Tag: downtownlosangeles

LA’s Best Urban Adventures to Safely Explore Now

With beautiful weather on the horizon, it’s time to get out and discover new places to safely explore near Circa. Los Angeles is bustling with urban adventures, from immersive drive-thru entertainment to Instagram-worthy outdoor art installations, gorgeous gardens, and even a decadent drive-thru Fair Food festival. Did you know the LA Zoo just reopened? Many of the animals are endangered species, and support for the zoo helps to save these creatures from extinction. You might even meet a meerkat or two. Please note that many venues require tickets to be purchased in advance. Check websites for details.

Jerry Moss Plaza urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

A Quiet Scene Installation The Music Center 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles 90012

The Music Center is presenting a new public screening and sound installation exhibited on LED screens at the Jerry Moss Plaza, in collaboration with non-profit radio station dublab. The screening includes more than 100 short film finalists and winning entries from A Quiet Scene, an audio-visual project created by pioneering ambient music artists and brothers Roger Eno and Brian Eno. The video project arose from a public competition by record label Deutsche Grammophon in support of the brothers’ first collaborative studio album, Mixing Colours, which was released in 2020.

Stranger Things urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience ROW DTLA 777 Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Attention all Stranger Things fans. It’s time to travel back in time to 1985 and become a Hawkins resident – in real life. Adventure calls, so gather your friends and drive to the Starcourt Mall. Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Stranger Things, where you will take part in a drive thru experience like no other. Unlock the story of Hawkins in this unique format as you savor some of the best moments from this Netflix series, and maybe even witness some unforeseen and unusual occurrences.

Electric Mile urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Electric Mile Santa Anita Park 285 W Huntington Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007

Explore the Insomniac Worlds on your voyage through Electric Mile, a drive thru audiovisual adventure from the minds behind Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Journey through seven unique worlds of Insomniac’s most iconic festivals and brands, including EDC, Beyond Wonderland, Nocturnal Wonderland, Escape, and Countdown, complete with music, lights, art, visual effects, installations, and more, in a COVID-friendly environment.

LACMA Miss Forest urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LACMA Outdoor Installations 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Although LACMA’s indoor galleries are closed and the museum is undergoing a major renovation, three iconic, large-scale outdoor installations – Chris Burden’s Urban Light, Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass, and Yoshitomo Nara’s Miss Forest – are available to view. Miss Forest (LACMA Version) (2020), is Nara’s largest outdoor sculpture to date and the newest iteration in this series. Created for LACMA’s exhibition Yoshitomo Nara, the sculpture is currently installed at the southeast corner of BCAM along Wilshire Boulevard. More details HERE

LACMA Levitated Mass urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Levitated Mass by Michael Heizer

Located in LACMA’s backyard, this ginormous 340 ton chunk of a granite lies over a concrete trench that you can walk through to get a closer view, or stand under the oversized rock. The artist originally conceived of the art piece in 1969, but only recently did he find the right boulder to actualize his vision for this art installation. The boulder was found in Riverside and transported to LACMA in 2012, and has since become a “rock star” in the art world. It’s free to check during LACMA’s operating hours and is a great piece for “forced perspective” shots.

Museum of Dream Space urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Museum of Dream Space Beverly Center 8500 Beverly Blvd. #656 Los Angeles, CA 90048

​Museum of Dream Space (MODS) has reopened with special safety guidelines. MODS is the first museum mainly exhibiting digital art in the United States. The design concept of MODS is inspired by art design from renowned artist Yayoi Kusama (famous for infinite rooms) and the development of digital art. The aim of MODS is to provide an immersive, magical and unique art appreciative experiences to the visitors. The uniqueness of MODS is to break the limitation of physical media, extend the art by digital technology and to provide the largest freedom of visitors experiencing the arts, which realize the physical extension of the arts.

The Huntington Library Chinese Garden urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 

New views await in the The Huntington’s Chinese Garden. Visitors can now explore an additional 13 acres of gardens and pavilions in the newly expanded Liu Fang Yuan, the Garden of Flowing Fragrance. In 1903 Henry E. Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. Today, the estate is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garden, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, and Herb Garden. The gardens are open but galleries remain closed. All visitors including members must reserve tickets online in advance.

Lita Albuquerque Red Earth urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Lita Albuquerque Red Earth Huntington Botanical Gardens1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 

As part of its Centennial Celebration, The Huntington commissioned an art installation by Los Angeles-based artist Lita Albuquerque. Installed near the southern entrance to the Japanese Garden, Albuquerque’s Red Earth features an approximately six-by-four-foot rock slab coated with bright red pigment and surrounded by bamboo stalks affixed with copper-colored bands. The work contrasts dramatically with the cool greens of the shady bamboo grove and is intended to mark its specific location in time and space. Red Earth incorporates color and light to convey motion and stillness “because only through stillness can we discover the motion of the cosmos,” says Albuquerque.

Fair Food Fest urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Fair Food Fest Rose Bowl Drive Through 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. Pasadena, CA 91103

Fair Foodie Fest is hosting their free drive through event at the Rose Bowl Stadium every weekend through February. Customers can enjoy free admission to a safe no contact drive thru fair experience featuring all of your crave-able fair food favorites for purchase including giant turkey legs, Krispy Kreme donut cheeseburgers, roasted corn, Hawaiian teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls, taco plates, BBQ, and more. Attendees who register and claim their free car entry ticket will receive a free mini powdered sugar funnel cake (limit 1 per car, while supplies last). Free tickets are available HERE  

LA Zoo urban adventures near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

The LA Zoo is back. And lots of adorable babies were born last year, including a litter of meerkat pups, a baby gorilla, a cute condor chick, and a sweet little bighorn lamb. Come and see how these young ones are growing and thriving. Many of the animal are endangered species, and support for the zoo helps to save these creatures from extinction. Throughout the closure, the zoo continued to provide the 1,400 animals with world-class care, even without visitors and the critical revenue they provide. Advance timed-entry reservation is required for all guests including members.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Stranger Things

Photo #2: The Music Center

Photo #3: Stranger Things

Photo #4: Electric Mile

Photo #5: LACMA

Photo #6: Levitated Mass Photo by Tom Vinetz

Photo #7: Museum of Dream Space

Photo #8: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #9: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #10: Fair Food Fest

Photo #11: LA Zoo

A Little Romance: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in DTLA

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, outdoor dining is back. And your favorite DTLA restaurants are pulling out all the stops for a little romance this weekend. From Modern American to Italian, French, Brazilian, and Baja cuisine, top eateries are offering chef-driven Valentine’s Day dinners à deux, with gourmet menus and expert wine pairings. If you’re in the mood for a romantic staycation, Hotel Figueroa is offering a sweet package, with complimentary flowers and desserts. Speaking of sweets, Gelateria Uli is offering heart shaped cakes and sweetheart popsicles for pre-order. No SO? No problem. Grab your crew and toast the important people in your life – friends and family. Whatever your relationship goals, you’ll find endless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you live at Circa. Check websites for reservations, pick up, and delivery details.

Redbird Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird Valentine’s Day Weekend 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend at Redbird. Chef Neal Fraser and team will be serving a celebratory three-course dinner in their three outdoor dining rooms, with optional wine pairings. Some of our favorite menu items include Winter Citrus & Endive Salad, Diver Scallops, Smoked Tofu with fried rice and mustard greens, and Garden Lemon Custard. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city, Los Angeles.

Rossoblu Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Although Rossoblu won’t open their spacious patio for outdoor dining until February 18, they are offering a Valentine’s Weekend Dinner for pickup. Menu includes Antipasti, Pasta, Duck Breast, and a choice of sweets. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are available. These individual meals are presented refrigerated with simple heating instructions. Rossoblu is an homage to Chef Steve Samson’s heritage, inspired by childhood memories spent in Bologna and Emilia Romagna. The restaurant features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals.

Pez Cantina Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pez Cantina 401 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Chef Bret Thompson and the Pez team are serving an exclusive Three-Course Valentine’s Day Weekend Menu for dining on their lush outdoor patio. Pez Cantina is a sustainable Coastal Mexican-style restaurant and bar serving the freshest sea-to-land dishes. Inspired by his travels to Loreto, a sleepy fishing town in Baja California, Chef Bret Thompson captures the complexity and spirit of the food he loves. The menu focuses on dishes from the many distinct regions of Mexico – from Baja, to Oaxaca, to the Yucatan Peninsula. A fine-tuned selection of bright and eclectic cocktails, California-focused wine list, and craft beers round out the Pez Cantina menu.

Zinqué Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Le Weekend de St Valentin at Zinqué 939 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Add some French savoir faire to your Valentine’s Day celebration with the one your love. Le Weekend de St Valentin at Zinqué is offering a three-course menu for $90 per person. Choices include Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Roasted Lobster Tail, Grilled Hanger Steak, Truffled Mac & Cheese, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Berries with Chantilly, and more. Zinqué is a hip neighborhood restaurant with French-inspired dishes and small plates, along with a craft cocktail menu and uniquely curated wine & beer selection.

Perch LA Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Perch LA 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration at Perch LA with a 4 Course Prix Fixe Dinner. Perch is a French-inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. Executive Chef Gerardo Benitez has created a playful menu inspired by French culinary classics utilizing the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Choices include Chef’s Collection of Fromage & Charcuterie, Ahi Tartare, Butternut Squash Soup, Filet Mignon, Lamb Osso Buco, and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Vegetarian menu is available as well.

Flouring LA Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flour + Flower Pop Up Shop Hotel Figueroa 939 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

During the month of February, Flouring LA and Vases to Vases are hosting a pop up shop in the Hotel Figueroa lobby bar, offering freshly made desserts and custom mixed bouquets. Flouring’s Chef Heather Wong has created an 8-piece Valentine’s-inspired sweets box and dessert charcuterie boards. Stephanie Casteneda, also known as Vases to Vases, will offer bouquets and vase arrangements. Chef Wong has been baking for Los Angeles since 2009, using sustainably sourced, organic ingredients from local farmers and vendors. Vases to Vases is a floral design studio founded by Casteneda in 2020, known for creating uniquely artistic pieces.

Hotel Figueroa Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hotel Figueroa Staycation 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Make your Valentine’s Day celebration even sweeter with The Fig’s™ Suite Staycation Package. Book a suite for Valentine’s Day weekend and receive a complimentary Vases to Vases flower arrangement alongside a tasting of Flouring LA desserts. The historic Figueroa Hotel has been a downtown LA icon for nearly a century. Located just steps from the Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Figueroa corridor, home of the hotel, is a resurgent capital of arts, entertainment and culture for forward-thinkers from around the globe.

Gelateria Uli Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Gelateria Uli 541 S Spring St #104 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nothing says “you make me melt” like these sweet treats from Gelateria Uli. Pre-order your heart shaped cakes and sweetheart popsicles for that special someone this Valentine’s Day. Named Best Ice Cream 2020 by Los Angeles Magazine, Gelateria Uli was founded by Uli Nasibova, who’s originally from Baku, Azerbaijan. Uli opened her gelato shop in 2014 with the goal to make European-style ice cream, which has lower fat and air content than the American variety. Uli personally creates all recipes and sources the best possible ingredients for a taste treat that can’t be beat.

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Valentine's Day near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse 518 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

This Valentine’s day, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is serving a 5-course meal, with live Brazilian Music all day long on their patio. Start with a glass of champagne and a selection of appetizers, then move on to 16 types of meats with side dishes, and finish with a choice of dessert. $100 per person. H&H Brazilian Steakhouse is a new take on Brazilian food, brimming with healthful recipes. The restaurant was founded by Henrique Huyer with the mission of bringing authentic, traditional Brazilian barbecue to the American market. The menu caters to nearly every food preference including gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Pez Cantina

Photo #2: Redbird

Photo #3: Rossoblu

Photo #4: Pez Cantina

Photo #5: Zinqué

Photo #6: Perch LA

Photo #7: Flouring LA

Photo #8: Hotel Figueroa

Photo #9: Gelateria Uli

Photo #10: H&H Brazilian Steakhouse

Wineries & Breweries Now Open For Outdoor Dining

Great news – LA County recently updated their rules for outdoor dining, allowing wineries and breweries to open on site as long as food is served. Many of your favorite DTLA craft beer spots are owned by passionate entrepreneurs making topflight brews, from great lagers to awesome ales, sumptuous stouts, and hoppy IPAs. Did you know that family-owned San Antonio Winery, a downtown icon since 1917, has the distinction of being Los Angeles’ only working winery. With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to support these local businesses, many just a short distance from Circa. Check websites for hours, reservations, safety guidelines, and pick up/delivery options.

Flying Embers Taproom near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flying Embers Taproom 581 Industrial St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Arts District’s newest brewery, Flying Embers, was born in Ojai, CA during a massive wildfire that threatened their homes and their brewery. A single ember could have been the end, but for them it was just the beginning. Today Flying Embers donates a portion of their proceeds to firefighters and first responders for their service to the community. Known for their bubbly hard kombucha in tasty fruity flavors, Flying Embers is open with a taproom, a brewing facility, and a food menu from Downtown’s Comfort LA. Open for in-person dining Thursday – Sunday. Reservations are encouraged. Please limit your party to 6 people.

Arts District Brewing Co brewery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Arts District Brewing Co. 828 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Open now with limited hours, Arts District Brewing Co. has transformed its parking lot into a full-fledged outdoor beer garden. Choose from their curated craft beer list, which is updated on a regular basis. The hearty food menu offers a beer-appropriate selection of wings, burgers, fires, salads, fried calamari, fish tacos, and nachos. One of Los Angeles’ few craft brewpubs, Arts District Brewing Company has an on-site 15-barrel brewhouse capable of producing 3,300 barrels of beer each year.

Boomtown Brewery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Boomtown Brewery 700 Jackson St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Boomtown Brewery is open for safe outdoor dining Thursday through Sunday. Meals are provided by Corazon LA, serving wood fired meats, tacos, and tortillas made to order from fresh masa. Walkups are welcome and beer pickup is available 7 days a week. In the mid-1800s, the boomtowns of California were points of convergence for those lured by potential riches and discovery. Today, Los Angeles maintains a similar allure for those who move in every year to pursue their dreams. Boomtown Brewery was founded to speak to that audience and showcase their commitment to the arts and the DTLA Arts District. 

Indie Brewing Company brewery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Indie Brewing Company 2350 Sunrise St. Los Angeles, CA 90023

Located in Boyle Heights, Indie Brewing Company is opening its tasting room for safe outdoor dining with limited hours. You must order a meal to have a beer and they will have a food truck on site. No outside food is allowed. Indie Brewing Company was founded by four guys who set out to give L.A. some amazing local beer and the tasting room it so deserves. Reservations are not required, but recommended on OpenTable.

Frogtown Brewery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Frogtown Brewery 2931 Gilroy St. Los Angeles, CA 90039

An independent craft brewery and tap room along the L.A. River, Frogtown Brewery is owned by long time friends and home brewers Adam and Mike, who had the crazy dream to one day open their own brewery. With a new outdoor beer garden, Frogtown Brewery is now open for contactless ordering and table service from a selection of delicious food trucks. Extra heaters and tents are provided to keep you warm on chilly nights. Reservations are required a day in advance for up to 6 people.

Highland Park Brewery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Highland Park Brewery 1220 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Highland Park Brewery’s patio is not quite ready for in person dining just yet. In the meantime, they will continue to operate on a to-go basis, offering house brew and seasonal beer. Highland Park Brewery was founded with the goal of making excellent beer in LA, focusing on fresh hoppy beers, lagers, and mixed culture fermentation, using local ingredients. Check their Instagram page for opening updates HERE

Golden Road Brewery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Golden Road Brewery 5430 San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90039

Golden Road Brewery just opened their Atwater location with expanded outdoor seating. Inspired by the California lifestyle, Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Wolf Pup Session IPA, Point the Way IPA, Get Up Offa That Brown and Golden Road Hefeweizen. Along with the core beers, Golden Road brewers are constantly experimenting with the freshest ingredients through a collection of rotating, seasonal and limited-edition brews, canned and ready to be enjoyed straight from the source.

Pali Wine Co winery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pali Wine Co. 811 Traction Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Take a seat and have a sip in the open patio at Pali Wine Co. in LA’s buzzing Arts District. Founded in 2005 with the intent to produce Burgundy-inspired wines from California’s Central Coast, Pali Wine Co. now consists of three brands with distinct focuses. The original Pali brand focuses on premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced primarily from Pali’s own Santa Rita Hills and Sonoma vineyards. The newest brand, Neighborhood Winery, specializes in interesting blends that often push the boundaries of conventional wine flavor profiles. All wines are meticulously crafted at Pali’s Lompoc-based winery under the direction of its long-time winemaker, Aaron Walker. 

San Antonio Winery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

San Antonio Winery is now open. Although the winery experience looks a little different during these unprecedented times, you can expect the same welcoming hospitality, authentic Italian cuisine, and seasonal wine flights to enjoy on their outdoor patio. A historical landmark since 1965, San Antonio Winery is Los Angeles’ only working winery. Founded in 1917 by Santo Cambianica, the winery continues to be a family-owned and operated business, with four generations of the Riboli Family.

Agua Dulce Winery near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Agua Dulce Winery 9640 Sierra Hwy. Santa Clarita, CA 91390

If you want to take a fun day trip, Agua Dulce Winery is a 90 acre, family owned and operated winery and vineyard located just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles. Open now for outdoor dining, reserve your seat in advance and select your bottle of locally sourced wine. Wines from Agua Dulce Winery have won multiple medals in several national wine competitions, recognized for their hand-crafted approach to wine making, along with a vineyard blessed with natural soils, and climatic and geographic advantages unique to the Sierra Pelona Valley.

Photo credits: 

Photo #1: San Antonio Winery

Photo #2: Flying Embers Taproom

Photo #3: Boomtown Brewery

Photo #4: Indie Brewing Company

Photo #5: Frogtown Brewery

Photo #6: Highland Park Brewery 

Photo #7: Golden Road Brewery

Photo #8: Pali Wine Co.

Photo #9: San Antonio Winery

Photo #10: Agua Dulce Winery

Discover DTLA’s Secret Underground

Did you know that deep beneath the Los Angeles Civic Center lies a system of underground tunnels? Beginning in 1901, workers dug under the Bunker and Hill Street area to create subterranean passages to help mitigate traffic on downtown’s congested streets. Pacific Electric Red Cars had their own system of tunnels, and there were many old passages under Olvera Street and Old Chinatown, some dating to the 19th century. Smaller underground service passages were used to link various buildings around downtown. Although tunnel tours are not available at this time due to health concerns, you can still view the exteriors of some of the most notorious buildings near Circa, such as Coles, Hotel Rosslyn, and the King Eddy Saloon.

Los Angeles Tunnels secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

By the 1920s, many of these underground spaces fell into disuse, including Pacific Electric’s network of tunnels and old subterranean equestrian passages. During Prohibition, this underground warren was commandeered by opportunistic bootleggers. In addition, some 11 miles of service tunnels became passageways to basement speakeasies with innocent-looking store fronts above ground. The Hotel Rosslyn had a basement bar and a marble-lined tunnel beneath 5th Street so that customers could discreetly come and go.

Los Angeles Hall of Records secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The tunnels that currently run under the Hall of Records and Hall of Administration were often used to run booze, and also kept captured bootleggers and gangsters away from the eyes and cameras of the photographers up top. It was rumored that the tunnels were even used by coroners and mobsters to store bodies.

The Edison Lounge secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

With nowhere to go for a drink in public, people turned to speakeasies to get their buzz. Some of DTLA’s oldest bars, including the King Eddy Saloon and Cole’s the Original French Dip, had their day of infamy as speakeasies and havens for mobsters. Most speakeasies required a secret code in order to enter. A word was whispered through a small slit in a wooden door in a shady back alley, allowing the patrons inside.

Los Angele Tunnels secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The corruption went beyond mere mobsters, all the way to City Hall, where Mayor Cryer’s office ran the supply of hootch. Local politicians, the LAPD, and their cronies were all complicit in the bootleg trade. Things escalated during the 1925 mayor election, which pitted the incumbent Cryer against a candidate favored by Harry Chandler, publisher of the Los Angeles Times. Cryer won the election, which triggered a series of exposes from the Los Angeles Times on the inner workings of “the City Hall Gang.” Prohibition lost its popularity and was repealed in 1933. The remaining bootleggers and gamblers in Los Angeles left for Las Vegas, where they became the city’s “founding fathers.” 

King Eddy Saloon secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

King Eddy Saloon 131 E 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Known as one of downtown LA’s legendary dive bars, The King Eddy opened as the high-class King Edward Hotel in 1906. During Prohibition, The King Eddy opened a speakeasy in its basement, while operating the upstairs as a piano store front on the street. Luckily, local officials took no issue with The King Eddy’s sudden interest in music, and the speakeasy business took off. Today, the basement still remains part of the old bootlegger tunnel system, littered with crumbling brick lines and graffiti murals.

Cole's French Dip secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

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

Cole’s, Originator of the French Dip Sandwich, opened in 1908 on the bottom floor of the 10-story Pacific Electric building, which was LA’s tallest skyscraper in the early 1900s and for years the terminus for the Red Car trolley line. 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!). The late Jimmy Barela, who tended bar at Cole’s for 56 years, substituted bitters (at 3 cents a shot) and “near beer” (at a dime a glass) for the real stuff. Founder Henry Cole also operated Los Angeles’s first check cashing service from the restaurant. Cole was later arrested in 1942 by the Federal Government for fraud.

The Edison Lounge secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Edison 108 W 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Edison is located in the sub-basement of the historic Higgins Building, the site of a revolutionary private power plant designed to signal a new future for Downtown Los Angeles. After spending many years neglected and underwater, the building was finally rescued by entrepreneurs Andrew Meieran and Marc Smith, who opened The Edison in 2007, a post-industrial steampunk-styled nightclub in the building’s basement.Today the space retains many of the power plant’s architectural and mechanical artifacts which are incorporated in The Edison’s interior design.

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel Gold Room secret underground near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

During the Prohibition era, The Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s famous Gold Room served as a speakeasy and nightclub, complete with a hidden door to help revelers avoid police and paparazzi with an escape onto Olive Street. The door is still there, connecting to a room that has a wooden counter top, coat hooks and bathroom. Although the exit to Olive St. has been sealed in brick, you can still see a small “paparazzi window” in the corner of the ballroom ceiling. 

Sources: KCET and Atlas Obscura

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Cole’s French Dip

Photo #2: Atlas Obscura/Alyssa Walker

Photo #3: Atlas Obscura

Photo #4: The Edison

Photo #5: Atlas Obscura/Alyssa Walker

Photo #6: King Eddy Saloon/LA Downtowner

Photo #7: Coles French Dip

Photo #8: The Edison

Photo #9: The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Kitchen Inspiration: Tips To Set Up Your Gourmet Pantry

The kitchens at Circa are legendary. From high-end stainless steel appliances to elegant fixtures and finishes, you’ll find endless sophistication and refinement at your fingertips. Whether you’re a novice cook or experienced epicurean, now is the perfect time to level up your culinary game with a gourmet pantry. We found some tasty ingredients, tools of the trade, and unique products to spark your imagination. Shop local. DTLA is host to some amazing resources where you’ll find everything from restaurant grade cookware to stylish tableware, textiles, kitchen accessories, and food essentials. Check websites for store hours, private appointments, pick up and delivery details.

HexClad Cookware gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

How to Stock Your Pantry

Refinery 29 has some great tips on how to stock your pantry with basic food essentials, from spices to legumes, oils, vinegars, sauces, and more. You’ll find ideas on how to purchase the items, and how to incorporate them into your meal routine. Although the article is geared to non-cooks, even experienced home culinary enthusiasts will find this compendium of kitchen staples useful and inspiring.

Bamboo Cutting Board Bon Appetit gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Top Kitchen Tools & Accessories

Bon Appetit magazine has rounded up some of their favorite kitchen accessories, from baking pans and steamers to sourdough supplies. We especially like the Five Two Bamboo Cutting Board (pictured). And who can resist the colorful Italian-made Calzuro Clogs, perfect for keeping your feet nice and comfy as you chop, mix and stir. More info on the clogs HERE

The Good Liver gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Good Liver 705 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Good Liver is a modern day version of a general store that sets out to inform, inspire and ultimately suggest a better way of living through a conscientious collection of enduring, quality goods from around the world. The store offers a carefully selected range of objects from international brands and makers, showcasing the history, philosophy and craftsmanship behind each of their items. You’ll find everything from glassware and ceramics to carbon steel knives and useful household tools. Open by appointment only.

Hawkins New York gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hawkins New York ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St. B2 Suite 152 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Hawkins New York was born out of a palpable void in the lifestyle market for quality, accessible, home goods. Citing a lack of range in small-scale home goods production, Hawkins was founded with the goal to incorporate the concept of artisanal collective production, while maintaining a modern sensibility in design. Their vision aims to not only enhances the physical environments in which their customers live and work, but creates a greater understanding and appreciation for responsible, aesthetically minded design. Shopping by private appointment only.

Poketo gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Poketo ROW DTLA 777 S. Alameda St. B1 Suite 174 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Since its foundation in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo has grown from a small startup into a creative hub and online destination for design-driven goods infused with aesthetic intentionality. They carry an amazing assortment of tabletop items and textiles, along with candles, woven baskets, and other household accessories. Shop in-store or online.

HexClad Cookware gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

HexClad Cookware 458 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Recommended by Michelin Star Chefs and featured on CNN, Forbes, and Town & Country, HexClad offers restaurant quality pots, pans, lids, sets, and woks with a lifetime warranty. Using a laser etching process, they have created a patented HexClad hexagonal design on the cookware. This unique design creates a series of peaks and valleys. The peaks are your stainless steel, which will give you that great golden brown sear and also protect the pan against peeling and flaking. The valleys provide your pan with easy cleanup and the ability to cook with little or no butter, grease or oil.

Surfas Culinary District gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Surfas Culinary District 3225 W Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Surfas is a storied kitchenwares shop dispensing pro-level cooking tools and gadgets, along with gourmet imported and domestic food products. Stock your pantry with  everything you need, from seasonings and spices to condiments, oils & vinegars, and baking essentials. Family owned and operated since 1937, Surfas has served architects, chefs, food and beverage professionals, restaurateurs, and even hot dog stands, by fulfilling their food service needs for over 80 years. The Los Angeles warehouse sales/showroom is stocked with thousands of items for serious food enthusiasts and culinary professional alike.

Utsuwa-No-Yakata gourmet pantry near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Utsuwa-No-Yakata Little Tokyo Galleria 333 Alameda St. #114 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Utsuwa-no-yakata (House of Pottery) was founded in Los Angeles by Shinji Nimura after coming to America in 1981, with the mission to introduce beautiful Japanese tableware to the world. The wide selection of products is imported directly from Japan, with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, and decorative to practical. About half of their products are handmade in small kilns in Japan, so each piece is a unique creation. The tableware is not only for Japanese cuisine, but can be matched with any type of food regardless of gastronomic background.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: HexClad Cookware

Photo #2: HexClad Cookware

Photo #3: Five Two Bamboo Cutting Board/Bon Appetit

Photo #4: The Good Liver

Photo #5: Hawkins New York

Photo #6: Poketo 

Photo #7: HexClad Cookware 

Photo #8: Surfas Culinary District

Photo #9: Utsuwa-No-Yakata

Ramen Round Up: DTLA’s Best Noodle Shops

Whether you’re craving the perfect comfort food for chilly weather or a light satisfying meal on a warm sunny day, the time is always right for ramen. While Little Tokyo is the obvious DTLA destination for authentic Japanese ramen, don’t overlook Chinatown, Grand Central Market, or other local neighborhoods, many conveniently close to Circa. Did you know there’s a Michelin rated ramen restaurant in downtown LA? And catering to the health-conscious crowd, a number of noodle shops offer vegan, gluten-free and macrobiotic options. DTLA boasts some of the best bowls in town, and we’re not just noodlin’ around. Check websites for pick up & delivery detaIls.

Ramen Hood near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Ramen Hood Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Ramen Hood is a destination vegan ramen shop located in Downtown LA’s historic Grand Central Market. The food is one hundred percent vegan, with broth made by simmering kelp and shiitake mushrooms to extract their maximum umami. The “egg” is completely vegan, made in two parts. The “white” of the egg starts as locally made GMO-free soy milk, seasoned with salt and pepper and gelled with agar, a seaweed extract. The “yolk” is a combination of nutritional yeast, back salt and sodium alginate, which is spherified and placed it in the center of the white so that the yolk pops just like the real thing.

DTLA Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Ramen 952 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

DTLA Ramen offers Japanese ramen with a modern California spin. You have a choice of broth for your ramen, including pork, chicken, vegetarian, soy milk, and no broth at all, with a selection of add ons, such as ground spicy chicken, spicy miso paste, injected egg, or hard boiled egg, and chashu belly. In true DTLA spirit, the restaurant offers interesting craft beers, with an emphasis on Japanese brews. They also serve mochi ice cream in six delicious flavors.

9th Street Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

9th St. Ramen 111 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

This modern Japanese restaurant from Chef Luke Reyes features big hearty bowls of ramen and a rotating collection of Japanese specialties including tsukune from a robata, enoki mushroom tempura, albacore donburi, spicy lamb ramen, and charcoal-grilled chicken tori paitan ramen. The noodles are made from toasted wheat and rye flour. They also offer a selection of natural wine and sake for delivery.

Okiboru House of Tsukemen ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Okiboru House of Tsukemen 635 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

The only Michelin rated ramen restaurant in LA, Okiboru is located in the heart of Chinatown. The founders, who trained in Japan to master the tsukemen craft, are on a mission to introduce this style of “dipping ramen” to a wider audience of eaters. With tsukemen, unlike its traditional ramen cousin, the noodles are served on the side separate from the broth, hence the name “dipping ramen.” Okiboru makes their own noodles on-site from scratch using their proprietary recipe. The broth is painstakingly brewed over a period of time, twice as long as the typical ramen broth, until the consistency is perfect for dipping. The chefs have also created a delicious vegetarian broth which is available in both tsukemen and ramen dishes.

Shojin ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Shojin 333 S. Alameda St. Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Shojin presents a unique vegan, macrobiotic, gluten free Japanese dining experience, offering natural, organic cuisine for health-conscious customers. The ramen is onion and garlic free, made from cabbage, carrot, celery and olive oil. Add ons include garlic, ginger, kale, extra noodles, shitake mushrooms, and extra chile oil. The in-house delivery service is provided by Shojin’s own employees. By choosing to order directly from the restaurant, you will be helping to support their staff.

Rakkan Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rakkan Ramen 359 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 

In 2011, Rakkan Ramen began as a tiny, four seated ramen bar in Tokyo. In 2017, with a passion for the world to taste their authentic Japanese Ramen, they opened their first overseas location in Los Angeles. Rakkan Ramen’s 100 percent plant-based broth is made with Dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock full of umami, bringing out the best in each ingredient. Then they slowly simmer the carefully chosen vegetables and kombu (kelp) to extract the best flavor and lock in the umami. The marriage between the Oishii Japanese broth and silky slim noodles will help you discover the existence of another level of pleasure for your palate. Take a slurp!

Daikokuya Little Tokyo ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Daikokuya Little Tokyo 327 E 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Featured on ABC News, LA Eater, Thrillist, LA Times, Zagat, LA Weekly, Sunset magazine, and more, Daikokuya is known for their original soup made from soy sauce and pork bones, which are simmered for a full day. The signature Daikokuya Ramen consists of noodles, boiled egg, seasoned bamboo shoots, and green onions, with tender slices of homemade pork belly chashu. Eggs are soaked in a special sauce all through the night before serving. Be sure to try their premium brand sake, handmade by Daikokuya/Bishamon Group.

Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen 132 S Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

This classic ramen restaurant is located in the heart of Little Tokyo. Pronounced shin sen goo-me, the name was taken from the historical samurai clan who fought for a great “cause” during a civil war in Japan. Their commitment to excellence and sincerity of service to the nation became the restaurant’s model for serving excellent, traditional Japanese cuisine. Choose which size ramen bowl you want, then choose your noodles and finally, pick all the extra toppings you want to customize your ramen bowl just the way you like it. Extra toppings include wontons, spicy miso, curry, chili oil, pork cutlet, hard boiled egg, seaweed, corn and more.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: DTLA Ramen

Photo #2: Ramen Hood

Photo #3: DTLA Ramen

Photo #4: 9th St. Ramen

Photo #5: Okiboru House of Tsukemen

Photo #6: Shojin

Photo #7: Rakkan Ramen

Photo #8: Daikokuya Little Tokyo

Photo #9: Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen

Pedal to the Metal: Discover Cycling in LA

In the past year, cycling has become more popular than ever, both as a form of exercise and an alternative method of transport. In fact, bike sales have soared across the world, and many major cities are beefing up their cycling infrastructure to accommodate this new trend. Beyond the fun factor, there are some excellent health benefits of traveling by bike. According to Harvard Medical School, not only does cycling provides an aerobic workout and trigger the body’s feel-good endorphins, but it’s also easy on the joints, builds muscle, increases bone density, and helps with everyday activities. DTLA boasts some of the best bicycle shops and bike services around, many just short distance from Circa. You’ll also find easy access countless bike trails from the mountains to the ocean. So put your pedal to the metal and discover cycling in LA.

Spinlister Global Bike Rental near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LA River Glendale Narrows and Elysian Valley Path

The Los Angeles River is host to a Class 1 bicycle and pedestrian path that runs 51 miles from Canoga Park to the Port of Los Angeles, but the most bike-centric activity is along the Glendale Narrows and Elysian Valley Bicycle Path, which cuts through Frogtown near DTLA. This 7.4 mile path, which goes from Victory Boulevard and Riverside Drive to Elysian Valley’s Egret Park, takes you along one of the nicest soft-bottom sections of the river. Although there are concrete and freeway-close areas, the best parts pass through a prettier, greener segment, ending near the spot where the city of Los Angeles was founded. The upper part of the route, which passes through the Glendale Narrows, offers unfettered views of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains.

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The 8 Best Bike Rides In Los Angeles

From the mountains to the beach, and everywhere in between, you can pedal your way across the city and enjoy almost endless biking opportunities. Take a ride along the coast on the Marvin Braude/Pacific Coast Bike Path or venture up to Cogswell Dam, tucked in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa. Closesr to home, you’ll find biking aplenty in Griffith Park or the Rose Bowl. So pack your favorite snack, strap on your water bottle and start exploring.

DTLA Bikes near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Bikes 425 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

What started as an underground basement shop on Broadway has emerged into the premier bicycle shop in Downtown Los Angeles. Located in an 18,000 square foot shop spanning three floors, DTLA Bikes is a cycling destination for fixed gear messengers, urban commuters, weekend warriors, hard core roadies, and leisure riders alike. The shop has over 500 bicycles in stock, including Aventon Electric Bikes, along with thousands of accessories. The knowledgeable staff members, who love to ride to work, include skilled mechanics and service techs.

Tokyo Bike near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Tokyo Bike Row DTLA 1320 E 7th St #120 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Tokyo Bike is a small, independent bicycle company founded in 2002 in the quiet Tokyo suburb of Yanaka, Japan. Based on the concept of Tokyo Slow, the bicycles are designed to explore the places you love and call home. With a Tokyo Bike, it is as much about the journey as the destination. Private shopping by appointment only. Book appointment HERE

Just Ride L.A. near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Just Ride L.A. 1626 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

LA made and family-owned, Just Ride L.A. is more than just a cycling shop, it’s a lifestyle. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 2008, Just Ride has been the go-to destination for Los Angeles’ active city cycling community. From small-scale repairs to the highest quality bikes on the market, this award-winning store is a one-stop shop for all of your cycling needs. 

Hoopty Bikes near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hoopty Bikes 305 E 9th St. #219 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Hoopty Bikes is a mobil bike repair shop for all types of bicycles, including ebikes, classic 10-speeds, basic commuters, and beach cruiser. Founder Chris Duncan, an X Games pro BMXer, mountain biker, and master bicycle mechanic, started Hoopty Bikes in 2009 in the heart of San Francisco’s cycling scene after developing a love of restoring vintage road bikes. In 2015, he moved the company to Los Angeles and grew Hoopty Bikes into a full-service mobil repair center, along with sales of vintage road bikes. To book an appointment, just text a picture of your bike with your location to 310-308-0252

Topanga Creek Outpost near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Topanga Creek Outpost 1273 N Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290

Topanga Creek Outpost has been building quality custom bicycles since opening their shop over fifteen years ago. They offer customized bicycles crafted with the highest standards based on your needs, budget and style to make each bike uniquely yours. The friendly staff will guide you through the entire process, from initial design to component specification and work completion, with a straight approach and open communication. They are also an authorized Los Angeles dealer for complete bicycles, bicycle frames, parts and accessories.

CLIP.bike near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

CLIP ebike converter

Turn any bike into an ebike with CLIP, a new design which attaches to the front wheel of a bike in seconds. Two arms lock around the bike’s fork and the other end connects with the front of the wheel. A tiny controller attached to the handlebars has a button that you can push to boost your bike’s speed as you pedal up a hill with a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour. Optimized for the urban commuter, CLIP is as light as a laptop, fits in your backpack, and looks great charging on your desk. Activate CLIP when you face an uphill climb or to coast that last stretch to your destination. CLIP.bike is based in Brooklyn, New York, with a mission of empowering the world to adopt biking as their primary choice for urban mobility.

Spinlister Global Bike Rental near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Spinlister Bike Rentals 12575 Beatrice St. Los Angeles, CA 90066

Spinlister is a global bike rental and sharing service that provides a platform to connect bike owners with active people looking to rent or borrow around the world. Through their service, owners list their bikes, renters search for a bike in whatever area they want, and complete the rental process easily through their website, mobile app, or in-store kiosks. they even offer various protection options and delivery services to make everyone happy.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: DTLA Bikes

Photo #2: Spinlister

Photo #3: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #4: DTLA Bikes

Photo #5: Tokyo Bike

Photo #6: Just Ride LA

Photo #7: Hoopty Bikes

Photo #8: Topanga Creek Outpost

Photo #9: CLIP.bike

Photo #10: Spinlister Bike Rentals

Celebrate The Season With a Holiday Feast To Go

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And your favorite DTLA restaurants near Circa are offering a moveable feast of dining options to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. To set the mood, dress up your table with a luscious cheese platter or colorful grazing board. Discover desserts aplenty at Hotel Figueroa’s Flouring LA Holiday Dessert Pop-Up. And don’t forget the tamales – La Mascota has been serving up this traditional holiday staple for over 65 years. Many menus offer vegan and gluten-free options as well. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses, so get ready to celebrate the season with a holiday feast to go. Check websites for pick up and delivery details.

Redbird holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird Holiday Tasting Menu 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Redbird is offering a Holiday Tasting Menu for Christmas, New Year’s, and other seasonal celebrations, available for pickup and delivery. The 7 course heat & serve menu includes: ginger pumpkin soup, truffle cavatelli, turkey roulade, New York strip bordelaise, cider glazed Brussels sprouts, pommes aligot, and sticky toffee pudding. Many items are vegan and/or gluten free. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser feature Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles.

Faith & Flower holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Faith & Flower 705 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Faith & Flower is offering a festive dinner menu and drinks for pick up and delivery. Inspired by a global influence of flavors and techniques, complemented by the use of a wood-fired oven and pristine raw bar, the menu redefines Californian rustic cuisine. Located in the Watermarke Tower in DTLA’s South Park district, the name Faith & Flower pays homage to the two major Renaissance periods  – the 1920s and modern day – that have fundamentally shaped the Downtown Los Angeles community. “Flower” refers to the street on which the restaurant lies today, and “Faith” for the street’s alleged name during the early 1920s. 

Bestia holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Arts District darling Bestia presents a family-style takeout menu every week from Wednesday – Sunday. The menu changes every week, so visit their website for more details. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Bestia features a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito!

Morton's The Steakhouse holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Morton’s The Steakhouse 735 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Savor the holidays with a 3-course menu featuring Chateaubriand and Morton’s full a la carte menu. Morton’s The Steakhouse is located just four blocks from the Staples Center and LA Live, the home of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Sparks Basketball, Los Angeles Kings Hockey and the Nokia Theater. Offering take-out and delivery daily from 4 – 9pm.

Cafe Gratitude holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cafe Gratitude 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you’re looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives, Cafe Gratitude has delicious sides, pies and even a Christmas Cookie Kit on pre-order for your holiday feast. All holiday sides are 100% plant based and organic, made in-house in their downtown LA location. Pies include Raw Mocha Cheesecake, Tuscan Apple Cake (baked), and Maple Spice Coffee Cake. The Christmas Cookie Kit includes 9 pre-baked gluten free ginger bread cookies and three home-made natural frostings. All ingredients are organic without any food coloring or dyes, ready to decorate at home. 

DTLA Cheese holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Cheese Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway #45 Los Angeles, CA 90013

DTLA Cheese has cheese boards and holiday gift boxes available to order. Cheese boards come in three sizes serving 1 -12 people. All boards include five items (choose between 5cheeses, 4 cheese/1meat, or 3 cheese/2meat), along with a delicious array of olives, cornichons, marcona almonds, membrillo, honeycomb, and dried fruit. Gift boxes are made to order and come in three sizes. DTLA Cheese is Downtown’s first full-service cheesemonger, specializing in domestic and imported cheese plates, griddle sandwiches and seasonal salads.

Urban Radish holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Urban Radish 661 Imperial St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Set off your holiday table with a colorful grazing board from Urban Radish. Each hand-crafted platter is a veritable work of art, with cheese, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and crudité, all curated on a wooden board. Urban Radish is a family-owned full service market, carrying everything from fresh produce to dairy, eggs, cereal, hand-cut meats, wine & beer, and staples. Supporting local farms is at the heart of Urban Radish’s commitment to the community and they pride themselves on cutting out the middle man to procure their produce directly from the growers, wherever possible. Available for both pick-up and delivery.

Flouring LA holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flouring LA Holiday Dessert Pop-Up Hotel Figueroa 939 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, California 90015

During the month of December, Flouring LA will be hosting a pop-up shop inside Hotel Figueroa where guests and locals will be able to pick-up their pre-purchased signature Holiday boxes. The eight-piece holiday box comes with gingerbread cake bars, peppermint meringue topped brownies, cinna-sugar donuts, and Belgian sea salt chocolate chip cookies. Chef Heather Wong has been baking for Los Angeles since 2009. Flouring LA is her newest passion project, focusing on Southern California inspired taste and aesthetic, using sustainably sourced, organic ingredients from local farmers and vendors. Pre-orders can be placed by emailing flouringla@gmail.com or call 877-724-1973

La Mascota Bakery holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

La Mascota Bakery 2715 Whittier Blvd. Boyle Heights, CA 90023

It’s tamale time! For over 65 years, La Mascota Bakery in Boyle Heights has proudly supplied the community with pan dulce and other sweet treats, coffee, menudo, and of course, their legendary tamales. From pork to a newly created plant-based option, this bakery provides 13 different flavors to satisfy everyone in your holiday pod. Pre-order online for pick up and delivery.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Cafe Gratitude

Photo #2: Redbird

Photo #3: Faith & Flower

Photo #4: Bestia

Photo #5: Morton’s The Steakhouse

Photo #6: Cafe Gratitude

Photo #7: DTLA Cheese

Photo #8: Urban Radish

Photo #9: Flouring LA

Photo #10: La Mascota Bakery

Get Inspired For Holiday Shopping in DTLA

Looking for some inspiration for your holiday shopping? This season, think local. All around Circa, downtown Los Angeles is brimming with a sleigh full of options to play Santa, and help support independent shops, entrepreneurs and artisans as well. From family to foodies, pet lovers to plant parents, culture connoisseurs, and even your most eccentric friends, we’ve compiled a unique and eclectic guide to inspire your holiday shopping in DTLA.

Grand Central Market Bazaar holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Central Market Bazaar 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

See the latest and greatest from the very best independent merchants, artisans, and makers in LA. The Grand Central Market Bazaar takes place Thursday through Sunday beginning at 11 AM every day. Grand Central Market will be closing early at 7pm for Christmas Eve on December 24 and will be closed for Christmas on December 25.

Poketo holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Poketo ROW DTLA777 S. Alameda St. B1 Suite 174 Los Angeles, CA 90021

No time like the present to buy gifts for everyone on your list. Poketo makes it easy to find everything you need with their holiday gift guides. Since its foundation in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo has grown from a small startup into a creative hub and online destination for design-driven goods infused with aesthetic intentionality. Collections include everything from furniture & lighting to apothecary, tabletop, books & prints, and apparel.

The Last Bookstore holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Last Book Store 453 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

A true DTLA treasure, The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store, housed in a stunning 22,000 square-foot space in the Spring Arts Tower. According to owner Josh Spencer, the name was chosen with irony, but seems more appropriate with each passing day, as physical bookstores die out like dinosaurs from the meteoric impact of Amazon and e-books. In addition to over 250,000 new and used books on two floors, including the Arts & Rare Book Annex, you’ll also find tens of thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels. 

Healthy Spot holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Healthy Spot 1000 S Grand Avenue Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90015

Give your furry friends something to bark about this holiday season. Healthy Spot is a pet care retail company that offers pet owners a full range of nutritional foods and eco-friendly products, along with award-winning, personalized grooming, daycare and training services. Founded in 2008 by Andrew Kim and Mark Boonnark, the company prides itself on assuring that every stocked product contains premium-quality ingredients and is procured and manufactured safely and ethically. 

Rolling Greens Nursery holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rolling Greens Nursery 1005 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

For the plant parents on your list, Rolling Greens Nursery is Los Angeles’ premier home and garden retailer with an extensive assortment of faux and live plants, containers, and unique home accessories. Rolling Greens also carries handmade holiday decor made by LA artisans. Shop in-store for decor items, plants, gifts, and fresh holiday greens or online for local delivery or pickup.

Flask & Field holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flask & Field Row DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Ste 180 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Flask & Field is a modern destination for the discovery of wine, spirits, art and design, offering a selection of quality goods for house, home and adventure. The eclectic establishment was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo, who created Flask & Field out of her lifelong passion for wine, hospitality and design. Flask & Field is offering speciality gifts sets, including hard-to-find, small-batch indie products with interesting stories and beautiful labels. Gift sets are made to order, using eco-friendly materials and custom packaging.

August Uncommon Tea holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

August Uncommon Tea 

August is a small, family-run company based in Los Angeles, committed to making better tea, and to making things better in our world. August is designed to please all five senses, with wild and intense flavors inspired by cocktails, pastry, perfume, and modern cuisine. One of the only companies in the US to focus on super-premium blended flavored teas, whenever you drink August, you’ll always drink something unique. Alongside tasting notes, you’ll find mood notes inspired by art, music, cinema and natural landscapes. August also offers unique teaware.

These Days holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

These Days 118 Winston St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Another DTLA treasure, These Days is a gallery, store, and publisher located in the Historic Core. Owned and operated by Stephen and Jodi Zeigler, Los Angeles natives and longtime residents of Downtown, These Days focuses on a diverse range of work including painting, photography, drawings, and fiber art. The store also features new and out-of-print photography books, zines, art and design objects.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Rolling Greens Nursery

Photo #2: Grand Central Market Bazaar

Photo #3: Poketo 

Photo #4: The Last Book Store

Photo #5: Healthy Spot

Photo #6: Rolling Greens Nursery

Photo #7: Flask & Field

Photo #8: August Uncommon Tea

Photo #9: These Days

Let It Glow: Where to See the Holiday Lights in LA

It’s time to sparkle and shine, and DTLA is all aglow with holiday lights to make your spirits bright. You’ll also find some spectacular displays just a short distance from Circa, such as Altadena’s legendary Christmas Tree Lane and St. Albans Road in San Marino. This year, you can experience seasonal celebrations from the comfort of your car, like the Dodgers Drive Thru Holiday Festival and The Bite LA Sweets Crawl at Whittier Narrows’ Legg Lake. Or take a moment to reflect on nature’s beauty at Descanso Gardens and stroll among the stunning art installations at South Coast Botanic Garden. This season, there’s no end to the holiday magic when you let it glow.

Sparkle DTLA holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Sparkle DTLA The Bloc 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Experience a magical holiday show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc will take you through an unforgettable night time journey that includes one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. Capture your perfect photo-op moments at this ultimate holiday experience.

Dodgers Drive Thru Holiday Festival holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Dodgers Drive Thru Holiday Festival Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a drive-thru Holiday Festival, complete with a light show, LED video displays, faux snow, and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays. The Dodgers Holiday Festival is a great way to enjoy the holidays responsibly from the comfort of your own vehicle. Open nightly 5-10PM until December 24. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Grand Park holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Park 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

This year Grand Park is trading its annual Winter Glow for a thoughtful art installation called “Ground Our Present, Dot Our Future,” featuring walkways flecked with Angelenos’ messages about hope and social connection. Read them in the glow of a lighted selfie wall, fountain and holiday tree in front of the Music Center. Until Jan. 2, 2021. Free admission.

Reflections at Descanso Gardens holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Reflections at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens invites you to take a moment to reflect and enjoy the beauty that’s all around us. Discover art pieces in the garden, special seasonal plantings, self-guided activities, and a beautiful Wishing Tree created by artist Kaz Yokou Kitajima. Walk through the Golden Grove where gold-burnished logs and stones will appear from the base of the oaks creating a festive glow. Stroll through the Camellia Forest and visit the Mirror Tree, adorned with mirrors that reflect the light and beauty around it, and make a wish for the New Year. Non-members must purchase tickets online in advance.

Christmas Tree Lane holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Christmas Tree Lane Santa Rosa Ave. (between Woodbury Ave. and Altadena Dr.) Altadena, CA 91001

Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States. In 1885, real estate magnate John P. Woodbury of the Woodbury Family, the founders of Altadena, planted 134 deodar trees (broad conical cedars) as a grand mile-long driveway entrance to the mansion he would build. Woodbury’s mansion was never built, but the trees thrived and the “driveway” became Santa Rosa Avenue. Every Christmas season for more than 80 years, the majestic deodars on the “Mile of Christmas Trees” are strung with 10,000 lights for you to drive through and enjoy.

GLOW at South Coast Botanic Garden holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

GLOW South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

South Coast Botanic Garden is proud to present GLOW, a visually stunning art installation that transforms the lush botanic oasis into an oceanic experience for their Garden Lights & Ocean Waters theme, using thousands of lights designed by California Outdoor Lighting. The walk is set to an artistically curated soundtrack featuring a little something for everyone, including original music created for GLOW by Jerzy, as well as Baja surf music, Train, and Vivaldi. Let the colors wash over you like a wave and the music be your current, guiding you through this unique and unforgettable after-dark walk.

St. Albans Road near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

St. Albans Road St. Albans Rd. & Huntington Dr. San Marino, CA 91108

Every December, the tall majestic pines that line Saint Albans Road are bedecked in colored lights to resemble giant Christmas trees. This old San Marino neighborhood is also a treasure trove of stately old California architecture, all dressed up for the holidays. 

Mission Inn & Spa holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Festival of Lights Mission Inn & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Ave. Riverside, CA 92501

The Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections, voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today. The Festival of Lights is a cherished annual tradition created by the inn’s owners as a gift for the community back in 1992. Every year, it attracts over 500,000 visitors, all thrilled to watch the display come to life through the holidays. This year, the hotel will feature dazzling lights on the exterior of the hotel, interior lighting, and holiday décor that captures the true essence and history of this beautiful venue.

Winterlit Downtown Santa Monica holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Winterlit 1351 3rd Street Promenade Downtown Santa Monica, CA 90401

Winterlit returns to Downtown Santa Monica to brighten up the holiday season. Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate the Third Street Promenade’s festive outdoor retail, and holiday-inspired art installations will come to life at eleven stops throughout Third Street Promenade, featuring window displays in storefronts and murals created by local artists who were asked to interpret what the holiday season means to them during this unprecedented year.

The Bite LA Stocking Stuffer Sweets Crawl holiday lights near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Stocking Stuffer Sweets Crawl Legg Lake 751 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA  91733

From the creators of The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl and the former creative director of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, comes a seasonal twist on the drive-thru experience offering immersive winter holiday fun. Whittier Narrows’ Legg Lake is transformed into a winter wonderland with sweets and activities all available from the comfort of your car. Stock up on sweets with your complimentary BITE LA stocking (8 Sweets Bites are included). Get your bag of 5 safe, cotton plush ‘sno-balls’ (included with your ticket) and enter the Snowman Sno-Ball Fight. Dress up your ride in the ugliest holiday sweater or decor and be entered to win prizes throughout the season. The gaudier the merrier.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: The Bloc

Photo #2: The Bloc

Photo #3: Los Angeles Dodgers

Photo #4: Grand Park

Photo #5: Descanso Gardens

Photo #6: Christmas Tree Lane

Photo #7: South Coast Botanic Garden

Photo #8: Red Tricycle/Sarah P. via Yelp

Photo #9: Mission Inn & Spa

Photo #10: Downtown Santa Monica

Photo #11: The Bite LA