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Koreatown’s Peaceful New Coffee Hangout Hides Inside the Classic Oxford Hotel

Plus where to eat Chinese on Christmas Day, and an inside look at a longtime tamale producer

The Ox Coffee Shop counter in low lights in Koreatown
The Ox Coffee Shop in Koreatown
Wonho Frank Lee
Matthew Kang is the Lead Editor of Eater LA. He has covered dining, restaurants, food culture, and nightlife in Los Angeles since 2008. He's the host of K-Town, a YouTube series covering Korean food in America, and has been featured in Netflix's Street Food show.
Pourover coffee at The Ox in Koreatown
Pourover coffee at The Ox in Koreatown
Wonho Frank Lee

Koreatown’s new coffee hangout

The Ox Los Angeles is a new coffee shop from Bryan Choi now open inside the 29-year-old Oxford Hotel, a longtime community events space and hotel in Koreatown. Though the aging hotel has long held birthdays, parties, and more on its premises for Korean-Americans, it’s looking to branch out to a younger clientele with The Ox. Choi says the place comes from a desire to, “create a space for all generations to enjoy great drinks and conversation.” The second floor coffee lounge serves Counter Culture Coffee, Rishi teas, and pastries from Bakers Kneaded. Beginning in January 2020, The Ox will expand the menu to craft beers and cocktails, with a light food menu as well. Hours will run 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 6 p.m. on Sunday. 745 S. Oxford Avenue, Koreatown.

In other news:

LA Magazine has a helpful guide on where to find Chinese food on Christmas Day, from Elite restaurant in SGV to Yang Chow in Chinatown.

Yours Truly starts weekday lunch service on December 30 with Vartan Abgaryan’s polished seasonal cooking from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Abbot Kinney restaurant will serve dishes like Nashville hot shrimp and a dry-aged burger with fries.

LA Times writer Gustavo Arellano goes behind the scenes at XLNT Tamales’ production. The 125-year-old frozen food brand is the oldest continuously operating Mexican food brand in the U.S.

— Need to try some more tacos in LA? L.A. Taco has released their list of the 19 best tacos of 2019, including El Ruso, Mariscos Jalisco, and Birria Pa La Cruda.

— Need to save some cash this holiday season? LA Mag has a list of their favorite budget restaurants this year, including Colapasta, The Window at American Beauty, and Tacos 1986.

Border Grill

445 South Figueroa Street, , CA 90071 (213) 486-5171 Visit Website

Mariscos Jalisco

801 East 10th Street, , CA 90021 (323) 309-1622

Yours Truly

1616 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, , CA 90291 (310) 396-9333 Visit Website

Tacos 1986

609 South Spring Street, , CA 90014 (213) 988-7202 Visit Website

The Window at American Beauty

425 Rose Avenue, , CA 90291 (310) 412-0075 Visit Website