public programs during their time at ICA LA, and will also continue ICA LA’s exceptional partnership with local bilingual children’s bookstore LA Librería.

DTLA IRL red logo

DTLA//IRL Pop Up LA Athletic Club 431 W 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

The Downtown Central Business Improvement District recently launched DTLA//IRL, a Holiday Pop-Up on the ground floor of the Los Angeles Athletic Club in the heart of DTLA. Curated by Handcrafted LA, the DTLA//IRL store features products from Handcrafted, LA Original, Sub-Urban Riot, LA Athletic Club, Skidrow Denim + Apparel, Downtown Women’s Center, Piece by Piece, Back2Garden, Cake Denim, Pocket Square and more. Need a break from shopping? Step into the Recharge Lounge, with furnishings and decor provided by partner West Elm, and enjoy free goodies to relax and refresh. DTLA//IRL is a permanent pop-up retail shop and an extension of downtown’s Pop-Up Connect Retail program, which aims to promote the retail experience and culture in Downtown Los Angeles and forge partnerships with retail owners.