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A Local's Guide to: Downtown LA

Words by Maiwenn Raoult

Los Angeles with Mount Baldie

Whether you’re in town for a concert at Crypto.com Arena, a conference at LA’s Convention Center, or just for a good time running around la la land, we’ve got the locals hit list of places to eat, drink and shop – all no more than 20 mins from The Hox – from a local Angeleno, Maiwenn Raoult.

Eat

Bavel

This Downtown LA restaurant is one not to be missed. Nestled in the Arts District, the decor is just as gorgeous as the food is good. My order is the lamb flatbread which is cooked to perfection. And if you want to make a day of it, spend your afternoon at The Broad which is just a 10-minute drive from Bavel, then enjoy a long dinner lapping up every last bite and drop of wine. Plan on making a reservation in advance, as this is a popular one in DTLA.

Yangban Society

Yangban Society is a treasure in Los Angeles of Korean-fusion dishes that will delight even the pickiest palettes. With an inventive stand alone mini-mart called Super to explore pre or post-meal that offers up homemade pantry staples and items from LA-based and Asian American-owned businesses. Plus, it’s a stones throw from the ROW DTLA – only a 15 min walk, or a few mins in a car.

Drink

Heaven’s Market

Wine and flowers, need I say more? Close by to Union Station, Heaven’s Market is exactly that: a little slice of heaven in DTLA’s Chinatown. They’ve got a wonderful assortment of natural wines, plus some fresh florals to charm up any day. Grab a bottle, and enjoy (under the radar) at Grand Park just a quick drive away.

Shop

Hennessey + Ingalls

Hennessy + Ingalls is a treasure trove for second hand books. You’ll find an extensive collection of reads that cover art, architecture, and design to peel through. Plus, it’s nestled in the Arts District which makes for a lovely afternoon of moseying around DTLA.

Popkiller Second

Popkiller is one of my favorite vintage shops to explore. It’s a Japanese brand with loads of really cool graphic tees and accessories in a modern and colorful store. It’s right in Little Tokyo, near Pershing Square.

Sesame

Another one on my Chinatown hit list is Sesame LA. It’s a playful mart chock full of prepared foods, candles, sauces, and unique giftable items. The product assortment highlights small makers and AAPI brands.

About the author

Maiwenn

Maiwenn Raoult is a story-teller, youth-advocate and artist. A Los Angeles native— she loves to explore new parts of the city that she was raised in. Maiwenn’s work moves between fashion and documentary and is inspired by the creativity, honesty and self-exploration that exists within the process of making photos. When she is not taking photos, you can find her teaching photography and encouraging youth to explore their identity and voices.

Maiwenn’s photos have appeared widely and her clients include LA Times, Spotify, Footlocker Women, Adidas, Peerspace, Nike, and The New York Times.