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    1919 Cafe

    3.6 (127 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    1919 Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    1919 CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Touristy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - 1919 Cafe

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    I order a chicken taco bowl. I asked for no salsa. He however did add the salsa but did not even make the bowl presentable. He stacked each entree on top of one another, rather than having it portioned side by side. He seemed like he was in rush with no line. Bad service at Cactus food service of 1919.

    Seven of us, three tables and we lingered for over three hours. Very pleasant.
    Sam V.

    This is an ideal location for a friends get together. There is indoor and outdoor seating and tables and chairs can be moved to accommodate the size of your group. It is on the grounds of The Huntington Library so there is not much street noise and you get to enjoy the birds and plants. The cafeteria offers several different types of food so it allows each person to select what is best for them. There is no service, it is self service and carry your tray to your table. There is no concern with splitting the check or splitting the food because you pay for what you selected. I had one large slice of pizza and a bottle of water and it was around $15 or $20. There is a menu on the website. I think the cheapest option would be one taco. They do have beer and wine. When finished you bus your table. Parking is free but if the lot is full you may need to park on the street. They do have free valet parking. What's not to like?

    Taco Bowl
    Jeff S.

    Was visiting the Huntington gardens (see my other review) and was surprised by how good they do "cafeteria" food here, and manage to deliver pretty decent food in huge volumes. The seating is expansive inside and out and despite the crowds, it wasn't hard to find a place to sit. Prices are high as it is everywhere nowadays, so that's relative, but the prices are a good value for what you get here. Line moved a little slowly at peak hour, but nothing unusually lengthy, and you watch them make your food right there. I had a Poke bowl, which was generous in every sense, lots of great textures and flavors, tasty sauces, and plenty to eat. Definitely recommend this. Taco bowl was also great, and the Chinese Chicken salad was generous and tasty. Definitely a good option if you're at the gardens and don't want to leave-just take a break here for lunch then continue on refreshed to see more of the gardens.

    Beet Salad
    Liana M.

    I love this cafe in The Huntington! There are so many yummy options to choose from. There are salads, stuff from the grill, sandwiches, grab -and-go items, and lots of desserts. Last time I was there, my cousin and I both got seasonal salads. Mine had blackberries and beets in it. Everything tasted so fresh and amazing. I also really like their burrito bowls when I've had them previously. It's a cafeteria style eatery, so you just go up to the counter of the place that has the meal you want to order. Then when you're done, just go to the cashier to pay. It's pretty simple and straightforward. There's no waitstaff, no one cleaning the tables, so in terms of service, it's pretty much just the cashier and people making the food. Sometimes it can get busy, and there are lines for the food or to checkout, but if you hit it up early enough in the day, it shouldn't be a problem. I like sitting outside because it's beautiful out there and usually quieter. It's good for families and larger parties too. Definitely make a stop here at some point when you're visiting, even if it's just to pick up a cookie or packaged item to eat while you stroll around the gardens.

    Kristine H.

    Cactus at the Huntington is located inside the 1919 Cafe. We tried the taco bowl, which was filling and flavorful, especially with the crunchy tortilla on top. The shared seating area with other food spots offers plenty of space both indoors and outdoors. Service was fast and efficient.

    Sushi time
    Sun L.

    Inside the amazing Huntington Indoor and outdoor seating, A/C is blowing, after that long walk, thank you so much Price is a bit high but reasonable Restroom for a busy weekend, it's pretty clean Everyone was really nice and helpful

    Carnitas tacos
    Liz C.

    Nice spacious cafeteria located at the Huntington library. Bright spacious area with several food options including poke, tacos, pizza, sushi, snacks, drink, and small bar area. I had a delicious poke bowl (generous portion), glass of white wine, and my mom had carnitas tacos. Great option if you are planning on eating at the garden with inside and outside seating this is great option and good service.

    Mexican Grill
    Tina O.

    This cafe is located near the entrance of the Huntington. It has several different venues offering an array of themed menus. We opted for the mexican grill menu. We both tried a unique poached shrimp dish. It was so very flavorful and fresh. The chef was friendly and helpful. The set up is similar to a cafeteria setting. You pay for your food at the register, pick up your utensils and proceed to eat either indoors our outdoors. I appreciate that there is plenty of seating. And, the outside tables have shade available. The choices of food and drink are plentiful including snacks, desserts and full entrees. You will find the prices are in line with the times. The food may not be cheap, but what we had was very fresh and yummy.

    Poke bowl
    Beatrice V.

    Came here for lunch at the Huntington after wandering and exploring the grounds. Big cafeteria with lots of different options. I came here with a group for my birthday and this made it easy - everyone could get what they wanted and paid individually. I got the poke bowl and the Chinese chicken salad and both were great and we were impressed with the presentation given it's technically cafeteria food. The poke bowl was better overall and had great flavor. The chicken in the Chinese chicken salad was a little dry.

    Tres amigos tacos
    Eva V.

    Although the food was delicious, a man dressed as Chewbacca followed me around yelling " not today Darth Vader " and after repeatedly asking him to leave he said that he was off to meet Han Solo at the bar, and left. And then I was finally able to enjoy my tacos.

    Mimi L.

    This is a very popular cafe at The Huntington garden, place itself is massive with both indoor and outdoor seatings. A full bar in the middle, we always choose to sit at the bar. The drink menus are actually pretty good for a botanical garden cafe. We can't order food at the bar though, everybody has to go through the lines at the cafeteria. This is also a coffee bar where patrons can order coffee drinks to go. The food varieties are good and there is something for everybody's appetite. Hubby got a slice of pepperoni pizza and it was enormous. The sushi section is very popular and the sushi chefs make sushi at the bar. This time we shared a bottle of brut Rose before touring the garden. Hubby had a grey goose martini later on. The bartenders were very friendly and pleasant. This is a solid cafe for lunch, drinks and coffees. The only down side is the long lines for food ordering. This is our must stop for refreshments before and after garden strolls!

    Delicious lunch with the Grandkids
    Pam S.

    The Huntington Library have a few choices for your appetite when visiting. The 1919 Cafe is further in on the grounds. It is a very nice cafeteria with comfortable seating both inside and out. The menu options are varied and since I took the Grandkids here I can attest that it has a little of something for everyone. Service at the counter was helpful and quick. I like that I have the membership because I find that if I'm with the little ones and they are bored at home I can come in to grab something to eat with a reservation into the Library! Respectfully Reviewed.

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    4 months ago

    Lots of choices. Good food. A perfect place for enjoying the Huntington gardens. Eat inside or out.

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    Ask the Community - 1919 Cafe

    Can non member eat there? Thanks.

    Yes, you don't even need a ticket. You can just go to the restaurant without having to enter the Huntington as it sits on the outside perimeter.

    Is this place open during the pandemic?

    Hi Violet! The cafe is open from 11-5pm daily, minus Tuesdays when the gardens are closed. Thank you!

    Is this place good for larger groups, especially inside? Can you put tables together?

    Hi Laine! Before Covid- our inside & outside tables held up to 8 guests without rearranging tables. Now with Covid we have only outside seating, and our largest tables are 6.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Asparagus Fries | A Nick's Original
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    Menu
    Don't be afraid, it's only lunch.
    Don't be afraid, it's only lunch.
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    1919 Cafe - salad - Updated July 2026

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