Happies Hand Made

This Arts District concept from Bay Area fine dining veteran Joshua Skenes is a soda-slash-tea fountain masquerading as pricey fast-casual fried chicken concept. Two Sichuan-inspired tenders, a “liquid” waffle (it’s a regular waffle dipped in waffle-infused maple syrup), fries and a soda may cost $26 at Happies, but Skenes knows how to make seriously great spicy fried chicken. The real reason I’m recommending Happies, however, is for the great, over-the-top array of desserts and drinks, both boozy and booze-free. I'm talking an impeccably crafted cold brew topped with an entire Krispy Kreme doughnut; a boozy, light purple Kyoho grape slushie; and a slate of housemade milk teas and sodas that includes an alpine strawberry soda and a must-try milk and honey oolong tea. The same soft-serve made famous at the now-closed Angler LA and more recently, Skenes’ Leopardo (which is slated to reopen later this year) is also available at Happies with several different sauces, including butterscotch and passion fruit. The concept shares a space and kitchen with Tatsu Ramen, so if you find yourself anywhere near Downtown L.A. (after the anti-ICE protests and related curfews, the entire region certainly needs the business!) and are looking for a quick jolt of culinary dopamine, Happies more than fits the bill.