DAILY DOSE CAFÉ
SERVING DOWNTOWN’S ARTS DISTRICT

It’s funny how time changes perspective. Downtown L.A. is as popular as ever for dining and drinking but I still remember a couple of years ago when I first ventured down to shady Industrial Street for dinner at Church & State, sure I loved the food (wasn’t crazy about their cocktails) but more than anything, I thought, what a crappy area, especially as I walked over homeless people to and from my car.

So imagine my surprise when I recently went to the charming Daily Dose Café on the same block for dinner. Sure, park a block or two away and the area is still sketchy, although not like before, but sitting outside dining al fresco on the café’s lovely patio is just a great way to spend any time in L.A.

Serving farm fresh ingredients, the mission at Daily Dose Café is simple according to them.

“Our philosophy is to bring you honest food, even from our own front yard and ranch when possible. We’re dedicated to using and serving only the freshest and unprocessed produce available.”

Just around the corner from fancy Bestia and the Greyhound Bus terminal, where you know damn well something is about to go town, shouldn’t deter anyone from stopping by. The fare is fresh, hearty and above all, tasty.

They specialize in coffee, both cold and hot, as well as blended juices, which they call Life-Support Juices. I’m a big fan of their White Juice made with fresh coconut and coconut water, raw almond and almond water, banana, dates, and raw honey. Sounds healthy; tastes great.

Likewise, their salads and sandwiches are crowd-pleasing. The Gardener is simple with arugula and citrus vinaigrette but you can spice it up by adding cheese and/or meat.

The Guildsmith with pan-fried akawi cheese, avocado, tomato, serranos, feta, arugula and sauce verte on a ciabatta is a favorite. The bread is so good and fresh, as are the ingredients. This is a good time in a sandwich.

And let’s not forget about The Farmer with roasted squash, heirloom potatoes, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, house veggie patty, buratta, pesto and ancho chili jam on olive bread. This is a great non-meat selection. Regardless of its veggie friendliness, it’s filling and so tasty.

Desserts or as they like to call them, Tasty Treats consist of scones, muffins, and Mama V’s, but I was too full and content from sharing a few sandwiches that I had no room. Next time as now I don’t mind venturing to industrial downtown, especially when the atmosphere is so pleasing amidst the rest of the shady area. There goes the neighborhood never sounded so good.

Daily Does Café is located at the Rue Gastronomique at 1820 Industrial Street. Hours: M-F 7am to 8pm; Sat: 9am to 8pm; Sun: 10am to 3pm. Call 213-281-9300.

Story by: Jose Martinez

Photography courtesy of: Daily Does Café