Fathers Day Ideals~~~DTLA

 

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - When it comes to finding the right gift for dad on Father’s Day, it’s easy to pick a tie or cologne.

Those, however, are boring, and dear old dad probably wants something more. Fortunately, Downtown Los Angeles has a lot to offer the old man on Sunday, June 16. Below are some great meals, highflying adventures and more. 

Feed the Man 

A Grand BBQ: A backyard barbecue is a classic way to celebrate Father’s Day, and the Omni Hotel’s Grand Café is doing just that on June 16. The Father’s Day barbecue lunch will be on the patio and options including ribs, chicken and tri-tip will be served from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dad will leave with good memories, a full stomach and a savory souvenir, as all fathers at the barbecue get a jar of Executive Chef Christopher Tunnel’s housemade BBQ sauce. 

At 251 S. Olive St., (213) 356-4155 or omnihotels.com. 

Double Deal: It’s good to go out for a nice meal once in a while. It’s even better to go out twice in a while. Dads can get a second helping at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse after celebrating Father’s Day with the family at the L.A. Live restaurant. The June 16 Father’s Day special is $36.95 and includes a three-course meal with items such as lobster bisque and prime rib. All dads receive a $25 gift card for their next visit to Fleming’s. 

At 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 745-9911 or flemingssteakhouse.com. 

Meat Man: Does your dad like steak? Of course he does! He’s a dad! Morton’s The Steakhouse is warming up the grill on June 16 with a $69 three-course special that starts with a salad and ends with a choice of desserts such as chocolate mousse and key lime pie. In between are selections from entrees such as pork chops, filet mignon and beef short ribs. There are also other meats on the menu too. 

At 735 S. Figueroa St., (213) 553-4566 or mortons.com. 

Big Deal: A lot of kids think their dad is a big deal. At The Counter on Seventh Street, they’ll have to announce it out loud in order to score some free food for pops. On June 16, everyone who says, “My dad is a BFD” when ordering their food will get a one-third pound burger on the house. We have no idea what the F stands for. Probably “fantastic.” 

At 725 W. Seventh St., (213) 228-7800 or thecounterburger.com.

Adventure

Flyby: Look, up in the sky. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is that dad in a WACO YMF-5C biplane flying over Downtown? Why yes, it is. To celebrate Father’s Day, a company called Skythrills is putting the paterfamilias in a 1935 replica biplane. The 35-minute flight takes off from Fullerton Airport and cruises by Downtown landmarks like U.S. Bank Tower. A flight suit and helmet are provided, and so is a parachute, just in case. Rides are $365-$425.

At (714) 402-4888 or skythrills.com. 

Big Bad Daddy: One of the lessons Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel in the 1984 The Karate Kid was that you learn to fight so you don’t have to. So get Dad some self-defense tips at Unyted Fitness. The Main Street spot offers training in krav maga, the famous Israeli military self-defense and hand-to-hand combat system. It can give the average guy some confidence and, since there’s a lot of physical work involved, it can help get pop in shape too. There is another plus with this gift: Unyted Fitness offers a free class before you commit to the gym, so dad can try it out. If he doesn’t like it, you can get him those Richard Simmons DVDs next year. 

At 334 S. Main St., (213) 223-6233 or unytedfitness.com.  

High Society: Pedro Shanahan will be your father’s “spirit guide” through the world of bourbon, rye, Irish and Scotch whiskey as a member of the Seven Grand Whiskey Society. An annual membership costs $120 and includes monthly tastings at Seven Grand’s Jackalope Room. The tastings usually take place on Tuesdays and are helmed by master distillers or brand representatives. The classes offer a look at the history of each whiskey, how it’s made and what flavors to look for when sipping. There are also a few special events mixed in, like a recent one that included poetry reading. Shananan, Seven Grand’s whiskey expert, organizes the gatherings. 

At 515 W. Seventh St., (213) 614-0737 or sevengrandbars.com. 

Strike Out: Downtown now has two places where dad can go bowling on Father’s Day. For a family-friendly event, there’s XLanes in Little Tokyo. Located on the third floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria, X Lanes has a 24-lane bowling alley, an arcade, pool tables and a restaurant. A clubbier atmosphere can be found at Lucky Strike. There are 18 lanes at the L.A. Live venue. There’s a bar and lounge, but no arcade, so the place tends to cater to a more college and adult crowd. 

X Lanes is at 333 S. Alameda St., (213) 229-8910 or xlanesla.com. Lucky Strike is at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 542-4880 or bowlluckystrike.com.