I had a studio in this neighborhood for 3 years. Just take your camera and spend a couple hours walking around admiring the colors and people and odd shops.
By day, it's a barber shop. By night, it's a speakeasy with tasty grilled cheese sandwiches, a nice interior, and great music. Weekends are wild, so you'll find me hanging out every first Monday of the month spinning records.
Yes- I'm going to anger some people by sharing this hidden gem with you. It is very special and I expect hate mail. They have been serving Japanese comfort food since the late 60's and is the last gasp of a neighborhood in Boyle Heights that was once predominantly Japanese. No frills. Just a warm and loving environment- a place to escape and eat spicy tuna rice bowls and sip miso with your Japanese Grandmother. Shhh, don't tell anyone.