my guide to los angeles

I have been fortunate enough to call Los Angeles my home for a few years now and I have been loving this opportunity to experience all that this cool city has to offer. I lived on the west side when first moving to Los Angeles and now currently live in downtown. Keep reading to find all the hidden gems I have discovered along the way and have really enjoyed about my city.

G E T T I N G  A R O U N D :

The city of Los Angeles is huuuuuge and you will definitely need to travel by car if you are wanting to go to a lot of different neighborhoods. I highly recommend planning your days around neighborhoods so you can get there and either walk, metro, uber/lyft, etc instead of having to drive through traffic all day. Also if you want a fun and different experience, rent a metro bike or electric scooter! 

T O  D R I N K :

BIRDS & BEES

Downtown Los Angeles

Birds & Bees is one of my favorite bars to go to because I not only love the mid century modern atmosphere, but the cocktails are really good. They make a classic Gin Martini or Spritz during Violet Hour. Oh and its a secret of how to get in, just go to the far back right of the parking lot!

PALI WINE CO.

Arts District

Pali Wine Co. has a very relaxing and hangout environment to enjoy some really good wine. They have flights you can try, and the staff is very knowledgeable. Its perfect for mid afternoon or a causal night adventure. Nothing too fancy, just an easy spot to sip wine and enjoy being in Los Angeles.

BERNADETTES

Downtown Los Angeles

This small mid century styled bar is great for a quick pop in to hangout with friends. It is super casual yet eclectic and unique vibes inside. It offers craft beer, wine, and the famous Frose O'Donnell drink which I highly recommend! You will not leave dissapointed from Bernadettes and is a great neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders. 

GOLDEN GOPHER

Downtown Los Angeles

Golden Gopher is one of the oldest bars in downtown and was originally purchased in 1905 by Teddy Roosevelt. And if that doesn't interest you yet, it's a great neighborhood spot to pop in and have a drink or spend all night with friends. The staff is friendly, and be sure to say hey to the bouncer. It's open 365 days a year so it's definitely a spot we visit often. Notice all the golden gophers inside ha!

MODERN TIMES BREWERY

Downtown Los Angeles

Modern Times Brewery located in DTLA at the Dankness Dojo is probably one of my favorite breweries in Los Angeles. They have a great choice of brews as well as wine. Plus the food is amazing! Yes it is all vegan, but trust me, you've never tasted vegan food like this before. And hey you're in LA, you have to try vegan once right?!

EIGHTYTWO

Arts District

I've never not had fun at Bar Eighty Two because it is a barcade with some really awesome games! It still has a night time bar vibe with outdoor seating if you want to take a break from my favorite game ever, the World Cup Pinball machine. They have really amazing craft cocktails as well and a good list of craft beers to choose from. You can get cash back from the bar and cash out to quarters. 

WOLF & CRANE

Little Tokyo

If you like Whisky, you will love Wolf & Crane. And if you don't like Whisky, it is still a really cool bar to hangout at and order any other drink ha. It's a late night spot to go to after having dinner in Little Tokyo with a casual DJ and craft cocktails with specialty whisky. 

SPIRE 73

Downtown Los Angeles

For the ultimate rooftop experience, I highly recommend the rooftop Spire 73 on the US Bank Tower. It is an open air bar at probably the highest point you've ever been on the West Coast. Super boujee with some delicious craft cocktails. Dress code mandatory and don't forget to check out the website for information before going. 

T O  E A T :

HATCH YAKITORI + BAR

Downtown Los Angeles

From the night time vibes of dance club music in the background to the never ending yummy skewers, this Japanese restaurant is a must. Get a few sticks to split and go out on the edge and try something new since they are shareable and tiny. And then pair it with a plate and raw item menu with wine or sake.

LASA

Chinatown

This is definitely one of my top food experiences I have had to date. LASA is a Filipino restaurant with a seasonal menu. I highly recommend being open to try anything and ask the waiter for top picks or great recommendations. We did not go wrong. They also suggested a great wine to go with it. A great dinner experience. Make a reservation. 

NORTHERN CAFE

Multiple Locations

This super casual and authentic Chinese restaurant is a must. They serve family style dishes so there is plenty to share and go as a group. I highly recommend the wantons, crispy chicken, and Dan Dan Noodles. I honestly order way to much food here every single time but it makes perfect for leftovers and is super affordable.

PERCH

Downtown Los Angeles

Brunch, brunch, and more brunch. And at Perch it's on a rooftop. The ultimate LA experience is an amazing French style brunch on the rooftop with a live jazz band every Saturday and Sunday. It is literally "perched" atop a building with greenery everywhere. I highly recommend the truffle fries to share, crab benedict, and the pitcher of sangria. Make a reservation.

WOOD SPOON

Downtown Los Angeles

This stylish and quaint spot is why I love downtown Los Angeles. It is your neighborhood restaurant for great Brazilian food. I highly recommend the pot pie! Such a great food experience. It is a smaller restaurant so be prepared to get there or to wait, no reservations unfortunately.

TOCAYA

Multiple Locations

If you need some quick and easy food that's not "fast food" then Tocaya is it! It is a modern Mexican restaurant with healthier options and vegan as well. I always go for the 2 taco combo and get the quac with plantain chips. This place is a staple that you can catch me at multiple times a month. Super casual environment. 

SONORATOWN

Downtown Los Angeles

This authentic Northern Mexican taquería is a mouthful experience on the cheap. It is great to go for lunch and taste the mesquite-charred meats used on homemade tortillas. I highly recommend the chivichanga​ as it reminds me of chicken stew I had as a child. Super casual environment and yummy food. 

CLIFFS EDGE

Silverlake

If you need a full Los Angeles dining experience, then Cliff's Edge is your upscale restaurant for just that. It is like walking into an outdoor garden, romantic patio with string lights all around. A true masterpiece to just set the mood for the entire night. It is such a dream to eat tucked away in the trees in your own hideaway table. Make a reservation. 

DAIKOKUYA 

Little Tokyo

Daikokuya is one of the first Ramen and noodle shops in Little Tokyo and is one of the best. It has some of the richest pork broth I've ever tasted. With that being said, everyone knows that so the lines can be very long. I highly suggest getting there early to get your name down. If lines aren't your thing, I suggest going to Hachioji a few restaurants down. 

MARKET PROVISIONS

West Hollywood

Los Angeles is all about brunching. And your stay wouldn't be complete without an epic bottomless brunch at Market Provisions. One of the best deals in town on the weekend, I love the bottomless mimosas paired with the chicken sandwich and shoestring fries. Throw on a cute casual dress and you're perfect to spend most of your afternoon brunching here. Make a reservation.

T O  C A F F E I N A T E:

VERVE

Multiple Locations

For some of the best coffee in DTLA, Verve is your place to go. They have amazing pour over coffees to choose from and even have beans to purchase in store. Great patio with greenery wall to enjoy your coffee.

STUMPTONS

Multiple Locations

Stumptons is probably my second favorite place for coffee. The DTLA location has a curated indoor modern vibe that is perfect to escape the heat with an iced americano while they play a great selection of music. They also have coffee beans to buy.

IL CAFFE

Downtown Los Angeles

Il Caffè is the perfect neighborhood spot to come and relax in the morning. The perfect way to unwind and I highly suggest getting the breakfast special which comes with a regular cup of joe, fresh squeezed OJ, and a breakfast panini. Enjoy it under the shade of an umbrella outside.

LA TROPEZIENNE

Multiple Locations

If you are all about the pastries and treats more than the coffee, omg La Tropezienne has the BEST croissant you have ever had. Their iced americanos and lattes are also very delicious as well. The DTLA location has the best customer service and upscale marble and gold vibes indoors. You will feel like you are in a Parisian bakery. 

TILT COFFEE

Downtown Los Angeles

Tilt Coffee has the iced latte of your dreams! The Cloud Latte is the creamiest and fluffiest iced latte and is 100% worth all the sweet goodness. Such a cute little coffee shop with both outdoor and indoor seating.

ALFRED'S COFFEE

Multiple Locations

Alfred's coffee is the most instagramable coffee shop in Los Angeles. They have coined the phrase "But First, Coffee!". They have yummy chai tea lattes and matcha lattes. Don't forget to notice the cute decor and take a quick photo for the gram. 

T O  S I G H T  S E E :

HOLLYWOOD SIGN

Hollywood Hills

You cannot come to Los Angeles and not see the Hollywood Sign. If you are under a time crunch, I would suggest just viewing it by car from the road as you drive closer and closer to see it. But I really suggest to do a hike which is very LA of you to get a true view.

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

North Los Feliz

Another really cool hike that is pretty quick is the hike up to the griffith observatory. This view is pretty incredible looking back to a great shot of downtown. Park your car in the neighborhoods at the bottom for free parking and start your hike at the Griffith Park sign. Dont forget to bring water

SANTA MONICA PIER

Santa Monica

If you're in Los Angeles, you probably envisioned the sunny, surfer coast. Santa Monica pier is the perfect backdrop to just post your towel in the sand and watch the sunset over the rollercoaster picturesque views. I highly recommend renting bikes or roller blades for the boardwalk. 

THE GETTY MUSEUM

Brentwood

The Getty Museum is one of the prettiest museums I have visited in Los Angeles. The vantage point for the city is spectacular! Admission is free and all you have to pay for is parking. I highly recommend going late morning and staying for lunch. Amazing food while soaking up all the art and views. 

T O  D O :

WARNER BROS TOUR​

Burbank

You're in Hollywood the birthplace of big studios and movie behind the scenes. Touring the Warner Bros Studio was such a fun time getting to see Gilmore Girls, Friends, Hart of Dixie, and so many iconic movies!! Highly recommend!

GRIFFITH PARK HIKE

North Los Feliz

Going on a hike through the mountainous deserts is definitely an LA staple, and who knows maybe you'll see a celebrity sweating it out too! I highly suggest going to Griffith Park to also cross off the observatory and Hollywood sign in one trip. 

ACE HOTEL ROOFTOP POOL

Downtown Los Angeles

This is by far the place that you can find me at all the time. I love the Ace Hotel rooftop. They have lounge seats to hang or get in their small pool. It is the best place to relax and enjoy a cocktail on the roof in the heart of downtown. 

CINESPIA

Hollywood 

Cinespia is such a Los Angeles event. It is an outdoor movie held in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, You will need to buy tickets in advance and don't forget to bring a picnic, blanket, and some wine of your choice to sit back and enjoy a classic movie. 

LOST SPIRITS DISTILLERY 

Downtown Los Angeles

This is one of the coolest experiences I have ever been on. This tour is going to take you on a crazy adventure to taste whiskys and rums. You will also learn about the distilling process and their secret method for aging spirits. 

BOARDWALK BIKE RIDE

Santa Monica

Rent a metro bike in Santa Monica to ride along the boardwalk. Start near the Santa Monica Pier after of course grabbing a corn dog from Hot Dog on a Stick. Ride on the boardwalk and enjoy the sunny weather headed to Vince Beach.