Yeah, we’ve seen some of our long-standing spots like The Pantry, Cole’s, The Mayan, Cabra, Tokyo Fried Chicken, and Angel City Brewery go. But forget the constant negativity and mindless chatter about DTLA closures. Nothing lasts forever, and for those who have been downtown long enough, we know there’s no end to our story, only new beginnings. So to that, the people of downtown want all to know we aren’t ready to let it go—we’re here to build, so what’s next?

New Energy and the Old Guard Holding Strong

If there was ever talk about DTLA restaurants being in trouble, you’d never know by the continued success of Settecento, Prank, or Hatch Yakitori. These community hubs have been embraced by residents, visitors, and day laborers alike, and they are absolutely killing it.

For the newbies, DTLA is electric. The rooftop formerly known as the Standard is officially back, thanks to the efforts of the Delphi Hotel, which now occupies the spot. It’s taken longer than expected to return to its former glory, but the Delphi has proven good things come to those who wait.

Another fresh new spot is Casa Ipanema, which just opened at the Millennium Biltmore, with the newly arriving TABL M now hosting its soft opening at The Bloc. There are even whispers that Erewhon is on its way to 9th and Hill. Never mind, almost all of downtown has been rooting for Trader Joe’s to open here for almost a decade. Erewhon’s $20 strawberries seem to be outpacing the Trader’s $3 Buck Chuck, and we’re all for it.

The Beat Goes On… the Heartbeat That is…

Staying healthy is still a priority for many DTLA farmer’s market goers who faithfully attend the longest-running organic food fair on Sundays in the Historic Core, Thursday’s City Hall’s Farmers Market, and Social District Farmer’s Market each and every Saturday. DTLA farmer’s markets stay fresh, innovative, and packed with not only health and wellness but people too.

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Ain’t no party like a Downtown Party… cuz….

Sure, illegal speakeasies that attract too much attention are out (and that may not be a bad thing). But don’t let the headlines fool you. DTLA nightlife is in full effect.

Thanks to longtime promoters, downtown is still the greatest place for nighttime fun. Groups like Quantum Groove are reinventing the DTLA rooftop house party scene, while Westside Gogo and INation are holding down the HBCU crowd with monthly live music events. The newly formed Latin District is also making a splash, calling attention to spots like LA Cita Bar and the new Todas Madres Cantina (formerly The Falls Lounge) bent on making Friday nights in DTLA solely devoted to Latin music. As they say, “You can’t stop the music.”

Cultural Vultures Welcome

Nisei Week is back with the Little Tokyo Street Fair and a week full of traditional Japanese festivities. Summer Tramp and DTLA Proud Fest are soon to follow, and the Pershing Square Weekend Concerts continue to bring back the oldies but goodies, one old-school concert at a time.

Looking for peace, art discovery, and reflection? There are still lines at The Broad and MOCA on Bunker Hill, and HWH Luxury Living, The Hive Gallery, and Gloria Delson Art Gallery still host the most fabulous art receptions every first Thursday of the month.

The Community is the Foundation.

It’s not just about what’s new; it’s about the community that supports it. And downtown—we’re a tight-knit crew.

What about the homeless you say?

According to LAHSA stats show, “For the second straight year, homelessness declined in the City of Los Angeles, falling by 3.4%.” – So there!

PLUS – DTLA CITY GUIDE allows every single downtown business to support their favorite local charity just by creating an SEO high ranking backlink on the site, by donating a portion of the proceeds from every listing to a designated DTLA charity.

The Cost of Living

While longstanding boutique realtor champs Loftway is still the easiest and surest way to buy, lease, and manage any place, the newly formed Downtown Realtors Association has begun running tours to showcase the neighborhood’s potential.

We’ve also got dedicated groups like the DTLA Brunch Club and DTLA Writers Club hosting exclusive monthly events with discounted eats for anyone with a DT Appetite. Meanwhile, the DTLA Resident Association (DTLA RA) hosts its monthly meetups in support of local residents and establishments, bringing DTLA back to life one survey at a time.

DLANC has a whole new crew, bringing a fresh air and a fresh ear to the ground for new developments and community support. Downtown Alliance leader Nick “The Ziff” Griffin continues to magnify downtown’s overall business, residential, and development accomplishments, while South Park CEO Nolan Marshall III continues utilizing his years of solid expertise by taking our concerns to City Hall, bringing forth positive change not only for the Social District but for downtown as a whole.

So who’s got the MOST influence?

In the end, it’s not about what outsiders have to say, but what insiders believe. And we’ve got the greatest DTLA Insider and DTLA Wanderer, and at least two local newspapers in the country, DTLA News and Downtown Los Angeles Weekly— The Spirit of DTLA ready to stand behind DTLA, working together to ensure our news is up-to-date, positive and that our establishments are well-known.