Although, there’s always going to be a reason not to enjoy life. We take our fun seriously at DTLA Weekly. So, we won’t let a little thing like an 8pm curfew make us give up on our hospitality scene just yet. Because 1: our local businesses need support, and 2: because in DTLA, day drinking is a thing!
You know what we say…When life gives you lemons, make mimosas.
Backstory: Recent anti-ICE protests and the mayhem that followed has led to enforced curfews in Downtown Los Angeles. Seems our hobos have been replaced by military personnel, ready to detain anyone who doesn’t work or live in downtown LA after sun down. Yet, Downtown Los Angeles will always be a place where anything goes, from peaceful protests to curfews, there’s always enough time in the day to enjoy free mimosas.
If there’s one thing the past five years have taught us, it’s that adaptation is the key. And who can’t adapt on the rooftop of Cabra, open to the public until 6, or shade ourselves from the hot sun while having brunch, lunch, or an early dinner at Settocento?
Plenty of downtown bars like Prank in the Social District have already adapted to curfew living and rescheduled their hours. But for the day drinker who prefers non-alcoholic drinks. May we suggest Naturewell Juice and Smooth Bar in the Spring Arcade Building? Just like any mimosa, Naturewell’s signature juices are fresh, tasty, and loaded with vitamin C.
Pack a Lunch!
Pick up a copy of DT Weekly at Grand Central Market while enjoying lunch just across from our newspaper rack at the newly opened Miznon. Their signature cauliflower dish reminds all that everything sustainable grows in the sun.
Miznon Branzino Sandwich anyone?
With the exception of soul food, there’s always International, culinary-unity inside GCM’s historic open-air market. There’s also domestic beers and fine wine with oysters abound.
Live It – Up!
No, the rent in downtown LA is not cheap! But there’s a reason why thousands of residents prefer living in Downtown Los Angeles than in any other part of the city. Reason number 1: Loft living is stress-free. 2: New age loft managers have all but mastered the art of catering to their residents with communal spaces and top-notch weekly gatherings.
Everything from pet shows to private dinners, wine tastings to swim parties, picking the right place to live is paramount to having the best living experience in the city. The safest way to find a loft is easy: Loftway is Downtown’s preferred residential real estate boutique.
What looks larger in a to-go box than it does on the plate? Leftovers.
Lunch items at White Elephant – Spring Arcade Building
That’s why we suggest dining where the plates are large and delicious. Sure, prepared meals served with love can be pricey, but a great, authentic meal originating from a country across the sea is priceless, especially if it keeps its leftover value. Nothing says, “I am downtown” like a loft view, warmed-up leftovers and hot Oolong Tea from White Elephant; it’s a taste of Thai in the sky.
Too much law and order outside? Order inside instead… Surely the past five years have led to some good delivery app mastery. Sandwiches from Fat Sal’s make for great imports and Jason’s Liqour on 8th and Main delivers.
Who wants to window shop?
We do. But unfortunately, the best advice given during the protest turned maniacal, was to board up stores to deter looters. If pressed wood, graffiti, and nails is all that’s left of our window displays, just use the memory of dozens of mannequins, window displays, and spotlights to trigger your inner shopper. It’s one small step into the unknown but one giant leap to come out —looking sharp!
Parking is never a problem at downtown Los Angeles shopping centers; daytime is the best time for shopping and lunch. Row DTLA outdoor lifestyle mall is always relaxing with the added culinary excitement of a slew of outdoor dining and mixed cocktail options and flavorful coffees each and every day.
BUY ART – Celebrate After!
Galleries and museums are open! And most receptions offer wine and cheese. Waking and walking earlier in the day to support the arts is highly suggested.
Where dem fans at?
It’s no secret by now our news outlet prioritizes healthy, fun activities residents and visitors have come to love.
However, this month, due to the protest and riots that followed, cancellations were plenty, like the Little Tokyo Street Fair (now returning in August) last weekend’s scheduled night at Grand Performances, and DTLA Dog Day, (poor pups) for instance. However, Hot Water Cornbread, the city’s most popular African American line dance event, has been rescheduled and will be kicking up excitement at Grand Park in honor of Juneteenth on June 21st.
Nighttime may still be the right time for dancing. Nightclub Shoo Shoo Baby and a few other dance halls, including Music Center’s DTLA Dance, will invite all to defy curfew and shake a leg up until the last moment. And Music Center has just announced their shows must go on. Promising their theater tickets will double as a get-out-of-jail-free card in case their visitors get detained.
Room service!
Staying at downtown Los Angeles hotels is one surefire way to beat the heat.
No traffic jams, no parking woes, no drama, just impeccable service, with some of the most delectable restaurant options on site (mostly sticking to regular service hours).
Skip the live action of rubber bullets with a firm king-sized bed, and trade in the tear gas for fresh fragrances and full-body massages at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Spa. After diving deep into LA Athletic Club’s 100-year-old Olympic-sized pool, dive even deeper into a Martini during cocktail hour at the club’s stylish Invention Bar.
Any escape to relax is warranted in troubled times, and any excuse to escape the turmoil with hotel day drinking is also warranted. Book ’em, Dano!
Who says there’s no Kings?
All it takes is one early diner experiencing 71Above’s early dinner service, beginning at 5 PM, to truly understand what it means to feel like royalty. Executive Chef Javi Lopez commands Uptown’s most elevated menu, complemented by a full happy hour 71 stories up in Downtown’s second-tallest building.
Amongst the clouds, with an angelic view of downtown Los Angeles and beyond—why be a king when you can be angelic? Experience the divinity of 71Above and then talk to us about divine rights.
Escape to the Arts District
Seems Arts District has yet to be affected by the uneasiness of the city. Yet, even businesses, like Sama Hand Roll, Truly and Angel City Brewery, are exploring new day time offerings, and going forth with a summer festivals coinciding with the rest of the city for daytime eating and drinking. Cheers!
DTLA the Great Outdoors
Shown here: Tres Margaritas on Bunker Hill
It seems just like yesterday our community leaders were pleading for more law enforcement. Yet, with no end in sight, as the government promises ICE raids will continue, civil unrest is sure to continue —especially on the weekends.
While law enforcement on every corner may been a great idea, law enforcement with curfew proved unwanted as community leaders, local businesses and associations began pleading with City Hall to cut Downtown some slack. On June 16th, Mayor Bass announced changes to the existing curfew hours.
Now with the curfew reduced an extra two hours (10pm-6am), only time will tell if curfews in Downtown will become the norm or just another process we need to #SurviveDTLA.
