Quick and Dirty Rundown of Downtown Retail & Restaurants

Lots of stuff going on in DTLA--but that's pretty much the same story since, what, 2006? Before the crash, there was activity. After the crash, the activity slowed down, but it never stopped. DTLA believers like Adam Fleischman (Umami and Choco Chicken), Cedd Moses (Coles, Golden Gopher, Clifton's), the late Alex Calderwood (Rudy's Barbershop, Ace Hotel), and Tyler Wells (soon to be "merged" Handsome Coffee) forged on. The big difference between the pre-crash era and now? In addition to places to live, more businesses have been opening in the area than ever before, and businesses are the key to attracting jobs, visitors, and residents. DTLA is finally in a healthy place. Just in the past few months we've welcomed Eighty Two Barcade, Oak, Aesop, Stumptown Coffee, Tanner Goods, H&M, Zara, Sea Salt, Warby Parker, Alma, and Blacktop Coffee. Watch out for: Whole Foods.

Another Umami Hits the Arts District

Arguably one of the most tasty burgers in town, another Umami hits downtown, this time in the Arts District. Located around the corner from one of my other faves, The Pie Hole, this Umami outpost is cozier than the Umamicatessen on Broadway, but just as tasty.

From Portland, With Love

Popular coffee house from Portland opens its first outpost in Los Angeles. Welcome Stumptown Coffee to the burgeoning Arts District - Sud. Grab a delicious brew when you're in the neighborhood, or perhaps a quick pick-me-up before dinner at Bestia, which is just around the corner.