Lost Souls Cafe: Hidden secret in downtown

When it rains, it’s time to take shelter indoors.  I had these great ideas for V-day that included a nice afternoon spent wine tasting followed by a nice dinner, but those notions will have to be scrapped for another day.  We couldn’t even make it to the theaters and opted for whatever was on TV (which btw, was Transporter 2 and Serendipity.  Yes, we could have done so much better).

Now that I’m miles away from Los Angeles, I’m reminded of one of my favorite spots in Downtown where I can take refuge indoors.  Tucked away in an alleyway between Spring and Main Sts. on the south side of 4th is Lost Souls Cafe, an urban oasis in the Old Bank District.  Ever since I moved to Downtown, this has been my favorite place to work from or to meet up with friends for a chat.

Harlem Place Alley: Entrance to Lost Souls Cafe

Lost Souls Cafe has just about everything you’d be looking for in a coffeehouse.  Savory coffee drinks and food?  Check.  Wi-Fi?  Check.  Couches?  Check.  Board games, live music, and even a record shop?  Check.  The only thing they can’t seem to provide is parking, but that keeps this place feeling like a true secret urban hideaway.

Front seating area of Lost Souls during day

Most exciting times to come to Lost Souls is at night when they have a rotation of events like DJs, acoustic performances, open mic, etc.  Come here during an Art Walk and you’ll find the place packed with an amalgam of hipsters, yuppies, westsiders, artists, and tourists… but that’s why Downtown LA is so great.

My workstation in the corner

To check out more of their menu and events, visit their website.

Lost Souls Cafe
124 W 4th St (Harlem Place Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90013