12th Planet’s Guide to Downtown Los Angeles

There’s no denying that 12th Planet is the king of bass in Los Angeles. In fact, Red Bull Music Academy recently immortalized him in trading card form as a certified L.A. bass king as part of their United States of Bass series, which is pretty damn official. Backed by his SMOG Records crew, 12th Planet continues to rule the bass scene with his head-banging brand of dubstep and heavy bass. Based in Downtown L.A., 12th Planet makes all the music magic happen straight from his loft-style apartment, which is famously known as the Compound and doubles as a work/live space and a hangout spot for local and visiting bass-heads.

Admittedly a bit of a homebody when not on tour, 12th Planet is known to have a soft spot for local flavors and bars. Ahead of his headlining show tonight (Thursday, August 18) at Exchange LA, presented by Bassrush DTLA, we tapped 12th Planet for his guide to Downtown Los Angeles. Grab your tickets and read below, where the bass master gives us the scoop on his favorite hometown eateries and watering holes.

Spring St. Bar

It’s the closest watering hole from my loft. The bartenders are really cool, and we all do pickle back shots whenever I go there.

Wendell

The second closest watering hole [to me]. It’s a new spot; it’s got a dive bar vibe, but the crowd is cool.

Varnish

The third closest watering hole [to me]. This spot is a really cool speakeasy! It’s in the back of Cole’s and claims to be the oldest public drinking house in Los Angeles. I usually take friends from out of town there.

Guisados

I love tacos! Who doesn’t love tacos? Guisados is a product of Echo Park but opened a spot on the block not long ago. This is real gourmet Mexican. The meats are marinated to near perfection.

Cole’s

Cole’s claims to be the original home of the French dip. They battle Philippe’s in Chinatown for that title. I don’t really care who did it first, ‘cause Cole’s is really good and closest [to me]. So they win, as far as I’m concerned.

633 Cafe

This is the latest pop-up restaurant to take over the space where Mai Mexican Kitchen was a Spring Street staple. We’ve supported these pop-ups because they add new flavor to the block, and quite frankly, I don’t have to walk but 15 feet out of my front door to enjoy. It’s Afro-Caribbean food, and let me tell you, the fried chicken tacos are awesome!

Bassrush DTLA with 12th Planet takes place Thursday, August 18, at Exchange LA in Downtown Los Angeles.

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