Neighborhood + Art

Working at The Oliver Club means being a part of LA’s Arts District. A neighborhood filled with some of the most amazing and diverse spots for food, drinks, or whatever you’re feeling at the moment. 

When I’m not behind the chair, you can usually catch me exploring these places. Whether I’m grabbing a coffee before the first client, unwinding with a drink after hours, or soaking up inspiration from galleries and street art, here’s a look at where you might find me when the clippers are off. 

You can always catch me with a coffee in hand, and there’s no shortage of spots in the Arts District that can accommodate that. But there are a few that keep me coming back. 

First up Verve Coffee, it’s got this calm and open energy that makes it one of my go to places to slow down. Whether I’m diving into a book, grabbing a quick breakfast, or just taking a breather between appointments, the space always feels welcoming and the ambience is on point. 

Next up Eightfold, this spot’s basically around the corner from The Oliver Club, which makes it a regular part of my routine.

The cold brew at Eightfold is next level, smooth, bold, and consistently one of the best I’ve had. It’s the kind of place where the baristas know what they’re doing, and the energy inside is always fresh and focused. Great spot to reset or grab something quick before the next client.

Lastly we’ve got Idyllic, if you’re into design and character, Idyllic is a must. The warehouse style layout, paired with the vintage cars parked throughout, makes it one of the most unique coffee experiences in the city.

It’s blend of raw industrial and classic cool hits just right. I’ll swing by when I want a change of scenery or some inspiration, it’s the perfect spot to chill, catch up with someone, or let the environment spark some ideas.

If you already had your coffee, made it through the day and now it’s time to unwind with a drink, catch up with friends, or start your evening off on the right foot. These are my spots after a long day behind the chair. 

Tony’s Saloon is my home base, the premier dive bar of LA, I’m a serious regular here, and for good reason. I’ve never been to a bar quite like Tony’s, the energy is always relaxed and it’s full of good people and good times. It’s a bar built on community that welcomes new additions. The bartenders are friendly, fast, and usually cracking jokes or handing out stories with your drink. The crowd is a great mix of regulars and people exploring the neighborhood, and most importantly, there’s always a game of pool going. Most nights you’ll find me there with a tequila in my right hand and a pool cue in my left. It’s the kind of place that feels like a second living room, just with better music and cheaper beer.

For an elevated and curated experience, you’ve got to check out Kodo. It feels like the kind of place that’s always one step ahead. The bartenders here aren’t just mixing drinks, they’re crafting experiences. Some of the most skilled and knowledgeable in the city, they’ll walk you through the menu or freestyle something based on your mood, and it’s always on point. The cocktails are balanced, thoughtful, and full of subtle creativity. It’s also a perfect date night spot, with a kitchen cranking out some of the most amazing Japanese dishes (get the uni and wagyu hand roll, you’ll thank me after). After a long week, treating yourself to a drink and a bite at Kodo feels like a well earned celebration.

On my off days I like to keep the creativity flowing, and there’s no better way to accomplish that than by surrounding yourself with art and other creative exploits.

One of the crown jewels of the neighborhood, Hauser & Wirth is more than just a gallery it’s a one of a kind experience. Housed in a historic flour mill, the space itself is part of the art. The exhibitions are always world class, rotating through everything from sculpture and large-scale installations to contemporary photography and painting. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look closer, and think differently, definitely something that carries over into the way I approach my craft. Whether you’re an art lover or just someone who appreciates creative energy, a walk through Hauser & Wirth is a reminder of how powerful visual storytelling can be. 

One of the most underrated (and unavoidable) parts of life in the Arts District is the unofficial gallery that surrounds you every day. The murals, the graffiti, the layered posters, flyers, and tags. They turn every block into a living canvas. Whether it’s a massive, hyper-detailed piece that covers an entire wall or a quick, expressive spray that makes you do a double take, the streets here are alive with visual culture. Walking through this neighborhood is like being inside an open air museum, it’s raw, real, and constantly evolving. It keeps your eyes sharp and your mind open. And for those of us who are lucky enough to see it every day, it’s a constant source of inspiration.

Next time you’re in the chair, ask me what I’ve been into and where I’ve been lately. I’ll almost always have a new recommendation or story to share, good or bad, sometimes both.

Tell me about your go to spots, and if you tried anything new based on my list here. And if you ever catch me out and about, don’t be a stranger, see you around!

- Grayson