Toppa Top 10: Ten Ways to Experience the Caribbean in LA

Words by Kalifa Madden
Photos by Amanda Holmgren

Los Angeles hasn’t always been the most obvious place to experience the Caribbean.

L.A. doesn’t have the same connection to the islands as cities on the East Coast, with their deep-rooted expat communities and easy access to quick flights back home. But it doesn’t take long to discover that the Golden State does have a deep appreciation for reggae music. And the city is a no brainer for islanders who yearn for the beaches and warm weather of home, with the glamour and opportunity of Hollywood.

If you know where to look, it turns out there are plenty of places to find yourself in a Caribbean frame of mind right in L.A. You need to get your island vibes when the stars come out, no worry. Several clubs host long-running reggae and dancehall nights. When you take a step back, island culture is thriving in the city of Angels. We wanted to express our love for Caribbean culture and help fellow islanders cure the homesick blues, so we rode through the city from the beach to the east, to give you our top 10 ways to experience the Caribbean in L.A.

Start the list here.

10. Shop on the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach has been one of California’s top tourist destinations for years. The famous boardwalk is right along the Pacific Coast, and directly connects to Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica and Malibu. Venice Beach also has a direct connection to the Rastafarian movement, as many vendors proudly fly their red, green and gold flags high in the sky. Some reggae artists such as Dandexx can be found roaming the boardwalk, as the high foot traffic makes it a perfect place to get their music heard by willing Angelenos.

9. Get ready for summer at Reggae on the Mountain

Reggae on the Mountain is an eclectic gathering of reggae lovers held annually in the Santa Monica Mountains. People from all over the globe come for the two-day festival, which boasts a wide variety of vendors, and a true mixture of California and island vibes. Think reggae Coachella. This year, the the headliners were Alborosie and Ky-Mani Marley, and next year is sure to bring the fire even stronger.

8. Spend Thursday nights with Selecta 7 and DJ Kareem at Zanzibar

Selecta 7 and DJ Kareem have been shelling out reggae and dancehall vibes (with a little bit of afrobeat and other global flavors) Thursday nights for several years now at Zanzibar, in the heart of West Los Angeles. The atmosphere is an eclectic mix of people, accommodated comfortably on a large dance floor.

7. Shop at iApparel

Photo courtesy iApparel

iApparel is an LA-based clothing line whose reggae-inspired designs can be seen at many local reggae festivals and events. One of their best-selling collections is called “Spiritual Stoner,” which has attracted the attention of many reggae-loving Californians. The clothing company also supports a network of artists throughout the City of Angels. iApparel’s independent vendors can be found all over the city, from Venice Beach to Downtown LA.

6. Get your reggae fix at Dub Club LA every Wednesday night

Dub Club LA recently threw its 15th anniversary party last month, offering fans a spot on the upcoming Welcome to Jamrock cruise. Every Wednesday, DJ Tom Chasteen and friends play roots reggae, old-school dancehall and occasionally a little ska, at the Echoplex on Sunset. Many great artists have graced the Dub Club stage, including No-Maddz and Lee Scratch Perry.

5. Meet the Coleys

Coley’s Caribbean American Cuisine has been a staple island eatery in the city for over 25 years. Mr. and Mrs. Coley started the restaurant as a small, mom-and-pop establishment when they first moved to the coast, many years ago. Known for their friendly staff and delicious dishes, the restaurant is also a low-key celebrity hangout. Busta Rhymes and Kourtney Kardashian have been seen getting their Jamaican food fix here. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Mrs. Coley, who always goes out of her way to make every table feel like a guest in her own home.

4. Pack a picnic basket for the annual Reggae Night at the Hollywood Bowl

Every Angeleno treasures the Hollywood Bowl, which offers  live music open-air views of the Hollywood hills. One night that stands out during the summer months is the Bowl’s annual reggae night. People show up in droves, clad in their best red, green and gold attire. Patrons can bring wine, beer, snacks and even the kids for a night of live reggae music. This past summer, Bob Marley’s 70th birthday was celebrated with performances by Stephen and Ziggy, as well as a surprise appearance from Damian, all navigating a collection of their father’s legendary discography.

3. Visit Wi Jammin for great food and Caribbean groceries

Wi Jammin Caribbean Market is a one-stop shop for your Caribbean food fix, located on LA’s famous Pico Boulevard, right in the heart of the city. If you’re not feeling cooking at home, their menu offers a wide variety of Caribbean cuisine to feed your soul. Guests can also purchase spices and groceries from their adjoining grocery store to make their own island-style meals. If you’re dining in, the escoveitch red snapper and fried chicken come highly recommended.

2. Feel the vibe every other night of the week at Jamaican Gold

Jamaican Gold is LA’s premiere dancehall sound system and promotions crew. Jamaican selector DJ Crooks, DJ QBwoy, The Real Crazy Hype and friends bring out the city’s dancehall junkies to vibe out together every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night, at Hollywood-area lounges The Study, Couture Lounge, and The Cosmo, respectively. Recently, Diplo and Skrillex passed through Jamaican Gold’s ladies’ night, Pum Pum Tuesdays — our favorite of the bunch. Each week, dancers from local studios can be seen on the floor perfecting their moves, set to the latest dancehall sounds.

1. Represent at LA Culture Festival’s Hollywood Carnival

Photo by Kristelle Laroche

Every summer, the Los Angeles Culture Festival presents Hollywood Carnival, one of the city’s most exciting Caribbean events. The vibrant parade is well attended by revelers from just about every Caribbean island, who fill the streets of Hollywood Blvd with good vibes and all variety of island music. Hollywood Boulevard can often be crowded, but never like it is for Hollywood Carnival: The event morphs the iconic strip into a more human-scaled and intimate environment. Hollywood Carnival is a true representation of Caribbean culture with a variety of flags on display, and dancers representing their island in the streets. The event has also proven to be a magnet for major dancehall and soca artists, who arrive in the city for a series of performances that run throughout the weekend.

+1: Get a Taste of the Caribbean in Hollywood with Chef Bernard James

Taste of the Caribbean is LA’s newest Caribbean restaurant, located in the heart of Hollywood. Workers from nearby film studios have begun flocking to the restaurant for Grenadian chef Bernard James’ jerk chicken, fried shark and curry chicken waffles. With most area Caribbean restaurants being located outside of central LA, this eatery is conveniently located. In fact, many clubgoers head here after leaving Pum Pum Tuesdays, which is held right next door, at Couture Lounge.