Local Gems: Heart of LA

Join us for the seventh CicLAvia Sunday of the 2024 season—and our 56th CicLAvia Sunday since 2010! CicLAvia—Heart of LA is on Sunday, October 13th, from 9am - 4pm. 


Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Downtown, Echo Park, and Little Tokyo all contain rich history, a strong community spirit, and delicious food. This CicLAvia Sunday offers a chance to check out some of the MANY local gems in the area outside of a car. Thanks to everybody who contributed their local gems on social media! Be sure to also use the CicLAvia Interactive Digital Map to plan out your day!

Check out:

 

Places To Eat + Shop

 

Tribal Cafe
1651 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Tribal Cafe is a healthy eatery located slightly off the route. With its eclectic decor, Tribal Cafe is almost impossible to miss whether you’re driving, biking, or on foot. Stop by for a wrap, acai bowl, mushroom burger, or smoothie!

 

Leo’s Taco Truck
415 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Leo’s Taco Truck is an LA staple known for their mouthwatering al pastor. The Martinez family, owners of Leo’s Taco Truck, came from Oaxaca, Mexico and started out with a single taco truck. After many years of hard work and dedication, they now operate 11 locations all around the LA area. They have been featured in the Food Network, LA Times Food, Telemundo, and many other outlets.

 

Far East Plaza
727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Far East Plaza is a shopping center and food hub located in Chinatown. With restaurants and shops like Scoops Chinatown, Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers, and Now Serving, Far East Plaza has many options for you to choose from.

 

Hong Kong BBQ Restaurant
803 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you’re craving authentic, Cantonese cuisine then Hong Kong BBQ Restaurant is the go-to for you. Their top dishes include their BBQ pork, soy sauce chicken, and of course, their roast duck. 

 

Phở 87
1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phở 87 is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Chinatown. Although they are known for their flavorful pho, they also serve up classic Vietnamese dishes, such as spring rolls and various rice plates all for an affordable price.

 

Steep LA
970 N Broadway #112, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Steep LA is a modern tea house which specializes in traditional Chinese and Taiwanese tea culture. During the day you can relax and enjoy a carefully brewed tea alongside their seasonal menu. After dark, Steep LA brings out tea-based cocktails for the 21+ crowd.

 

Grand Central Market
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opened in 1917, Grand Central Market is the oldest and largest public market in LA. They are also known for the hustle and bustle and wide array of cultural cuisines to choose from. This place welcomes up and coming restaurants as well as long-time tenants. China Cafe and Roast to Go are the oldest vendors with 50+ years at the Market. With 40 vendors to choose from, this gem has something for everyone.

 

Precinct
357 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Precinct is the largest queer bar in DTLA. Although it is located a bit off the route, be sure to plan your next outing here for a drag show, live performances, multiple bars, and lively dance floor. During the day feel free to swing by for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink!

 

Vui Vẻ
319 E 2nd St #205, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Vui Vẻ (translation: to have fun and be happy) is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Little Tokyo. Some of their most popular items include their oxtail pho and lemongrass chicken banh mi. After 4 years of success, they’ve recently had a soft opening of their second location in NoHo.

 

Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA
328 1st St First Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA is located on the first floor of the Miyako Hotel. Here you can find a large assortment of baked goods, pastries, and drinks, all within a cozy atmosphere nestled in Little Tokyo.

 

Far Bar
347 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Far Bar is an Asian fusion spot located in the historic Far East Chop Suey building in Little Tokyo. Their Tokyo Old Fashioned, wasabi fries, and ghost pepper wings bring in many friend groups for a perfect night out in Little Tokyo. They will open to the public at 2:00pm after hosting the Friends of CicLAvia lunch for our Street Stars earlier in the day. 

 

Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop
450 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop is a one stop shop located in the Honda Plaza in Little Tokyo. Here you can find a wide selection of specialty teas, high quality Japanese matcha, and delectable matcha soft serve ice cream. 

 

Catch 21
441 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Catch 21 is a no frills, popular seafood spot located on Central Ave right before 6th St. Their large portions of grilled fish, shrimp, and New England clam chowder draw in large crowds so be sure to get there early!

 

Tenampal
1859 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Tenampal is a laid-back Mexican brunch spot located in Boyle Heights. Whether it be their mole, chilaquiles, or coffee, Tenampal will create the perfect atmosphere for you to enjoy breakfast/brunch.

 

Distrito Catorce
1837 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Distrito Catorce is another popular brunch spot in Boyle Heights serving up unique dishes like their chorizo breakfast burger, fried oyster sandwich, and horchata french toast. Stay here for the food, live music, or to catch your favorite sports team play! In addition, be sure to check out their location on CicLAvia Sunday for live music coming from the rooftop!

 

Street Tacos and Grill
1843 1/2 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Street Tacos and Grill, located in Mariachi Plaza, has been a staple in the Boyle Heights area since 1999. Their casual, laid back atmosphere, affordable prices, and hefty portions have many coming back for more! Street Tacos and Grill will also be having a special of 3 tacos for $12 on CicLAvia Sunday!

 

Birrieria Don Boni
1845 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Birrieria Don Boni has been serving up authentic, Jalisco-style birria in the area since 1972. If you’re looking for a hearty, affordable Mexican meal, swing by Birrieria Don Boni on CicLAvia Sunday!

 

Antojitos Del Mar
1949 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Antojitos Del Mar is a Mexican seafood restaurant known for its fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine. Open from 7am - 8pm daily, Antojitos Del Mar is perfect for any occasion with their generous portions of chorizo, ceviche, fish tacos, carne asada, and much more.

 

Al & Bea's Mexican Food
2025 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Opened in 1996 in the heart of Boyle Heights is Al & Bea’s Mexican Food. Known for their burritos, this location has served the community, as well as celebrities, for many years.

 

Otomisan Restaurant
2506 1/2, 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Otomisan Restaurant, located on 1st St near Soto Station, is the last remaining Japanese restaurant in Boyle Heights. Yayoi Watanabe and past generations have been serving the predominantly hispanic community of Boyle Heights their flavorful Japanese dishes since opening in 1956. In January 2022, the restaurant was labeled an historic landmark and is credited as the oldest, continuously operating Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. Although they are closed on CicLAvia Sunday, be sure to check it out next time you are in the area!

 

Cafe Girasol
2630 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Cafe Girasol is a cozy coffee shop located in Boyle Heights. This cafe is popular amongst locals and visitors for their breakfast burritos, coffee, and community-oriented space where local events are often held. Be sure to check out their Instagram page for the next event!

 

Brooklyn Ave Pizza
2706 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Brooklyn Ave Pizza is a family-friendly pizzeria located in Boyle Heights. They are known for their Latin inspired flavors such as their mole pizza with queso Oaxaca (oaxacan cheese) and curtido (fermented cabbage). 

 

Las Flautas Restaurant
2715 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Las Flautas Restaurant is a family owned and operated restaurant in Boyle Heights which specializes in Mexican cooking. While they serve a wide variety of traditional meals, their chicken or beef flautas are their main attraction.

 

 

Things To Do + See

To elevate the Angeleno transit rider experience, Metro Art commissions artworks and installations from award winning artists. If you’re taking the Metro to CicLAvia, make sure to check out the following stations for their site-specific artworks. Here are a few of the many artworks at LA Metro stations along the route.

 

Chinatown Station
1231 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Wheels of Change by artist Chusien Chang, located at the Chinatown LA Metro station, showcases a 16-foot in diameter compass which pays homage to the fact that the Chinese invented the device in the 2nd century BC. In addition, Chang also created 4 distinct benches with images that reflect the communities in Chinatown today: Italian, Croatian, Latino, and Chinese.

 

Mariachi Plaza Station
2223 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

El Niño Perdido (The Lost Child) by artist Alejandro de la Loza is a bronze sculpture of a mother holding up her child at the entrance of Mariachi Plaza station. The sculpture draws inspiration from famous Mexican song, El Niño Perdido in which a solo trumpeter would begin the song far off-stage and gradually end up on stage with the rest of the band. This is a symbol of how, “... children were very important to the neighborhood,” and are called in for a happy reunion. In addition, the location of the station honors the fact that the plaza used to be an informal gathering place for mariachi groups for many years.

Hecho a Mano (Hand-made) by artist Sonia Romero is a collection of murals which depict the communities, struggles, and personal stories from the surrounding neighborhood of Latin, Jewish, and Japanese heritage in Boyle Heights. Here you can see images of monarch butterflies which represent the theme of a difficult, yet beautiful migration.

 

Little Tokyo / Arts District Station
2223 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Harmony by artist Clare Rojas is a series of glass walls at the entrance of Little Tokyo / Arts District station. Her work paints a picture of the relationship us humans have with land, water, and sky. Additionally, the see-through glass bends sunlight to show a full spectrum of color on the ground.

Will Power Allegory by artist Audrey Chan is a series of 14 paintings and symbols which portray Little Tokyo, Arts District, Skid Row, Bronzeville, and Gabrielino/Tongva Tribe. To assist with her design process, Chan reached out to community members during Nisei Week Festival to draw significant people, objects, and symbols for insight.

 

Audrey Chan, Stories Flow Through the Heart of Los Angeles
CicLAvia–Heart of LA Route, Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles-based artist Audrey Chan has created an illustrated interactive story map inspired by community stories embedded within the Heart of Los Angeles corridor. Throughout the route, look for signs featuring neighborhood histories and scan the QR codes to learn more about some of the people, places, and struggles that flow through Los Angeles’ history and recent past.

 

Echo Park Lake
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Echo Park Lake recently underwent a $45 million renovation. It boasts fantastic views of downtown Los Angeles as well as a surprising amount of local wildlife. It also frequently appears in TV shows and movies.

 

A Good Used Book
307 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

A Good Used Book is a bookstore founded in 2017 by Jenny Yang and Chris Capizzi. They went from jumping around multiple flea markets, making it through the pandemic, to ultimately finding a storefront to call their own. Here you can find curated selection of used books across many genres. A Good Used Book will also be having a $1 book sidewalk sale on CicLAvia Sunday!

 

Vista Hermosa Natural Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority
100 N Toluca St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Vista Hermosa Natural Park is located near the route. The park features walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannas, picnic grounds, a nature-themed playground, a true FIFA-regulation soccer field, and an outdoor amphitheater in a grotto, which provides an ideal setting for environmental and natural history education, and other public events.

 

2nd St. Tunnel
2nd St. (Between Figueroa St. and Hill St.), Los Angeles, CA 90012

The 2nd St. Tunnel, located under Bunker Hill in DTLA, is an underground 2-way street with bike lanes in both directions. This infrastructure was completed in 1924 and is a popular filming location for many movies and music videos such as Blade Runner (1982), Transformers (2007), and “Kings and Queens” by Thirty Seconds to Mars.

 

Bradbury Building
304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Bradbury Building is one of the most iconic architectural buildings in Downtown Los Angeles. The building was completed in 1893 and was designed by architect George Wyman with its now iconic Victorian interior and Romanesque Revival architectural style.

 

Chinatown Gateway Monument
600 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

As you go down Broadway, you’ll notice the two dragons above you, signifying you have entered Chinatown, Los Angeles. This monument serves as a symbol of prosperity and harmony as well as a gateway and reminder that Chinatown continues to be a place for community and growth for numerous Chinese and Asian immigrants. 

 

Element Art Center
835 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Element Art Center in Chinatown is a community space dedicated to promoting artistic expression and education. The Element Art Center hosts a variety of classes covering a variety of mediums such as ceramics, painting, stained glass, and more.

 

Los Angeles City Hall
200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

One of the most recognizable buildings in the city is LA City Hall. Constructed in 1928, this structure was the tallest skyscraper in Los Angeles at the time. There is a free observation deck for you to visit and get a unique view of DTLA. City Hall is open to the public M-F from 9-5. 

 

Gloria Molina Grand Park
200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located in the heart of Los Angeles is Gloria Molina Grand Park. Named after the late LA City Councilmember, Gloria Molina, this park hosts community events such as food truck gatherings and free concerts.

 

Japanese-American National Museum (JANM)
100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located on the intersection of 1st St and Alameda Ave (near the Little Tokyo Hub) is the Japanese-American National Museum. Opened in 1992, this museum hosts many events, exhibitions, and workshops all tailored to sharing the Japanese history and experience in Los Angeles. The Oomo Cube, which is a “Rubik's Cube”-like public art installation sits in front of the museum.

 

Japanese-American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC)
244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Japanese-American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) is one of the largest cultural centers in the United States. The center was established in 1972 and has since then been preserving and promoting Japanese and Japanese-American culture in Los Angeles. Some features of the center include the Aratani Theatre, George J. Doizaki Gallery, and the James Irvine Japanese Garden to name a few.

 

Shohei Ohtani mural by Robert Vargas
328 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Boyle Heights muralist Robert Vargas recently showcased his freehand painting of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. The mural took him 13 days to complete and continues to draw in a huge number of crowds, especially on a game day for the LA Dodgers. After the completion of the mural, Vargas had the opportunity to throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch at Dodgers Stadium on September 8th, 2024. The mural stands tall alongside the Miyako Hotel, near the Little Tokyo Hub.

 

Mural by @royyaldog
6th St. and Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90021

If you make your way around LA you’re bound to see murals done by artist @royyaldog. On the intersection of 6th St./Alameda St. you will see a mural of an artist with spray cans done by him. Perhaps his most popular work, a Kobe Bryant mural (on Alameda St. / 4th St.) can also be seen a couple blocks up the CicLAvia route as well.

 

6th St. Bridge/Viaduct
600 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

A popular spot during Heart of LA is undoubtedly the 6th Street bridge. The original 6th Street Bridge was opened in 1932 but had to be demolished in 2016 due to issues with the old concrete. The bridge was then rebuilt and reopened in 2022. A significant aspect of the bridge, compared to others in the area, is the installation of pedestrian walkways and bike paths.

 

Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90023

Whittier Blvd is a main thoroughfare that runs from the LA River all the way to Brea, CA. This street plays an important role in the Latino community with its claim to being the birthplace of lowriding.

 

Esquina Bike Shop
2228 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Esquina Bike Shop is a family owned and operated bike store in Boyle Heights near the 6th St. Bridge. Although their storefront is a bit off the route, they will have a mini-popup repair site at the intersection of Whittier Blvd/Boyle Ave.

 

Hollenbeck Park
415 S St Louis St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Hollenbeck Park, constructed in 1892, is located right alongside the route. Since then, this park has served the community of Boyle Heights with its lush fields, skate park, lakeside views, green space, and playgrounds. 

 

Mariachi Plaza
1831 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Mariachi Plaza is the historic center for mariachi music and used to be an informal area to gather for Mariachi singing back in the early 1900s. Adjacent to the Plaza, you can find LA Metro E Line, Mariachi Plaza Station, that connects East LA residents to the rest of Los Angeles.

 

Espacio 1839
1839 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Espacio 1839, located in Mariachi Plaza, is more than a clothing store. Espacio 1839 is a community space, cultural hub, creative space, and radio station (Radio Espacio)! Follow their Instagram page for their next event, podcast workshop. They will also be selling exclusive bicycle t-shirts on CicLAvia Sunday!

 

Boyle Hotel (Cummings Block)
1781 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

The Boyle Hotel (Cummings Block) is located on the intersection of Boyle Ave and First S. The Boyle Hotel building was constructed way back in 1889 with a Queen Anne-Victorian style, this building now serves as affordable housing for the community and is a prime example of conservation and adaptive reuse. This spot is also a great CicLAvista with a terrific view of Downtown behind you if you are facing east.

 

Libros Schmibros Lending Library
103 N Boyle Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Libros Schmibros Lending LIbrary is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and a love for reading in Spanish and English, all for free. In addition to their resources, the library is a community-focused space that hosts many workshops and film screenings to the public. Follow their Instagram page for the next event!

 

Sonido Del Valle
2108 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Sonido Del Valle is a record store located in Boyle Heights known for its diverse collection of vinyl records. Not only do they have one of the largest collections of Latin records in LA, they also buy used records. Check out their Instagram page for their next community event.

 

E Cesar E Chavez Ave
2100 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

E Cesar E Chavez Ave is a 6.2 mile-long thoroughfare that stretches from Downtown LA all the way to Monterey Park. In 1994, the street was named in honor of Cesar Chavez, an American labor leader, civil rights activist, and former Boyle Heights resident.

 

Latinx with Plants
2208 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Latinx with Plants is a plant shop in Boyle Heights founded by Andi Xoch in 2020. Latinx with Plants, according to Xoch, strives to connect, foster community, and appreciate plants regardless of a person’s background.

 

Las Fotos Project
2210 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Las Fotos Project is a nonprofit organization that works to empower teenage girls and non-binary youth in communities of color, such as South Central and East LA, through photography. Las Fotos Project was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Boyle Heights. Swing by their location on CicLAvia Sunday for some family fun!

 

The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory
2708 E Cesar E Chavez Ave #101, Los Angeles, CA 90033

The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory is a nonprofit organization that focuses on career development for communities that have historically been underrepresented in the creative arts industries. They supply community members with a space full of resources like studio space, mentorships, media technology, and much more.

 

Evergreen Cemetery
204 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033

At the Easternmost part of the route is the Evergreen Cemetery. Opened in 1877, this cemetery is the oldest in Los Angeles and considered one of the largest in the LA area. A 1.4 mile long jogging track wraps around the cemetery. This track was installed to support the East LA community by implanting more green spaces and open areas. It includes a rubberized surface, benches, and shade trees. The sidewalk has been widened to provide additional room for runners and walkers, adjacent to a new bike lane.

 

 

We can't wait to see you all at CicLAvia—Heart of LA on October 13! Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss out on updates and information about future programs.

 

These events are made possible by contributions from people like you. To support more open streets, consider making a tax-deductible donation here today! 

 

Photos courtesy of: Farah Sosa, @tribalcafela, @leostacostruck, @makinasdriversclub, @eatswithkw, @pho87la_og, @steep_la, @precinctdtla, @crepesofwrath, @okayamakobousa, @farbar_la, @teamaster.la, @catch21.la, @tenampal, @eldistrito14, @streettacosandgrill, @birrieriadonboni@antojitosdelmar.la, @alandbeas, @otomisan_restaurant, @cafegirasol_, @brooklynavepco, @lasflautas.la, Metro Art (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority), @agoodusedbook, @annikadoeswork, @thebradburybuilding, Laura Rudich, @elementartcenter, Halline Overby, @jamuseum, @jaccc_la, @therobertvargas, @royyaldog, @lil_bullet818, @esquina.bicycleshop, @walkinglosangeles, Kirk Tsonos, @esotouric, @librosschmibros, @sonidodelvalle, @chavezfoundation, @latinxwithplants, and @thebhac