Ready to level up your fitness game? Whatever your health and wellness goals, Circa’s Fitness Center has a solution for you. From free weights to boxing, cardio equipment, yoga & spin studio, wellness spa, and more, we have everything you need to create the ideal workout routine. Circa also offers complimentary group classes including unlimited virtual and 3x per week onsite. Here are some highlights to get your motivation in motion.
Our state-of-the-art fitness amenities offer everything you need for a healthy lifestyle – from outdoor training facilities to ultramodern equipment, challenging group classes, and comfortable lounge and relaxation areas.
Treat yourself to a cool workout on a hot summer day. Our 75-foot lap pool is the ideal environment to ramp up your speed and endurance. Water workouts have many benefits including less stress on your joints and muscles, and the impact of gravity is less in the water, allowing a greater range of motion.
Take a breath of fresh air while exercising on the Outdoor Training Turf. Surrounded by greenery and a great view, your workout time will just fly by.
Motivation loves company and what could be more inspiring than a group class. Jump start your weekend at our Sweat & Flow Yoga Class on Saturdays at 9AM. Our amazing mother/daughter yoga instructors will restore your spirit and energize your day. Join us for Spin & Stretch on Thursdays at 6:30PM and Boot Camp/ HIIT on Mondays at 6:30PM.
Our TRX Training Zone contains multiple options to keep you in shape, such as the popular Torque Fitness Boxing Bag, perfect for working out stress and building strength.
if you’re ready to get pumped, you’ll find free weights sized for every routine. Start with lower weights and slowly build to retain flexibility and range of motion.
Take your pick or try all three. Our cardio equipment include the Matrix Treadmill, Matrix Elliptical and Matrix Climbmill Stairmaster.
This way to the Spin & Yoga Studio. Namaste!
Whether you’re riding the treadmill, enjoying an outdoor class, swimming laps, or relaxing after your workout, Circa’s breathtaking views will take your workout to new heights.
Making weekend plans? Brunch is back and we couldn’t be happier. DTLA eateries are offering an array breakfast favorites, from decadent Belgian waffles smothered in fruit and cream to tasty chicken & waffles, and classic egg platters. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll also find some more exotic fare, like duck confit chilaquiles, chicken schnitzel, ceviche, poblano and goat cheese quiche, and vegan garden hash. Pair your meal with a steaming cappuccino or craft cocktail, or celebrate with a bottle of bubbly. When you live at Circa, you’ll never run out of options. So take a break for breakfast – because we love a good comeback!
Brunch is back at Redbird. Dine on their outdoor patio and indulge in an eclectic menu featuring ricotta blueberry pancakes. Maine lobster sushi, vegan garden hash, duck confit chilaquiles, and other decadent dishes created by Chef Neal Fraser. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city, Los Angeles. Saturdays and Sundays with reservations from 10am – 2pm.
Situated near Staples Center, Strada Eateria & Bar presents world flavors made with local ingredients. Strada is now offering a special brunch menu including waffles, tapas, pizza, seafood, pasta, and various meat dishes. Vegan, vegetarian and omnivore choices are available as well. Back by popular demand, large-scale video projections by visual artist and filmmaker Nataša Prosenc stream inside and on the patio. On Sundays, the projections are accompanied by live music of L.A. Jazz Connection. Free parking. Reservations are recommended.
Blu Jam Cafe 541 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Opened in 2006 by Owner/Chef/Sommelier Kamil Majer and business partner David Fris, Blu Jam Cafe has garnered an impressive following, becoming one of the best brunch spots in Los Angeles. Breakfast at Blu Jam Café is a high-flying affair, with a dizzying array of both global and home-style favorites. Some of their notorious crowd pleasers include Crunchy French Toast, served with fresh fruit and a vanilla-bean dipping sauce; Chicken Schnitzel, a breast of chicken pan-fried and served with potatoes, green beans, and lemon; and their classic Fresh Blueberry Pancakes. We just happen to be mad for the Norwegian Benedict, pictured above.
Featured on LA Weekly’s Best of L.A. Food & Drink, Poppy + Rose is inspired by the country kitchens we all know and love. A collaboration between Diana Yin and Chef Michael Reed, the restaurant serves classic American diner fare prepared with honest ingredients. Their signature Fried Chicken & Waffles are made with free-range Mary’s chicken and a Belgian-style waffle. Biscuits are baked from scratch every morning with real butter, and fries are hand cut from fresh Kennebec potatoes. Poppy Patio is open Friday thru Sunday.
Located in the DTLA Arts District, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California. The Southern-inflected brunch includes tasty dishes such as flan with buñelo; berries and burnt sugar syrup; a poblano and goat cheese quiche, brioche French toast, and cream biscuits with jam and butter. Open for indoor and patio dining.
KTCHN DTLA is a weekend pop-up brunch spot featuring elevated breakfast dishes and cocktails in an open, airy venue. The location and menu have changed over time, but the quality of food stays the same. KTCHN DTLA is currently situated at Resident in the Arts District. Some favorite dishes to try include Tomato Burrata sandwich with sun-dried tomato aioli and burrata cheese; Chilaquiles with tortilla chip strips and house chile sauce; and Mediterranean Pots, crispy potatoes topped with hummus and fattoush tzatziki. They also have lots of different kinds of potatoes. Let go of any expectations and trust that you will have a great time and an amazing meal.
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. Open for indoor and patio dining, plus pickup & delivery.
La CasitaHotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
With summer in full swing, Hotel Figueroa is thrilled to welcome visitors to a lavish experience with the opening of two new poolside spaces, La Casita and Driftwood Pool & Sundeck. La Casita is a quintessential haven featuring a coastal inspired menu by Chef AJ McCloud with ingredient-forward, organic fare such as Ceviche Classico and Grilled Shrimp Tacos, along with a world-class cocktail program replete with an expansive agave program. The festivities begin at 11am seven days a week.
Bastille Day is right around the corner. The French National Holiday, celebrated every year on July 14, marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the birth of the French Republic. But the French connection takes on a whole new meaning as the City of Light meets the City of Angels. Did you know that during the second half of the 19th century, the French community in downtown Los Angeles was one of the most robust in Southern California. In fact, by 1860 French was the second most-spoken language in LA. Today, the French population in Los Angeles is represented by a fresh new wave of artisans, entrepreneurs, and restauranteurs who are making an impact on our culture and dining habits. From Parisian-style bistros and wine bars to delectable pastry shops – many close to Circa – get ready to discover French savoir faire in DTLA.
Housed inside the historic El Dorado Building, Le Petit Paris is the vision of Cannes-based restauranteurs David and Fanny Rolland. The 300-seat restaurant brings a quintessential brasserie dining experience to Downtown LA’s Historic Core. The restaurant is an architectural marvel, designed by the Rollands, featuring multiple skylights, two bars, a mezzanine level, and a large outdoor patio. During the daytime, Le Petit Paris provides a tranquil, bright venue, and at night it transforms into an upscale fine dining restaurant with a lounge.
Garçons de Café is a wine bar to go shopping, and is a retail store to have a drink. A piece of France in downtown LA, Garçons de Café is the beautiful aftermath of what happened when three French traveling friends were united by their big dreams, expensive tastes and love of California. Their passions joined to set up shop in Downtown Los Angeles, and to bring the United States the most exquisite products of what France is known to do best.
True to its name (mignon roughly translates to “small and cute” in French), this elegant little food and wine bar in DTLA’s Historic Core aims to be an oasis for anyone who is weary of the ubiquitous bar experience. Mignon specializes in small production, offering natural wines from all over the globe with an emphasis on the Old World. Mignon serves seasonal, rustic French cuisine, including a three-course pre-fixe option, small plates, and fine artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The space is also a retail shop, so make sure you grab some bottles to go.
Air Food L’Appart will make you feel that you flew straight to Paris and landed in an intimate Parisian apartment, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive French culinary experience. Created by two passionate visionaries, Marc and Thierry, Air Food takes your tastebuds through a miraculous journey from traditional French cuisine to French & World Fusion from Europe, Middle East, Africa, and North Americas.
For lovers of authentic French wine and food, Oriel is a chic, comfortable wine bar styled to please even the most homesick Parisians. Located just far enough away from Chinatown’s main drag, Oriel might be a little hard to spot hidden beneath the Chinatown Gold Line Metro stop. But once inside, you’ll be charmed by the sleek black and rose interior, lush hanging plants, and soft pink neon lighting. Oriel offers a curated selection of French bottles and some 20 wines by the glass, along with a classic bistro menu featuring French onion soup, steak tartare, chicken liver mousse, steak frites. escargots, and gnocchi à la Parisienne.
Inspired by the zinc-topped bars found all over France, Zinqué is a high design, low-key all-day neighborhood restaurant serving French-inspired dishes and small plates, along with a craft cocktail menu and uniquely curated wine & beer selection. Soak up the atmosphere at a wooden table on their sidewalk patio or sidle up to the beautiful bar.
Pitchoun is a family owned French bakery, pastry store and restaurant, offering fresh artisan breads and home-made pastries and cakes, along with an array of healthy salads, sandwiches, hot dishes, soups, and more. Using traditional French family recipes, everything is home-made daily from scratch, using house-made starter levain and organic or local ingredients. The flavors are crisp, authentic, and clean, and all products aim for pure simplicity and high quality.
Madame Monsieur is a gourmet sandwich shop run by a Parisian family. The menu is influenced by their culinary heritage, with a focus on quality, from artisanal bread to specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and locally-sourced ingredients. Located in The Heron Building, the inviting space has been created by friends from Lot-H and was inspired by the features of a Parisian apartment. Take your order to-go or enjoy your meal in the pretty outdoor garden.
Perch is a French inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, various fir pits, and lounge and table seating. Enjoy classic French dishes with a twist from the menu for dinner, or sip beer, wine or Parisian-inspired cocktails at any one of the bars. Perch also offers a unique and an elegant list of rare Cognacs, Armagnacs, Calvados and French Cordials to pique your palate.
Get ready for a star spangled Fourth of July weekend! Independence Day events are opening up all around LA and the sky’s the limit. The Hollywood Bowl and Rose Bowl celebrations are back, along with festivities at Universal Studios, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Marina del Rey, and more. If you’re planning an out-of-town getaway this holiday weekend, head for the hills. Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead are hosting Fireworks Spectaculars, with great food and entertainment at local establishments.
July 3 Kick off the 4th of July weekend at Circa’s 8th Floor Pool Deck & Courtyard Areas from 1-5 pm. Savor grilled burgers, hot dogs and BBQ while listening to summer sounds, sipping on specialty cocktails, and frozen drinks.
July 3 & 4 Celebrate good times—and Independence Day—with the ultimate hitmakers, Kool & the Gang. The disco-funk greats bring the party to the Bowl for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, while Thomas Wilkins and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra perform patriotic favorites. Get ready to get down on it!
The Rose Bowl Stadium will host its 95th Annual AmericaFest Celebration themed “Celebrating America’s Perseverance,” in recognition of our ability to come together and stand stronger over this past year. The Rose Bowl Stadium is excited to partner with Jet Propulsion Laboratory to highlight their recent accomplishment in landing NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars, as well as their dedication to earth sciences and the future explorations of the world’s solar systems.
Fourth of July FireworksUniversal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plz. Universal City, CA 91608
Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to experience its annual July 4th fireworks celebration with a dazzling burst of colors against the night sky from multiple locations within the theme park. This exciting fireworks spectacular is included with theme park admission. The exhilarating energy of Independence Day will permeate the park as guests enjoy musical performances, along with popular rides and attractions. At 9 pm, the holiday will be capped off with the extravagant fireworks display synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites.
July 3 & 4 Hollywood Forever Cemetery is celebrating Independence Day with a weekend of movies and fireworks. July 3: Dazed and Confused, the classic coming-of-age movie directed by Richard Linklater. July 4: Dirty Dancing, Daddy’s girl Baby catches a glimpse of bad boy dancer Johnny Castle. Stick around after the films for a panorama of fireworks magic in honor of the national holiday. The free photo booth is back and DJ sets will continue the celebration through the night. The movies are part of the Cinespia summer movie series at Hollywood Forever.
There’s no better place in Los Angeles to see 4th of July fireworks than at L.A.’s Marina. Enjoy the fireworks show with synchronized music played over loudspeakers at either Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village. The fireworks will be shot from a barge off the Marina’s south jetty. You can view the show from virtually anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista and Dockweiler Beach.
The Fireworks Spectacular explodes at 7,000 feet over Big Bear Lake this July 4th. Show time begins around 8:45 pm and runs approximately 30-40 mins, and is free to spectators. The Fireworks Spectacular consistently ranks top 5 in California and can be viewed from the water, the shore, and some trail points. Local restaurants are offering everything from great food to live entertainment, arts & crafts, and fireworks viewing areas.
Celebrate Independence Day at Lake Arrowhead. The Arrowhead Lake Association’s 2021 Lake Arrowhead Fireworks Show will be held on Sunday, July 4th at 9pm. Thrill to a vintage aircraft flyover show before the fireworks. The Riverside Philharmonic will be performing at Tavern Bay Beach Club from 7-8:30 pm.
Circa loves pets! We welcome both dogs and cats, and offer an array of fur resident amenities to keep your pet healthy and happy. Our 2-acre rooftop oasis includes a pet grooming area and large and small dog parks.
This way to the Dog Park.
Our Dog Park features a “Woof Wash” and grooming station.
Forgot your bag? Visit the Fido House for easy clean up.
We’ve also rounded up some great local resources – from healthy food and fun toys to doggie day care, grooming, and puppy training. No pet, no problem! LA Animal Services will match you with the perfect animal companion. We even found some helpful tips from Web MD on how to keep your furry friend safe and cool all summer long.
Healthy Spot1000 S Grand Ave. Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90015
Healthy Spot is a pet retail destination with the mission to inspire healthy pet lifestyles, including best-in-class dog grooming, dog daycare, and community experiences. They pride themselves on removing the guesswork from your dog’s or cat’s nutrition by assuring that every stocked product contains premium-quality ingredients and is procured and manufactured safely and ethically. Using a mind, body, and bowl approach, Healthy Spot works to build local pet communities and make every pet as happy and healthy as possible.
Pet Project LA548 S Spring St. Ste. 107 Los Angeles, CA 90013
Pet Project LA wants to show your fur babies the love. Pet Project LA stocks the hottest trends plus all the essentials to keep your pet happy, healthy, and in style. And to keep your pet piqued, their vast inventory is constantly curated to support the DTLA community with creative products for dogs, cats and small animals. Offerings include seasonal pet apparel, pet party supplies, grooming products, bowls, carriers, e-collars, and food & treats from all your favorite brands. Join the VIP level of their rewards program and you will be feeling as luxurious as the pooch in this pic!
Located in DTLA’s Arts District, Bone Sweet Bone offers a full range of services for pet parents who seek loving alternatives to conventional pet care. Their indoor/outdoor facilities are a cage-free environment with 24/7 supervision, so you never have to worry about what your pup is getting into. Guests of the canine-persuasion can take advantage of Stay + Play Care (half- or full-day supervised daycare), Slumber Care (overnight or longer visits), full-service Salon + Spa (baths, specialty haircuts, and other grooming needs), and the Bark Boutique, selling premium food and treats, toys, supplies, clothing, and accessories.
Got a new puppy? Petco makes puppyhood easy with the PupBox toy, treat and training kit, customized for your pooch. Each month you’ll receive a box of all the products and training information you need to be the best puppy parent paw-sible. Toys, treats, chews, and accessories are all handpicked based on your pup’s age and physical characteristics. Your box will change based on your pup’s growth and development, introducing you to new products and themes along the way. From the potty training blues, to chewing on shoes and the terrible twos, Petco will be there for it all.
Located inside select Petco stores, Just Food For Dogs makes fresh food that delivers life-changing nutrition. The whole food meals are made by hand in open-to-the-public kitchens, then frozen fresh to maintain their nutritional integrity. Simply thaw and serve. Just Food For Dogs has a roster of certified nutritional experts, backed by a team of veterinarians, who are available – in person or remotely – to be a partner in transforming your pet’s health. Just Food For Dogs has tools for determining exactly how much you need to feed your pet. Enter your pet’s information into the feeding calculator to get veterinarian-recommendations for calories and recipes. More info HERE
Looking to adopt a furry friend? LA Animal Services offers a wealth of information for prospective pet parents, including adopting a pet, finding a lost pet, licensing, animal vaccinations, spay/neuter information, microchipping, and what to do if you find a stray animal. Search for your perfect animal companion on the website’s Adoptable Pet Search. All cats, dogs and rabbits adopted from L.A. Animal Services will have a microchip. The cost of microchipping is included in the adoption fee. LA Animal Services centers are open by appointment, so you can still foster and adopt a pet.
June 20 is the Summer Solstice, marking the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. What could be more fun than celebrating the season at an outdoor movie! Ever since the first patented drive-in movie theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933, movies under the stars have been a summer rite of passage. Today, outdoor movies are bigger than ever, with parks, rooftops, and even airports popping up state-of-the art screens and sound systems, many just short distance from Circa. Southern California is also host to some of the most iconic drive-in theaters in the US, with design themes ranging from Route 66 to Tiki kitsch and 50s cool. Feast from food trucks and concession stands, or pack your own picnic. Say hello to summer, outdoor movies are back.
Street Food CinemaLos Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Launched in 2012, Street Food Cinema is more than just an outdoor movie, it’s an experience bringing together the best in pop culture films, gourmet street food and progressive new music. Street Food Cinema reinvents the traditional movie going experience – al fresco style. Every element is carefully curated to develop a unique atmosphere that will make you want to come back again and again.
Enjoy movies under the stars on the Rooftop Pool Deck at the JW Marriott. Tickets include a two-course meal (one appetizer and one entree selection), plus unlimited popcorn and complimentary soft drinks. Full bar is available, but not included in the ticket price.
CinespiaHollywood Forever Cemetery 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038
Cinespia brings movie magic to life with screenings of classic films to an audience from around the world, including some of Hollywood’s most famous faces. With over 30 events per year, Cinespia hosts dazzling screenings under the stars at iconic venues including The Hollywood Forever Cemetery and The Greek Theatre. The 2021 season, presented by Amazon Studios, marks the 20th anniversary of the first and longest running outdoor screening series in Los Angeles.
Coming soon! Calling all movie lovers – The Bloc invites you to experience a night at the movies from the comfort of your car every Thursday night in the month of August. The Bloc is a vibrant, open-air urban center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles encompassing a full city block along LA’s iconic 7th Street corridor, The Bloc connects the financial, fashion, jewelry, and theater districts – and the 7th Street Metro Center Station, where four DTLA lines converge. More details to come HERE
Sounds of SummerExposition Park South Lawn 500 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA. 90037
Sounds of Summer is a screening series curated by WUTI (Women Under the Influence) in partnership with Crush Palace for everyone that has been craving shared musical experiences over the past year. WUTI is very excited to be partnering with Dublab to curate the Talking Heads inspired sounds at the Stop Making Sense screening extravaganza on June 25.
Rooftop Cinema ClubSanta Monica Airport 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S. Santa Monica, CA 90405
Enjoy movies under the stars at the Santa Monica Airport. Movies will be projected onto a 52-foot screen, and audio will be broadcast through the FM transmitter radio in your car. Each parking spot will now come with a designated tailgating area, giving you the option to watch the film from within or outside of your vehicle. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, but they also offer local food trucks every Thursday through Sunday and a selection of classic cinema concessions nightly.
For those of you who like your movies with a side of kitsch, Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair is just the ticket. The box office opens 1.5 hours before showtime on Friday and Saturday nights and 1 hour before on Sunday through Thursday. Come early to get the best parking spots. Admission is $10 for adults. Check their website for weekly schedule.
The Rubidoux, with its original 1948 screen tower still standing tall, is the last of the classic drive-in theaters remaining in Southern California. Though it retains much of its original character, time has transformed this gem into a thoroughly modern outdoor theatre. The incorporation of FM transmitters and Technalight digital projection ensures the best possible picture and sound available. The box office and snack bar have gotten a new treatment as well, and are now reminiscent of the theatre’s original postwar Route 66 heritage.
Summer weather beckons with sunny days and starry nights. Now that LA is opening up again, your favorite downtown rooftop restaurants and bars near Circa are coming back. We can’t think of a more exhilarating way to spend a leisurely afternoon or balmy evening than enjoying craft cocktails and chef-driven menus, served high in the sky. From elegant hotel dining, to poolside bistros and charming urban oases, there’s an elevated table waiting for you. Check websites for hours and reservations.
Pilot DTLA1060 S Broadway, Rooftop, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Pilot is a coastal Mediterranean restaurant, pool, bar and lounge atop the roof of The Hoxton hotel, serving up an outdoor dining menu of dreams including square pizzas, shoestring fries, grain bowls and a weekday Happy Hour that’ll ease you into the eve. Think fire cooking, laid back snacks, seafood displays and playful cocktails, while gazing at the expansive skyline views.
Revel on the outdoor rooftop veranda at The Wayfarer Hotel in the heart of DTLA. Enjoy killer cocktails with views to match. Cool off by the water while the mixologist gets creative with the next round. Menu items range from savory starters to full on dinner dishes such as marinated baby lamb chops and bacon-wrapped sea scallops. Finish your meal with sweet indulgences such warm chocolate chip cookies or beignets.
Perched on the rooftop of Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, Upstairs’ eclectic all-day menu is cultivated to complement the vibrant atmosphere of your open-air home away from home, with cinematic city views stretched out in all directions. Perfect for reclining by the rooftop pool or hanging out on a stool after sunset, enjoy frozen drink specials and small plates served poolside. If you can’t bear to detach from your device, there’s free WiFi.
Vista is a Mediterranean food and cocktail pop-up by 71Above, located on the 69th floor patios of the US Bank Tower, serving a tasting menu of mezze plates paired with cocktails and wine. If you really want to elevate your experience, at 950 feet above ground level on the 71st floor, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Offering sophisticated modern American cuisine by Chef Vartan Abgaryan, 71Above boasts breathtaking ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with spectacular views of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Perch Los Angeles is a French inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, various fir pits, and lounge and table seating. Enjoy classic French dishes with a twist from the menu for dinner, or sip beer, wine or Parisian-inspired cocktails at any one of the bars. Perch also offers a unique and an elegant list of rare Cognacs, Armagnacs, Calvados and French Cordials to pique your palate.
Veranda Al FrescoHotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Chef Adrian Garcia serves up an authentic Mexico City-inspired menu, befitting the tropical vibe at Veranda Al Fresco, DTLA’s urban oasis at Hotel Figueroa. Savor a tasty, simple street taco menu paired with a great selection of cocktails. Salud y buen provecho!
The sister location of Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Chá recently opened a chic outdoor rooftop space in the Arts District. The restaurant offers gorgeous views of DTLA and a notable menu by Mexico City-born, LA-raised chef Alejandro Guzman. There are traditional starters like aguachile and ceviche, along with chicharos de sierra with fresh peas, serrano aioli, and crispy potato – a revamped family recipe. Cha Cha Cha also offers a tacos and tostada menu, and heartier dishes like grilled fish, charcoal roasted chicken, and a pork shoulder confit carnitas with braised beans and pico de gallo.
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. Reservations are required.
Spire 73900 Wilshire Blvd Floor 73 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Just in time for rooftop season, take in unrivaled views of the city from Spire 73, the tallest open-air bar in the Western hemisphere, while indulging on a seasonal menu of culinary expressions. Located atop the 73rd floor of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, this reservation-only dining experience under the stars is bookable through OpenTable to guests and locals alike HERE
Memorial Day Weekend is here, so grab your sunscreen and pack your bag – we’re going to the beach! Whether you’re hankering to swim, walk along the shore, catch some waves on your surfboard, explore magical tide pools and sea caves, or just want to relax on the sand, we’ve rounded up some of LA’s most breathtaking beaches and secret coves. Many of Southern California’s most dramatic coastal treasures are located along Pacific Coast Highway, where you’ll find everything from sandy beaches to craggy rock formations, rare ecosystems, and dramatic vistas. If you want to explore more of our stunning coastline, California Beaches has a comprehensive guide including maps, hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.
Paradise Cove in Malibu is a public beach in front of the privately-owned Paradise Cove Beach Cafe. Paradise Cove is a great starting point for long beach walks. Heading east you’ll walk below some Malibu mansions, find some private beaches, and eventually end up at Escondido Beach. Heading west you can walk below steep sandstone cliffs all the way to Little Dume Beach and Big Dume Beach in Point Dume State Beach. When you’re ready for some refreshments, enjoy the iconic Southern California experience at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, the quintessential beach restaurant nestled right on the sand in Paradise Cove.
Carbon Beach22126 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265
Also known as Billionaire’s Beach because of the lavish homes owned by famous celebrities and CEO’s right at the water’s edge. Carbon Beach is a south-facing, mile-long beach between the Malibu Pier at Surfrider Beach and Carbon Canyon Road. The water is excellent for swimming, calm with no rocks, and the sand is soft and cozy—perfect to laze out on a sunny afternoon. There are few places in Malibu that aren’t overrun with people, and this is one of them, so enjoy.
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a coastal treasure on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the Los Angeles area. The park contains an ecological preserve and is known for its outstanding tide pools. Trails meander on the bluff out to excellent views from two prominent points. Below these points are three separate coves with beaches and tide pools. Out at the end and right at the base of the points, you’ll discover amazing rock tunnels where waves crash through. Before you go, check out the tide charts. You’ll want to visit these beaches at low tide to take full advantage of the tide pools and tunnels.
Point Dume is situated at the end of Malibu at a point where a dramatic cliff’s edge juts into the Pacific and drops down to a beautiful crescent-shaped beach. Operated by Los Angeles County, Point Dume State Beach features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access, noted for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. Point Dume is a perfect place to watch for California gray whales during the December to mid April migration period.
Leo Carrillo State Park features a stunning, ecologically diverse 1.5 mile beach perfect for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beach combing. You’ll also find tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. The park offers campgrounds shaded by giant sycamores and back-country hiking. The park was named after Leo Carrillo a preservationist, conservationist, and actor, who served on the California Beach and Parks commission for 18 years. Leo’s greatest fame came from his portrayal of Pancho, the sidekick to Duncan Renaldo’s Cisco Kid, an early 1950s TV series.
Popularized by surfing movies in the 1950s and 1960s, Surfrider Beach is the place to go for the ideal Southern California surfing experience. Malibu “Surfrider” Beach is part of Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which also comprises the Malibu Lagoon and the Malibu Pier. Malibu Lagoon contains 22 acres of wetlands, gardens, and sandy beach, while Surfrider Beach has almost a mile of ocean frontage with 0.7 acres of property. There is also a saltwater marsh; Adamson House, a National Historic Site housing many Malibu historical artifacts; and the Malibu Lagoon Museum, which allows visitors to walk through the history of the area from the days of the Chumash tribe, to the gentlemen ranchers, and finally to the birth of the surfing era.
El Matador State Beach is the most popular of the three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. Start at their parking lot on the bluff, with picnic tables that look out over the Pacific Ocean. A trail descends through unique formations on the face of the bluff, then stairs take you down to the beach. Explore north on the beach to discover caves and arches in the rocks. The largest cave faces the ocean at the bottom of a huge flat rock that connects to the base of the bluff. It’s best to visit these natural features at low tide, and pack some water shoes, as the rocks can be difficult to navigate. There are no services or amenities at El Matador, so bring your own beach towels, sunscreen, and picnic gear.
Lechuza Beach is a lesser-known public beach in Malibu located below homes at the northern end of Broad Beach Road, near El Matador State Beach. The State Coastal Conservancy granted the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority funds to acquire this spectacular beach property, which features exquisite rock formations, kelp forests, and scenic views. Sorry pet parents, no dogs are allowed on the beach.
Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, a short drive from Circa, Santa Monica State Beach is an iconic destination that draws visitors from around the globe. Extending over three miles and covering 245 acres of sand, the beach is managed by the City of Santa Monica in cooperation with California State Parks. With few Los Angeles beach options offering both large expanses of beach, bike trails and nearby activities, Santa Monica Beach has something for everyone. The Santa Monica Pier is a local landmark, featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants. Santa Monica beach is also home to the Original Muscle Beach (not the weightlifting kind, that’s Venice Beach) with gymnastic equipment including parallel bars, rings, swings and ropes available for kids and adults.
Ever since the 19th century, Asian cuisine has played a vibrant role in the LA culinary scene. The unique ingredients, sophisticated kitchen tools, and flavorful preparation methods have inspired generations of chefs and expanded the palates of food lovers across the region. Not far from Circa, you’ll find traditional Asian neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, Thai Town, Koreatown, and the San Gabriel Valley, brimming with options from elegant eateries to casual street fare. Grand Central Market is home to a number of tempting spots, including Thai, Filipino, Japanese, and Chinese-American dishes. We’ve rounded up some of our DTLA favorites. Check websites for dine-in, takeout and delivery details.
Sticky Rice DTLAGrand Central Market 317 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Serving authentic and original Thai street food in LA since 2013, Sticky Rice is a popular destination for “Thai Comfort Food,” dedicated to serving only the best organic, free-range, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features rice plates, pan fried noodles, Tiger Steak, Hainan Chicken, soups and more.
Holy Basil718 South Los Angeles St. Unit A Los Angeles, CA 90014
Operating out of a tiny takeout window inside a Downtown food court, Holy Basil specializes in authentic Bangkok street food. Named one of the Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles by The Infatuation’s 2020 LA Hit List, Holy Basil offers many of the usual Thai menu items, such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Soup, along with more adventurous dishes, all served with a flavor twist that is at once herbaceous, pungent, and unabashedly spicy.
Sesame LA is a new mini-mart in Chinatown specializing in Asian pastry staples, as well as small batch and local goods from Pan-Asian makers. Sesame offers fresh produce sourced from local farms, along with prepared foods made by owner Linda Sivrican’s mother. The store also carries snacks, such as candied kumquats, and an array of kitchen utensils.
HayatoROW DTLA 1320 E 7th St. #126 Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hayato is a Japanese restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine, known as “Washoku.” The restaurant is now open and serving made to order Bento Boxes. Bento in Japan can range from something as simple as white rice with a single umeboshi (pickled fruit) in the center, to extravagant special occasion meals. A typical bento is similar to a teishoku, a type of Japanese meal where all of the dishes in the course are served together as a set. Because Hayato is a kaiseki restaurant specializing in elaborate multi-course meals, their bento reflects a sense of sophistication, both in presentation and ingredients.
Au Lac serves flavorful plant-based and vegan creations with Vietnamese roots and fusion flavors. The founder, Mai, sought a holistic approach of treating her difficult health conditions and found that a plant-based diet was key. After a remarkable recovery, she was inspired to combine her love for cooking and helping others by sharing the benefits of a plant-based diet with her delicious, gourmet cuisine. The restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese dishes, from elaborate noodle soups to sautées, grilled dishes and specialty sauces, using only plant-based and health-conscious ingredients.
Pho Saigon Noodle & Grill offers a large selection of its namesake pho bowls, all served with a side of beansprouts, jalapeno, cilantro, and limes. Basil is available upon request. You’ll also find oodles of noodles, dumplings, fried wontons, rice plates, salads, and more.
ShikuGrand Central Market 317 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Shiku is a mom-and-pop Korean restaurant serving homestyle Korean food inspired by the doshirak (lunchboxes) that their mothers would make. Shiku literally means the people you share food with. Shiku is your family, not just the one you were born into but also the family you choose. Open for dine-in. Curbside pickup and delivery are also available.
Sari Sari StoreGrand Central Market 317 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Sari Sari Store is a Filipino concept from James Beard-nominated Chef Margarita Manzke, alongside partner and husband Chef Walter Manzke. In Filipino, “sari sari” translates into “whatever” and is used to describe commonplace stores that sell everything from candy to BBQ skewers. This contemporary take on casual Filipino dining is based around savory rice bowls or “silog,” that pull from Chef Margarita’s Pinoy heritage. Make sure to also try their highly praised sweets, Buko Pie and Halo Halo.
Moon RabbitGrand Central Market 317 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
Moon Rabbit is an Asian tea and sandwich shop inspired by the great San Gabriel Valley. Specializing in traditional boba teas, bánh mì and katsu sandwiches, Moon Rabbit is brought to you by the beloved Sticky Rice founder, David Tewsart, and team.
China CafeGrand Central Market 317 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013
A recognized legacy among vendors, China Cafe opened in 1959 with the same menu and neon signs that have floated over the 22-seat counter since it opened. Now run by Susie and Rinco Cheung, the eatery maintains essentially the same menu now as it always has — a mix of Chinese-American favorites like chow mein and chop suey, plus noodles, fried rice, and the ubiquitous egg foo yeung.
Whether you’re a resident or visitor, when you enter the two lobbies at Circa, it’s hard to contain your amazement at the stunning reception and lounge areas. Designed by HansonLA, an architecture, interior, and urban design practice located in downtown Los Angeles, the lobbies’ soaring ceilings and opulent marble finishes exude sophistication and luxury. But perhaps the most striking design elements are the undulating feature walls.
HansonLA notes that Circa’s design expression culminates in the sculptural shapes of the feature walls in the two main lobbies. Each wall is a single material pushed to its assembly limits in a merger of digital and hand craftsmanship. This approach carries through the project via a flow of color, pattern and textures.
The interior design for Circa purposefully integrates the design of the public spaces with that of the 648 living units. The mixed communal and individual organization is made luxurious through the custom application of premier finishes and European fixtures.
HansonLA’s strong principles come together to create comprehensive solutions for their clients, each showcasing conscious and meticulous design, such as the details seen Circa’s lobby wall design. Led by Douglas Hanson, AIA, the award winning design firm has an established reputation for integrating innovative design with the functional and technical requirements of each project. Their design philosophy looks for the synergies of a project and finds focus in its shared interests. The firm values making good use of space, maximizing resources, and drawing personality out of simple forms, creating beauty through familiar materials.
HansonLA has a portfolio of over forty national and international projects that include cultural, commercial, mixed-use, and residential types that range in scale from object to urban campus. It provides comprehensive architectural services, from pre-design and programming, to design and documentation, to construction and project management. It also offers expertise in brand coordination, design research, and master planning. Photo: Douglas Hanson AIA, Project Architect, for the Guggenheim Bilbao by Frank Gehry and Associates.
