# 9. J Restaurant & Lounge: NO

Part of the ongoing downtown renaissance, blah blah. What if they gave a renaissance and nobody came?

High point Nice history in those exposed brick walls. The owners saved a handsome landmark.

Low point Open letter to Los Angeles: ENOUGH WITH THE RESTAURANT-LOUNGE CONCEPTS. Eating dinner inside a 25,000-square foot warehouse feels weird and lonely. And until those elusive loft pioneers embrace it, there’s not enough to make you want to find Olive Street after dark.

Saving grace It's right by Staples Center. And if you need to throw a big party downtown, it's got three bars, cabanas, a firepit and a great skyline view from the second floor's 10,000 square-foot patio.