Biz Meeting

The Standard Downtown

The Standard Hotels (there's one downtown and another on the Sunset Strip) set the bar for hip and trendy in an already hip and trendy city. From the platform beds to the red Astroturf surrounding the rooftop pool, this hotel is as much a design destination as a place to rest your head. The pool here is a big weekend scene, with DJs and a young, artsy crowd (HBO's Entourage has even filmed here), making this a great place to mix work and play.

The Westin Bonaventure

The Westin is a large convention hotel with all the usual amenities of a big-city facility, from workout spaces to food courts. Its central location downtown means it's easy to walk to meetings. Done with work for the day? Grab one of the free running maps of the local area or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.

Ciudad

Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (of Too Hot Tamales fame) were some of the pioneers of the downtown LA scene with this pan-Latin joint known as much for its cocktails (especially mojitos) as its tasty cooking. On any given day from lunch to late at night, the large, cosmopolitan space is packed with a boisterous crowd out for a good time, making it the perfect spot to unwind, either over a meal at the bar or at one of the cozy tables.

Traxx

Located at Union Station, the "last great rail station," where the Amtrak and Metro line trains pull in every few minutes, this sophisticated, upscale spot is a favorite for business lunches, with quick, attentive service and a well-executed California menu.

Lot 44 Coffee Bar

This new brew bar has everything a coffee connoisseur could ever want: cups made individually to order; organic, fair-trade, pesticide-free estate beans; and a 2,500-square-foot atrium, where you can catch up on e-mail or have a casual meeting.

Vieta Coffee

This casual café at the base of the Cathay Bank building has an outdoor patio with a TV and Wi-Fi, plus sandwiches, smoothies and good people-watching.

Drago Centro

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Central Library and black Murano glass chandeliers providing gracious lighting, this ultra-sophisticated Italian spot is the perfect place to celebrate in a big way. The menu from Sicilian chef Celestino Drago (who owns three other popular haunts in LA) is out-of-this-world good, with adventurous options like venison carpaccio or buckwheat pasta with braised cabbage, potatoes, fontina and sage.

Mendocino Farms

The "eco-artisan" sandwiches at this shop in California Plaza are simply delicious. Choosing from fresh, mostly organic ingredients, even the pickiest eaters (including vegans and vegetarians) will find something to their liking.

Cafe Pinot

Located next to the Central Library, this elegant business-lunch staple offers both indoor-outdoor seating and a pleasant, airy ambience. The servers are friendly, the California-French menu has something for everyone, and there's a lovely wine list.

Engine Co. No. 28

This casual but upscale spot has long been a business-lunch favorite for local politicos and downtown office-dwellers. The American menu is straightforward and well executed, and service is efficient. If you need a reliable spot for a client lunch, this is an excellent choice.

Church & State

This newer addition to the downtown scene has quickly stolen the hearts of trendy neighborhood residents, who flock here daily for excellent French bistro fare in a casually cool setting. It's a fun, high-energy spot for lunch or dinner with a casual business associate, but take note--the neighborhood isn't the best for walking at night.

Patina

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate? Try Patina, located at the Walt Disney Concert Hall (the Gehry-designed landmark) and one of LA's few Michelin-starred restaurants. From presentation to service, this sleek and modern hideaway from chef Joachim Splichal never misses a note. Try to score a booth.

The Association

A sleek take on the local watering hole, the Association is a chic but decidedly low-key alternative to downtown's growing luxe scene. They're clearly doing something right: the after-work and late-night crowds (from businessmen to the trendy types who live nearby) have been flocking here in droves since it opened in late 2008.

Blue Velvet

Blue Velvet is off the beaten track, but worth seeking out for its sophisticated bar and dining scene. The view here is of the sparkling pool in the loft complex that houses it, but your eyes probably won't stray from the fabulous people-watching opportunities inside. This is LA at its sleek and sexy best.

The Conga Room

This splashy Latin nightclub co-owned by Jimmy Smits and J-Lo, among others, is the perfect spot to pop a cork and party the night away. You certainly won't be alone; this over-the-top spot can hold more than 1,000 patrons, and nearly all of them will be shaking their hips to the beat.

Golden Gopher

A great place to grab a few drinks with coworkers, this low-key spot is more about a good time than a fancy scene. At happy hour you'll find a crowd of business-casual types, but later the vibe turns hipper as the local loft-dwellers come out.

The Edison

Grilled cheese sandwiches and 35-cent martinis--can you think of a better reason to hit this happy hour? The drink specials are just one of the draws at this super-stylish lounge. If you're up for a very big night out, you'll find a sleek crowd here from late afternoon until the wee hours.

Corkbar

Unpretentious yet sleek and stylish, this downtown wine bar offers 40 by-the-glass options along with a menu of light gourmet fare. Filled with a sophisticated crowd that eschews the nearby madness of the L.A. Live complex, it's a fun, relaxed place to go with colleagues after work.

BottleRock

The latest wine bar to open in downtown LA, BottleRock is an outpost of a popular Culver City spot that offers dozens of wines by the glass or bottle along with an inventive menu of small plates. The urbane setting and friendly vibe make it a great spot to unwind after a long day.

Rivera

Bustling and sleek, this upscale Latin spot has been a downtown hit for cocktails and dining since opening its doors in early 2009. Rivera boasts a tequila bar (with special tequila-tasting chairs) and a long list of custom drinks, making it a great, high-energy post-work spot.

Yoga Circle

One of downtown's few yoga studios, this friendly spot offers Vinyasa, Hatha, Flow and Kundalini yoga seven days a week.

Pilates Plus Silver Lake

Pilates Plus puts a fresh spin on the traditional pilates workout by making it a group activity on the machines. Each person has their own reformer, but follows an instructor. Sign up online before you go—classes fill quickly and walk-ins can't always get a spot.

Gloss NailSpa

Looking for a quick mani-pedi? This upscale nail shop is a Silver Lake favorite for its high-quality service and serene, inviting setting. On weekends call ahead for an appointment.

Hollywood Farmers Market

On Sunday mornings until about 1pm, Ivar Avenue one block off Hollywood Boulevard is closed to traffic and taken over by the Hollywood Farmers Market. In addition to being a fun place to wander and shop (for everything from fresh fruit to jewelry to delicious brunch from one of the many vendors), it's also a surprisingly good place for star-spotting, with icons from Drew Barrymore to Bono having made appearances at one time or another.

Vermont Avenue, Los Feliz

Tired of Banana Republic and H&M? Head to this trendy little strip of local boutiques that specialize in lesser-known designers and vintage wear. You'll also find lots of little cafés and restaurants where you can rest your weary feet between purchases.

Sunset Junction

For hipster shopping, Sunset Junction can't be beat. Dozens of trendy boutiques line this short stretch, with nary a name-brand store to be seen. Instead, you'll find options like Matrushka, a custom dressmaker whose designs rarely cost over $200, and Wee Soles, which carries fashion-forward footwear for tykes.

The Grove

Checking out some of LA's latest style trends at this outdoor mall is a terrific way to while away a leisurely afternoon. You'll find locally owned boutiques mixed in with big-name stores like Nordstrom and Victoria's Secret (and Apple for your gadget-loving love). The Farmers Market, a local icon, is next door; when you're hungry slip over and stock up on some gourmet snacks.

Santee Alley

Santee Alley is mecca for those who love discount shops and knockoff goods. For decades this buzzing stretch of wholesalers and retailers in a gritty area of downtown has been luring bargain shoppers with good deals for those tenacious enough to sort through the miles of racks and bins of clothes, shoes, handbags and much, much more.

Apple Store

Staples

FedEx Office

Rite Aid

GeeksMobile

IT issues? Try GeeksMobile - they come to you. 866-959-4567; www.losangeles-computer-repair.net

Hyperion Shoe Repair

Broken heel or bag strap got you down? Hyperion Shoe Repair can do a quick fix for you. 2806 Hyperion Ave., Los Feliz; 323-665-6110

Meeting Tomorrow

Last-minute presentation? Meeting Tomorrow will provide the audiovisual equipment and support you need - ASAP. 877-633-8866 www.meetingtomorrow.com

Trip meltdown? No time in your busy day?

Sign up for Red Butler. This global concierge company will take care of the details like last-minute dinner reservations at the hottest restaurants in town, fix a broken shoe, and even get a new wardrobe when luggage is lost. In fact, they’ll do just about anything to make sure your trip goes beautifully from start to finish.

Need a last minute outfit?

You can always find something at Macy's.

Business Attire Packing Tips

Los Angeles is a casual-chic town, where $200 flip-flops are the norm. Downtown, however, has its own rules and leans much more toward traditional business attire, with women in suits and heels, or at least in business casual. At night, the vibe changes, especially in the hipster bars and hotels, and you'll see those fabulous flip-flops sharing space with sexy heels and the absolute latest trends.

Business Travel in East LA

Downtown is fairly easy to understand. Most numbered streets run approximately east–west on a grid. Named streets (Flower, Hope, Spring, Main, etc.) run north–south. The area is divided into districts and neighborhoods, which are generally well marked. In general, most business takes place on the west side of downtown. The east side is more industrial and can be a bit sketchy. Walking (in daylight hours) is your best bet for short trips—use cabs or the Metro (www.metro.net/default.asp) for longer excursions. If you are heading out of downtown, you will need to rent a car or hire a limo.

Eastside Los Angeles consists roughly of everything east of La Cienega Boulevard. Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park are all hipster hangouts, with lots of restaurants, bars and fun shopping. Los Feliz is the most polished of the three, followed by the slightly edgier Silver Lake and then Echo Park, which is still in transition. No matter where you go, you’ll need a car to get around. Cabs are available by calling—don’t count on being able to flag them down on the street.

Jane’s Favorite: If you’re looking for a bargain, the city runs direct express bus service from downtown to LAX for $4 (www.lawa.org/flyaway/). Buses leave every half hour from Union Station, and the trip takes about 45 minutes.
Insider Tip: Limo service between downtown and LAX is about the same price as a cab ride (about $50–60)—but much more luxurious. There are lots of limo companies to choose from. Try Executive Limo (www.execlimoservice.com) or LA Limo (www.lalimo.com).