We spend a lot of time in this city. Between client meetings, shoots, activations, and the occasional existential crisis on the 405, LA is where OI lives and breathes. These are the spots that make it worth it. Saved in our phones, recommended in our Slack channels, and now officially on the record. Welcome to our LA edit.
ON THE TABLE: Where we eat
Joan’s on Third: The breakfast and brunch institution that has survived every food trend because it never needed one. Order the egg sandwich. Sit outside if you can. Breakfast / Brunch
Carla Café: Our go-to for a proper lunch that doesn’t feel like a desk meal. Good food, good light, good reset in the middle of a long day. Lunch
The Nice Guy: Dinner here feels like an event even when it isn’t. The kind of place where you bring a client and they immediately think better of you. Dinner
Wake and Late: The name says everything. No judgment on what time you arrive. Great coffee, great breakfast, and no one is rushing you. Breakfast
Sushi Fumi: Our end-of-week standard. Omakase energy without the production. Go hungry. Dinner
AFTER HOURS: Where we unwind
Harriet’s: Rooftop, views, dinner that turns into drinks without you planning for it. The West Hollywood skyline from up here never gets old. Bar / Dinner
Cold Shoulder: Cool, dark, no attitude. The kind of bar that doesn’t need to try. Bar
Melanie Wine Bar: When the week calls for something quieter. Good pours, good conversation, and a room that rewards slowing down. Bar
Barney’s Beanery: An LA original since 1920. No irony here — this place is an institution, and it earns its spot on the list every time. Bar
The Tower Bar: Old Hollywood energy, impeccable drinks, the kind of room that makes you feel like you’re in a different era. Come dressed. Bar
OUT OF OFFICE: Where we recharge
The Broad: World-class contemporary art two minutes from our DTLA orbit. Go for the Koons. Stay for everything else. Book tickets in advance. Museum
LACMA: The lights installation alone is worth it. One of the great museums in the country, and it happens to be ours. Museum
Santa Monica Pier: No link needed. You know where it is. Walk it at golden hour and try not to feel something. Pier / Shopping
The Grove: Yes, it’s a mall. Yes, we still go. The farmer’s market next door is the real move — especially on a Saturday morning. Shopping
Runyon Canyon: The unofficial OI team meeting room. Bring water. Wear sunscreen. The views from the top earn the climb. Hiking
OUTRO
These are our picks for right now — the places we keep going back to and keep telling people about. LA is full of lists. This one is just ours. Drop a pin, make a reservation, and tell them OI sent you.
Have a spot we missed? We’re always taking recommendations. Tag us: @openinfluence