Pioneering hospitality duo Mark and Jonnie Houston of famed Houston Hospitality are poised to debut their first multilayered concept, Level 8, in Q2 of 2023. In partnership with Lightstone, Level 8 will occupy the entire eighth floor of new hotels, Moxy & AC Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, which will launch Q2 2023. 

Houston Hospitality’s first offering in Downtown Los Angeles, Level 8 is inspired by decades of the twin brothers’ travels, offering a culmination of their experiences wrapped into one sprawling destination and told through the eyes of the venue’s fictional founder, Mr. Wanderlust. From Buenos Aires to Tokyo, guests will find themselves on a journey through an adult playground of eight distinct concepts encompassing elevated restaurants, casual dining venues, cocktail bars, a pool deck, and a nightclub.

A destination that must be seen to be believed, guests can expect the unexpected with venues ranging from a French Teppan steakhouse to a poolside rotating carousel bar with skyscraper views of the Los Angeles skyline. The multifaceted concept will immerse all senses and desires with a selection of innovative dining and drinking offerings complemented by live performances, music, and entertainment bespoke to each venue. 

All aspects of this inventive playground will feature a flare of theatricality incorporated into its presentation. Artfully combined with live entertainment, Level 8 will separate itself from anything that Houston Hospitality has created before. Each guest’s journey will begin at Mr. Wanderlust, a globally-inspired cocktail lounge named after the fictional creator of the space, inspired by his travels. 

The 30,000 sq.ft. floor’s expanse will encompass a journey through cultures and time. Level 8 will offer a Japanese-inspired restaurant concept centered around a signature architectural harp, stretched across the ceiling, where diners will cook a global mix of traditional hot pot cuisine and seiro mushi steamed entrees at their table. Amongst the eight destinations, a carousel bar will overlook the city’s skyline serving-up tropical cocktails atop a Miami meets-Copacabana pool deck. Furthermore, Level 8 will be home to a nightlife venue, where a speakeasy entrance transports guests into a new world through an old cathedral. The spaces are concepted by the Houston Hospitality team, with design in collaboration with LA-based interior and architectural design firm, Undisclosable. 

“With Level 8 we’re thrilled to bring not one, but eight entirely new and unique venues to the area. We want to reimagine what a great night out can be and the potential that this Downtown Los Angeles neighborhood has.” shares Mark Houston. Jonnie Houston adds “It was naturally always a part of our plan to go back to the heart of LA where it all started. We saw all the growth and development in the area and wanted to be a part of giving Angelenos another reason to explore and travel downtown.” 

Level 8 is situated on the corner of South Figueroa and Pico streets across from the Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Convention Center. Designed to be a facet of an Angeleno’s quintessential evening, the whole experience from start to finish is the ultimate culinary and entertainment destination. 

Brothers Mark and Jonnie have created a niche market of luxury hot spots. Their desire to bridge the gap between a dive bar and a nightclub in LA led them to create their own first-of-their-kind speakeasies and clubs. Beginning with the launch of Piano Bar in 2007, a flurry of additional concepts followed, each more inventive than the last. Over the years, spanning from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the additions to the Houston Hospitality family have included: Cuban-themed bar La Descarga, American-themed live music venue Harvard & Stone, Parisian cocktail lounge Pour Vous, speakeasy-style No Vacancy & Dirty Laundry, 1970s-inspired Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, On the Record at Park MGM Las Vegas, 80's oasis Break Room 86, and disco-deco dreamscape Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Known for their transportive, unique experiences their various concepts have attracted top talent and celebrities across the city including Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Drake, the Weeknd, Diplo, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, and Bruno Mars. 

Born and raised Angelenos, the Houston brothers grew up in Koreatown around the bar, culinary and nightlife scene, with nearby Downtown LA, serving as their original hangout. Jonnie’s first industry job was at Prince’s former Glam Slam space on 3rd and Boyleston.

The hospitality aficionados have long seen the potential in the underdeveloped neighborhood and held a fondness for its rich melding of cultures. Infamous for a lack of walkability, Level 8 will fill the gap in Los Angeles by providing a pre and post-event destination for Angelenos and travelers alike from the nearby SoFi Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, Kia Forum, and Banc of California Stadium. 

Houston Hospitality’s partnership with Lightstone presents an opportunity for their first venture into the area and a platform to combine DTLA’s diverse traditions and cuisines into a singular destination, complemented by two unique hotels.