Downtown LA is a mystery for most. While there are definitely some major culinary bright spots, in general, navigating DTLA's one-way streets and big city feel is a challenge for many Venice, Weho and Echo Park denizens. There just isn't a designated spot to spend an afternoon shopping, sipping and hanging out with friends (or even exploring by yourself) -- until now. ROW DTLA is a new retail and restaurant concept from the same people behind Platform LA in Culver City (get our Culver guide!). The new hub is home to fifty independent boutiques and fifteen amazing restaurants, and host to cool lifestyle activations like rotating art galleries, exclusive brand pop-ups, rooftop yoga and the infamous Smorgasburg.
Everything at ROW DTLA is designed with intention -- including the space itself, which features plenty of planty beauty, places to chill, and a massive 10-story parking structure we're trying not to freak out about (easy parking in LA?! We didn't even know this was a possibility). Natural and locally produced goods can be found throughout the ROW's shops, many of which are women-owned.
The incredible curation on Market Row -- a private street in the complex populated by the coolest stores you'll ever find in one place -- gives power to small business owners and local entrepreneurs who are pushing LA's culture towards something more conscious on all levels. The chic collection of shops and restaurants will continue to take shape over the next few months, but there's no reason not to stop by now. In fact, here are a handful of excuses to jet down to an amazing and wonderful parking structure ROW DTLA this weekend...
Hawkins New York | This home design store is the kind of place you want to land in after a day of shopping. Sit down and just live there forever. Modern, stylish and surprisingly accessible, this store aims to "not only enhance the physical environments in which our customers live and work but create a greater understanding and appreciation for responsible, aesthetically minded design."
Tartine Manufactory | The first LA offshoot of this iconic San Fransisco bakery won't be open until next spring... but it's coming! The highly anticipated bakery-cafe has only been available in SF until now. Insider sources tell us that it will be a 3-story market concept like Eatay.
Smorgasburg | Smorgasburg is a Sunday local 'food flea market,' and is what put ROW DTLA on the map. The weekly market concept began in Brooklyn and we've been obsessed since they expanded to LA. What was once just a few small vendors and the promise of a pretty Instagram photo has blown-up and become a major highlight of our weekends. Head to ROW on any given Sunday, stroll around the food vendors' tents, have a few snacks then trickle into the shopping area for a cool-down. 
Hayato | Hayato is a traditional Japanese restaurant that serves wild seafood without the frills. The dining space can only seat a handful of people, which makes the experience that much more amazing, but you can also order a bento box to-go if there's no room for you at the chefs' counter.
Auragami | Get your aura photographed at Auragami. The studio specializes in it, using electromagnetic energy to translate your energy into a personal portrait patterned with beautiful (and telling) colors. They also offer moon ceremony workshops and self-love workshops.
Erica Tanov | Everything Erica makes is inspired by nature; subtle, soft and thoughtfully undone. Her store is filled with beautiful objects from relaxed clothing made from natural materials to sculptural candle holders and the brass spoons of your dreams. We also love her book, which of course you can grab at the store -- check out our feature on it here.
Hightide | Need a pack of pretty pens and a chic new notebook? Or perhaps a giant binder? Or maybe an hourglass to time your face mask? Hightide is a brand of stationary founded in Fukuoka, Japan in the 90s. Their namesake storefront offers their brand plus many more modern Japanese and American office goods. It's a pleasure just to wander around, but we'd be surprised if you can't resist buying a thing or two.
Bender | Bender is all about rooftop yoga. The studio blends wellness with music, art and culture for rooftop yoga classes like no other. 
Myrtle | This independent boutique has a little bit of everything. Focusing on women's apparel by independent female designers, Myrtle is made for the creative spirit.
Poketo | This lifestyle brand is all about infusing your everyday life with art and design. They have an amazing curation of design-conscious goods. Their new flagship is a beautiful and open concept store made for pop-ups by different artists, designers and creative makers.
Rappahannock Oyster Bar | This cute restaurant places a heavy emphasis on sustainability, local sourcing, ethical practices and responsible ingredients. Happy hour is from 4- 6pm every day -- stop by after an afternoon of shopping for a few shooters and an ice cold glass of local rose. 
A + R | This beautiful store showcases contemporary furniture, lighting, housewares and decor from Scandinavia to Japan and many places between.
Charlotte Stone | Shoe designer Charlotte Stone grew up in a family of artists and graphic designers and her gorgeous handmade shoes reflect the influence of her upbringing.
Still Life Ceramics | Just when you thought ROW DTLA was all about retail, there's this cute activity opportunity. Still Life Ceramics is both a studio and a shop that focuses on functional art by local artists. We definitely recommend taking a pottery class. It's fun and weirdly super cathartic. 
LCD | This beautiful multi-brand boutique was styled by one of the founder's fashion designer friends. The store's collection of clothes and accessories is highly edited and absolutely gorgeous, including rare local and international brands.
Flask & Field | This modern wine shop is more of a lifestyle experience than a liquor store. Stop by to browse around their pretty bespoke homegoods and take home a bottle of incredible and often obscure natural wine.
Bodega | This Boston brand is all about hiding in plain sight. Their store at ROW DTLA is hidden in what looks like a warehouse space for produce. Slide behind the plastic blinds at the end of Market Row and you'll find an expansive boutique specializing in rare streetwear brands and other cool urban accessories. If you know, you know. If you don't know, we're not sure how you were ever going to find it.
The post A First Look Inside ROW DTLA, LA’s Best New Hang Out appeared first on The Chalkboard.
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