Los Angeles is bustling with things to do. From the Hollywood lights to Venice Beach, you could never get bored in the City of Angels. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or just looking for a new place to try out, this list has something for everyone.
Open your notes and save this to your phone for the most mouthwatering, entertaining weekend you’ve had in awhile. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, you would think patronizing BIPOC-owned businesses would be easier. However, despite the changing times, there’s still work to be done. With the help of the Blistey directory, we’ve carefully curated a list of BIPOC-owned businesses for a fun weekend in the buzzing city.
Enjoy this day by day itinerary for your upcoming LA weekend.
Day 1: Brews & Books
Nimbus Coffee
Black Owned
We solemnly swear we are up to no good with this first stop. Nimbus Coffee is a Harry Potter inspired café adding a little magic to your morning cup of joe. Located in the heart of downtown LA, this wizard themed shop is the perfect destination for Potterheads and pop-culture fanatics alike. The world had no idea how much it needed this collaboration between the whimsical world of Hogwarts and the bustling streets of DTLA. To kick off your perfect LA weekend, order the mega bacon bourbon cinnamon roll with an iced cold brew.
Malik Books
Black Owned
Absolutely nothing pairs better with a cup of coffee than a good book. This next stop is for all the book lovers. Malik Books is a black-owned and operated independent book store specializing in culturally diverse books. With a mission to inspire a world of positive self-reflection, self-esteem, and self-awareness, this bookshop exists to provide an asylum for enthusiastic book readers seeking an escape from the real world. Books can also be purchased online through their website. Rumor has it, the owner has a curated booklist for LA natives Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle.
X’TIOSU
Indigenous Owned
Los Angeles is home to some of the best Mexican Food in America and this Authentic Oaxacan cuisine is seriously top of the line. X’Tiosu fuses together the best of traditional Oaxacan with a touch of Middle Eastern flair in a really big way. After a long day in LA sipping on coffee and eating decadent pastries while shopping for books that inspire, an evening bursting with bold and rich flavors is a must. With delicious dishes featuring some of the greatest duos since the beginning of time, you’ll never want to leave. An endless night of hummus & zankou chicken or carne asada & naan bread is the only way to end your first night out in Los Angeles.
Day 2: Ice Cream & Art
Little Damage
Asian Owned
Get ready to stroll down memory lane with this one because you don’t want to miss this viral Singapore-inspired ice cream shop. Little Damage is a family-operated Ice cream shop located in Downtown LA. Originally founded in Singapore, Little Damage prides itself for using local ingredients to deliver fresh produce batches of their uniquely flavored soft-serve ice cream. Of course, you can order a cup, but you’d be missing out on their handcrafted black waffle cones made in-house using activated charcoal. Little Damage is so much more than an Instagram-worthy treat, but don’t forget to capture the moment to share it with your friends using their free photo booth.
Band of Vices
Black Owned
There’s no better way to spend a weekend than browsing art galleries – especially if those art galleries honor the work of Black and Brown artists who have traditionally been left out of the equation. CEO Darryl E. Wash founded Band of Vices to showcase the voices of BIPOC artists of the past and present. Intentionally located in West Adams, an area heavily populated with the black and brown community, the art gallery proudly disrupts the conventional business model for artists and creatives. Innocence Lost by WhIsBe, a social commentary on gun violence in public schools, will be on display at the LA art gallery for a short time.
Compton Vegan
Black Owned
What’s a weekend in LA without a food truck visit? After a long day of luscious ice cream and thought-provoking art galleries, vegan noms from the Compton Vegan Food Truck is a no-brainer. The unbelievably delicious green machine making its way up and down LA’s vibrant streets serves up some of LA’s finest vegan foods. The BBQ Jackfruit Ribs combined with the cashew based vegan mac & cheese will leave you begging for more.
Day 3: Brunch & Retail Therapy
H Cafe
Asian Owned
Wake up and get dressed because we’re brunchin’ with the girls this Sunday at H Cafe. With videos circulating all over social media, it would be no surprise that you’ve already prepared your order. Just don’t forget to add a gin & tonic to compliment whatever savory dish you choose. Located in the heart of LA’s Koreatown, this cafe is the perfect first stop for a day of retail therapy.
Space City Vintage
Latinx Owned
Hop in, ladies. We’re poppin’ tags at Space City Vintage. Home to LA’s hottest vintage clothing collection, Space City Vintage is a must for fashionistas looking for something new—or should we say looking to turn something old… new. Either way, you will not leave empty-handed. This vintage thrift store specializing in vintage clothing from the 40s and 50s has something for everyone, and we do mean everyone.
The Bombay Frankie Company
South Asian Owned
We know this is a Best of BIPOC-owned LA guide, but we’re ending the night in Mumbai. Well, at least, our taste buds will make the special trip. The Bombay Frankie Company was started by brother and sister duo Hiram and Priyanka Mac after a longing for Mumbai street food. Known as the “home of the Indian Burrito”, this Indian-inspired restaurant is a cross between downtown LA and India. You can order a Chicken Tikka Masala Frankie with a side of avocado in true California fashion.
Let us know if you have any suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.
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