Bike Shed Moto Co. is the coolest new motorcycle hangout in Los Angeles

A massive new motorcycle-influenced cafe and bar has popped up in the Arts District, two years after it was first announced. London-based Bike Shed Moto Co. opened its doors last Friday at 1580 S. Industrial Street, opposite the Flying Embers Taproom and just down the street from Caboco, with plans to bring to this section of Los Angeles all the deep leather, wood and motorcycle talk it can handle.

First opened in 2015 in London by Anthony “Dutch” van Someren and his wife Vikki van Someren, Bike Shed Motorcycle Company is part of a like-minded community meeting space, membership club, a restaurant and evening lounge, and a day area for coffee and a full English breakfast. There are plenty of retail options inside the 30,000-square-foot warehouse, as well as self-catering spaces to get a haircut or tattoo. Basically, think of Bike Shed as a one-stop-shop for a certain kind of bike-loving Angeleno — or anyone who’s craving a bite to eat and a comfy couch in the Arts District. Diners, fans, and anyone can drop by virtually anytime from 9 a.m. to midnight (or later), seven days a week, to roam the giant, multi-hyphenate space; and seriously, it’s worth a look.

Decor inside is a mix of vintage charm — brick, leather, exposed beams, poured cement — and modern touches, like flashy artwork, skylights, a wraparound bar, and seating for nearly 300 guests and drinkers at a clip. There are rare vintage bikes lying around, places to pick up a new set of riding gloves, and a bright white-tiled hair salon to keep the haircut fresh. Of course, owning a motorbike isn’t required for admission or anything, but given the artwork on the walls and the conversations at most tables, having at least some appreciation of the motorcycle culture will help.

Chef Enrico Glauco (Primi, Tra di Noi Ristorante) is in charge of overseeing the robust menu, which operates all day but offers a separate menu in the morning. Espresso drinks will be in high demand, as will plates of eggs, chicken and waffles in the morning, and a rare English breakfast. Lunch is for crisp, crisp beet salads or perhaps Bike Shed’s thick pub-style burger, while evening gives way to classic cocktails and California-Italian concoctions ranging from pappardelle, ribs and a tomahawk steak. For dessert, the buttery bread pudding is the one to order.

This isn’t the first time the downtown arts district has performed in front of the two-wheeler crowd. South Africa’s House of Machines previously occupied a space along 7th, just down from Guerrilla Tacos, which filled much of the same motorcycle cafe/bar vibe (and, for them, live music) – and this address was then taken over late last year by Detroit Vesey’s, an intentionally inclusive meeting place for cyclists. Now is the time for Bike Shed Moto Co. to hit the streets.

After two years of anticipation, the new Bike Shed Moto Co. in the Arts District opened its doors last Friday, April 8 at 1580 S. Industrial Street. Reservations can be made through Resy.