Little tour around Koreatown in Los Angeles

I have lived in Koreatown for almost 3 years now and while it has become home to me, it still manages to surprise me. It is a unique, invite-only section of Los Angeles where most of the action is inside or on top of buildings; hidden from the street. From a cave-like hot spring to a rooftop playground; K-Town's spa's, restaurants, shopping centers and bars surprise you with their atmosphere and quality.

Western from 4th to 8th is one of the major commercial areas. It has features unique offerings like a cafe with alcoholic desserts, old video games and beer floats.

In the back is an unexplainable secret bar/restaurant with great atmosphere but so dirty and with such bad service my friends never want to stay. I still want to go back to give it another try.

"Cafe Jack" is worth it for the unique atmosphere; even if the food is ok at best; it is literally a boat.

Nearby is "The California Marketplace" which I always thought was just a grocery store with a garden on the roof. I checked google maps and there was much more going on. There are two more levels over the grocery store; the second floor is a shopping area set up like a little street.

The roof houses restaurants and a food court and is full of dining tables, fake grass, plants and a playground. I can imagine it is a great place to bring your kids while you have a drink or a meal out.

The food I have had there so far has been very high quality and reasonably priced.

Wilshire /Western is the last stop on the purple line and the shops and restaurants stretch as far as Wilton.

"Star Night" is a fun area hangout with outdoor pit fires and affordably expensive drinks.

Wilshire from Western to Vermont is a fascinating mix of the old and new. Glorious old churches stand next to high-rises; sometimes painted with images from an upcoming film.

The Normandie area of Wilshre is another commercial zone; restaurants line the block nearby with restaurants with outdoor seating in a grassy, park-like area.

Head up Alexandria towards Sixth Street and you will enter the fun zone; bars restaurants, Karaoke; ect.

Across sixth street you will see "Chapman Market" A spanish-revival style commercial area that was first designed as a drive-in grocery store. The architecture is beautiful and the scene at night is hopping.

I usually end up in the Columbian-fusion "Escala" because I love the food and atmosphere and the prices are reasonable.

I do not know the area closer to Vermont well; but The Prince; near Catalina and 7th is an atmospheric dive with spicy chicken so delicious my brother is literally addicted.

Eighth street from Irola to Western has an interesting small-town feel to it. Lined with trees near Oxford Plaza and full of restaurants, cafes and bars frequented by locals; I spend more time here than other sections of K-Town. You have some of the best happy-hour deals (Plato's) food trucks and affordable restaurants in this area. It also hosts some fancy overpriced Korean cafes with great atmosphere; one even has an outdoor garden.

Near Irola is R-Bar; a great bar to go with friends but you simply must be sane and sober enough to know how to google the password. (probably to keep out randos). They have a special five dollar happy hour here, a fun festive piraty atmosphere and entertainment like karaoke and live music.

Thus concludes my little tour of Koreatown for now. I may give another one at a later date; as there is so much I find I have left out.

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