My first visit to LA

Don't forget 7th anniversary was their 10th anniversary

 

That’s the beyond part.

 

Has Unsung changed dramatically? Because when I last tried it two years back it was C+ quality beer all the way around. Nice digs though.

 

No dramatic change for Unsung. Like you said slightly above average beers at the tasting room with some great bbq to be had. If LeisureWorld ever opens up Unsung would be a good choice to hit up before heading down the street for a couple of laps and some more beers. For those who can’t stand MT food you got the bbq thing next to Unsung.

 

I've been to Brewery X a couple times and really enjoyed it. It's just two blocks away from Bottle Logic.

The first time I went, I got beer from the small tasting room up front and hung out on the front patio. I thought, huh, cool little spot.

The second time I went, they had a guy directing traffic to the back of the building (WTF???) where I found tons of parking and a back entrance to a HUGE (and I mean huge) back area with games, multiple food trucks/spots, more beer, a kids area, and a live music stage. There were side rooms I hadn't seen before. It took me a while to snake my way to the front where I'd been before. Crazy.

The beer is pretty solid, too, btw.

 

Directing traffic? Really? I’ve been once. Probably a month after opening. First one inside. Somewhat small tasting room with outdoor patio area with plenty of sitting and a stage for bands to play on. Had a flight of ipas and a pour before heading out to the newly opened Beachwood Steelcraft in Garden Grove. I parked on the side of the huge building before figuring out the front parking you would have to walk towards the backside to the entrance. I’m surprised Travis hasn’t started canning some of his beers yet. I’m mean this place is huge that he could have both a canning and bottling line inside and still have room for a dance floor or indoor swimming pool. I need to head back soon. Maybe this weekend.

 

I wouldn't recommend staying in West Hollywood either, but I also wouldn't strongly suggest staying in DTLA for a family vacation

 

I havent been to LA in 2-3 years but I remember DTLA still being pretty desolate at night... is it still the case? It was similar to the loop in Chicago at night.

 

Nope. Very lively now. Lots of great restaurants and bars you can walk to.

 

There is a lot going on for sure, like Frog says. I just personally wouldn’t recommend it for families (pretty sure OP said he’s bringing kids).
Didn’t get me wrong I go to DTLA all the time. Just don’t think it’d be the greatest location for a fam vaca
For instance last time I was down there I saw a pile of vomit on the sidewalk with about a dozen giant rats eating it.

 

That’s supposed to be a reason against staying there?

 

Ya, I love rats. It's settled im staying in DTLA

 

DTLA is cool,

 

I mean if you visit a large major city, some areas will have rats? Still plenty of great high-end restaurants and now decent beer here.

 

I'm not arguing that DTLA doesn't have good spots, just that it might not be the first choice I'd recommend for a family vacation, which is what OP will be on.

in DTLA you're going to be faced with way more unsavory stuff than other parts of the city. for friends with no kids who are foodies and city savvy, yes.. for my friends from the midwest with kids, it's not my first recommendation. unless they are accustomed to seeing homeless people passed out in doorways next to feces, and that's something they enjoy. then in that case, by all means I send them straight to downtown

 

I work in DTLA and agree that it's not an ideal situation to take the family to. Also, it hasn't changed much in 2-3 years, so if you felt it was desolate then, it is only slightly more sprawling than before. Also, the hotels are quite pricey is you want to stay somewhere decent.

 

Any good rec’s for foodies in DTLA? I’m heading there myself in a few weeks. Plan on spending quality time at Highland Park and maybe Mumford. Would like to find some good food spots as well.

 

If you like sushi, specifically temaki style handrolls, Kozu Nori is a great spot that's casual and not expensive.

 

Sounds perfect. Thanks

 

Tacos 1986 (brick and mortar spot for epic taco stand)
Marugame Monzo (insane hand made udon)
Sushi Gen (another good sushi spot)
SIlverlake Ramen DTLA (think this is the best ramen on the East Side)
Howlin' Rays (ultra popular spicy fried chicken spot)
Fisherman's Outlet (slightly sketchier area, amazing fresh fish)

hope you're going to the Dojo as well