If you like to eat and drink and dance, you’re best off living in the city of angels this month. It’s #leoseason and the nightlife and restaurant offerings are giving us some serious LA Pride. Read on for our fave must-try restaurants and summery dance parties around LA this month.
Dama (DTLA) @damafashiondistrict
Photos courtesy of @damafashiondistrict
This latin-inspired lounge is so infused with Hollywood Regency glamour meets breezy, tropical escapism you’d never know you were in a converted banana distribution warehouse. (Yes, seriously.) The open floor plan paired with the hardwood, smoking room walls allows the space to feel relaxed yet polished. Though they do serve meaty entreés like their glorious 24 ounce dry-aged ribeye with pickled peppers and salsa verde, their loaded soft serve banana sundae is what truly shines. Quick tip: take after @thegeneraltay and lean hard into that resortwear vibe. (Think Chanel’s Havana Resort from 2017). Your feed will thank you.
Viale dei Romani (WeHo) @vialedeiromani
Photos courtesy of @vialedeiromani
Viale dei Romani does Coastal Italian but takes it poolside. We’re seeing a huge influencer marketing push at this La Peer Hotel venue but we’re not hating it. The storytelling is authentic effective and we want to carbo-load on those luxe loungers stat. Given the LA ambiance and hotel location, the prices are reasonable. Their pasta menu, decked with rabbit tagliatelle and citrusy squid tagliarini will have you planning an Amalfi Coast jetset. Not feeling carbs? Their fish selections are succulent, fresh, and diverse. Don your headscarf and minidress cause this spot is a certified gram-pleaser.
Bar Calo (Echo Park) @barcalola
Photos courtesy of @carriekawamura, @boloratheexplorer, @daaanggirl, @jeremysimpsn, @infatuation_la
We know the images above truly speak for themselves. We know we don’t have to tell you twice to order drinks from this beautiful pop-arty east side hotspot. (But we will.) This space is seductive and sleak with a dash of light hearted Mexico City influence. Their mezcal offerings are top shelf and their small plates are sophisticated. Their cocktail program is classically-influenced but incorporates seasonal produce from the bar’s garden. Eco-vibes continue with their metal straws. Pop on a flirty top and some espadrilles to sip on a Market Margarita. Don’t forget a rez. This one’s a hotspot.
Felix Trattoria (Venice) @felixlosangeles
Photos courtesy of @felixlosangeles, @bonappetitmag, @thechalkboardmag
Executive chef Evan Funke opened this one last year but we’re bringing it back because look at that bread. We know it’s supposed to be the season of citrus and carpaccio but the truth is, we can’t say no to a flaky focaccia no matter the weather. The space features a wood-fired oven serving out delectable pizzas and a temperature controlled laboratory where Funke can be found hand-rolling noodles in what can only be described as peak pasta perfection. Make a reservation, get there early, and maybe still go on an “off night” cause this one gets crowded.
The NoMad Hotel (DTLA) @thenomadhotel
Photos courtesy of @caitlynmiyako and @thenomadhotel
Occupying the old Bank of Italy building, The NoMad fills this historic space with sumptuous colors and picture-perfect corners. The lobby is a luxurious, emerald tomb of velvet and tufted lounge-style furniture, calling bank to the bank’s history. Ascend the timeless stairs to the rooftop, the true gem of this hotspot. Up top, you’ll find splashes of Mediterranean influences and Angeleno influencers with Spritzes in hand. Above the palm fronds, you’ll think you’ve been whisked away to the Italian villa you’ve been wishing for. It’s not a tiki bar, but you’ll see a rotation of poolside classics for when you want a Mai Tai and a different kind of dive.
KCRW’s Chinatown Summer Nights (Chinatown)
Photos courtesy of @ginapricilia, @kseniaslavnikova, @butterydimple, and @KCRW
If you weren’t already aware of the sonic holy grail that is KCRW or Jason Bentley, you’re about to be cued in. Every Summer the Santa Monica-based NPR station hosts a Summer Nights music series. Music sets vary but always feature live DJ sets by their hip af lineup of DJs. Chinatown Summer Nights is a true party in the streets, with plentiful photo opportunities flush with a New Chinatown photo booth, confetti, hanging lanterns, and neon. Come for the music, stay for the craft and vintage flea market. This is the last month to check out the series until next summer, so get on it. Check out the upcoming schedule here.
Things You Say Swim Club at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Pool
Photos courtesy of @lisbona_1point_oh, @this.is.nala, @thingsyousayla
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what fence you have to climb to take advantage of the Hollywood Roosevelt’s stunning pool, look no farther than Things You Say Swim Club. The weekly party is takes place every Sunday at the Tropicana Pool Cafe and is free with RSVP which you can do here. Make sure your poolside attire is prepped because there is a photographer and you’re going to want your picture taken. (Obviously.) Check out the glossy images from past parties here and past Things You Say Rick Trainor DJ sets here.
Try out any of these spots? Tweet us @somethingsocial or tag us on the ‘gram – @somethingsocial.
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