Member events and local hot spots: your guide to Downtown LA

Downtown LA is home to a vibrant creative scene where each district brings something special to the party. The Arts District is a hive of galleries and fashion design studios – not to mention Soho Warehouse – and plays a big part in making Downtown LA the creative community it is. Who better to show us around, then, than local fashion designer and Soho Warehouse member, Emily Arakawa?

Born and raised in Tokyo, Arakawa moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California, aged 18, and has made it her home ever since. She launched her brand – contemporary womenswear label EMPATH – In 2021. Her designs explore the archetype of a contemporary city girl through subversive womenswear staples and masculine unisex pieces, drawing influence from the minimal runway aesthetic of the 1990s and Japanese film and culture. 

After nine years living all over LA, including South Central, Venice, Hollywood, and Laurel Canyon Arakawa moved to the Art’s District last year to be closer to her suppliers and manufacturers (the entire EMPATH cut and sew line is made in and around the area). 

With Soho Warehouse’s exciting new Spring Updates about to be unleashed, the Arts District is calling. Our DTLA House is rolling out new menus, a coffee and co-working concept in the Garden, increased gym classes and daily member events across all floors of the club. Add to that, Arakawa’s top picks beyond Soho Warehouse itself and you might never have to leave the neighbourhood. 

Keen to keep the night going after the No Man Curse on the roof? Need to shop for a present before birthday lunch in the Tavern and Garden? She’s got you covered.

For eating out… 

Afuri
‘This Tokyo-based chain has the best ramen in LA, by far.’ 

Yunomi
‘Go here for handrolls – you won’t regret it.’ 

Manuela
‘Head here for an upscale brunch. It’s located inside the Hauser & Wirth gallery, so you can check out some art while you’re there.’ 

Maru
‘This coffee shop needs an honourable mention for having the best matcha, coffee and vibes.’

For drinks, inside and out… 

Soho Warehouse 
‘Drinks on the rooftop is always a good idea, especially after a long day spent working in the club’s co-working space.’ 

La Cha Cha Cha
‘That said, this is another great rooftop spot for cocktails and tacos.’ 

Death & Co
‘The LA outpost of this famed cocktail bar from New York’s East Village – check it some of the most unique and delicious drinks ever.’

Everson Royce Bar 
‘Gather all your friends and spend the night at this downtown favourite.’ 

For late-night… 

The Let's Go Disco
‘A 1970s-themed Italian disco, perfect for dancing the night away.’

For shopping…

Dover Street Market
‘My favourite, of course.’

H Lorenzo
‘This is a fun place to browse for unique pieces.’

Departamento
‘Don’t miss their menswear.’ 

LA Flower Market
‘This is the best spot for cheap flowers and plants to fill your home.’ 

Bunkado
‘I just love being right next to Little Tokyo, where I do most of my grocery shopping and eating out. This is gift and home store is where I buy my Nostalgiana candles.’ 

For gallery hopping…

Hauser & Wirth
‘Not just a gallery but a giant multi-purpose art centre with exhibitions and workshops – don’t miss the bookstore either.’

Galerie Murphy 
‘Contemporary art gallery with emerging and established international artists.’