Bar Amá Guide to Downtown LA

 

It used to be that Downtown L.A. was a district filled with office buildings that cleared out after 5pm and stood empty on weekends. But in recent years the area has transformed into an oasis of great art, shopping and food—including the cocktails and reimagined Tex-Mex cuisine of Bar Amá. It even has a hip new moniker: DTLA.

 

Bar Amá executive chef and owner Josef Centeno may be the ultimate DTLA insider: He  lives just down the block from Bar Amá and owns three other restaurants in the area. So, we asked Centeno and his staff to tell us where they eat, drink, shop and hang out in the neighborhood when they’re off the clock.

 

My neighbor Uli Nasibova owns Uli Gelateria in the Spring Arcade, and she’s constantly coming up with new and delicious gelato flavors, always seasonally on point.

 

Guisados is also in the Spring Arcade and serves tacos filled with traditional Mexican braises and stews, like the tinga de pollo and cochinita pibil – spicy!

 

I like the retro treats that Sharlena Fong makes at Semisweet Bakery – I’ll admit that I’m a fan of the strawberry ding-a-ling (like the Hostess Ding Dongs you might remember from when you were a kid – but elevated).

 

Also, I start every morning with a quad (four shots of espresso) at Ledlow. But if you’re into lattes, nobody makes better espresso-and-milk drinks and latte art than one of the baristas there, Jaime Herrera.

 

I can’t pass the corner of 6^th and Main without stopping at the fancy pet supply shop Pussy & Pooch – it’s like a pet boutique – I guess my dogs are spoiled.

 

 

I love the Little Jewel of New Orleans in Chinatown. I’m a native New Orleanian so it’s a great place to get my po’ boy fix. I eat lunch there religiously.

 

For a drink or bite after work, I love Terroni. They have a great wine list and delicious spaghetti al limone – and I’ll take any of the pizzas with anchovies. And the arancini are excellent.

 

I’m a beer nut so my favorite place to shop is Buzz. They have the best European bottle selection I’ve found in Los Angeles.

Community is very important to me, which is why I love living downtown and seek places that reflect this value. Among those is Mignon, a quaint French wine bar run by only two people at a time.

 

Spring for Coffee is a spot where all the locals hang out and meet new neighbors.

 

My absolute favorite is the Historic Downtown Farmers Market every Sunday. It’s an ever expanding, lively celebration of artists, family and farmers, managed by my dear friend (and roommate!) Ian Gabriel.

 

The Daily Dose in the Arts District is one of my O.G. spots for delicious sandwiches with honest ingredients, beautiful, simple coffee and sweets all tucked away in a garden-shed-style shop and patio.

Baadmash is my go to for delicious Indian food with a twist, cold Lambrusco and generous hospitality.
I hit DTLA Cheese for an intensely satisfying D’Affinois sandwich — slightly tart, creamy D’Affinois cheese with smoky ham on a tiny baguette. (Also recommended in GCM: the tiny herb store near the Hill Street entrance where I stock up on loose herbs and a plethora of mystery tonics.)

 

Grand Park is where I go to write and drink coffee and be alone with my thoughts.

 

I like getting lost in the maze of the Last Bookstore to look for history, culinary and language books.

 

I live downtown and one of my favorite spots to grab a bite is Peking Tavern. It’s downstairs from Terroni. They have a great craft beer selection and some pretty delicious Chinese dumplings and beef noodle soup.

 

When I have time, I enjoy exercising at the Ketchum Downtown YMCA. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in downtown, a no-frills gym with a full indoor basketball court and an indoor pool.

 

We have a great local market that is steps from my building. It’s called Two Bits, and while it’s lacking in size, it makes up for it in its well-chosen products. Two Bits also sells a fantastic breakfast burrito that has become a weekly ritual for me.

 

I like Maccheroni Republic for its stand-out Italian comfort food – classic pastas prepared just right. I like the veal-stuffed agnolotti and thick-cut Venetian spaghetti with sausage ragout (always cooked al dente).

 

Cole’s Red Car Bar is my go-to for an after-work drink. Its historic ambience (it’s part of the original Cole’s French dip restaurant) makes it the perfect spot for a Manhattan.