Right by my apartment, I can't help but come here often. It's situated right around the historic La Brea Tar Pits. One needs to spend an entire day here. Also love their magazine/book store.
Fantastic food in a cozy, intimate restaurant - where you can sit at the bar and see the chefs expertly doing their culinary thing with style and ease.
The best Old-fashioned cocktails ever! Hands down. These mixologists know what they're doing. This place is also famous for their french-dipped sandwiches. And oh yes, not to forget about the pickled eggs.
The LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Grand Street in downtown LA is a must during the fall and holiday season when they have a solid lineup of opera and ballet. Very inspiring.