New Food Places in Downtown Los Angeles

My son lives in the downtown Los Angeles area and each time I visit, there is always something new and fun to see, do or eat. Just in the four years he has lived there, it has gone from a scary wasteland at night, to a vibrant, exciting restaurant and nightlife scene.

There are many new businesses in downtown Los Angeles and the whole area, from the Staples Center, all the way through to Little Tokyo is growing constantly. It's still a good time to visit, as the invasion of Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret and other chain stores has yet to happen, although it's coming.

Here are three new exciting businesses in downtown Los Angeles:

Stray Cat Cafe
Located right on the corner of 5th and Spring Street, in the space formerly occupied by Weeneez hot dogs, the Stray Cat Cafe is a great new diner-style restaurant offering breakfast all day, as well as a nice selection of fresh food. They feature some great art on the walls and are open from 7 AM to 10 PM every day. There is also a new wine bar moving in next door in the space formerly occupied by The Must, which will be run by the same owners as the Stray Cat Cafe. I've eaten there several times and the food is fresh and well prepared. One of their specialties are Philly cheesesteaks, and several people have recommended them to me, but I've yet to try one.

Stray Cat Cafe
500 S. Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 891-1144
straycatla.com

Two Bits Market
Another newcomer to downtown Los Angeles is the Two Bits Market, located in the historic Alexandria Hotel building. The markets offers fresh and organic fruits and vegetables and is a welcome addition to the fast food type markets that already permeate the immediate area.

I've shopped here a few times and you can tell they are still getting started, but they have a nice selection of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, hams and wine. They are also starting to serve sandwiches and other lunch options.

Of all the new businesses in the downtown area, this is the one I'm most excited about, as there is a serious lack of fresh organic fruit and vegetables in the historic core area. I've shopped at the Grand Central Market but none of the produce there is organic and it's also second quality.

Two Bits Market
210 West 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 627-2636

Big Man Bakes
Sometimes the name of an establishment is very fitting. Located on the thriving Main Street area of the Old Bank District of downtown Los Angeles, right at 4th street, across from Pete's Cafe is Big Man Bakes. Owned by a very big man (6'5" William "Chip" Brown), they have great cupcakes, in many flavors. We like the $1.00 mini cupcakes, allowing us to try a few types without feeling guilty.

Big Man Bakes
413 S Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 617-9100
bigmanbakes.com