In honor of where my music story started, I present the first of my City Guide Series where you can find a local’s guide to music events, bars, restaurants, record shops, and the like. Hang out spots for the music, art, and vibe aficionados.
RECORD SHOPS
S T E L L A R E M N A N T
Downtown District
What Kind of Music: ambient, acid, breaks, deep house, deep techno, electro, disco, downtempo, dub, techno, experimental, house, IDM, industrial, minimal techno, trance, UK garage
Why Go There: Stellaremnant is a passion project by an OG record collector. You'll probably see rare cuts and new discoveries on the shelves as the records span across multiple decades. Both local and prominent DJs covet this store as a source for finding impactful music, which is why it's listed as one of the top places in LA for electronic music.
Things To Know: Book a browsing session via their website, as it's appointment only.
RECORD SHOPS
C H A P T E R O N E
Downtown District
What Kind of Music: house, minimal, (RO)minimal, tech house, disco house, balearic, rare finds, electro, classic house, techno, disco
Why Go There: Chapter One Records is curated by the leaders of the underground scene. You will find records by worldwide household favorites.
Things To Know: Appointment only, which can be made via DM on their Instagram. Check out more on their website.
BARS
G O L D L I N E
Highland Park
What Kind of Music: Hip-Hop, Funk, Soul, Electronic, Breakbeat, Drum n Bass, Trip Hop, New Beat
Why Go There: Nestled along the Highland Park strip, Gold Line is an important spec on the map given its connection to Stones Throw Records. They have their HQ offices directly above the bar, which makes the establishment feel like a music hub. Founded by Peanut Butter Wolf, the bar houses thousands of his personal records that are played adjacent to the high ball cocktails. In particular, the audio installation gives the impression that you're in a vinyl bar in Japan.
Things To Know: On weekends, DJs are invited to play and the quaint sized neighborhood bar fills up quickly. Follow for more on their Instagram.
RESTAURANTS
G R Á
Historic Filipinotown
What Kind of Music: Eclectic, House, Funk, Soul, Disco. You can listen to their playlist here.
Why Go There: With an emphasis on sourdough pizza, natural wines, and seasonal ferments, there is also a turntable in this gorgeous abode with speakers located both inside and outside on the patio. Catch this discrete location full of recognizable faces being stuffed with healthy pizza.
Things To Know: They don't have a phone. Email or DM only. Follow their Instagram.
RESTAURANTS
M A N U E L A
Arts District
What Kind of Music: Programming in conjunction with the concerts that take place in the courtyard: Jazz, Contemporary, and Classical
Why Go There: Located within the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery, this restaurant sits in an industrial courtyard among the exhibition. While you sit to enjoy their organic and homegrown tasty menu, you're able to admire artworks by Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford, Franz West, Mary Heilmann, Raymond Pettibon, Dieter Roth and Subodh Gupta.
Things To Know: Check Hauser & Wirth website for programming information. Follow their Instagram for more.
Check out the complete list of favorite spots in Los Angeles with exclusive information on the underground parties in the publication: 'Where to Party and Indulge'