One of my favorite reasons to live in L.A. is the food. Los Angeles has the best food scene in the United States. Every type of international food is here, at every price point, it is all delicious. From 1 dollar street tacos, to Michelin Star restaurants, we have it all.
Maybe you’ve heard about L.A. Night Markets, maybe you haven’t, but you should visit one if you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, and want a unique L.A. experience. Night Markets are hyper local parking lot take overs featuring the culinary talents of mostly immigrant communities, showcasing all kinds of international culinary delights, and faddy trends like the current one of mini-pancake deserts. The best time to hit the markets is 7-10PM, before the club goers leave the bars, and the food is at the freshest with not too many lines. Make sure you have cash or cash apps as many Night Market vendors do not have card terminals.
One of the big ones, in the Pico/Union neighborhood is El Gato Night Market. With approximately 40 vendors to choose from this one leans towards the hispanic foods of the neighborhood’s residents, with a few crazy deserts, and novena and T-shirts for sale too! It is open Friday through Sunday, and parking is tough. You should probably take a Handlebar Bike Tour to get there. Wink!
Newest on the Los Angeles night market scene is Damnoen Saduak, or DS Night Market, the name is a nod to the famous floating night market of Bangkok. As the name hints at, this night market features mostly Asian inspired vendors with a heavy emphasis on meats and seafood, but fear not there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. On the outskirts of Chinatown, it is walkable from Highland Park Brewery. This one is open weekends til midnight.
Not really a night market, but one giant late night taco vendor is Avenue 26 Tacos. Located at the corner of 4th and Alameda, you’ll find fresh grilled meats served on handmade tortillas, and a salsa bar for you to add your own sauces. Open til 2:30AM Friday and Saturday nights this is the spot to hit on your way to the afters in the Arts District warehouse parties.
If a little more middle of the road food market is your thing, Grand Central Market, our home, is always there, open til 9PM every day. Full of amazing vendors, we love our home, and all the great food available rep and post bike tour in DTLA.