Downtown: To do? To eat? To drink?
You don't need a car to enjoy any of the following suggestions if you are staying downtown. So take the fly away bus from LAX (only $7 each way!) and enjoy a weekend in Los Angeles without parking headaches.
Places to Eat:
The Original Pantry: Legendary greasy spoon, open 24 hours a day. A block away from the Fig.
Philippe's: Purports to be Home of the Original French Dip sandwich. Ben suggests the lamb sandwich. Don't forget to smear on the Very hot mustard!
Cole's: Also purports to be originator of the French Dip Sandwich. We think Phillipe's is better (and cheaper), but Cole's is closer to hotels and has a tiny speakeasy bar (The Varnish) in a back room. Come for the french dip sandwiches, stay for some tasty cocktails.
Wurstkuche: Hipster sausages and a good beer list.
Langer's Deli: The BEST pastrami ever. Yeah, you heard it. Better than NY! Not exactly walking distance, but you can take the metro (Purple or Red line) and get dropped off at the Westlake/McArthur Park stop which is right across the street. Go there for breakfast or lunch, it closes at 4pm.
The Lazy Ox Canteen: Gastro Pub in Little Tokyo.
Yang Chow: Classic and loved American-Style Chinese restaurant. A McKean tradition.
Places to Drink:
Far Bar: A good beer bar nestled in an alley in Little Tokyo. There are also some tasty snacks there.
The Varnish: The fancy cocktail speakeasy in the back of Cole's. The drinks are expensive ($14), but strong and special.
Seven Grand:A whiskey bar that serves good cocktails but can get douche-y. Easy to remember the address (7th and Grand)
The Golden Gopher: Another totally adequate bar in the middle of downtown.
Hop Louie: A chinese dive bar/restaurant in chinatown. Very close to Union station, may be a good place for an after party.
Things to do:
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). The Geffen Contemporary wing of MOCA is also in Little Tokyo.
Disney Music Hall looks fancy. You can take tours of the hall itself or even see a show.
Japanese American National Museum
Olvera Street is the oldest street in Los Angeles. It's across the street from Union Station.
Also, The Dodgers are playing the Mets Thursday through Sunday. It's bobble head night on Thursday and fireworks on Friday! If you have tickets, you can take a free shuttle to Dodger stadium from Union Station.