Lost Souls Cafe is Open

By Eric Richardson
Published: Thursday, January 26, 2006, at 02:53PM

Eric Richardson

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — This may not be news to those of you living in the Old Bank District, but last night was the first I had seen that Lost Souls Cafe is now open. I first mentioned its coming way back in June of last year after hearing about the project at a Neighborhood Block Grant meeting. It took a bit longer to open than they thought it would, but the cafe is now open and it’s very cool.

Both the alley the shop’s tucked into and the cafe’s interior have cool feels to them. The lighting is nowhere near as harsh as my bad photo would suggest. The menu definitely makes it a cafe, not just a coffee shop. And they have a naturally purple cake. I wanted some, but had just eaten.

Stop by and check it out back in the alley that cuts through the Hellman Building. It’s mid-block on 4th between Spring and Main. They’re open late into the evening and until midnight on the weekend.

Comments

5000! writes:

Do they have wireless?

# on Jan.26.2006 AT 04:12 PM

jim writes:

yeah, they opened a couple of weeks ago. they are not to be confused with soul folks cafe over in the arts district.

since i just finally ate at warung cafe last night, i guess i should plan on a visit to lost souls cafe sometime in 2007.

in other old bank district news, rocket pizza lounge just got their new sign.

and on february 9, there's a public hearing for liquor (or beer and wine) licenses for most of the retail spaces in the old bank district, including situation normal. the notice references a couple of new names: "dietrich's bar and lounge," "great white restaurant" and event center, and a sushi restaurant.

# on Jan.26.2006 AT 04:34 PM

thedaniel writes:

heaven sent. i'll be a denizen for sure.

# on Jan.26.2006 AT 04:52 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

5000!: Yes on the wireless. Oddly I didn't notice but my girlfriend did.

# on Jan.26.2006 AT 10:51 PM

someonewalksinla writes:

It's a very cool space. The kind of spot that allows a break from street photography. A week ago when I was shooting, I came across an older gentlemen who used to work in the area in the 40s and 50s. He was on his routine of exploring the area's growth after seeing his dentist (who is still downtown). After a great conversation with him spilling out decades of details, I took him across the street to Lost Souls and his eyes lit up when he saw the tile work.

# on Jan.26.2006 AT 11:21 PM

julie writes:

the kids that work here are awesome and the drinks are delicious, not to mention the fantastic atmosphere. ive been going nearly every day since it's opened and highly highly recommend it.

# on Jan.27.2006 AT 11:27 AM

Nic Cha Kim writes:

They have very cool artwork on the walls. I hear they're for sale too.

# on Jan.28.2006 AT 06:32 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

Nic: I assume you mean the art's for sale, not the Lost Souls guys.

And to give this comment a little substance: Kathy and went back to Lost Souls last night and got food. I was a big fan of the turkey panini, and Kathy liked her salad (can't remember what kind).

# on Jan.28.2006 AT 07:14 PM

Roots2Poetry writes:

At first, I felt kind of odd walking into an alley through this door that led to LostSouls Cafe - As I walked in, it felt like finding lost treasure. The energy and the tone set me fully to a whole different level. You can tell it has a lot of personality & couldn't help yourself feel cozy.

The marks of history were present as I noticed the tiles, the walls and architecture. I was deceived because you walk in and you think this is it. Walk further in and that's when you see all the traces of art and the long stretch of smooth counter and stools to watch the LostSouls crew brew your coffee. Let's not forget the pastries.

My favorite chill place was the L shaped lounge sofa. To top it off, the music was just to my soul. Go and See it!

# on Feb.07.2006 AT 10:02 AM

Julie writes:

does anyone know their hours? I couldn't find a thing on the site!

# on Sep.02.2006 AT 09:47 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

Just from memory, I think they're open until 10 (possibly 11) during the week and midnight on the weekends.

# on Sep.02.2006 AT 10:58 PM

jim writes:

they actually cut their hours back to 10pm every day a while ago. (and the hours are on their site, on the contact page.)

# on Sep.03.2006 AT 12:36 AM