Saturday means free time for exploring and I’m sharing another one of my favorite neighborhoods in the LA area–a little area called the Arts District that’s packed full of great food, boutique shops, and you guessed it, the Arts!
Let’s start with food, obviously!
Wurstkuche: Grilled sausages, fresh baked rolls, gourmet mustards, and Belgian Fries. With exotic flavors like Duck and Bacon or Rattlesnake and Rabbit, topped with onions and peppers. Oh YUM! Community seating, great music, and a great neighborhood right outside the doors. A great place for the whole family, especially if you sit outside on the patio.
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photo credit: The Everygirl
Blacktop Coffee: A specialist coffee shop serving up the most delicious latte made with Hazelnut milk, and adjoined with Alchemy Works (keep reading for more info on that incredible shop!) They also serve breakfast and fresh bakery goods. During the week, they often have a fantastic taco truck parked outside too!
photo credit: Daily Coffee News
Zinc Cafe & Market: Breakfast is one the BEST things to stop at this spot for. The Poached Eggs on Toast, the Breakfast Burrito, and the Huevos Rancheros are all sooo good! If you’re heading here for dinner, make sure you try the Spinach Lasagna. Also make sure you experience Bar Mateo. My go to must try drink is the Fever Tree Tonic Water with lime & mint. If you’re just looking for a good cup of coffee, all the teas and espresso drinks here are so delicious as well!
photo credit: Eater LA
Bestia: If this is on your to-do list, make sure you plan WAY ahead and make a reservation to experience it! The food here is out of this world! Got a special occasion coming up? This is your spot!
photo credit: Cool Hunting
Cafe Gratitude: A collection of 100% organic plant-based restaurants specializing in gourmet cuisines. Their mission is to create an expression of a world of plenty. Supporting local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products, the food is prepared with love. Have fun and enjoy being nourished.
Bread Lounge: All of the bread is made by hand every day with natural ingredients: flour, water, and salt. No preservatives, no artificial colorings! They even grow and feed their own natural yeast in the bakery! You really can’t go wrong with any of their amazing sandwiches!
photo credit: Life & Thyme
Salt & Straw: Originally started in Oregon by two cousins, they specialize in handcrafted, small batch ice cream in the most delicious, unique flavors and we’re so excited that they’re in LA, with a brand new location in the Arts District! With special monthly flavors for November like Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecans and Spiced Goat Cheese & Pumpkin Pie, this spot is screaming GO! And for anyone who’s unable to eat dairy, they always offer a dairy free flavor that’s out of this world!
photo credit: Salt & Straw
What to do next? Let’s check out some of the great curated shops!
Poketo: Founded in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo is a lifestyle brand and curated shop filled with hand-picked goods meant to instill art into everyday living. They regularly host art exhibitions, workshops, and more, acting as hubs for the local creative community, so keep your eyes peeled for their events! From children’s gifts to great cookbooks, this is a perfect spot to grab a gift!
photo credit: Style by Emily Henderson
Apolis: A men’s apparel shop that carries everything from leather wallets and pocket squares to farmer’s market bags and suit jackets. A socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. Apolis is a fab spot for any guy in your life. Chad is a fan of the T’s and the jackets–a few of his favorite pieces were snagged here! Plus, the design and aesthetic is really incredible!
photo credit: TimeOut
Alchemy Works: A coastal California retail, gallery, and event space concept. The high ceilings, the curated product display, and the location. Ah, I love shopping here! Alchemy Works is an awesome spot to find carefully and thoughtfully curated treasures. You’re likely to find incredibly beautiful and unique gifts. They are also home to Warby Parker’s Glass House.
photo credit: Alchemy Works
Looking for something to do for the afternoon?
The Springs: A hub for wellness in Los Angeles where you can enjoy everything from breakfast, lunch, and juice to a yoga class. They often host workshops–during the month of November, check their calendar to attend a class about essential oils!
The Broad Museum: A new contemporary art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The museum is designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler and offers FREE general admission and is home to the more than 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide.
I’m sure there are SO many more stops I could add to this list. Let me know what your favorites are in the neighborhood to enjoy! Adventure out and explore!
-CJ
