Eat, Drink, Americano

The Arts District of Los Angeles has been in existence for many years, but only recently has it revitalized to a place that attract people from near and far (mostly east LA-ers).  In the mid-1800s, a man named Jean-Louis Vignes, for whom Vignes Street (in northeastern edge of the Arts District) is named, planted Cabernet and Sauvignon Blance vines on 104 acres of land, irrigated by the then LA River.  By 1849, the Vignes vineyard was the largest producer of wine in California!  Now, the grapes and LA River are gone, but the San Antonio Winery is a reminder of the Arts District's original roots.  { wiki }

Although the Arts District may not produce its own wine anymore, there is plenty of wine served and enjoyed, such as at the gastropub, Eat Drink Americano.  Although I visited happy hour recently, these photos were taken almost a year ago, so slight changes may have been made.

Mondays-Fridays: 4pm-7pm

Workin' the kitchen.

Bar.

Entrance is on the side of the building and can be easily missed.

Ooh. Wine bottle chandelier.

Rose Sangria -- $6

Fish Crisps -- mini red snapper tacos topped with Sriracha -- $5

Pastrami Sandwich -- $5

Veggie Sandwich -- eggplant, tomato, squash pesto -- $5

The Pilgrim -- slow-cooked turkey with stuffing and corn foam -- $5

The food is fresh, the service is friendly, finding parking isn't too much of a pain, and ambiance is good.  Come early to stake out a spot because space is limited.  Enjoy!

Eat Drink Americano.

Locally Grown • Artisanally Produced • Globally Inspired.

cuisine: American

location: Arts District, downtown LA

hours: M-Th: 8:30am-midnight; Fri-Sat: 8:30am-1:30am; Sun: 8:30am-5:30pm

websites: {EDA | yelp | facebook | twitter }

parking: Valet or free street 

attire: Casual

happy hour: Yes; M-F: 4pm-7pm

price: $$

notes: Check-in on Yelp and get 1 free glass of wine with $10 spent