Los Angeles City Guide: Downtown

Last week we ran part one: The Westside of the awesome Los Angeles city guide that our sister-in-law put together.  Today Kelley is taking us downtown!  Enjoy.

DOWNTOWN

While most cities consider their downtown the hub of their city, this is not so true in Los Angeles. Only recently has downtown LA really started to create a name for itself, and I’m excited to see what more the area will have to offer in the coming years.

Breakfast:  Handsome Coffee Roasters in the downtown LA arts district offers a wide selection of pastries in addition to their awesome coffee.

Lunch: Head over to Chinatown and pick up some food from one of the delicious street vendors followed by dessert from one of the many candy shops.

Dinner: Church and State. Full disclosure, I haven’t actually been here, but I have heard it’s amazing and maybe if you’re visiting you can take me with you! This restaurant would be great for a fancy night out. However, if you’re looking for something more casual….

Wurstkuche: This is a place I have actually been, and one of my favorites. They also have a location on the Westside, but the downtown spot is great after a late night at the bar. Be sure to get the Houblon Chouffe on tap, it’s one of Teddy’s favorite beers and a must try.

The Arts District: This will be more like an area you walk around after you grab your morning coffee, but it’s definitely not an area to be missed. With an up and coming scene, this area of LA feels more like New York or Brooklyn. Check out some of the intricate street art lining the walls of every building and be sure to stop into Hammer and Spear, in my opinion, one of the coolest stores in Los Angeles.

Chinatown: This is just one of those places you have to see. To my own amazement, I only went to Chinatown for the first time a few months ago when my friend, Ally, came to visit. With its endless junk shops and open air fish markets, it was really a sight to behold.

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): This is another spot I haven’t gotten to visit yet, but I hear it’s definitely worth your time.

The American Apparel Factory Store: Only open during the summer, the American Apparel factory is located in downtown. When you first arrive, you’ll think you went to the wrong location, but follow the signs up the stairs, past the machines and you will behold endless rows and bins of American Apparel items at prices you can actually afford.