Alcove Cafe & Bakery
(323) 644-0100
1929 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
90027
34.1063
-118.2877
Neighborhoods: Los Feliz, Central LA
What People Are Saying About Alcove Cafe & Bakery
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Inside the quaint brick bungalow, the feel is definitely European bistro--murals, marble tabletops and display cases teem with gorgeous cakes (of the layer, bundt and cheese variety), pies, tarts, cookies and cupcakes. Patrons line up to order at the counter before the somewhat daunting task of scouting out a coveted outside table. On weekends, the breakfast and lunch lines snake down the brick walkway through the lovely umbrella-shaded patio, where young, attractive Eastsiders wash down breakfast burritos, omelettes and smoked salmon scrambles with make-your-own mimosas. At night, lights twinkle from the trees, and the menu turns to organic salads, grilled paninis, burgers and wraps. There's also a cheese plate that's best enjoyed with one of 20 or so wines sold by the bottle or the glass.
User Reviews
dottingpromise
April 14, 2009
We've been here twice now. Love the little brick bungalow and the outdoor patio setting is fantastic. Both during our weekday lunch and Easter Sunday lunch, there was a long line but it moved quickly, the guys who were in charge of seating us did so very efficiently (why can't all restaurants use their method?), food arrived very quickly for the size of the crowd, and the service was phenomenal. Enjoyed the fresh air on the outdoor patio, little birds happily singing and hopping about... food presentation is awesome although the taste of the food could be better given the prices. Turkey burger was good, not great. Veggie burger was the low point - too moist and falling apart, grilled cheese with tomato was a winner with the kiddie, salmon breakfast platter was again good not great, fish & chips was beautifully presented but fish was a bit mushy, chicken & waffles - good but waffles were not cooked all the way through. What made up for it was the dessert - we sampled the raspberry cheesecake - not too sweet & quite yummy, the strawberry shortcake was light and just right, the lemon tart with berries was delicious. So all in all we will definitely be back but will stick with simpler stuff (sandwiches) & coffee & dessert. Glad we found this spot. We'll be regulars for sure.
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jordysmith
March 29, 2009
I have never been to this place and not waited over an hour for my food. We waited for an hour and twenty minutes for a burger and a sandwich this weekend. When the food finally came, the burger was severally undercooked, ALMOST RAW. And the manger refused to refund our money because the person I was with had eaten a third of it before she realized. My sandwich came with the wrong side item and was smothered in cheese, when I specifically asked for no cheese (allergies). This place is a train wreck. Don't go here unless you want to light two hours on fire and are cool to roll the dice on food borne illness.
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sjp711
February 04, 2009
I won't lie to you, The Alcove makes some damn good salads. And it's pretty there, a very pleasant place to have lunch. However, I don't understand the prices or the service. A chopped salad with chicken isn't worth $15 at a place where you wait in line to place your order and take a number (picture your high school cafeteria, only fancy and riddled with hipsters). And about that line...this place has too many people behind the counter and too little action. Nobody seems to be able to multi-task. Went in there recently for dessert. Ordered, paid for it with the cashier lady. The cashier does NOT get your dessert, that is out of her job description. She has overly bored underlings to do that for her. Yes, it's sitting right there in the case just inches from her hands, but fair enough. I'll wait. Then some guy comes in behind me, gets the attention of the aforementioned bored underlings and they give him the last piece of the cake (the one I already paid for ) -- no waiting. Nevermind that he came in AFTER ME. Nevermind that I ALREADY PAID and that my order is already on paper, waiting to be filled. Nevermind that no one bothered to tell me my order was NEVER COMING. Finally I inquired, "Uh, my cake?" "Oh, we sold out of that. Can I get you something else?" Yes, of course you sold out of it. I watched you SELL IT to the guy who came in AFTER ME. And I do want something else, but your total lack of regret or responsibility is infuriating. And this is the THIRD TIME (why do I bother) this has happened to me. Yes, it's just cake...but it's also service. And I was stupid enough to read the sign about how hard they work there, even on to-go orders, so "please tip" -- and I tipped in advance for that dessert they never gave me, b/c we all work hard, why not?! Fool. I learned my lesson. If you must eat at the Alcove -- order it to go. Call ahead. And double check your order when you get it.
read full reviewThe Details on Alcove Cafe & Bakery
The Extras:
The pastry menu includes such specialties as amarena cherry almond cake, German chocolate cake and lemon coconut cake.
Parking:
Valet parking is available behind Alcove for $3.50..
The Extras:
Pooches are welcome--and frequently part of the scene--on Alcove's dog-friendly patio.
Know Before You Go:
Snagging a table can be a bit of a sport on weekends. Your best bet is to send someone in your party to scout out a spot while the others wait to order. Don't forget about the tables on either side of the bungalow.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Lunch Spot, Celeb Hangout, Hidden Find
