I often work in Downtown, either for meetings, projects, or just cause I don’t want to work at home. I finished my work early and decided that I was going to brave the maybe possible multiple hours wait to get Howlin’ Rays. It’s been a while since it debuted, I just felt it was time to just find out. Well, in the interest of maximizing my time… I actually edited all these pictures on the VSCO app while waiting in line.
The people in line with me were pretty appalled that I’m from LA and I hadn’t tried it yet. Everyone else in line seems to have already done it one time or another. All I’m gonna say is it’s incredible, does live up to the hype, tender and juicy delicious chick, the rub is amazing, the spices combo is unlike anything I’ve had before, it’s a new kind of food for me (Nashville hot), the pickles were eat and the staff was really friendly. It’s hidden in this random part of Chinatown surrounded by businesses with a more normal traffic than this place. I would say what makes this more successful than those businesses is the branding. This is a great example as to why you need a brand strategist for your business.
Anyway! Here are some pretty pictures of DTLA architecture. Scroll to the bottom for more suggestions on what to explore around this area =)
9th & Main
- Pattern Bar – famous downtown bar themed after fashion as it is in the fashion district. All cocktails are named after designers. I recommend Jimmy Choo <3
- Peking Tavern – underground bar with GREAT dumplings and AWESOME happy hour specials
- Preux & Proper – gorgeous interiors and Southern food with a twist. Must!
8th & Broadway
- Il Caffe – Swedish coffee shop with beer and wine. Food looks pretty expensive so I haven’t gotten anything to eat here. Pop on to 9th & Main to go to the food court in that building instead. I recommend Bakery Nosh for the sweetest lady in downtown
- Sonoratown – one of my most visited spots. When I say cheap, I mean, take advantage before they raise them cause they are popular. They even expanded their space so it’s huge and always busy.
Hill St. to Chinatown
- Lots of street art – look up, look down, look to the side… you’ll find some art
- Pershing Square – it reminds me of Washington Square Park in NYC. It can have lots of homeless people but they’re all friendly =)
- Jewelry district – lots of hidden gems around here 😉 Just explore
- Grand Park – kept pretty clean. Props!
- Angel’s Flight – take a ride! Bring cash
- Grand Central Market – always good to pop in here for a pint or some candy
- Howlin’ Rays – review up top!
