LAist: Win Tickets to Kanye West at NOKIA Theatre LA Live!

jello_hi

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:58:21 -0800

If you're ever in downtown Los Angeles during the summer and you want to dance the night away to salsa music or the chachacha under the stars on a Friday night; try heading out to the Music Center during the months of June-September. There you'll find a temporary dance floor where people from all walks of life come to dance and enjoy the array of music being played every Friday. I've attended it before...boy was it FUN. For more information try contacting the Music Center for current events during the summer time! ENJOY

uhohitzdenise

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:50:37 -0800

There is a really awesome thai restuarant called palms that will provide a real life singing Elvis while you eat ur pad thai :]

uhohitzdenise

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:50:23 -0800

There is a really awesome thai restuarant called palms that will provide a real life singing Elvis while you eat ur pad thai :]

uknow16

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:22:11 -0800

The Downtown L.A. Standard has a groovy lounge with pink sofas and DJs, as well as an all-white restaurant that looks like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. But it's the rooftop bar, with an amazing view of the city's illuminated skyscrapers, a heated swimming pool, and private, podlike water-bed tents, that's worth waiting in line to get into. And wait you probably will, especially on weekends and in summer.

dhibar

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:18:02 -0800

Hit up Pete's for a late night dinner and drinks. Best $12 macaroni and cheese I've ever had. I feel guilty about it too!

dhibar

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:17:32 -0800

Hit up Pete's for a late night dinner and drinks. Best $12 macaroni and cheese I've ever had. I feel guilty about it too!

hclbwsh

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:50:34 -0800

McCormick and Schmicks is a good restaurant in Downtown LA. Their specialty is seafood which is really tasty. Here's their address: 633 W Fifth St Los Angeles, CA 90071 Phone: (213) 629-1929. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 7pm, takes a hiatus for dinner, and returns from 9pm to 11pm. On Fridays, it goes straight through from 3pm to 11pm. Unless you're up for a pre-drink workout by climbing the steps of Bunker Hill, skip street parking and valet the car. Believe it or not, the valet is about half the price of the underground self-parking structure.

dwsh

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:34:27 -0800

If your into the performing arts, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a wonderful place to got to. They host exciting concerts for LA Phillarmonic orchestra and plenty of famous musicians. The design of the building is also a unique sight to see that has attracted tourists from all over the world.

dwsh

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:30:35 -0800

victoria86

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:01:57 -0800

There is a great place in Chinatown called Yang Chows the prices are a little expensive but the food is really great. There are also nice little stands around it to buy inexpensive gifts.

shaquita

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:17:44 -0800

If you're looking for a nice place to stay and a nice meal to eat with a special someone, The Westin Bonaventure is the best place to go. The hotel itself is very nice. I believe that it would be a nice place to stay for an anniversary or a special event. The L.A. Prime is also an excellent place to spend an anniversary. The food is pretty expensive, but it's worth it. The steak is delicious and juicy. If you try the steak from there, you would turn down Black Angus and The Steakhouse.

ajlaist

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:44:44 -0800

Sunday Social is a fantastic late afternoon hang at The Standard Downtown!

mimily

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:02:12 -0800

Downtown LA is know to be the city of traffic or not a very attractive one. My tip would be that if you do go to downtown LA be prepared. Bring your running/walking shoes. The best thing to do is to find a parking lot and start walking through downtown. Sure you make ask yourself what does downtown LA has to offer for me? or if it will capture your attention? Well thats where my second tip comes in; go to areas that you can relate to. Lets say you love history and learning then you go to historic downtown where you will find architectual collections of the 20th century its located ithin 3rd and 9th Streets and Main and Broadway. Now for all women that of course enjoy the fashion industries they could go and visit the creative center of the fashion industry, the 90-block LA Fashion District is a wonderful to shop till you drop. There is so much to do in downtown and can fit for any individual. But remember you have to bring those walking shoes because downtown LA ist about walking more than 100 square blocks, but of course there are some other options like the bus. Later when you decide to get hungry grab a bite at any of our 200 eateries in Downtown LA (over 200). Now thats my tip!

jello_hi

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:58:15 -0800

Are you looking for one of the best LUNCH in downtown Los Angeles try going to the "The Original Pantry". The have the best Clam Chowder I have ever tasted....0oh and their burgers are to die for!!! Just stop by and youll know what I'm talkin about.....877 S. Figuroa Street. in downtown Los Angeles

jello_hi

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:32:56 -0800

Are you looking for a place to grab a cafe latte, gourmet sandwiches or delecatable cream puffs from Bread Papa; try going to FAMIMA @ the corner of Figuroa & West 8th. Street. FAMIMA is a small chain of convenience stores kind of live seven eleven but "better"....haha

jello_hi

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:19:21 -0800

Have tickets to a concert or sporting event; but you want to have dinner before hand? Wheather it's a Lakers game @ Staples Center or a concert @ the Nokia Theatre..... Try making reservations @ Palm Restaurant which is across from Staples Center 1100 S. Flower Street and Morton's Steakhouse off of 7th. and Figuroa shopping area.

jello_hi

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:09:46 -0800

In the Nokia Theatre the best seats to have when watching a concert especially KANYE WEST would have to be "THE PIT" since it's standing room only......you get the ultimate concert experience....think of it as a U2 concert sitting on the elipse but w/ out Bono and crew!!

rdang

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:27:09 -0800

Here are 2 great tips: If you're a fan of ALL YOU CAN EAT, KOREAN BBQ, there's this great place in Koreatown which is about a 10 minute drive from the Staples Center. I love this place, for $20 (that includes tax and tip) you can eat all the chicken, pork, steak, and ribs that you want! 3377 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90019 www.mannakoreanbbq.com Another place is the 7+Fig Downtown shopping center that is only 5 min away, located at 735 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles CA 90017, the shops are great but if you're looking for something to eat the CPK is a popular choice. For more info on that go to their website http://www.7fig.com/ And if you're a college kind of person, you can check out the University of Southern California during the day, it's just a quick drive down Fig!

phi676

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:03:03 -0800

Lunch at Phillipe's. Can't go wrong.

Osmany Rodriguez

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:25:21 -0800

not getting murdered

reverto

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:16:18 -0800

Grand Star! It's Chinatown's own jazz club with Trader Vic-style rum drinks (Suffering Bastard, anyone?) and a lit-up disco floor! Plus, the server is a super-friendly lady named Mommy. How can you beat that? If you're hungry, you can order off the menu of one of the nearby Chinese restaurants and they'll bring the food in for you. And if jazz isn't your style, the upstairs room hosts the Firecracker dance club every other Friday. Grand Star: something for everyone!

MissKarla

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:58:14 -0800

If you're ever in Downtown LA, need a hotel and want to have an adventerous experience, then I would say to book a room @ the Figueroa Hotel. This 1925 former YWCA residence has been transformed today into one of downtown Los Angeles’ best budget hotels. Though there doesn’t appear to be a specifically identified spirit, a number of strange things allegedly occur here. Eerie sounds are said to emanate throughout the hallways and the rooms, televisions turn on by themselves at night and will not shut off, and the elevator seemingly moves of its own accord, stopping on certain floors, then opening to display no one there. Figueroa Hotel, 39 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, California 90015 800/421-9092. Also Long Beach is not far so you might want to try out the Queen mary, here is the haunted story behind this on the water hotel. Queen Mary – Considered the most luxurious ocean liner ever to sail the Atlantic, the Queen Mary first set sail in 1936, carrying 3,000 passengers and crew. After making more than 1,000 voyages across the ocean, the Queen Mary was permanently docked in Long Beach in 1967. Today, it serves as both a luxurious hotel and a museum and is the constant source for stories of paranormal activities. Said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the nation, this historic ship has a number of spirits lurking upon its decks. The swimming pool is reportedly haunted by two women who drowned there, the ghost of a young woman in a white dress has been seen in the Queen's Salon, children have been heard playing in the Forward Storage Room, and a 1930’s gentleman has been known to roam among the First Class Suites. These tales and more are to be found at this floating haunted hotel. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, P.O. Box 1100, Long Beach, California 90802, 800-437-2934 or 562-435-3511.

victoria86

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:48:41 -0800

A great meal can be found at Clifton's cafeteria for a great price. The food is great and its right in the center of the city. The inside is pretty ecclectic but an awesome meal can be had. It is also open seven days a week from 6:30am-7:30pm and can be found at 648 South Broadway.

threepringles

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:11:40 -0800

#1 restaurant in L.A: Spark Woodfire Grill Serves American food and most known for their steak. It is located near Beverly Hills about 17 minutes away from the Nokia Theatre. Unlike traditional steakhouses they serve baby back ribs, hamburgers, wood fired pizzas, and much more. Spark's intention is to have "fine casual dining." The restaurant itself is three stories, with the top two levels reserved for private functions. Two thirds of the building is banquet/rental space, complete with a separate entrance. The second floor has space for dancing and eating, and the third is decorated as a comfortable living room lounge. The atmosphere and the food is wonderful.

linotype

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:56:10 -0800

bonus tip part 2: The lost souls Cafe is an excellent place to meet, study, eat, or watch great performances. They showcase local art on the walls and serve great ube shakes. You can find it at 124 W 4th St.

marebear264

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:46:58 -0800

the best place to go for Spicy ramen is Orochon Ramen in Little Tokyo. They boast the spiciest noodles in town, and if you can finish the piping hot and spicy noodles within 30 minutes your picture will end up on their "Wall of Bravery."

austintuckerr

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:37:33 -0800

If you wanna look good for the show, there is a new Comme Des Garcons guerilla store hidden in the alley next to Bar 107 in the bank district.

worriedman

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:11:27 -0800

GREAT drinks at the Mountain Bar (classy-strong, not frat-house strong). Its tucked away, and hard to find.... just like the worried man likes. Hipsters can't ruin what they can't find. :) www.themountainbar.com

jonnyz

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:27:28 -0800

Casey's is a really cool Irish pub on 6th and Grand, not too far away from the Staples Center!

hb

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:36:47 -0800

standard downtown...it rocks even though sometimes the staff can be douchey

Amneeziac

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:29:30 -0800

The Pantry, the best beef stew in L.A. if you're down for a hearty meal! Old-time downtown restaurant. Good stuff if you like home-cooked style good food!

WonderK

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:13:18 -0800

The Golden Gopher, contrary to popular belief, is not, in fact, a dive bar. It's actually quite nice, is not terribly overprices, and due to some split in the space-time continuum, it has an outside deck and a lovely view - despite being sandwiched between two enormous buildings.

volvodrivingdude

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:03:34 -0800

My favorite downtown thing is Mosaic, my church that meets at the Mayan Club. Super chill and artistic, its not too far from Nokia and Staples. Oh yeah, and it has free parking!

daveyabe

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:30:47 -0800

OOOOhhhh maaaaaaan! In the late late night you can grab a footlong wrapped in pork trimmings (bacon) all on the cheap! all from a guy that can barely understand english!!! AWESOME. Oh and this is way better than waiting in line for an hour+ to get a pinks dog, F that!

nomad

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:32:56 -0800

$5.60 pitchers of budweiser and $2.00 corona's at the carls jr. in the citibank building at 5th and flower. a nice balcony to enjoy them on as well... (and the burgers are better than at mcCormicks and schmidts next door)

see_em_dub

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:40:35 -0800

I'm getting excited for the opening of Church and State, a new restaurant from the owner of Cobras and Matadors. It's on the ground floor of the Biscuit Lofts in the Arts District (really close to where the main stage for HARD NYE was). It's supposed to open in March.

amjoana

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:32:43 -0800

if you are going to the staples center or in that vicinity, never ever take your car. 1. my stereo and gps was stolen. 2 my friend's car's window was broken and the whole car was tagged. 3. 1 less car is good for the environment subwaaaaay!

tlinjang

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:21:00 -0800

want authentic chinese desserts? queen's bakery in Chinatown (809 Broadway) has the BEST almond cookies and rice puffs around for under $5. forget the imposters. a true taste of the homeland in just a short oftentimes traffic-laden, frustrating, oh-i-hate-the-110-during-rush-hour ride away!

plm

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:00:20 -0800

i've got two tips: best hidden coffee bar and alcholic bar is the REDCAT lounge. there is wifi, an art gallery, mini book store and awesome shows to stick around for. the second tip is the best view of downtown: the courtyard of the citigroup building off the library tower steps. (5th and flower) there are benches and flowers and ash trays and view worth writing your mom about. awesome place to eat lunch or take your break.

alexisthesheet

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 18:06:26 -0800

hungry after shopping in santee alley? feeling cheap and indecisive? go to the food court and check it out, i personally recommend Downtown Kabob, as they have an extensive menu of grilled meats, yogurt dips, stews, soups and wraps. it might be the best/cheap Persian food on this side of LA. Downtown Kabob 934 S Los Angeles St Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 612-0222 Plus they have bathrooms down there, and while you have to pay (a quarter or something) they are fairly clean.

strong15

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:41:35 -0800

You must go to Roscoes Chicken and Waffles either before or after a live music show in LA. to get the real L.A. experience!! Roscoes in Hollywood is the most popular restuarant for stars to dine at, at any given time you may find yourself dining in the same place as a celebrity at this legendary restaurant...and the food is authentic and scrumptuous!!! They close at 12am on Mondays and Tuesdays and even later on the weekends. The Hollywood Roscoes is only 10 minutes away from the Nokia Live Theatre and is located on the corner of Gower st. and Sunset blvd. (1514 N. Gower st.) or you can find one in downtown L.A. as well only 10 minutes away at 5006 W. pico blvd. I will be there AFTER WINNING these KANYE WEST Tickets!!!

att430

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:51:43 -0800

For a simple and inexpensive meal (under 10 bucks!) , I would have to say Clifton's Cafeteria hands down. In the heart of downtown between 6th and 7th on Broadway, you just can't go wrong with one of LA's long-standing historic treasures.

LA Bus Girl

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:23:22 -0800

you can get two for one admission coupons to MOCA from the downtown business improvement district offices.

LA Bus Girl

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:15:36 -0800

damn, i need to read the comments... someone mentioned this already.

LA Bus Girl

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:14:21 -0800

and by library, i mean THE library... on like fifth and flower.

LA Bus Girl

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:14:06 -0800

If you must bring a car to downtown, which, oh my God, why? validated parking in the Library = 1.00 before 8. It's perfect if you're getting cheap happy hour dinner at McCormick.

shortstuff576

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:18:07 -0800

If you want good hot dogs you should go to Weeneez. In Downtown L.A., 500 S. Spring Street. You should go check it out. Really good food and great prices. Hot dogs taste amazing. Check it out :)

supaphreak

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:01:40 -0800

Redwood Bar and Grill on 2nd/Hill. Killer burgers and they serve pretty late for a bar. Smart tip: stay away from 7th and San Julian esp. at night unless you're trying to score crack!

jello_hi

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:44:19 -0800

The Daily Grill b/t Flower & 6th. in downtown who are known for their meatloafs and happy hours now offer breakfast from 7-11am. Diners can expect to have their share of caffeine(lattes,cappucino,fraps), Belgian waffle, to egg Benedicts. If you work in downtown you can grab something breakfast and enjoy FREE WiFi which they now offer!!

sahr

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:41:52 -0800

starting in the spring and into the summer, there is an outdoor open mic live music event every other tuesday, called TUESDAY NIGHT CAFE, in the aratami courtyard.

jello_hi

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:26:21 -0800

If your in downtown Los Angeles and you're looking for a hip hotel and you'd like to be w/ the "in" crowd.....try staying @ The Standard Hotel right smack dab in downtown on Flower Street. The nice thing about The Standard is that there's a swimming pool on the very top w/ a bar and seating areas. Wheather it's doing laps on the pool or having a cocktail you'll be amazed at the panoramic views of the mountains to the north to the downtown skyline.

rlne101

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:26:12 -0800

Ok so the Fashion District is a cool place to go in LA. They have great discounts at retail stores so you can find new additions to your wardrobe. You can find incredible bargains on different clothing companies. It's 90 blocks full of fashion and other neat merchandise. You best to believe that you will find something at the Fashion District that will have you lookin fly like Kanye in no time.

nicejewlz

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:26:12 -0800

well downtown LA tip: theres a Italian food place that is super awesome on washington blvd and maple ave called Grenich Village.. it has the best tortelini, caesar salad, and garlic bread that's sliced like pizza.. I know too well ..i work right across the street at Santee Education Complex.. the LAUSD school there..

gracieloupoo

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:24:51 -0800

Blue Velvet Restaurant 750 Garland Avenue Los Angeles, Ca 90017 Very elegant and delicious and holds a very large variety of wine selection :)

porkch0p31

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:22:12 -0800

Someone already mentioned the great happy hour at Mccormick's, but I have to second it! The happy hour features its $1.95 menu and special martinis. Try the Blue Atlantis (malibu rum, blue caracao, lemon juice, and a sugar rim). 3-7, 9-10:30 M-Th, All day Fridays ...

fac21

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:21:31 -0800

santee alley is an amusing shopping experience to say the least. cheap shoes, clothes, bags, sunglasses, bootleg dvds, etc.

mwhitney

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:32:13 -0800

try the paletas on 7th just near broadway. they have these places everywhere in mexico. even if it's some hole in the wall place with only two stores, one of them will be a paleteria. however for some reason this is the only one in LA.

pinoy

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:54:01 -0800

My favorite inexpensive parking lot is the Central Library underground lot on 5th street. Who can beat $1? You can walk through Pershing Square or even bike around downtown with ease from there. Of course, you gotta have the library card.

jello_hi

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:36:34 -0800

Looking for something w/ a lil FRENCH? Try Philippe's Original French Dip @ 1001 N. Alameda in downtown Los Angeles!!

jello_hi

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:31:30 -0800

What's there to do in Downtown Los Angeles for a 3 day weekend? FRIDAY: * Stay @ the Hilton Checkers in downtown Los Angeles right off of Grand Ave. (Boutique hotel) * Have dinner @ the Checker's Private Dining Room were you'll dine in an elegant surroundings. SATURDAY: * Wake-up to breakfast sent to your suite. * Spa Treatment @ 10:00am * After the spa, you can sighsee downtown and go shopping @ Macy's Plaza 7th. & Figuroa Union Station Olvera Street Bunker Hill CA Centeral Market (jst to name a few) * After all that shopping try catching a sporting event or concert @ Staples Center or the new Nokia Theatre. * End the night w/ drinks @ Hilton's Checker Lounge SUNDAY: * Wake-up and have breakfast @ Checker's Rooftop Deck w/ sweeping views of downtown. * Work up a sweat @ the fitness center * Try dropping hard cash while shopping @ Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. ** While in Beverly Hills try the burgers @ the Beverly Hills Diner. *To end your three day weekend, I highly suggest having dinner @ Westin Bonaventure's LA Prime Steakhouse w/ a 360* panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles.(Reservation's a must)

jello_hi

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:58:47 -0800

bethvf

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:57:40 -0800

there's a taco truck on 11th St. and Blaine, right by the 110 south entrance that sells YUMMY ceviche..an undiscovered gem!

RoyalGravy

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:13:59 -0800

downtown LA tip: "keep your ear to the ground." downtown hosts more cultural events than I can possibly name in a tiny box. best of broadway, moca openings, grand avenue festival, chinatown parade, nisei week, cinco de mayo on olvera street, tofu festival, even the new south park flea market. gotta check some of this out!

mpiedlourde

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:06:48 -0800

also! if you're going to the staples center, i would recommend parking anywhere near any red line metro stop (either pershing square or around the civic center stop, either in a loading spot or whatnot) and take the metro to the staples center. it drops you off about 3 blocks from nokia live and only costs $1.25 plus whatever it cost you to park (if it's a loading spot, then free!). you can avoid paying $20 for shifty staples center parking.

mpiedlourde

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:49 -0800

best dessert: (in little tokyo, but still downtown-ish) those red bean paste buns at this little stall in the japanese village plaza. it's next to the bakery in the middle of the village, and across from the tokyo outlet shop. they usually have a line around the corner, but they have amazing red bean buns (they look like hockey pucks). also, they have my favorite takoyaki on skewers! best secret getaway pub/restaurant: in the bonaventure hotel, there's a weiland brewery somewhere around the 6th floor. they have a giant patio that overlooks most of downtown. just ask to sit outside. the view most nights are gorgeous.

julietlbrown

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:54:52 -0800

Pete's at 4th and Main - the best Blue cheese fries EVER. like crack, i swear!

ratpicnic

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:52:13 -0800

pandabear: thats awesome. Um, Jesus, well, lame tip: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel has a rad bar up at the top that actually rotates slowly as you sip on your overpriced martini (not the restaurant that rotates, one floor below at the bar). And if you find the right homeless man, he can do a trick with a paper clip (that you can learn, too!) that will get you unlimited time in your meter (all he wants is some change, and he'll pop in about 4 hours or so, or however long the meter will let you). Another lame tip that really has no backing to it but is my prediction: If you can afford real estate as an investment, buy a loft now while the prices are low and wait a year or so, then resell. I predict that downtown will explode soon. You will probably make a profit... (but seriously: I'm a fucking personal assistant. If you take real estate advice from me, you're insane.) And: If you want to spend the extra $5 or so, get the parking right by the Staples Center, it costs $25, but you are about 50 feet from the front entrance. Too cool.

angeleysof3

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:28:45 -0800

The Red line is the best for downtown LA> forget the gas, traffic and trouble parking. Take the red line subway and avoid all troubles!

pandabear

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:16:41 -0800

There's a $1.75 express bus from downtown L.A. to Disneyland - the MTA#460.

geereezy

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:48:34 -0800

If your like me, and you really have a great appreciation for art, then downtown LA, is an amazing spectacle. Upon coming into the city, you will immediately notice the uproar of art spread throughout both ends of the freeway overpasses. They are amazing pieces done by both commisioned artist and graffiti artist. But my favorite piece of art within downtown LA is the not only art, but a clever illusion to the eye. It is located in the downtown Subway Terminal building on the Hill street side of the building. The mural is of false windows, realistically textured to add the appearance of glare and reflection. It also features scafolds, ridges and arches, which add a dimensional feel to the 11 and 12 floor of the buildings flat wall. The most amazing part of this piece is the painting of a pair of painters on the building who appear to be completing the mural. If your in the area and want to see the longest commisioned public art in downtown LA, be sure to go see this incredible piece done by artist Jeffrey Greene.

character

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:42:48 -0800

I gotta say Little Tokyo is a nice place to get back to my roots. It's not the same as before but I still go often to visit the Nishi Honganji Temple to give respects to my grandpops and his family. My car mechanic's shop is there called NT Auto. and i love getting Japanese style takoyaki and eating at daikokuya for their salmon egg bowl, or shiso wrapped spicy tuna..orr the roasted pig. so GOOD.

kyleajones

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:37:13 -0800

Forget the Nokia...to see a good live show, hit The Orpheum. Stopping by the Broadway Bar next door before and after the show is also your best move.

NiceArthur32

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:35:55 -0800

Outside the Staples Center during/after ANY event... THE BACON WRAPPED HOT DOGS!!! THE BEST! they dont got these things in chicago OR new york! i think i saw people selling "kabobs" outside a couple of bars in NY.. i dont want no damn KABOB! I WANT SOME BACON WRAPPED HOT DOGS!

rytm418

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:35:28 -0800

if you don't want to pay ridiculous prices for cool sunglasses (which everybody needs in LA!) then go to the fashion district for some great fakes on the street, or if you are brave then check out the textile district for all types of cool knockoff designer merchandise!

Daviewavie

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:25:29 -0800

For the price, Zenku sushi in little tokyo has some of the best sushi in LA. Plus, who can argue with $1.50 Kirin drafts......delicious.....then after your done eating, you can work of the food trying on cheap but great sunglasses at popkiller.

HerMixALot

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:56:43 -0800

God DAMMIT zapata94! If you win the tickets with MY speakeasy tip, you're taking me to the show. :-) Anyway, the gay bar across from speakeasy is not a gay bar at all, but rather a bar with a rainbow flag on the outside and a bunch of homeless inside drinking Schlitz.

caliking01

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:44:02 -0800

the taco spot across from La Cita. Yum.

hulahoney83

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:43:25 -0800

It's all about Crash Mansion http://www.crashmansionla.com/ Get on the right lists and you can rsvp for cheap cover and free drinks!

claw

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:40:24 -0800

petite cafe is a little hut up the stairs on 5th street across from the central library. They have DELICIOUS soups and an awesome veggie sandwich.

getoden

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:18:12 -0800

when you go buy a bacon wrapped hotdog from a downtown street vendor, ALWAYS ask for the price before. If you just order and ask "how much?" after, or you will get suckered into paying more!

linotype

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:35:21 -0800

Bonus tip: Weiland's Brewery has the best happy hour in LA, extensive $4 appetizers and $2 beers after 10pm

linotype

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:33:18 -0800

$7 parking for Staples Center, Nokia Live, and Kanye on the corner of James M Wood and Georgia St. Just cut through a lot and the LA Live construction site and you're there.

amvickers

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:33:40 -0800

Pitfire Grill on 108 W. 2nd Street has some amazing Pizza's and Salads. I usually like to make my own combination pie, but there are some really creative recipe's on the menu. Now, let me go see the louis vuiton don

ccacarch

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:26:27 -0800

Trying to get to that new hot show at MoCA Grand Ave or MoCA Little Tokyo? Buy your tickets at the least crowded one and walk over. Show all the cool hipster types in line your e-ticket sticker while you walk right past them through the the front door. Now, give me those tickets!

iRunThisRapShit

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:37:19 -0800

le slash took mine! so i guess if you ever need to get downtown from south central, take olive north instead, it won't backed up and you can get to all of the same places.

le_slash

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:17:56 -0800

Hit up the late-night happy hour at McCormick & Schmick's in the US Bank Tower building - two dollar cheeseburgers with great steak fries!

kristy

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:54:28 -0800

A tip: Drive by and see the construction going on around 7th and Central. It's the home of Inner-City Arts...a non-profit that serves local LAUSD children! I must also say that I work there and am very proud of the amazing work that children are doing inside this downtown campus (including ceramics, animation, drama, music, dance, and visual arts). Our new expansion will double our current space--and includes a brand new black box theatre--which will open up even more opportunities for downtown communities to come visit us. There is amazing art and art education happening downtown!

VictorAtomic

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:31:02 -0800

Great cheap desserts at Cliftons! A winner is the Strawberry creame cake or the Pumpkin cream ... mmmm ... cant go wrong with inhouse made desserts by the slice of whole!

mintxcore

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:21:07 -0800

the thousand cranes restaurant in the new otani hotel has a delicious sunday brunch buffet featuring raw oysters, sushi aplenty, japenese noodles, shabu shabu, tempura, champagne, japanese and western desserts and so much more.

Bachatatera

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:58:57 -0800

the everything place next to starbucks on central and 2nd. it's a lunch spot, it's an afternoon boba tea place, it's a post-work bar, and a sports bar. it's everything. either that or it has an identity crisis.

samkim

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:56:20 -0800

tip=the restaurant/lounges are avoided at all cost. the old establishments>trendy hotspots

Fitten Trim

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:38:37 -0800

Kanye is a pleasant gentleman.

aldo

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:35:09 -0800

ilexeye I was about to say St. Vincent's court but you are too fast. Good to know about that new restaurant. My suggestion would be the angel city drive in - a twice a month event showing all kinds of movies against a wall - it's kind of like a drive thru in the middle of downtown: http://www.myspace.com/angelcitydrivein

laistLurker

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:29:47 -0800

My number 1 downtown tip is to steer clear of the danger dogs! My friends always think they smell so good as we exit Staples but they always pay for that the next day! The churro guys that occasionally hover as well have often times driven patrons to emitt screams of "this crap is stale!" so i wouldn't recommend those either.... Everything immediately around Staples and LA live tends to be rather unimpressive or over-priced if not a combination of the two so walk a few blocks for anything worth while.

jscottamy

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:19:28 -0800

Best Sunday morning Dim Sum is at the Empress China on Hill St in a shopping complex on the second floor very close to the 110 freeway exit/entrance. Across the way is a great toy store to hit.

fredcamino

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:14:01 -0800

Downtown L.A. is served by 129 bus routes, including 53 local routes, 17 limited stops routes, 3 rapid routes, 50 express routes, at 6 DASH routes. In addition, 4 out of the 5 Metro Rail lines (Red, Purple, Gold, and Blue) serve Downtown, with another (the Expo Line) coming soon. Union Station is also served by 6 Metrolink lines, connecting the far-flung exurbs of the region to Los Angeles. Oh ya, Amtrak also serves Downtown, with the Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, and Texas Eagle... connection the rest of California and much of the United States to Downtown. So how does all this come together to make for a great tip about Downtown Los Angeles? Here's my tip: LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME.

twistfunk

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:11:53 -0800

there's this one taco stand-- it's on one end of the third street tunnel or somewhere close to it. we went there after the redwood last weekend, so i'm not positive of the exact location, but it's tight.

diwon

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:10:09 -0800

410 Boyd is a great restaurant/bar on Boyd Street in downtown LA. it's a bit hidden away and not in the best area, but if you're a rib eye lover and want to hang somewhere not chill and not crowded, then this is the place.

strokesfanatic

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:04:37 -0800

make sure not to miss out on detour fest. it's sponsored by la weekly every year usually the 1st week of october. They shut down spring street and temple street where city hall is. Great food, good people watching, and GREAT music from indie bands such as autolux, moving units, and bigger groups such as JUSTICE and bloc party. Tickets are only 25.00 and a tip, get off at union station walk out to olvera street and find temple and spring, saves you parking money and is convenient.

ilexeye

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:40:16 -0800

Downtown Los Angeles a.k.a. Downtown City, Anywhere U.S.A. in the film industry. New restaurant alert! Steve Arroyo, Los Angeles restauranteur who co-owns Cobras and Matadors (Hollywood/Los Feliz), Malo (Silverlake), and 750 ml (SoPas), is putting the finishing touches on his new eatery on the corner of Industrial and Mateo St., to be entitled "Church and State." The new restaurant is on the bottom floor of the Biscuit Company Lofts, across from Royal Claytons, and will sport 70-seats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The soft opening is slated for March 15th! In other Downtown news, the european styled St.Vincent Court, an alley between 7th and 9th in the Jewelry District, is surely the hidden gem of the neighborhood. Already known for the best Persian and Armenian foods, the alley is becoming a dining destination with the opening of four new restaurants sometime mid-summer 2008. Downtown is becoming a hot location for restauranteurs, as lofts keep springing up to house young money-makers looking to live the big city lifestyle. The streets have changed dramatically in a short five years, and its future remains unwritten.

HBmosa

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:32:21 -0800

the best Ramen.... go to Daikokuya on 1st. Watch tv on the little 10 incher while you drink asahi and slurp noodles.

JuliaLat34

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:23:34 -0800

Forget MOCA. REDCAT - best gallery in LA, best theater in LA. In Little Tokyo, skip the crowded joints, the tiny place next to the new mochi shop has a delicious $10 bento box that will feed you and your honey. For Staples Center parking, I always get lucky on Hope.

vklj

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:12:41 -0800

Since KP's Deli closed, those with a craving for Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches can go to the hot truck parked on the corner of N Spring St and Alpine in Chinatown for really cheap jawns. They have THE best chicken sandwich. My friends and I call it the Stinky Van because of the abundance of pickled vegetables they use.

djjewelz

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:10:12 -0800

Fisherman's Outlet on Central for good (and cheap) seafood. For good measure, $5 parking around the Transamerica/AT&T building - a few blocks away from the staple center.

zapata94

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:47:34 -0800

definitely the speakeasy on main between 2nd and 3rd

nb

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:44:37 -0800

the best pho in LA is in Chinatown at Pho 87 on Broadway. dirty koi pond? check. crappy peeling wallpaper? check. "B" grade? check kanye tickets?! check??

adammwilkins

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:36:55 -0800

Steak and Eggs don't get better than the ones served thick and piping hot at The Pantry. Bring cash.

AlPl

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:24:25 -0800

City Hall is taller than it is narrow, but to refer to it as a phallic symbol is uncalled for.

Bernie Spear

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:16:26 -0800

I would give away some great skateboard hills on the weekends in downtown but I don't want to see Kanye that bad!

sred4

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:03:09 -0800

If a sketchy dude asks for a dollar so he'll "watch your car for you", throw him a buck. He won't watch it for you, but at least he won't piss on it

pbrady275

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:58:10 -0800

When I go to the Staples center, I park at the lots near 12th & Grand. I find them to be the most economical for their location. (I also scored an Eames Chair for $40 from the parking attendant)

dgonzale80

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:51:45 -0800

There are unmetered parking spots close to the Cathedral and Music Center -- on Grand, just north of Cesar Chavez. 5 minute walk or $5 parking fee? (I'd rather walk)