Business Travel: 5 Great Places to Work Late in Los Angeles
Burn the midnight oil at these business-friendly—but never boring—after-hours spots
Think beyond the boardroom and bedroom—Los Angeles is a hot spot for business travelers looking to work and play.
Los Angeles is more than just cool vibes, sunshine, celebrities and organic veggies. The city hosted more than 47 million visitors in 2016, and business travel to the state is on the rise. But La La Land-bound business travelers should take note: Holing up in your hotel room only makes sense if you’re on conference calls all day.
When you’re traveling for work in LA, crank through emails like real Californians do: while noshing on fresh cuisine and drinking local beer at a happening (but not rowdy) spot, like the bistro at the Cambria Hotel LAX in El Segundo. And when you’re ready to stretch your legs and see something new—all while getting ahead on your to-do list—head to one of these nearby work-friendly cafes, breweries and even an outdoor sculpture that can shed some light on your work.
Eat healthy during work sessions at Superba Food and Bread
Pull up a seat for California fresh fare at Superba Food and Bread.
This place had us at “bread,” but if that’s not enough for you, Superba Food and Bread is more than just a cafe. The eatery’s El Segundo location has a stellar selection of evening meals, from smaller plates like a Caesar salad made with English peas, radishes and garlic croutons, to entrees like wild striped bass with artichokes, quinoa and garlic aioli. There’s also a creative cocktail menu and a stellar coffee selection—perfect for anyone burning the late-night oil. (A turmeric latte? Yes, please!) If you’re in town on a Tuesday and are up for socializing, you could network with locals during their weekly Neighborhood Night. Superba closes at 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
El Segundo Brewing Company: Where business and beer meet
This spot can get a bit loud, which might not be ideal if you’ve got a big deadline to meet. But for team pow-wows or lighter work loads, head to this established, hops-loving brewery and enjoy its rotating list of seasonal and barrel-aged beers while you work. The brewery closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 p.m. Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday. No matter when you’re in town, get here early to score a table so you can turn it into a work (and tasting) station.
The best part of pulling an all-nighter? The 24-hour menu at The Kettle
The Kettle’s 24-hour menu can carry you from made-from-scratch meatloaf to breakfast Benedicts.
This classic California restaurant, which has been open for more than 40 years, has an extensive all-American menu, wine, beer and endless refills on fair trade coffee. Grab a booth, get set up and place your order; The Kettle is open 24 hours a day, making it the perfect place to tackle an all-nighter.
Take your work to new heights at the Griffith Observatory
The sky’s the limit for your productivity at the Griffith Observatory, where admission is always free.
Thanks to the observatory’s on-site Wolfgang Puck cafe and the area’s spotty cell phone reception (which means no interruptions), you can spend time at a signature Los Angeles attraction and knock things off your to-do list. That is, if you can resist the siren song of its public telescopes, which offer an impressive view of the City of Angels’ skies. Soak in the telescopic eye candy, and then get some work done in the cafe or on the lawn. The grounds close at 10 p.m. nightly. (Note: The observatory is closed on Mondays.)
Work in front of a piece of art at LACMA
Checking out the Los Angeles art scene should be on any visitors’ to-do list, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has an outdoor installation that business travelers can easily take in after work hours. The sculpture Urban Light, by Chris Burden, features 202 restored, cast-iron antique street lamps that come to life once the sun goes down. Bring your laptop here at twilight and sneak in a quick work session at the outdoor seating area; you can use LACMA’s free Wi-Fi to connect. If you have more to do, grab an Uber and head less than 10 minutes down the road to Insomnia Cafe on Beverly Blvd. for a cup of joe and a snack. The cash-only hole-in-the-wall is open until midnight.
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