I’ve been to Downtown LA more times than I can count, but always at night—bar hopping, hitting up rooftop lounges, or grabbing late-night tacos. But seeing DTLA in the daytime? That was a whole new world for me. And let me tell you, I was not ready for what I was about to stumble upon.
St. Vincent’s Court: DTLA’s Best-Kept Secret
If you don’t know about St. Vincent’s Court, you could easily walk right past it and never know what you missed. Tucked away between buildings, this little hidden gem feels like stepping through a portal into a completely different country. One second, I was dodging honking cars and street vendors on Broadway, and the next I was in a charming European-style alley with string lights, old-school café signs, and a vibe that felt nothing like LA.
I had no idea this place existed, but as soon as I walked in, I felt like I had discovered some kind of secret society. There were tiny cafes, deli shops, and bakeries, all lined up in this quiet little courtyard. It was like DTLA hit pause for a second and let me breathe.
Lunch at Broadway Deli
My friend and I were starving, so we stopped at Broadway Deli, a small spot that’s been around for over 40 years. The owner was super friendly and chatted with us while we ordered a Philly cheesesteak, a lamb gyro, and fries. And when I say that cheesesteak was everything, I mean it. Gooey cheese, perfectly seasoned meat, and a soft, French roll? Yeah, I’ll be thinking about it for a while. The lamb gyro was also great—juicy, packed with flavor, also in the soft French roll.
We sat outside, just soaking in the vibes, watching people come and go from the tiny shops. It felt like we had stepped out of LA and into a different world for a moment. And honestly? I was loving it.
The Jewelry District: A Whole New Level of Bling
Stepping out of St. Vincent’s Court, we found ourselves smack in the middle of the Jewelry District and my brain could not process what I was looking at. Block after block, store after store, nothing but gold, diamonds, and watches shining under the bright sun. I’ve never seen that much jewelry in one place in my entire life. It was kind of overwhelming, but also super cool to see.
There were vendors everywhere, people haggling over prices, and glass cases packed with everything from engagement rings to custom chains. If you’re in the market for some serious jewelry, or just want to window shop and pretend you’re in a heist movie, this is the place to be.
Tierra Mia Coffee: A Sweet Finish
Just two blocks away, we spotted a Tierra Mia Coffee, and I had to stop. Tierra Mia is a staple in LA, and people swear by their horchata lattes and Spanish-inspired coffee drinks. It’s basically our version of a high-quality Latin Starbucks, but with way better flavors.
I got the Cafecito Cubano con Leche (a must try), and my friend got the Mocha Frappe. Their drinks are smooth, bold, and just the right amount of sweet. It was the perfect pick-me-up after walking around in the sun all day.
Wrapping Up near Los Angeles Self Storage
I seriously can’t believe I’ve been coming to DTLA for years and never explored it like this before. St. Vincent’s Court was a total hidden gem, the Jewelry District blew my mind, and Tierra Mia never disappoints. If you’re like me and only ever see DTLA at night, do yourself a favor and come during the day and see a completely different side of it. Just be ready to leave with a full stomach, a caffeine buzz, and maybe even a little bling.
All of this is just a short walk from Los Angeles Self Storage. If you’re someone who visits downtown often or runs a business in the area, having extra storage nearby can be super convenient. Whether you’re a jeweler needing space for inventory, an artist storing supplies, or just someone who loves DTLA but needs more room, it’s a great option right in the heart of the city.
So next time you’re in Downtown LA during the day, take a detour and check out St. Vincent’s Court, you might just find your new favorite spot!
St. Vincent’s Court
On 7th St. Between Hill St. and Broadway
Broadway Deli and Grill
659 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tierra Mia Coffee
2108 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 987-0346
M-Th: 5:30 AM – 10 PM
Fri: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Sat: 6 AM – 11 PM
Sun: 6 AM – 10 PM
