Larkin's
(323) 254-0934
1496 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles,
CA
90041
34.1391
-118.1979
Neighborhoods: Eagle Rock, East LA
What People Are Saying About Larkin's
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
In Short
A 1929 Craftsman house restored with Deco-era furnishings in the dining room; outside, the wraparound porch is cool with trees and flowers. The Harlem Renaissance theme and vibe is reflected via local jazz singers, waiters in '30s-style dress and California-influenced dishes. Chef and owner Larkin Mackey has brought soul food into the modern era with a menu featuring lower-fat classics including pork chops, sauteed collard greens, candied yam ravioli and vegan specialties like "The Color Purple"--roasted beets and purple cabbage.
User Reviews
kbarranco
May 26, 2009
I had a party of 15 and called left voice mail and emailed them to reserve the patio. I got an email saying no problem. I told them it was after my 5 year old's baptism. Then I emailed them a few days later and said what would happen if I have 18-20 people. I never heard back. I tried calling-- no answer. No emails. The owner was one of our servers. Here is how the emails went down: FROM ME: We want to take about 15 people to your brunch Sunday. My friend is the host. We have both been to Larkins before and love it. We are looking for outside space or possibly a room to reserve. what is possible? Also, do you have kids menus? FROM LARKINS: We would love to have you guys. We have our outdoor garden patio which is a perfect spot to have Sunday Brunch... Our semi-private dining room accommodates up to 12 people only. We can put you inside at one table but would be around other tables. So there you have it, it is all up to you. We do not have a kids menu. FROM ME: Hi— so I would like to confirm the patio for 15 people Sunday, at 11:30am for brunch. Please email me back that you received this.... FROM LARKINS: Got it, See you Sunday. FROM ME: Hi- what happens if we have 15-20 people? Are we still good to go in that patio area? It’s for after a Christening. FROM LARKINS: (no reply) FROM ME: Hi- I’m not sure who this is directed to. But I just wanted to tell you how the internet can destroy a restaurant. I must say everyone in my party was Yelping about the worst restaurant experience of their lives. It’s so sad that my son’s baptism is overshadowed by the disaster that happened Sunday. You made a big mistake. You knew we were coming. You helped others in the restaurant before helping us. We waited 45 minutes for coffee (we timed it) and 1.5 hours for our food. I NEVER got my food at all. I was told “It’s coming” and nothing. I just ate someone’s grits then picked something up on my way home. I have never seen my son so hungry when there was nothing I could do about it. He was fetal in my arms whining how starving he was. You have no idea unless you have kids how painful that is. We were told there was nothing that could be done. Not enough clean glasses. Do you not have glasses for capacity? People were being served before us because their order “was easy”. I am so sad that a restaurant I wanted to support failed so miserably. I had bad service when I went sometime last year and I chalked it up to you just getting started. I would have never thought it would be this bad. BTW, I never did get a reply to my last email about more people or a return call when I left a voice mail. I am 47 and from New Orleans and have been going to restaurants all my life and I have got to say, hands down, this was the worst experience of my life. That is saying a lot. FROM LARKINS: Just thought I would take some of my time to respond to your e-mail. Parties of more than 15 usually pay a fee to reserve a special section of our restaurant.(This helps large parties to have a smooth pleasent time, it allows us to have a designated person for your party.) I think your final count was 23. That being said, my staff attempted to accommodate your party to the best of our ability. It seems that Chuck E. Cheese would have better served you and your children on your special day. Sorry your experiance was so horrible. Hopefully you can concentrate on the positive of the day and not the negative. Our restaurant is not a fit for everyone, as it was not for you and your family. Hope your future dining experiences are more enjoyable elsewhere. -Larkin
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lovehaircutiepie409743
May 24, 2009
Parking was a joke on the little side street. The lot in back has four spaces that were probably taken by the waiters. I asked a waiter, who was on the porch, "Hi, we're here for brunch. It's our first time. Do we check in with you?" He could not have been more hostile,"Do you have reservations?", he scowled, hopefully assuming we were a big party and could be turned away. " When I called, they said we could just walk in". There were only four of us. Visibly disappointed, he muttered for us to follow him in and then just left us standing in the dining room until someone else told us to take one of the available tables. My wife saw the first waiter spying angrily from behind a curtain in the back that he quickly closed when caught. "I'll try to find you some menus", the second waiter offered bitterly before he too became lost. What seemed like days passed, actually 15 minutes, when he came rushing by again, I asked through parched lips, "Can we see a menu please?". " I told you, I'll try to find them." I told you? I told you? Surely my hearing was also going haywire. A waiter would never say" I told you", would they? Another 15 minutes waiting for iced tea in (who cares now) Mason jars. Then the long march waiting for the food. By the way, Mr Joshua, I saw no art, no charm, and certainly no quaint craftsman experience. Only disdain, disregard. disrespect, and a hostile vibe. Before I could lose my mind and voice, we decided to cut our losses and leave, long before the food arrived. Another seemingly good idea gone very wrong. Happy Ending! We had a lovely brunch at The Castaways in Burbank. I highly recommend their vibe.
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pheobe
January 14, 2009
We ate here last weekend and had an amazing time. The restaurant is small so you may have to wait. Great service and I will be back for the fried chicken it was delicious. My husband had the jumbalya and wouldn't share. Great staff- Great food-Great prices. Who new this little gem was hiding in Eagle Rock.
read full reviewThe Details on Larkin's
What to Drink:
Hip Eastside shop Silver Lake Wine has helped to craft the boutiquey, small production wine list.
Category:
Restaurants, Internet-Related Services
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot
