DTLA’s Hottest Spots for the Art of the Craft Cocktail

Cocktails are going beyond the blender!  Mixology – the refined and in-depth study of the art and craft of mixing drinks – is diving deeper into the chemistry behind our favorite adult beverages. Top bartenders are creating innovative libations, often using unique, housemade, or historical ingredients, and upping their game giving classic cocktails a new twist. Time to wet your whistle and explore DTLA’s hottest spots for the Art of the Craft Cocktail.

Apotheke

Apotheke 1746 North Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Backed up against the LA River and the underpass that leads into Lincoln Heights, Apotheke exudes an air of mystery where speakeasy meets Absinthe bar. Once you’ve found the unmarked entrance on Doyers Street, make your way to the back bar, which holds rows of tinted pharmacist’s vials with hand-lettered Latin labels. In keeping with the apothecary theme, the cocktail menu is described as a “prescription list,” and offers categories based on healing properties rather than alcohol selection. For those who take their cure seriously, the establishment offers Apotheke Academy, featuring interactive hands-on mixology and cocktail classes on-site. Upon completion, each guest may purchase Apotheke’s full service mixology kit to recreate cocktails at home. Courses are also available for off-site private events. For more information Reservations@ApothekeLA.com

The Wolves

The Wolves 519 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

Situated in the historic Alexandria Hotel in the heart of DTLA, The Wolves is a breathtaking homage to the Parisian Art Nouveau salons of the early 1900s. Designed with period antiques from across America, the restaurant boasts the only balcony dining inside and outside on Spring Street. The vibe is an elegant yet approachable gathering place, with a live performance stage located in the back for guests to experience vaudevillian theater, performance art, and live music. Whiskey and cocktail enthusiast Kevin Lee makes all the vermouths, bitters, and liqueurs, using seasonal produce and local ingredients to emulate the European originals, but with a distinctive Southern California context.

Rudolph's

Rudolph’s Bar & Tea The Freehand 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014

Try a new take on tea!  Located in the Freehand Hotel lobby, Rudolph’s Bar & Tea offers an intriguing bar menu built around tea-infused cocktails, alongside full tea service and light bites. The bar is a nod to Rudolph Rosenberg, once the owner and operator of the Commercial Exchange Building that now houses Freehand LA. Stop by for Happy Hour, happening every day from 4-6pm, offering tasty tidbits such as hummus & tahini, marinated olives, crab croquettes, and their signature Exchange Burger.

alameda cocktail club

The Alameda Cocktail Club 757 Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

If you’re looking for some interesting libations, try The Alameda Cocktail Club, now open at The Alameda Supper Club. The 28-seat outdoor bar features signature cocktails such as the Celine Dijon with tequila reposado, pineapple mostarda and Lillet Blanc; The Giuseppe, made with grappa, italicus rosolio, verjus and prosecco; the Rhu Tang, made with clarified rhubarb, vodka, lime, zucca and rosé; and the Cel Me This Pen, made with celery kombucha, bourbon, falernum and lemon. The Alameda Supper Club is housed within The Manufactory LA, a collaborative project where good friends are creating amazing food and warm experiences.

firehouse hotel

Arts District Firehouse Hotel 710 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021

One of DTLA’s newest additions, Arts District Firehouse Hotel is an independent boutique hotel, restaurant, event space and coffee bar housed in a historic 1927 firehouse. An extensive covered patio running the length of the building contains the bulk of the bar and restaurant seating. A destination to drink, dine and dwell, The Firehouse Hotel promises a fresh take on the urban adventure.

Here & Now

Here and Now Cocktail Bar 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. Suite N Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here and Now is a new bar and restaurant located at the south end of the Arts District’s One Santa Fe building. This hip hangout features train-style booths, swanky travel-inspired drinks, and a playful small plates menu. Cocktails range from high octane mezcal and tequila mixes to variations on Planter’s Punch, French 75, and even an Espresso Martini.

redbird web

Redbird 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser’s flagship restaurant Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana – the cathedral-turned-event-venue which is also owned and operated by the Frasers. An extensive cocktail menu by Tobin Shea features well-balanced, bespoke renditions of the classics and has garnered him awards such as Time Out’s Best Restaurant Bar Program in 2017. Wine Director Josh Wibbenmeyer’s wine list is well rounded with great finds from both established and emerging wine regions throughout the world, and has received many awards including “Top 100 wine restaurants in the United States” by Wine Enthusiast and the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator.

Bar Clacson

Bar Clacson 351 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Neighboring Grand Central Market, Bar Clacson showcases a program of masterfully crafted classic cocktails, which received a James Beard nomination, accompanied by a menu of European fare including cheese & charcuterie boards and paninis. The space boasts an indoor petanque (bocce) court, allowing guests to sip their drinks while playing the quintessential European game.

nomad

Giannini Bar NoMad Hotel LA 649 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located on the corner of 7th and Olive Street, The NoMad Hotel resides in the historic building, Giannini Place. Originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for The Bank of Italy, the building’s gold and blue Italianate lobby ceiling has been fully restored and serves as inspiration throughout. Situated just off the main lobby, The Giannini Bar is named for Amadeo Giannini, founder of The Bank of Italy, who originally commissioned the building for his corporate headquarters. Handsome and well-appointed, the bar features a wide selection of classic and proprietary cocktails crafted by the NoMad’s award-winning Bar Director, Leo Robitschek, who along with his team, received the honor of “America’s Best Bar Team” at the 2017 Spirited Awards.

Get Ready For Summer! LA’s Best Food, Festivals & Fun Things To Do

Summer in the city has arrived! With balmy nights, idyllic afternoons, and lazy weekends ahead, LA has got you covered! From free concerts to food festivals, night markets, and cultural events, get ready for the best summer yet!

FIG Fest

FIGFest Fig at 7th 735 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Celebrating its seventh year as one of DTLA’s best free music series, FIGFest will once again transform FIGat7th’s outdoor Plaza into an urban concert venue brought to life with performances by leading rock, hip-hop, pop, soul, dance, and electronic artists. Every Friday in June from 6pm-11pm. Free & All Ages.

row dtla

Market at The Terminal The ROW  777 Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Curated and produced by Local LA at ROW DTLA, Market at the Terminal is a great way to spend a summer Saturday! This fun day-time event presents over 50 vendors; beer, wine & spirits garden; live music; and pop-up food & dessert trucks. Second Saturdays: June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14.

Noir Night

Noir Night – The Last Book Store 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

June 11 Join local authors Doug Cooper, Erik Tarloff, Frank Strausser, Sean Carswell, Gary Phillips (The Obama Inheritance), and Phoef Sutton for a night of quintessential LA noir mystery. Authors will be presenting their own work as well answering any and all noir questions. Sponsored by The Last Bookstore in cooperation with Prospect Park Books and Rare Bird Lit.

LA Beer Week

LA Beer Week Various locations

June 15-23 L.A. Beer Week was founded in 2009 by a group of dedicated beer enthusiasts and community members. Entering its 11th year in 2019, L.A. Beer Week will be produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, an 80+ brewery strong non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the culture of LA beer. LA Beer Week will feature an L.A. Brewers Beer Week Kickoff festival at Los Angeles Center Studios on Saturday, June 15th, which will be the flagship to a week’s worth of great events all throughout the City of Angels. Calendar of events here.

Hollywood bowl

KCRW World Festival at The Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Kicks off June 16 Now celebrating its 20th season at the Bowl, KCRW’s World Festival presents cutting-edge artists making music on a global scale.The popular collaboration between KCRW and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association features your favorite hosts, including Jason Bentley, Ann Litt, Garth Trinidad, with the LA Phil conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.

Good Food Gala

Good Food Gala Vibiana 214 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

June 20 Join the Los Angeles Food Policy Council for their biannual fundraiser, the Good Food Gala at the spectacular Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. Celebrate Southern California’s bounty with craft cocktails and tastings by the region’s finest chefs and farmers, as DJ Raul Campos of KCRW spins soulful, fresh sounds into the summer night and Eddie Zamora, Founder of The Yum Yum Foodie and TV host of Dinner Takes All, wows as Master of Ceremonies. All star chefs include Neal Fraser of Redbird, Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill, Jimmy Shaw of Loteria Grill, Shruti Raychull Patel and Jose Vazquez of Eastside Eats, Bret & Lucy Thompson of Pez Cantina, and more. All proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, and support their mission to ensure food is healthy, affordable, sustainable and fair for all Angelenos.

Leviit

50 Free Concerts – Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park 2230 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

This summer, Angelenos can escape the routine bustle of the city and retreat to Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles for a jam-packed season of 50 free concerts! Entering its 13th year, Levitt LA transforms MacArthur Park into a sonically-charged urban oasis presenting free, live music under the stars with award-winning and emerging artists. The electrifying 2019 lineup features more internationally touring performers than ever before and spotlights LA’s own superstar talent across a wide range of music genres including Latin, indie, rock, R&B, soul, ska, Afrobeat and many more.

Tacotopia

Tacotopia Third Street Promenade 1254 3rd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Tacotopia is a larger than life playground presented by Cholula Hot Sauce, a hybrid amusement park and Taco Festival all rolled up into a funky, Tacotastic, immersive exhibit.The imaginative experience is fun for all ages, and for all the non-taco lovers out there, if that exists, there are plenty of swoon worthy photo opportunities throughout the exhibit that aren’t tacocentric. The space features more than twenty-five unique environments with larger-than-life installations ranging from the Goddess of Tacos to an oversized bowl of Guac.

Little Tokyo Night Market

Little Tokyo Night Market Aratani Theater Plaza 320 E. 2nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Little Tokyo Night Market is held every Thursday night in the heart of Little Tokyo. The event features music, cultural performances, artists, crafters, antiques, collectibles and of course FOOD! Lots and lots of food. The perfect place to spend a balmy summer evening in the city!

Discover DTLA’s Craft Tequila & Mezcal Bars

Mezcal is rising in popularity in American bars and tequila lovers are taking note. While the two Mexican spirits are both made from agave, there are key differences between these two beverages. Essentially, all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas. Tequila is a type of mezcal, which is defined as any agave-based liquor. However, tequila and mezcal are made from different agaves, produced in different regions, and distilled differently. Vive la difference!

Getting thirsty? Now that we’ve piqued your interest, It’s time to discover DTLA’s craft tequila and mezcal bars!

Las Perlas

Las Perlas 107 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Las Perlas, the nation’s first mezcal bar, opened in March 2010 in the historic Sante Fe building at Sixth & Main in DTLA. This Oaxacan style cantina exists as a living tribute to Mexico’s native spirit, mezcal, with the finest selection of more than 400 premium agave spirits in the United States. Las Perlas cocktails arrive garnished with everything from wild hibiscus flowers to the Oaxacan delicacy of spicy, roasted chapulinas, while also offering ice cold Mexican cerveza.

broken shaker

Broken Shaker Freehand Hotel 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014

An oasis in the heart of Downtown LA, Broken Shaker, located on the Freehand Hotel rooftop pool deck, offers an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city.

Rosa Mexicano

Rosa Mexicano 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Rosa Mexicano offers a wide array of tequila and mezcals. With close to 100 varieties, you’re certain to find something to quench your thirst. From the signature pomegranate margarita, to your favorite classic cocktail reimagined with mezcal, you’ll enjoy a truly unique experience in every glass. Enjoy your cocktail at the bar, with a selection from the botanas menu (bar snacks), or imbibe in the dining room. Let the cocktail menu be your guide or bring your own spirited inspiration. The bartenders will not disappoint!

Pez Cantina

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

Pez Cantina is a sustainable Coastal Mexican-style restaurant and bar serving the freshest sea-to-land dishes in an oasis-type atmosphere. Inspired by his travels to Loreto, a sleepy fishing town in Baja California, Mexico, and his marriage into a Mexican family, Chef Bret Thompson captures the complexity and spirit of the food he has developed a strong love and passion for. Pez Cantina’s 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 menu.   

Love Song Bar

The Love Song Bar 450 S Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

This charming, cozy bar offers eclectic decor, vinyl records spinning cool music, friendly bartenders, and solid craft cocktails. Adjacent to the Regent Theatre and next door to Prufrock Pizzeria, you can order pizza from the bar and they’ll bring it right over. Whether you’re catching a show at The Regent or bar-hopping in the area, Love Song Bar is a great spot to stop and chill.

broken spanish

Broken Spanish 1050 S Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Following the evolution of its chef, Ray Garcia, a classically trained chef born and raised in Los Angeles, Broken Spanish offers an amalgamation of new ideas with the powerful influence of his Latin upbringing. Drawing inspiration and flavors from a diverse community, Broken Spanish presents a distinct culinary perspective with an elevated contribution to a bountiful culinary history.The cuisine is expressed in bold yet refined flavors, demonstrating elements of long-established traditions, while finished dishes are showcased with modern appeal. The bar offers an aromatic selection of tequilas, mezcals, and intriguing craft cocktails.

Veranda

Veranda Hotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St #500 Los Angeles, CA 90015

Just in time for summer, Chef Adrian Garcia is serving an authentic Mexican popup menu, befitting the tropical vibe at Veranda, DTLA’s urban oasis at Hotel Figueroa. Cocktelier Dushan Zaric has created an agave program that spotlights some of Mexico’s finest tequila and mezcal distillers and their unique takes on the craft. Mixed with house-made ingredients, such as grapefruit and hibiscus cordials, and mango sangrita, the cocktails complement Chef Garcia’s cuisine. Kick back poolside and toast this season with a fresh fruit margarita or snifter of Tequila. Salud y buen provecho!

Mezcalero

Mezcalero 510 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

The name that says it all! Mezcalero is a small, laid-back joint in the heart of DTLA, presenting a dizzying selection of mezcal. tequila and other agave spirits, along with craft beer and Mexican street food. The down to earth staff, lead by mixologist Nathan McCullough, loves sharing and shaking up our cocktails while generating a welcoming environment for all. Mezcalero offers daily happy hour specials, Taco Tuesday parties, and Sunday brunch. So come on by any day of the week and experience the local love and dedication. Salud!

Bar Ama

Bar Amá 118 W 4th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

This Tex Mex hot spot will tingle your tummy with specialities like fideo and borracho beans with cilantro and pork belly, simmering on the stove. Chef Josef Centeno created Bar Amá as his interpretation of the food he was nurtured on by the women who raised him, and the menu reflects that comfortable sense of home. The bar offers a great selection of tequilas and mezcals, along with absinthe, whiskey, gin, beer, wine, and more.

LA’s Best Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations

Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick off to summer! Shut down your computer, unplug your mind, and get ready for a three day party! From concerts to outdoor movies, dancing, cultural festivals, and tributes to our fallen heroes, you’ll find the best Memorial Day Celebrations happening all across L.A.

Angel City Brewery

Angel City Brewery Heritage Fest 216 S Alameda St., Los Angeles 90012

Angel City Brewery’s Annual Celebration is back! On Sunday May 26, from 12 – 6:00 pm, the popular brewpub will be raiding their cellar to bring you speciality flights and vertical tastings of barrel aged beers, as well as Quadratic Formula, Imperial Irish Red, Mattole River, and Belligerent Bloke. Food options include Downtown Taco Co. and Craft Pizza. Groove to music with Jam in the Van. Observe live mural painting by Art of Leah Smithson. Explore New Art Tours of Angel City Brewery, featuring an exclusive, educational tasting/tour of the building, its art, and the artists who have left their mark on their four walls. Free tickets available here

Rooftop Cinema

Rooftop Cinema Club 888 S. Olive St., Los Angeles 90014

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with cinema under the stars at LEVEL in the heart of DTLA. Rooftop Cinema Club offers a premier outdoor movie experience with panoramic views, spectacular sunsets, and state-of-the-art wireless headphones. This May is a salute to the 80s with a selection classics from the decade. But don’t worry, if the 80s aren’t your thing, there’s nore in the line up – from 90s, to musicals, to new releases. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., allowing plenty of time to grab your headphones and blanket, pick a deckchair, and enjoy awesome cocktails, delicious food, fun games and city views at sunset.

ace hotel dtla

Ace Hotel DTLA 929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 90015

Ace Hotel DTLA has events happening throughout the long weekend, starting on Friday, May 24 with UK festival regulars, Smooth Sailing spinning upstairs. Next door, The Theatre at Ace Hotel presents Sasha Velour: Smoke & Mirrors The Live Show. On Saturday, Upstairs hosts Home Bass, a party by women representing all facets of Electronic music featuring guest DJ NOIR with residents Spiñorita, DJ Dolorez, and Alley Gorgon. On Memorial Day, Motown On Mondays presents California Sol, a free daytime rooftop soirée taking place at Upstairs from 2pm-10pm. Sets by the MOM residents plus special guests DJ Day, Young Einstein and Caserta; poolside vibes by Scratchin Beg and Clifton.

The Reserve

Memorial Day Weekend Spectacular @THE RESERVE DTLA 650 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Celebrate the holiday weekend and kickoff to summer at the biggest Memorial Day party in Los Angeles! THE RESERVE has established itself as one of the hottest clubs in DTLA, with luxurious amenities, large capacity, state of the art sound and light, and overall refined taste. This promises to be an incredible evening, with two rooms of music: Hip Hop + Reggaeton. Free admission until 11pm. RSVP required. Bottle Service is available. Contact 310.651.0599 and text “RESERVE MDW”

NKOTB

New Kids On The Block @Hollywood Bowl 2301 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068

It’s hard to beat a night of music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl to celebrate the iconic LA experience. On Sunday, May 26, the Bowl presents New Kids On the Block: The Mixtape Tour, with special guests Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson and Naughty By Nature. Pack a picnic or enjoy the Bowl’s culinary program, brought to life by James Beard Award Winning chef Suzanne Goin and restauranteur Caroline Styne, of celebrated local restaurants such as Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern, and The Larder.

Spire 73

Spire 73 Memorial Day Weekend Celebration 900 Wilshire Boulevard FL 73 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Celebrate Memorial Day all weekend long at Spire 73, the tallest open-air rooftop bar in the Western Hemisphere. Beginning Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26, enjoy drink specials, live entertainment by the resident DJ, and outdoor grilling on Sunday. Located on the 73rd floor of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.

IOWA1

Memorial Day Remembrance at Battleship IOWA 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro 90731

Join Battleship IOWA and crew this Memorial Day to honor and remember our service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. The day begins with a remembrance ceremony featuring invited guests and Battleship IOWA staff. This free community event features DJ, live music, food trucks, and military vehicles on display. San Pedro Brewing Co. will have beverages for sale all day. Known as the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship” because of her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity and modernization flexibility, Battleship IOWA is anchored at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro and is renowned as an award-winning museum and must-see tour attraction.

Queen Mary

The Queen Mary Salute to Service 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, California 90802

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend aboard the legendary Queen Mary! Salute to Service is a three-day event to honor and remember those who have served, and pay homage to the Queen Mary’s duty as a troopship during WWII. Attendees will experience historical reenactments and demonstrations, appearances by beloved historical figures, ship tours, exhibits, film screenings, and special lectures.

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.

Fun & Frolics: Expect the Unexpected in LA!

Los Angeles is full of surprises…and this May is no exception! It’s time to branch out and discover some new neighborhoods, venues and experiences. Fun and frolics abound if you just know where to look! From molecular cocktail making classes to money-themed pop ups, wacky immersive installations, indoor miniature golf, and even a secret retro hi-fi lounge, you can always expect the unexpected in LA!

Stacks House

Stacks House LA 2018 East 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

Come play with money! Stacks House is a ground-breaking experiential pop-up with a purpose, designed to promote financial independence. Like pop-up sensations Museum of Ice Cream, Color Factory and 29 Rooms, Stacks House is a visual spectacle, sensory experience, and Instagram playground housed in 11,000 square feet of stunning interactive, money-themed rooms like a Debt Boxing Gym, Retirement Rodeo, Stacks Salon, Gold Bar and Money Moves Room. The goal is for attendees to walk away with more confidence, financial literacy and inspiration for their path forward. Stacks House has been featured in The New Yorker, Forbes, Refinery 29, The Cut and more.

Mad Hatter

Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party 1661 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90028

The Mad Hatter, Dormouse, and Hare are teaming up to unleash teatime mayhem with an immersive 1.5 hour-long molecular cocktail making experience! Prepare to go mad at one of their boozy tea parties, all taking place in a secret Wonderland garden! Begin your journey down the rabbit hole and let your mad hosts guide you through concocting a selection of tantalizing tea party cocktails made with the most curious ingredients. But do remember — if you don’t know where you are going, then it doesn’t much matter which way you go… Just be sure that you’re not late!

Sheeps Clothing

In Sheep’s Clothing 710 E 4th Pl. (within Lupetti Pizzeria) Los Angeles, CA 90013

Where can you find a cool cocktail bar and retro hi-fi lounge in DTLA? Why hidden behind a nondescript door at an Arts District pizzeria, of course! Just another unexpected surprise in our fair city. Inspired by Japan’s kissaten – audio-focused lounges and coffee shops – In Sheep’s Clothing is an eclectic listening lounge and drinking den where the Japanese whiskey pours to experimental jazz records that spin on vintage turntables and heard through a pair of 1973 Klipsch speakers. With roughly 1,500 records spinning, the concept rotates throughout the day, from morning Coffee Culture to the full-on bar and listening experience starting at dusk.

Upside Down House

Upside Down House Museum of 3D Illusions 6751 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Coming soon to the Museum of 3D Illusions is a brand new exhibit, the Upside Down House! We know everyone has an idea of their perfect dream house, but you’ve never dreamed of anything like this. Featuring seven different interactive upside down rooms: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and more, you’ll finally find out what it’s like to walk on walls. Amaze your friends and family when they see you dancing on the ceiling. And you won’t be bored sitting on the couch when it’s hanging above you.

wonderworld

The Wonderworld 7080 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Down the rabbit hole we go! Originally located at the historic NYC studio of Andy Warhol, The Wonderworld is an immersive exhibition that invites you into a realm of fantasy. You will be wandering in six exquisitely well-designed installation spaces by New York based artists, and capturing and sharing your dreamy moments on Instagram. Explore a mushroom garden, steep in a giant teacup, splash in the bubble swimming pool, and soar to the moon. Share your experience on Instagram by tagging @WonderWorldSpace #MyWonder. Otherwise, was it just a dream?

i like scary movies

I Like Scary Movies The Desmond 5514 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

I Like Scary Movies is the experience that all scary movie fans have been dreaming of – a groundbreaking immersive art installation that is a true celebration of some of the most beloved horror films. Here’s a unique opportunity for fans to interact and enjoy the films that they love in a completely new way, with amazing photo opportunities to share with their friends. Go back to The Shining, where you can “sink” into the infamous carpet from the Overlook hotel, before wandering through Beetlejuice’s graveyard on your way to the Netherworld Waiting Room. Feel the fear as you enter Freddy’s boiler room from A Nightmare on Elm St. and then revisit The Lost Boys on your way to Pennywise’s lair. You’ll never look at a scary movie the same way again.

Miniature Golf

Hole 19 Miniature Golf Pop-Up Bar 314 N Harper Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Hole 19 Miniature Golf Bar is a long forgotten 1900’s British Golf Club Pop-Up. This temporary, crowd-funded event features 9 holes for now, and will give you a taste of what the permanent location could be like. Located on the cusp of West Hollywood, you can step inside, quench your thirst with adult beverages, and enjoy all the charm that the Signature Golf Course and Clubhouse Bar and Signature Golf Course have to offer. The Signature Golf Course is covered in luscious greenery, rustic wood and overgrown vines, with fairy lights hanging from the rafters. You can even enjoy a tipple or two as you play!

Something’s Fishy! DTLA’s Best Sushi, Sashimi & Sake

First settled in the late 1800s, Little Tokyo has grown into a bustling hub of delectable food options, exciting nightlife, world-class museums, and eclectic shopping. A major attraction is the restaurant and bar scene, offering an authentic Japanese experience in the heart of the city. From cozy family-owned sushi bars, to hipster hangs, exclusive high-end establishments, and even Japanese cooking classes, you’ll find the best sushi, sashimi, and sake in DTLA!

Hayato

Hayato 1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles, CA 90021

This small gustatory gem is all about creating a personal connection and intimate dining experience, as if you were invited into a friend’s home. Dinner is served by the chefs themselves, at one of eight counter seats in front of an open kitchen. For guests who prefer more privacy, a single table in a private tatami seating area is available by special request. The nightly omakase tasting menu menu consists of approximately ten dishes focused on the best fresh seafood available. Hayato uses the five Japanese cooking techniques (sashimi, grilling, steaming, frying and simmering) to produce simple dishes that derive their complexity from the quality of the ingredients. Dinner usually lasts about two and a half hours, but guests are welcome to ask the staff to pick up the pace or slow things down, as they wish.

3rd Generation Sake Bar

Third Generation Sake Bar 808 W. 7th St. Los Angeles, Ca 90017

Located in the heart of DTLA’s Financial District, 3rd Generation Sake Bar serves small plates of popular Japanese dishes and sake in a simple, polished wood-infused room. Specialties include ramen, sushi hand rolls, poke bowls, dumplings, and octopus fritters. Wednesday is Sake Night, featuring $3 Sake Glass & 1/2 off Sake Bottles from their excellent selection of Japanese imports.

Sake Dojo

Sake Dojo 333 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

From the owners of Far Bar (and just a few doors down), Sake Dojo is an immersive dining and drinking sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of DTLA’s Little Tokyo. The name Dojo means a hall or space for intensive learning or meditation – the term literally means “Place of the Way” in Japanese. The food is authentic Japanese-style, with a modern culinary twist. Beverages consist of a large selection of craft Japanese sakes, whiskeys and beers.

sushi zo

Sushi Zo 334 S Main St, Los Angeles 90013

Sushi Zo features “Omakase,” a Japanese-style chefs’ choice meal, presenting customers with seasonal dishes, using the highest quality and freshest natural ingredients. The balance between the neta (seafood) and shari (sushi rice) is the most important aspect of sushi. Each day, seafood products are carefully selected, prepared and served at their flavor peak, using a perfectly matched accompaniment for the particular neta, which may include a unique soy sauce, sea salt and other ingredients. The shari (rice) is meticulously cooked, seasoned with a unique blend of vinegars and served at body temperature, to create the perfect partner to the nata. The goal is Ittai-kan – when the neta and shari unite in perfect harmony.

KazuNori

KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar 421 South Main Street, Los Angeles 90013

KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar was created with the idea that the experience of eating hand rolls is truly something special and worthy of its own restaurant. Created by Sushi Nozawa Group, the Los Angeles-based restaurant group behind Sugarfish and  Nozawa Bar, KazuNori is the first restaurant of its kind to focus exclusively on hand rolls. The restaurant serves only the freshest fish, along with specially harvested seaweed, house made sauces, and their signature warm rice.

Foodstory

Japanese Cooking Classes at Foodstory 810 S Spring St #1204, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Yoko Isassi came up with Foodstory cooking classes as a way to pass on what she learned about Japanese food culture from her grandmother, great Japanese chefs in Japan and the US, her friends, favorite books, and fellow food lovers. Foodstory offers more than a dozen cooking classes including ramen, bento box, plant-based dishes, noodles, and the art of tea. She also organizes cooking and tasting tours at Japanese markets in Little Tokyo. Most classes are limited to 10 people with some exceptions. Classes usually last around 3 hours including dining time. Book your class here.

Sushi Go 55

Sushi Go 55 333 S Alameda St, Ste 317 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located on the top floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria Market, Sushi Go 55 has been a Little Tokyo fixture for nearly 60 years. Owned by the Morishita family, “America’s First Family of Sushi,” Sushi Go 55 was a pioneer in bringing sushi to America, with the mission to provide a memorable experience as if you stepped into a sushi bar in Japan. This cozy establishment focuses on the highest quality fish, flown in fresh from Japan and all over the world.

Shojin

Shojin 333 Alameda St #310, Los Angeles 90013

Fish not your thing? Shojin is a vegetarian option, serving organic, gluten free Japanese vegan and macrobiotic dining, washed down with a heady selection of sake, beer and champagne. Their vision is to provide the most flavorful and naturally preserved meals using natural foods with no chemical seasonings and harmful additives. With personal service in a warm, friendly and relaxing atmosphere, Shojin offers a community setting to help guests understand the importance of healthy eating habits to achieve a rewarding lifestyle.

Go Take a Hike! LA’s Urban Parks & Hidden Trails

Celebrate Earth Day by communing with nature! You don’t have to travel far to get your green fix – our city is a variable Eden of urban parks, hidden hiking trails, mountain retreats, and gorgeous gardens, many within sight of the LA skyline! The Los Angeles River,  the original source of life for our city, is undergoing an epic revitalization, creating diverse recreational improvements such as green space, bike paths, sports fields, public art, and more. Friends of the Los Angeles River offers many opportunities for you to help transform the river into a public gathering place for all Angelenos. Feeling inspired? Go take a hike – and discover LA’s best urban parks and hidden trails!

LA State Historic Park

Los Angeles Historic State Park 1245 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Following a multi-year restoration, Los Angeles State Historic Park reopened on Earth Day in 2017. Often referred to as the “Central Park of Los Angeles,” the 34-acre green space is situated next to the Chinatown Metro Gold LIne stop, at the midpoint of an evolving 52-mile Los Angeles River greenway. Formerly referred to as “the Cornfield” by locals, the park is now home to grassland, orange trees, public art, and a mile-long run/walk trail. If you’re not taking the Metro, parking is available inside the park, as well as on the streets and in nearby lots.

Albion Riverside Park

Albion Riverside Park 1739 Albion St, Los Angeles, CA 90031

The newest addition to the city’s park system, Albion Riverside Park celebrated its Grand Opening just last month – reconnecting the Lincoln Heights community with the Los Angeles River. Located at the corner of Albion Street and Avenue 17, the six-acre park sits directly across the river from the Los Angeles State Historic Park, which transformed a former rail yard into public green space. Albion Riverside park offers a range of features including athletic fields, fitness equipment, walking paths, playgrounds, a picnic area, and a river observation area with a bioswale.

Debs Park

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park 4235 Monterey Road Los Angeles, CA 90032

If you’re like most Angelenos, you’ve probably zoomed past this park just off the 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway countless times and never knew it was hiding in plain sight! Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, a 300 acre urban oasis on old ranch land in the Arroyo Seco neighborhood just northeast of downtown LA, is the fourth largest park in the city of Los Angeles. More than half of the park is covered in walnut-oak woodland, grassland, and coastal sage scrub, and over 140 species of birds have been recorded. A five mile loop meanders through almost every section of this dog-friendly park. Along the way, you’ll discover barbecue pits, picnic tables, a bike path, and a pond where you can actually go fishing. Stop by the Audubon Center at Debs Park, which  opened in 2003 as an environmental education and conservation center and was the first LEED platinum certified building in the country.

Corralitas Rail Path

Corralitas Rail Path Allesandro Way & Lake View Avenue, Echo Park 90039

The Corralitas Rail Path is a little known urban hike that follows an abandoned Pacific Electric Red Car Trolley line that used to run between downtown Los Angeles and the city of Glendale. Abandoned in 1955. this mile-long strip has been reclaimed by nature and is now a verdant woodland in the densely populated Los Angeles suburb of Silver Lake-Elysian Valley. The trail begins on a modest street corner, where Allesandro Way makes a sharp left hand turn at the intersection of Lake View Avenue. There is a small sidewalk that continues along the canyon running parallel to the Glendale Freeway. In just under a tenth of a mile, the sidewalk approaches the end of Corralitas Drive, where a small open space reveals the first visible stretch of the old rail line, leading into a wooded canyon and eventually landing up on the hill behind the Arco station at Fletcher and Riverside Drives. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of a 100-foot tall trestle bridge, old water/sewer infrastructure, abandoned stair platforms, and a steep hill covered with strange cement obelisks. Not recommended for night hiking!

Elyria Canyon Park

Elyria Canyon Park 1550 Bridgeport Drive Los Angeles 90065

Nestled on the southwestern slopes of Mount Washington, Elyria Canyon Park is a 35-acre nature park that provides a glimpse into the native habitat that once thrived in the hills near downtown Los Angeles. A network of trails meanders through lush groves of coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland and purple needlegrass. The park boasts one of the finest examples of California black walnut woodland in Southern California, with lovely trails that lead to vistas of the Los Angeles River, Griffith Observatory, and DTLA. The main entrance is located off Wollam Street in Glassell Park. Leave the paved road for a dirt path through thickets of sumac and bay laurel trees. Keep zigging and zagging until you reach a grassy bowl, where you’ll find a bench and a welcoming drinking fountain. Walk a bit farther and to see a perfectly charming and totally unexpected little red farmhouse!

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

Los Angeles River Center & Gardens 570 W. Avenue 26 Los Angeles, CA 90065

The Los Angeles River Center & Gardens is located near the confluence of the Los Angeles River and the Arroyo Seco, close to Elysian Park and downtown Los Angeles. Its beautiful mission-style grounds and conference facilities serve as a focal point for the renewal of the Los Angeles River, and a prime location for community gatherings, educational conferences, and special events. In addition to the beautiful gardens, visitors can enjoy an exhibit hall that celebrates the eleven miles of natural river where reeds, willows, mulefat, and native riparian plants have returned. The self-guided exhibit describes the history of the Los Angeles River, its current status, and a vision for the River’s future. Located in the California Building, the exhibit hall is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 5PM, although it may be closed to the public for private events.

Eysian Park

Elysian Park 929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Elysian Park is the city’s oldest public park, and at 575-acres, the second largest after Griffith Park. It is home to numerous historic sites, including the Los Angeles Police Academy and Barlow Hospital, which are linked by miles of walking trails. Founded in 1886 by the Elysian Park Enabling Ordinance, the park has a rich history that includes hosting the shooting competition for the 1932 Summer Olympics. Visitor amenities include a bike path, hiking trail, horseshoe pits, and a jogging path.

Elysian Park Arboretum

Chavez Ravine Arboretum Chavez Ravine Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Chavez Ravine Arboretum in Elysian Park, just north of Dodger Stadium, contains more than 100 varieties of trees from around the world, including what are believed to be the oldest and largest Cape Chestnut, Kauri, and Tipu trees in the United States. The Arboretum was founded in 1893 by the Los Angeles Horticultural Society, and planting of rare trees continued through the 1920s. Most of the original trees are still standing. The Arboretum was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1967. Admission is free.

Police Academy Rock Garden

Los Angeles Police Academy Gardens 1880 North Academy Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90012

According to the Big Orange Landmarks blog, the Los Angeles Police Academy’s history in the Chavez Ravine area of Elysian Park goes back more than seventy-five years to when the Los Angeles Pistol Club was founded on more than twenty acres of leased city land. Today, that organization is known as the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club. The city took over training duties from the club in 1936, with the LAPD officially moving in and maintaining the site (the club is still there). In 1937, the club hired landscape artist Francois Scotti to design the beautiful public rock garden. replete with waterfalls, meandering flagstone paths, and carved stone benches. You might recognize the Police Academy and Rock Gardens as the location for many movie and TV filmings. This picturesque site is also popular for events such as weddings and reunions.

Discover DTLA’s Secret Bars & Speakeasies

Every city has its secrets and Downtown LA is no exception. If you dare to veer off the beaten path, you’ll discover a hidden world lurking beneath historic buildings, down mysterious staircases, behind old wooden walls, and in the dark recesses of derelict parking lots. Once you figure out how to get into these arcane spaces, you’ll be greeted by intriguing offerings like exotic craft cocktails, sumptuous Art Deco interiors, cool retro decor, groovin’ entertainment, and even arcade games. It’s time to lift the veil and discover DTLA’s secret bars and speakeasies!

the varnish

The Varnish 118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

If you’re hankering for that authentic speakeasy vibe, then get ye to The Varnish. Housed inside a refurbished storage room in Los Angeles’ oldest public house – Cole’s, The Originators of the French Dip Sandwich restaurant in downtown L.A. – The Varnish pays tribute to both classic and updated cocktails with a focus on thoughtful service and hospitality. Groove to live jazz and discover an unexpected memorial to Charles Bukowski in the men’s bathroom.

slipper clutch

The Slipper Clutch 1207, 351 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

To find this rock-themed speakeasy, you’ll first have to enter Bar Clacson at 351 S. Broadway. As you walk through Clacson, look for the sign that says “Highballs” with an arrow. Follow the arrow and you’ve made it to The Slipper Clutch, a fun and wacky hideaway featuring 80s-style neon lights, pinball machines, and Pac Man arcade games. Enjoy classic cocktails amidst the glowing graffiti while rocking out to a retro soundtrack.

songbird

Songbird Cafe 900 N Broadway #1050 at Blossom Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tucked behind Chinatown’s Blossom restaurant, Songbird is a coffee shop by day, morphing into a moody speakeasy by night. Brought to you by Scott Chen, who also operates Apt 503 in Koreatown, the cocktail program is equally exciting and ambitious. Unlike other craft cocktail programming that focuses on the more popular spirits, the Songbird bar program has a special section that focuses on bitters and amari, highlighting and featuring the depth and complexity of an often overlooked category in the cocktail kingdom. The space offers a slew of artistic driven live performances, showcasing music that canvases all genres.

The Rhythm Room

Rhythm Room 206 W 6th St BSMT, Los Angeles, CA 90014

As you descend the marble staircase into this subterranean bar oozing with history, you’ll feel transported back in time to another era. The expansive space extends over multi levels, and twists and turns into secretive little nooks and crannies. The lure of reasonably priced craft cocktails, coupled with regular live jazz, billiards, and occasional dancing has established The Rhythm Room as a popular DTLA hangout, steeped in the classic speakeasy spirit.

El Dorado

El Dorado 416 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located in the basement of El Dorado Lofts in DTLA’s Historic Core, this formerly dreary space has been transformed into a chic speakeasy, replete with tufted leather booths, intimate small tables, deep mahogany-colored wallpaper with gold embellishments, and provocative paintings above the booths. Classy but not pretentious, the cocktail program features house-made bitters and syrups to create a menu that is both unusual and fun.

Birds & Bees

Birds & Bees B, Basement, 207 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This secluded, buzzy lounge is known for new twists on classic cocktails with a midcentury-modern flair. A word of warning before you get too excited – while Birds and Bees is located at 207 South Broadway, you have to enter from the parking lot at 215 South Broadway. After you find the door, get ready to descend into a concrete tunnel and emerge in a space that looks like a bomb shelter tricked out with mid-century modern furniture. The excellent cocktails and cool atmosphere will make it all worthwhile.

crane's bar

Crane’s Bar 810 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Crane’s Bar is an intimate saloon hidden away in an abandoned bank vault in the old National City Bank Building. Walk down the stairs and you’ll enter a massive door leading into the vault, to be greeted by twinkle lights, DJs, and a new cocktail menu featuring some original Crane’s favorites along with some fresh surprises. Sop by for the laughs at their monthly comedy showcase. No cover charge.

the board room

The BoardRoom 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Who knew! Tucked beneath the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and hidden inside swanky Kendall’s Brasserie lies a cool craft cocktail bar. The BoardRoom celebrates an era of post-war French artistry, invention, and imagination – a lounge reserved for those who love the art of libations and the flow of song. Parking is available adjacent to The BoardRoom at The Music Center garage. Discounted rates starting at 8PM for $5.

Bar Alta

Bar Alta & Casbah Hotel Figueroa  939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled off the Hotel Figueroa lobby mezzanine, Bar Alta is a 26 seat bartender’s table cast in the warm glow of Art Deco-style and cut-glass chandeliers. Performance art meets mixology here – bartenders use tools like centrifuges and smokers to create some of DTLA’s most imaginative libations. Note that reservations are required. Ultimate discretion is the order of the day at Casbah, Bar Alta’s private room. Accessed by a sliding wooden bookcase that serves as a secret entrance from the Casablanca Suite, the space, which accommodates 50 people, is covered in mirrors and outfitted with leather, stone, natural wood, and luxe fabrics to create a one-of-a-kind, high-style hideaway.

Pacific Seas

Pacific Seas Clifton’s 648 S. Broadway Los Angeles CA 90014

Follow the secret staircase and you’ll find Pacific Seas, a tropical homage to the Golden Days of Travel. When Clifford Clinton opened the original Pacific Seas in 1932, he sought to nourish the public’s spirit, deeply demoralized by the effects of the Great Depression, believing that the intrigue of travel to far off places could give his guests a respite from their daily troubles. Today, Pacific Seas revives Clifton’s original vision. Through the Art Deco Map Room, guests find a celebration of the exotic, the mysterious, and the unknown; through a uniquely Californian take on the romance of South Seas Culture. The tiki-themed bar includes a full-sized boat, tiki-god totems, hanging lights, a rum-soaked cocktail menu, and live performances ranging from Polynesian dancers to 40s-style bands.

Celebrate LA! Food, Film, Festivals & Fairs

April is Earth Month! The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Twenty years later, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in more than 190 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.

It’s time to think globally and act locally! From Earth Day events and River Clean Ups, to food and film festivals, book fairs, and arts events, LA presents a multitude of opportunities to celebrate, give back, and have a lot of fun along the way!

Foodie Con

Foodie Con Magic Box @The Reef DTLA 1933 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007

Apr 6-7 Foodie Con is a two-day ‘Comic Con’ style convention featuring food exhibitors, product tastings, workshops, cooking demos, book signings, and more. Attendees will try, taste, and buy their way around LA’s ultimate consumer food and beverage event. Culinary enthusiasts can explore the latest culinary concepts and learn cooking techniques from renowned chefs. Although it’s not a sampling event, there will be quite a few vendors sampling products, and various food vendors will be on site selling a wide variety of food. There is no age limit to enter, but if you will be sampling or purchasing alcohol, a valid 21+ ID will be required.

LA Beer Fest

LA Beer Fest Los Angeles Center Studios 450 South Bixel St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

April 6 The 11th annual LA Beer Festival will feature dozens of international and domestic beers, over a dozen food trucks (food sold separately), as well as live entertainment. Admission is for only one session, so make sure to coordinate with friends before buying your ticket. General Admission includes unlimited beer tastings with food sold separately. Festival proceeds will benefit Noah’s Bark Dog Rescue, whose aim is to rescue dogs from shelters and find permanent homes for rescued pets. Proceeds from the event will go towards funding food, shelter, and veterinary bills for rescued pets.

masters of taste

Masters of Taste Pasadena Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103

April 7 Masters of Taste is a premier food and beverage festival held at the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. Join over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts and walk the Rose Bowl field while enjoying delicious, unlimited tastings from LA’s top Master Chefs and restaurants, craft cocktail bars, wineries and local breweries. The fourth annual event introduces an exciting new host chef concept, featuring Michael Hung (Faith & Flower) as the premier event host/ambassador. 100% of event proceeds benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) organization. Parking is available at the event, free of charge. Guests are encouraged to utilize a car service, such as taxi or rideshare, since this event does serve alcoholic beverages.

la times festival of books

LA Times Festival of Books University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90007

April 13-14 Since 1996, The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books has become a world renowned experience gathering writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians and emerging storytellers like no other. Today over 150,000 people attend, making it the largest festival of its kind in the United States. Don’t miss the 39th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony on April 12th! General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now.

Printed Matter

LA Art Book Fair The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 12-14 Printed Matter presents LA Art Book Fair, a unique event showcasing artists’ books, catalogues, monographs, periodicals and zines. Over 250 booksellers and independent publishers from 21 countries will convene to sell their products in this companion to New York’s Art Book Fair. Founded in 1976, Printed Matter, Inc. is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination, understanding and appreciation of artists’ books and related publications. Printed Matter’s online catalog contains records for approximately 45,000 titles, which includes inventory currently in stock and available for sale, as well as an archive of titles previously stocked.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area 15501 E Arrow Hwy.  Irwindale, CA 91706

Saturdays & Sundays April 6 thru May 19 Live out your Game of Thrones fantasies at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire! Begun in 1963 in Agoura, near Malibu, to create “living history” for school children and their families, the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has grown into an annual interactive playground and gallery for over 200,000 participants and guests, and has given birth to an industry nationwide. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and people watching is a major part of the Renaissance Faire experience. Fun and frolics include artisans, games, rides,  entertainment, food, pub crawl and Tea with the Queen.

Earth Day LA

Earth Day LA Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 11 Grand Park joins The Music Center and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power to celebrate Earth Day and offer Downtown L.A.’s residents, workers, and visitors ideas and solutions on how to live clean and go green. The annual event features performances, children’s recycled-art projects, e-waste collection, drought tolerant plant tours, plant giveaways, and demonstrations of the latest in green technology. All activities are free and open to the public.

TCM Festival

TCM Classic Film Festival Various venues

April 11-14 Held over four days in the heart of Hollywood, the TCM Classic Film Festival is the place where movie lovers from around the world can gather to experience classic movies as they were meant to be experienced: on the big screen, with the people who made them. TCM Classic Film Festival strives to be a place where a community of movie fans of all ages can share their love of classic movies with each other, make new friends and see films as they are seldom seen today. Venues for the TCM Classic Film Festival include some of the most iconic and storied sites in the history of motion pictures. All official Festival venues are within walking distances of each other.

FoLAR

The Great Los Angeles River Clean Up Various locations

April 13, 20 & 27 Join Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR) for their 30th Annual Great LA River Clean Up and contribute to a thriving River ecosystem! Every Earth Month, thousands of Angelenos work together to pull tons of trash from the LA River that would otherwise contaminate water, endanger wildlife, and stifle recreation experiences before dumping into our beaches. By spending just a few hours on the River in April, you can make an immediate positive impact on our neighborhoods, our urban environment, and the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1986, FOLAR is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to ensure a publicly accessible and ecologically sustainable Los Angeles River by inspiring River stewardship through community engagement, education, advocacy, and thought leadership. Ready to clean up? Sign up here.

Our LA Voices

Our L.A. Voices: Spring Arts Festival Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 27-28 Our L.A. Voices is Grand Park’s week-long spring Pop-up Arts + Culture Fest. The festival’s 2019 theme, Origin Stories, explores and showcases distinctly Los Angeles narratives and questions about where we are, how we got here, and where we are going. This free arts fest will feature short film, dance, music, spoken word and theatre performances, as well as visual art by L.A. artists. During both days of the festival, visit Jardin del Arte, the public marketplace at Our LA Voices, featuring a range of art works for sale including paintings, photographs, collages, postcards, jewelry, and plants, from LA artists such as Patrick Martinez, Ramiro Gomez, Chinwe Okona, and Noe Olivas. Jardin del Arte is curated in partnership with Residency Gallery, Savannah Wood, and more.