Beat the Heat: DTLA’s Best ice Cream, Frosty Coffee & Cool Concoctions

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and temperatures are rising. Hot summer days just scream for ice cream and other cool refreshments. DTLA offers some tasty ways to get your chill thrill – from classic ice cream to European-style gelato, cold brewed coffee, iced lattes, soft serves, and other tempting treats. Many purveyors also offer vegan and gluten-free options. Here’s the scoop.

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

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

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

Named Best Gelato by LA Weekly in 2019, Gelateria Uli is gearing up for the 4th of July and taking pre-orders for three summertime frozen pies! Choose from three gelato flavors topped with vegan caramel and sprinkled with your favorite Speculoos cookie crumbs, with a crust made from Uli’s signature waffle cones. 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.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is open for delivery and walk-up service, offering a full menu of classic and vegan ice creams. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream started in the spring of 2008 out of a buttery yellow truck on the streets of NYC. The founders set out to revive the classic American ice cream truck and the art of traditional ice cream making, using ingredients perfected by nature, not science. Van Leeuwen Classic and Vegan ice creams are made with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Each flavor is a celebration of some of the world’s best artisan producers and farmers, both local and from around the world. 

Little Damage 700 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Billing itself as “LA’s finest soft serve ice cream,” Little Damage is a small family owned business that draws its inspiration from the rich cultural fabric that makes Los Angeles special. Rather than offering a conventional selection, Little Damage offers a rotating menu of unique recipes that allow you step outside of your comfort zone and get a little adventurous, such as their famous charcoal cone. At least one vegan option is always be included in the rotation to accommodate those who are dairy free.

Salt & Straw 829 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The bright, spacious Arts District Salt & Straw scoop shop is an outpost of the popular ice cream concept from Oregon, known for inventive flavors and farm-sourced ingredients. The founders chose the name Salt & Straw because the ice cream is handmade, in small batches, the way ice cream was made traditionally. Back in the day, ice cream makers used rock salt to make it freeze, then it was packed in straw to keep it cold. Dairy-free options are available. Order online for local pick up or delivery.

Chimney Coffee 1100 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Originally opened as Los Angeles Chinatown’s first specialty cafe back in 2010, Chimney Coffee House has been constantly evolving to better serve the community and to be a destination for creatives, professionals, and families alike. This hip, casual cafe specializes in locally roasted single origin coffee, elevated breakfast fare, and sandwiches. Beat the heat with Bankok Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Iced Coffee, which is “flash brewed” over ice to amp up the flavor. They also have a frosty selection of iced lattes including Mocha, Caramel, Vanilla, Matcha Latte, Chai, and Thai Iced Tea.

G & B Coffee Grand Central Market C-19 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

From champion baristas Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, collectively known as G&B Coffee, this hot spot serves up coffees, espresso drinks, and teas selected from the world’s top roasters and farms. When you’re ready to cool down, G&B’s coffee milkshake and hop-infused carbonated ice tea are instant Market classics. Stop by for weekly cuppings every Tuesdays at 2:00 to taste the range of G&B coffees from around the world. Free 5 minute parking in the drop-off lane in front of the G & B stall.

Cafe Dulce ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. #150 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Cafe Dulce is open and offering pickup or delivery. This sleek cafe offers specialty coffees and teas, along with fresh salads, sandwiches and baked goods delivered daily from its original kitchen in Little Tokyo, Downtown LA. Cafe Dulce is widely known for its signature hand-crafted beverages including the Vietnamese iced coffee, single origin pour overs, blueberry matcha lattes, and green tea donuts.  Order vis phone (213) 536-9633 or delivery through Postmates & ChowNow.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Salt & Straw 

Photo #2: McConnell’s

Photo #3: Gelateria Uli 

Photo #4: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Photo #5: Little Damage

Photo #6: Salt & Straw

Photo #7: Chimney Coffee

Photo #8: G & B Coffee

Photo #9: Cafe Dulce

Your Ultimate Guide to Last Minute Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping got you stumped? If you’re looking for unique and eclectic gifts, DTLA is brimming with options to play Santa – and please everyone on your nice list. From family to fashionistas, bookworms, culture vultures, pet lovers, tiny tots, and even your geekiest friends, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to last minute holiday shopping in DTLA!

Artists & Fleas

Artists & Fleas Holiday Pop Up Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Dec 21-22 Artists & Fleas introduces a brand-new marketplace just in time for the holidays, bringing together the finest LA makers at Grand Central Market in DTLA. Spend the day checking all those gifts off your list and finishing off with one of our tasty recommendations in the market. Artists & Fleas Grand Central Market is located on the lower level. Walk the center of the market and head down the stairs to shop local makers.

A Little Tokyo Christmas

A Little Tokyo Christmas & Holiday Boutique Aratani Theatre 244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dec 21 A Little Tokyo Christmas is back! Come enjoy music, laughter, and dancing by talented performers, celebrity guests, and beloved community members in this one-of-a-kind holiday show! Shop for unique crafts and gifts at the Holiday Gift Boutique and enjoy a fun-filled time for friends and family as Little Tokyo celebrates the holidays.

Poketo

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

No holiday shopping spree would be complete without a trip to Poketo! 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, textiles, books & prints, and apparel. If you can’t the perfect gift at Poketo, it probably doesn’t exist!

The Library Store

The Library Store 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Library Store is operated by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, which provides critical support to the Los Angeles Public Library resulting in free programs, resources, and services available to the millions of adults, children, and youth in Los Angeles. Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the Los Angeles Public Library and promotes greater awareness of its valuable resources. Shop the carefully curated collection of books, tees, totes, stationery and much more. All sales benefit the Los Angeles Public Library.

Last Book Store

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. In addition to over 250,000 new and used books on two floors, including the Arts & Rare Book Annex, the shared space includes tens of thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels, and a huge mezzanine level featuring the Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore, Gather Yarn Shop, and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops.

Rolling Greens

Rolling Greens 1005 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Rolling Greens is Southern California’s premier destination for unique home + garden, featuring the finest live and artificial plants, home decor, containers, antiques and one-of-a-kind accents. The Arts District location includes a showroom, greenhouse, outdoor deck, and 25,000 square feet of multi-use event space, continuously curating a lifestyle outside creative bounds. Want to decorate your Christmas tree like a professional? Rolling Greens has an enormous selection of beautiful and high-quality decorations and their staff can show you how to expertly layer and style your tree to ensure wow factor!

Hauser & Wirth

Hauser & Wirth 917 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Occupying a former flour mill in DTLA’s Arts District, Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is a vibrant communal space that links art and architecture with a dynamic events program. In addition to supporting and collaborating with many local and international cultural organizations, nonprofits, and universities, the Los Angeles gallery fosters public dialogue with the arts through a range of activities that engage the city’s diverse population. Manuela, the onsite restaurant, offers seasonal, locally-sourced produce, a chicken coop, and an open-air courtyard and garden. Additionally, the site is home to the first ARTBOOK store in Los Angeles, the Gallery Shop, which offers a curated selection of hand-crafted products, and Hauser & Wirth Publishers’ Book Lab.

Mr. G's for Toys

Mr. G’s for Toys The Bloc 750 W 7th St #G720 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Mr. G’s for Toys is a real classic DTLA gift shop with a fun little twist. Explore their unique toy collection, from some of the latest toys and retro games – sure to please tiny tots and geeky friends alike! The gift shop also features trendy DTLA swag and souvenirs, as well as some good ol’ novelty merch, like mugs, postcards and more.

Pussy & Pooch

Pussy & Pooch Pethouse and Pawbar 564 S Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

You lead a stylish, progressive life and your pet companion should, too. That’s the thinking behind Pussy & Pooch, an adventurous destination where convenience meets community in a design-forward, social experience for pets and people. With a focus on nutrition and green living, the store is dedicated to providing a playful and edgy twist to the traditional pet store experience. Services include pet grooming, pet dental, and pet parties, along with an insane array of boutique pet toys, furniture and accessories. Pussy & Pooch offers convenient local delivery, and in-store and curbside pick-up for online orders.

Galerie.LA Gift Shop

Galerie.LA Gift Shop ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Suite 192 Los Angeles, CA 90021

GALERIE.LA presents Gift Shop – a rotating holiday pop-up marketplace at featuring all ethical and local designers. Every Saturday & Sunday until December 22nd from 11am to 6pm. GALERIE.LA believes that supporting local is immensely important, so they’ve hand-selected a few of their favorite designers to make buying a thoughtful gift effortless. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or a co-worker, Gift Shop will have something for everyone!

Essential Guide to Downtown’s Grand Central Market

Located at 317 S Broadway in the heart of DTLA, Grand Central Market has been a downtown landmark since 1917. Bringing together the wealth of cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles, the Market provides a national-caliber eating experience that showcases California’s best ingredients, chefs, and entrepreneurs. The 30,000 square-foot arcade in the historic Homer Laughlin Building encompasses a food emporium and retail marketplace that continues to grow, by offering downtown a shared gathering place and a dynamic hub for public programming and events. With some 38 vendors, you’ll find everything from grocery essentials to prepared foods, sweets & treats, beverages, and even jewelry!

Here are a few of our favorites!

Eggslut

Eggslut Stall D-1

Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast at Eggslut. Founded in 2011, Eggslut is a chef driven, gourmet food concept inspired by a true love for eggs. The menu is a balance of comfort and innovation, celebrating food that appeals to both novice and extreme foodies through classic comfort fare with a twist, all encompassing the key ingredient  eggs. No longer just a breakfast staple, Eggslut make eggs appetizing all day, everyday.

La Fruiteria

La Frutería

What’s more refreshing than a bowl of delicious watermelon, jicama, mango or cucumber! La Frutería brings the Mexican street-snack tradition of spicy and healthy fruit cups that beat the plain,old fruit routine. This authentic Mexican frutería from the team behind Villa Moreliana and La Tostadería offers a wide assortment of exotic fruit salads, licuados (fruit shakes) and more. A highlight of the La Frutería menu are Biónicos, tasty bowls of seasonal fruits, drizzled with a combination of yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and Mexican crema. La Frutería is also the place for the best aguas frescas in town!

Lucky Bird

Lucky Bird

The market’s first-ever stall dedicated solely to fried chicken and its accoutrements, Lucky Bird features their famous citrus-brined chicken recipe developed by Chef/ Owner Chris Dane. Everything is made from scratch, from the buttermilk biscuits to the house made hot sauce. Ingredients are locally sourced to ensure the freshest and highest quality product, from Mary’s Organic Free Range Chickens to their organic produce and spices. Beverages include local craft beers. Happy Hour takes place Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to close!

McConnell's

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream Stall D-4

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Ramen Hood

Ramen Hood

This ramen and pho shop by Chef Ilan Hall of The Gorbals is 100% vegan. The broth is made by simmering kelp and shiitake mushrooms to extract their maximum umami. Roasted sunflower seeds with white miso are combined with the kelp/mushroom stock, then the mixture is pressure cooked to release the natural oils and starches from the seeds. What’s left is a rich, creamy, broth that rivals it’s non-vegan counterparts flavor and texture. The “egg” is completely vegan, made in two parts using a little magic, so that the yolk pops just like the real thing!

DTLA Cheese

DTLA Cheese and Kitchen Stall A-7

DTLA Cheese is Downtown’s first full-service cheesemonger, specializing in domestic and imported cheese plates, griddle sandwiches and seasonal salads. DTLA Cheese is the passion of Lydia & Marnie Clarke and Chef Reed Herrick, who opened their first store in 2010 in the historic downtown Claremont Village with the mission to bring something exciting to the culinary forefront.

Torres Produce

Torres Produce Stall D-7

This is the perfect time of year to dust off your recipes for homemade soups, salads, snacks, and sides!  Stock up on healthy ingredients at Torres Produce, a produce stand offering a bountiful selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Wexlers

Wexler’s Deli Stall D-5

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, 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.

Belcampo Meat Co., butcher shop and restaurant at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA.

Belcampo Meat Stall F-9

Part country cafe and part full-service butcher shop, Belcampo Meat presents organic, grass-fed meats that have been raised on their own 10,000 acre ranch near Mount Shasta, and custom-butchered in house. Grab a seat at their modern-meets-retro counter service diner for breakfast or lunch. Indulge in the signature organic grass-fed burgers while people watching and enjoying a glass of beer or wine. Or stop by after work to pick up their ever-changing rotation of Grab & Go foods and convenient reheat & eat options to bring home for dinner.

Oyster Gourmet

The Oyster Gourmet Hill Street Platform

The Oyster Gourmet Kiosk is the realization of Christophe Happillon’s dream of creating a forum to share his passion for the oyster and the ocean. Designed by The Los Angeles Design Group, The Oyster Gourmet Kiosk was created to be a a hybrid restaurant and performance piece with Happillon on stage in the center, akin to the pearl within the oyster. The menu of the new Oyster Bar displays oysters, of course, but also clams, shrimp, sea urchin, and some raw fish. Most of the seafood is sourced from the West Coast, with each selection certified ecologically sustainable. 

G & B Coffee

G&B Coffee Stall C-19

From champion baristas Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, G&B Coffee serves up coffees, espresso drinks, and teas selected from the world’s top roasters and farms. If you’re craving a special treat, G&B’s coffee milkshake and hop-infused carbonated ice tea are instant Market classics. Stop by for weekly cuppings every Tuesdays at 2pm to taste the range of G&B coffees from around the world. Parking Tip: Miraculous free 5 minute parking in the drop-off lane in front of the G&B stall.

 

Freshen Up! Where to Find the Best Produce in DTLA

Summer heat getting your down? Time to freshen up with a luscious fruit salad, colorful veggie platter, or thirst-quenching agua fresca – a chilled drink made of fresh fruit blended with water, lime juice, and a bit of sweetener. Try your hand at making a soul-satisfying ratatouille, accompanied by a fresh baguette or pane rustica. Or fire up the grill for roasted vegetables, brushed with olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless – from Grand Central Market to specialty grocery stores, weekly farmers markets, and even a fruit-themed pop up – you’ll find a cornucopia of fresh produce in DTLA!

Urban Radish

Urban Radish 661 Imperial St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Urban Radish is a family-owned market carrying everything from cereal to hand-cut meats to local berries. This cutely-monikered establishment is also an eatery, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. In addition to their eclectic menu of grills, soups, sandwiches, and  salads, their latest offering is fresh sushi, made in-house. The proprietors like to see themselves as curators, creators and matchmakers, serving the community with good food. Indeed, their wine room boasts some 300 labels, with a focus on small producers and organic/biodynamic production at a range of price points (most is under $30).

Smorgasburg LA

Smorgasburg LA ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Launched in June of 2016, Smorgasburg LA has become the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, attracting 8,000 to 12,000 attendees every Sunday, year round. Located on the five-acre site of the weekday 7th Street Produce Market in ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg LA features over 90 food vendors, a beer garden offering local craft beer and micheladas, live DJs, cultural events, pop-ups, and sophisticated shopping including design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Every Sunday 10am – 4pm. Sorry, no pets allowed.

District Market

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

A downtown landmark since 1917, Grand Central Market, brings together the cuisines and cultures of LA. If you’re shopping for fresh produce,  check out District Market, which specializes in organic, sustainable and locally-sourced fruit and vegetables, with an overall emphasis on quality, accessibility and education.

La Fruiteria

While you’re at Grand Central Market, stop by La Frutería for a refreshing bowl of fresh watermelon, jicama, mango or cucumber, drizzled with a combination of yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and Mexican crema. These flavorful treats, which originated on street food carts in Mexico, are commonly topped with shredded coconut, raisins, and granola.​ La Frutería is also the place for the best aguas frescas in town!

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market 788 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Located beneath the Eighth & Grand residences, this expansive 41,000 square foot Whole Foods Market was designed to meet the needs of local residents, professionals and businesses. Features include a juice bar, fresh poke, expanded vegan options in all departments, a coffee bar (with cold brew on tap), and more than 1,000 handpicked wines. Take a break at The Eight Bar, a gastropub located within Whole Foods, and enjoy beers on tap, bar food, wines by the glass, cocktails, and a rotating seasonal menu. The store provides a dedicated Instacart register and on-site storage for home delivery and personal shopping.

World of Fruit

World of Fruit 716 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038

World of Fruit is a new fruit-themed experience created by fruit-obsessed Los Angeles natives. Featuring eight fruit-forward rooms, World of Fruit takes guests through an interactive experience that is wholly unexpected and unforgettable. Swing into the Watermelon Playground and grab a special treat from the watermelon ice cream truck. Enjoy the light show in the Pineapple Disco Derby, and jump into the Dragon Fruit Pool before entering the World of Fruit Garden, where fruit specialists serve the very best in-season fruits from all over the world, like jackfruit, baby pineapples, rambutan, tree-ripened mangoes, strawberry papayas, and more!

Farmers Market Pershing Square copy

Certified Farmers Market @Pershing Square 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Every Wednesday, Pershing Square Farmers Market, presented in partnership with Raw Inspiration, sells garden fresh fruits, vegetables, and special delicacies. Raw Inspiration’s mission is to educate children and adults on the importance of a healthy diet, especially on the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily. To accompany that mission, they have set up a program where growers can distribute their produce at neighborhood farmers markets. In and around Los Angeles, nearly 2,000,000 visitors enjoy Raw Inspiration farmers markets every year.

Historic Core Farmers Market 1

Historic Core Farmers Market 5th St. (between Broadway and Spring St.) 2 blocks from Pershing Square Station

Historic Core Farmers Market, LA’s newest addition to the DTLA farmers market scene, is held every Sunday from 9AM – 2PM. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll find farm-fresh eggs (free range and sprout-fed); breakfast and brunch items; sweet pastries and empanadas; Mediterranean dips and spreads; flowers and floral arrangements; natural homemade skincare products; and dog food and pooch products. Along with fresh local groceries, there’s a selection of prepared food and drinks including fresh juices and lemonade; coffee; tacos and breakfast burritos; pupusas, barbecue, curry, and much more!

Union Station Farmers Market

Union Station Train-to-Table Farmers Market Union Station 800 N Alameda St Los Angeles, CA 90012

Union Station has partnered with California Certified Farmers Markets to bring the Train-to-Table Farmers Market to Union Station’s South Patio. Every Thursday from noon – 6pm, the market features a wide array of fresh, local fruits and vegetables as well as fresh-cut flowers, artisanal baked bread, roasted coffee, and a host of small bites for a mid-day snack or dinner on the commute home. Playing to the strengths of the California climate, the historic South Patio opened in 1939 and was designed as a formal garden through which travelers (and often celebrities) exited the station. The expansive patio, featuring towering palm trees and an iconic 100-foot-tall clock tower, has evolved into a vibrant meeting place for Angelenos. The Train-to-Table Farmers Market is part of Union Station’s diverse lineup of unique events, festivals, thought-provoking cultural programs and live music throughout the year.

 

Calling All Carnivores! Where to Get Your Protein Fix in DTLA

Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to sink your teeth into a juicy burger or succulent steak! Go ahead and indulge your carnivorous cravings. Meat has all the nine essential amino acids you need in order to build and rebuild every cell in your body. A satisfying meat-a-palooza also makes you feel better, by boosting pleasure-inducing dopamine and soothing serotonin.

Whether you prefer a classic burger, hearty Brazilian-style feast, smoky BBQ chow-down, or an elegant steakhouse dinner, you can eat your fill of meaty goodness in DTLA. Meat not your thing, but you still want to tag along with your friends? You’ll never starve in this town! Scan the menu for fresh salads, veggie burgers, healthy sides – and save room for dessert!

Cassells

Cassell’s Hamburgers DTLA 421 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Fans of Cassell’s Hamburgers in mid-Wilshire have reason to rejoice! Late last year, founders Christian Page, Jingbo Lou, and Elia Aboumrad completed their takeover of the former Pellicola Pizzeria in Downtown LA, conveniently located right next to the iconic Golden Gopher bar. Cassell’s downtown outpost features their renowned patty melt, along with some new menu items, such as chicken cutlet sandwich on ciabatta roll, hoagie with nitrate-free meats and provolone, and ice cream shakes using McConnell’s ice cream.

H&H Brazilian

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

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 from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. to the American market. H&H is committed to working with only the best suppliers, serving top-quality organic, grass-fed meat and local produce that you can enjoy with unique wines from South America. The menu caters to nearly every food preference with a variety of beef, lamb, pork and chicken dishes. The extensive salad bar presents gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings as well.

brisket

L.A. Brisket 736 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

A popular destination originating in Artesia, L.A. Brisket recently opened a spiffy brick-and-mortar location in Chinatown. The restaurant specializes in hand crafted snadwiches loaded with all natural meat sold by the pound, with house BBQ sauce and bread. The menu offers brisket, chicken, pulled pork, pork ribs, and BBQ Bowls served with LA slaw, salsa verde, garlic, and jasmine rice. Sides include elote (grilled Mexican corn), French fries, truffle fries, and sweet potato fries.

Moos

Moo’s Craft BBQ at Smorgasburg 787 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Perhaps the best underground barbecue cooking in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue is smoking up a storm every Sunday at Smorgasburg ROW DTLA. The Texas-styled menu includes classics like ribs and brisket, with owners Michelle and Andrew Muñoz at the helm. Launched in June of 2016, Smorgasburg LA has become the largest weekly open-air food market in Los Angeles, attracting 8,000 to 12,000 attendees every Sunday, year round. Located on the five-acre site of the weekday 7th Street Produce Market in ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg LA features over 90 food vendors, a beer garden offering local craft beer and micheladas, live DJs, cultural events, pop-ups, and sophisticated shopping including design, craft, style, vintage, wellness, and more. Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Love Hour

Love Hour at  Smorgasburg 787 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

While you’re at  Smorgasburg, be sure to stop by Love Hour – featuring the smash-style patty that has become the new standard for street and backyard pop ups around town. The first permanent burger tent at Smorgasburg, Love Hour offers a minimalist menu comprised of single and double patty smash burgers and fries. The meat is pressed thin and cooked on a grill at a high heat, which sears in the flavor and creates a delicious crusty exterior.

Belcampo Meat Co., butcher shop and restaurant at Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA.

Belcampo Meat Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Part country cafe and part full-service butcher shop, Belcampo Meat presents organic, grass-fed meats that have been raised on their own 10,000 acre ranch near Mount Shasta, and custom-butchered in house. Grab a seat at their modern-meets-retro counter service diner for breakfast or lunch. Indulge in the signature organic grass-fed burgers while people watching and enjoying a glass of beer or wine. Or stop by after work to pick up their ever-changing rotation of Grab & Go foods, or convenient reheat & eat options to bring home for dinner.

La Boucherie

La Boucherie 900 Wilshire Blvd Fl 71 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Elevate your evening with an unforgettable dinner at La Boucherie at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, which occupies 37 floors of the Wilshire Grand Center. The Wine Spectator award-winning steakhouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles and a delectable menu featuring reimagined dishes,  premium steaks, and first-rate seafood sourced from around the globe. The restaurant also features a cheese cave and charcuterie atelier, complemented by offerings from the extensive, award-winning wine list of 1,200 different types, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of private dining rooms or discrete Starlight Booths.

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.