Lingua Franca has such a great energy. It somehow feels both coastal and rustic, and the view overlooking the river makes it an easy place to settle in for a while. If you can, stop by during happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. I ordered the Negroni, which was well made, though I wish it had been served over one large ice cube instead of smaller ones. I also opted for the Lingua Franca Burger, which is $2 off during happy hour. It's a great burger. Even the pickle that came with it was surprisingly delicious, which says something about the attention to detail here. The only downside is that it's a bit pricey for what you get (burger sides are add-ons), but the atmosphere and location go a long way. I'd happily come back for drinks and the view. read more

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Stopped by for coffee and dessert, but ended up loving the atmosphere just as much. The indoor seating area is beautiful, peaceful, and doesn't even feel like you're in LA. I ordered the affogato, and it was excellent. The espresso was rich and bold with a nice bitterness, while the ice cream balanced it perfectly, creating a delicious combination. Definitely a spot I'd come back to. read more

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Beautiful location and great food. Unfortunately the prices and the portions are kind of insane. The melon and prosciutto was $21. You get 3 small slices of melon!!! That's just upsetting. It was on the "medium plates" section!! Be aware if you choose to order. It was really good but I would just make it at home. Strawberry lemonade was delicious. read more

Lingua Franca - Melon and prosciutto - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

There are many reasons to love being in an urban sprawl like Los Angeles. Even after living here for decades, I have discovered new areas with exciting places to shop or eat. Frogtown is one and Lingua Franca is truly a serendipitous find. What caught my eye when surfing for places to try was a restaurant on "the river". What river, I thought? Are there any river/waterfront places that aren't on the Pacific? Apparently. Lingua Franca is literally perched above the free flowing LA River, awash in sunlight as it rushes past the path that flanks the restaurant. The industrial setting is my jam and it reminds me of my beloved NYC, Brooklyn in particular and maybe Hudson Yards. It is hip, cool, quirky, eclectic -- all the things I love and hope define me as well. There are three distinct settings: first, the outdoor tables and benches on the path with the river in view; second, the charming indoor area adjacent to the chefs where the magic happens; and third, a pretty outdoor patio in the back -- all three are lovely as my photos show. We had reservations but came at our usual late afternoon hour when we could sit anywhere we wanted. As we ate, the place started to fill up. I love the kitsch stashed everywhere -- especially all the little references to the herons that make the LA River basin their home. The china is heavy hand-finished speckled stoneware, thick green linen napkins cradle really substantial flatware. There are stoneware mugs and sueded cushions -- all of it exuding craftsmanship and comfort. The menu is dynamic. I am a vegetarian and had some apprehension that the choices were limited, but I was wrong. There were at least a half dozen offerings from which to choose and I wanted to try all of them. I settled on Eggs in Purgatory, sitting atop delicious rustic rye slices. We also ordered Eggs As Is stuffed with matchstick fries, Molasses Cream Espresso, a Latte, and the Original Anarchy Donut. There was some sort of upbeat international music on that just added to the sophisticated shabby chic atmosphere. The whole place was clean, green, filled with light and plants, it literally glowed in the late sun. Our server, Jared, was exemplary. He was friendly and efficient. Everything arrived at the table quickly and at the right temperature for each dish. The food was delicious, truly out of this world. So much so that I had to stop and tell one of the owners that it was one of the best meals I have ever had in my many years of many travels. And it was. I can't wait to come back with more friends, especially in the autumn. Take a look at my pictures, which will illustrate most of what I said here. But, to get an idea of the superb quality and flavor of the food, you simply have to come yourself. The prices are very reasonable, especially for the high level of everything I have just described. I cannot imagine what they could do to make Lingua Franca any better -- best not to mess with perfection. Btw, no problem parking on the street if you pick the right time to come, as we did. It is off the beaten path but deserves all the stars it can get, imo. read more

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Lingua Franca is a warm little spot that's along the LA River and when the weather is nice they have plenty of patio space. . The staff is easy going and very attentive. I had seen a friend post about their burger and all I have to say is this may be one of the best burgers in LA. It's super juicy and comes on a house made bun and is cooked to perfection. You can get the shoestrings for $5 extra and you get a generous portion. We had come for brunch so we also got a sweet Dutch baby for the table which was also delicious. I tried a Mexican Mocha which was perfect for me since I'm not into strong coffee. I'd love to go back to have another burger or maybe try new things lol. read more

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Perfect spot by the LA river. Chill and quiet. Enjoyed the fries and burger. Drinks were amazing. Staff were really nice. We went for HH read more

Lingua Franca - HH Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Parking: Complicated cause you'll have to find open street parking, then walk over to the restaurant. But it's located near a bike path near the LA river, and the interior of the restaurant is so cozy and drenched with warm wooden furniture. At the start of the restaurant, there's no established check-in place, but you would have to grab hold of one of the waiters to guide you to your table. I would say the place is more catered to sit, eat, and chat for a long time. At the end, it was kinda hard to flag down or get hold of a waiter to pay for your meal. Mary's Chicken Wings: tossed in Calabrian chili honey sauce. Crispy and sweet, not that spicy if you like spicy. Iceberg Wedge: There's a lot of Humboldt Fog Blue cheese topping on the wedge. Topped with bacon and chives brings in a crunchy flavor. Very simple and straight to the point. The blue cheese does add a bit of sourness to the dish. Lingua Franca Burger with Matchstick Potatoes: Grass-fed burger with house-made sesame bun with Point Reyes "Toma" cheese. Very juicy and great dish to get to fill you up. Matchstick potatoes are sooo crispy and packed a lot on the plate. Highly recommend getting this to share. It's so crispy and you don't see a lot of restaurants presenting fries in this style. Tip: I would recommend to order all your dishes including dessert all at once. Staff doesn't really come back to check in on you once the place gets busy. read more

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What a hidden gem. Literally, it's a bit hidden - you'll end up parking on a street, probably walk 5 min, then look for signs to guide you to the restaurant, but it is so worth it. Feels like it's one of those places where everything on the menu will be good, but here is what we got and recommend fully: - Lingua Brunch Burrito - smothered matchstick fries - Lingua Franca Burger And on a hot day, their lemonade drinks also hit. The staff: so friendly and cool The vibes: very nice, both inside and outside. Outside is great for looking over the river or if you're in the back, enjoying the patio. The inside is great for sitting at the bar by the open kitchen. read more

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Lingua Franca -- finally made it here after having it on my list for a while, and it did not disappoint. The food is delicious, and the space feels warm and thoughtfully designed. Sitting out on the front patio is especially nice--you get to watch cyclists and runners go by, and on a clear day the view of the LA River with the mountains in the background is something special. Parking can be a little tricky, but once you're seated and eating, it's absolutely worth it. I came with friends after a 5K run at Griffith Park, and it was the perfect way to end the day. Excited to come back and try their dinner menu next time. read more

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Had an excellent lunch at Lingua Franca in Frogtown on our first visit and it was such a great experience. What really made it extra special was the service from our server John. He was super warm, welcoming, and just genuinely friendly. He took great care of us and even shared recommendations on places we should check out around Frogtown, which we really appreciated. The location is pretty unique too, with a nice view of the LA River, and the space itself feels cozy, clean, and inviting. We ordered the signature Lingua Franca burger with fries and the blueberry dutch pancakes, and everything was delicious. The burger was super fresh and full of flavor, and the pancakes were amazing. Overall the vibe of the place fits Frogtown perfectly, very charming and relaxed. We'll definitely be coming back again. read more

Lingua Franca - Blueberry Dutch pancake - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This restaurant has a unique location right along the LA River, which gives it a relaxed, scenic feel. Parking in the area can definitely be a challenge, so plan ahead since there is no restaurant parking lot. When we came for lunch it wasn't busy, which made the experience calm and comfortable. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered a mix of dishes: Lingua Franca Burger, Dutch Baby Pancake, Cobb Salad, and the Orecchiette Pomodoro. Everything was fresh and well-prepared. Service was great. read more

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Love this place ! Husband and wife team, friendly staff with consistent service . Great food (I love their soups when they have them) . So great to see so much activity on the river walk and yet still so relaxing with the view of the river. read more

Great ambiance and service. Very unique menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Had the wings & wedge. Did not disappoint. It's right in the river walk. read more

We love Lingua Franca! Conveniently located on the bike path, near ample street parking, it's a great place to have a cozy dinner or bring family and friends. Every time we've come here we have felt incredibly welcomed by the entire staff. They truly care about your experience, the food, and service - it really is true hospitality. The space is beautifully decorated and the outdoor seating is very cute too, you can't go wrong with where you sit. The tables are large enough to share plates comfortably. Now for the food: Wings - fantastic, super crispy and juicy, really nice chili crisp-type topping. Caramelized Onion Dip - amazing, light, savory, with a crisp cracker on top - fun and easy dish to share. Burger - always amazing, and the matchstick fries are a huge highlight - get them wild style! Carrot Risotto - has been my favorite dish on recent visits, the kimchi is a perfect addition, risotto is cooked perfectly. Short Rib - tender, flavorful, no matter what it's paired with during your visit, just get it! Such a comfort dish. Steak - we had a steak frites type dish a few months ago, and it was amazing, cooked perfectly medium rare. Breakfast Burrito - don't skip brunch! The sausage gravy is soooo good we wanted to take some home. I'm blanking on some more dishes we've tried but honestly everything has been a hit, no misses. They always have new dishes and specials to try too - fantastic natural wines and great cocktails! One of the best local spots - enjoy! read more

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Love the food here. The menu changes often but quality is absolutely there and a lot of food is locally sourced so i love that about it here. The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming and you can't beat the view of enjoying a meal by the river. I love it here and will be coming for as long as i can. The food is top notch California cuisine and the drinks are always so ice cold and delicious. read more

Lingua Franca - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cute place, great food, the staff is super nice. The Dutch baby pancake is to die for. It became one of our favorite brunch spots for sure! read more

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Cute little eatery by the river walk. They make a great tasting burger although mine ended up being too under cooked. I scraped off enough of the undercooked meat I thought but I still got a mild case of food poisoning. Nothing horrible just an upset stomach for a day or two. Should have sent it back. The fries are my favorite cut these match stick size fries. Love them. I think they could use some more seasoning but nonetheless I ate a lot of them! The staff is very friendly and everyone including the kitchen staff checked in on me. Probably would be super nice after the sun went down. read more

Lingua Franca - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Hands down best charred burger (and buns) ever! Those grilled onions and garlic aioli complement it so well. Fries were pretty meh, oily and chewy. Service was below average; got our order, served the burger, never to be seen again. Haha. Beautiful view of the LA river and mountains, calming noises of the riverstream, and cute patio. read more

Lingua Franca - The Lingua Franca Burger - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had been here a couple of times (brunch and dinner) and had great experiences. Went back for dinner on a recent Saturday and was so disappointed. Our server was barely around and never checked on whether we needed anything after the food was dropped, which happened really poorly. We got half of the entrees, then waited a WHILE for two mushroom risottos, with no explanation or apology. The risotto was really bland and the fries, which came out first, were cold. Sorry, but $15 fries need to come out fresh. We were never given a water refill. I hope this was a one time experience, but I can't say I will be back to find out. read more

It's over 90° outside and I was looking for a respite from the heat. Drink a couple of beers and grab a burger. Upon entering I was immediately offered a place out on the patio. I asked if I could sit at the bar and was told no. I said no thanks and left, never to return. F this place!!! read more

The people here are wonderful, and the food is truly delightful. I had the brisket sandwich special, and it was excellent. The bread was fresh and soft, practically melting into the tender, flavorful meat. All of it made even better by the beautiful views overlooking the rewilded LA River. read more

Such a cozy and cute restaurant. My son took me there for Mother's Day brunch. Despite being mother s day the service was quick and prompt. Food was delicious. Will go again for sure. Would love to see more options in the menu. read more

Lingua Franca - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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First time visiting Lingua Franca, it was a little tricky to find my first time, but so worth the exploration! Sat outside on the beautiful patio right by the river and had the Sweet Dutch Baby and some Matchstick Potatoes. The Dutch Baby was the star of the show, and I'd be interested in trying the savory option next time. The staff was friendly and attentive, the food was delivered hot and fresh, the patio seating had some umbrellas for sun coverage, so overall I had a really lovely experience. I did not order any drinks, but their cocktail and n/a menu also looked really lovely. The parking situation might present some challenges, but I think it is worth it! read more

Lingua Franca - Matchstick Potatoes with Aioli - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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lingua franca is so special i've been a few times and every single time is so lovely, cozy, delicious amazing food, extremely kind and attentive staff, and just really good vibes. i could sit inside in the cozy booths for hours and just hang out!! it's so impeccably decorated too. i went last week on a solo date and Lauren, one of the owners, was my waitress and she was just so kind and personable to both myself and the tables around me. it's also so lovely to leave dinner and enjoy a walk or a sit by the river, listening to the birds and frogs. i always get the chicken wings, the ginger squash soup was phenomenal, and i love their wine cocktails!!!! read more

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While visiting family in LA, this place came highly recommended. It's located in Frogtown right by the LA river. We parked on a neighboring street and cut through the bike path to easily reach the restaurant. The atmosphere is really lovely, sophisticated yet relaxed. We sat in the gated back patio which felt really private and yet, had its own very clean bathroom conveniently located with it's own entry outside. We got a bunch of different small plates to share including the grilled little gem salad and the braised pork belly. The salad was flavorful and definitely had a nice char to it. The braised pork belly was out of this world and tasted like straight up candy. I loved how they paired it with soft glazed strawberries which made it so savory and sweet. I got the pea risotto for my entree and loved every bite. It was filling without being overly heavy and the flavors were really fresh. The presentation of all the dishes was absolutely beautiful and service was friendly. If you like natural wines, they have a great selection and we enjoyed the red we selected. For dessert, we got the rhubarb custard dish which was essentially ice cream topped with whipped cream, caramelized bananas, and tart rhubarb. It was delicious! The server was knowledgeable on any gluten related questions I asked and when there was any uncertainty, they made sure to ask the chef directly. read more

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I have seen their burgers and fries on social media for a while now. I decided I finally had to stop in to check them out. Believe me, they did not disappoint. The mountain of crispy matchstick French fries was delicious and the dipping sauce was perfect for both the fries and burger. The burger itself was nice and moist, the toppings really brought out the flavor of the meat and the grilled onions were perfectly sweet. We will definitely be coming back for brunch! read more

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This is a great local place, with the best location overlooking the bike path and the river. Indoor and outdoor seating is all comfortable and pleasant. The wine list is really interesting and the food is well made and beautifully presented. The halloumi appetizer is always a winner! read more

I am obsessed with this restaurant! Such a cute, cozy spot on the river. You can tell that the owners really love the food they craft and the community they serve. Warm service, delicious food, and beautiful river views - I'll be returning again and again read more

Lingua Franca - Dutch Baby - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I love coming here for their creative menu, attention to detail, and fantastic service! My faves are the matchstick potatoes, the cheese plate, and the ever changing wine list (don't miss the frozen wine cocktail)! read more

Honestly this was a disappointment... 1st, they didn't have matches any longer which is one of the main reasons I came. 2nd they were too busy for the staff they had. Everyone was very friendly but it was slow. 3rd, I ordered the olives and I watched them give them to a couple who just sat down next to me... then it took another 10min to get mine the they were really gross... Their menu prices were drastically different online than they are in person. Not a fan. But the people were nice and the view/ambience were nice. read more

our server was super friendly and attentive. the interior design is cool even though I don't completely understand it. the happy hour wings were flavorful. but I felt like the sauce didn't need as much salt, oil, and chilis. they definitely don't shy away with using fat in their dishes such as the juicy burgers and melted butter in the rice pudding dessert. they were decadent, but the taste wasn't what I was looking for. Surprisingly, my favorite dish of the night was their ice cream! the Oaxacan chocolate ice cream had depth. In my first few bites, each second I was tasting something different. I would come back for their ice cream and cocktails. read more

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Astonishing how much worse a business can get in two years. Their portions got smaller. The prices went up. And don't get me started on the go fund me for themselves. TWO THUMBS DOWN. read more

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I kind of thought this place had Portuguese food for whatever reason but what really got me here were the photos of the burgers and fries. I had left a note that they "looked heavenly" so when I was at the frogtown flea this past weekend and saw lingua franca right off the bike path I had to stop by. It was a bit crowded but not crowded enough to find 3 seats on the bar by the side of the building. Admittedly they could have made this area a little cuter but I was not complaining about it as much as my girlfriends. I was just happy to have a little semi-private spot. I was a little disappointed at first that they didn't have their burgers during happy hour. I would have paid full price and I feel like it is one of their hot button items -- why not have it all day while the business is full for the flea? I made up for it by ordering two orders of the fries, which were also not what I expected. The photos online make them look like shoestring fries, but in reality they're more waffle like. Somewhere between a French fry and a soft chip. Either way they were delicious, and the vinegary dill dip that came with them were even better. The best part of the happy hour "meal" hands down The bread, jam, and cheese were pretty good too. The chili wings had a lot of flavor but were very tiny with hardly any meat on them. We all tried their frozen wine which was good. I probably would have gone with something else had they had a larger menu available. Only 4 stars because it wasn't the BEST service or atmosphere, but adding to my list of favorite spots so I'll have to come back one day soon during dinner time to try the burger read more

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The bathroom alone is enough for me to start my love letter to this establishment. But this place is truly a triple threat, with amazing food, service, and ambience. We popped in after a ride for happy hour bites and sips, and were served by John, who is an absolute GEM of a human being. We CANNOT WAIT to come back for dinner. YAYs: Matchstick fries- YAYYYYY. These have no business being that good. Flavor and aioli are epic, and the serving is huge! Thai chili chicken wings- Yay!! cooked to perfection and absolutely delishhhh Dry cider- stunning. And price point is perfect. ABV is high so careful on the bike path after ! Can't come back soon enough !!! read more

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Great ambiance. Friendly service. Delicious food. Hidden spot along the LA river. Will definitely return. Great date night or outing with the ladies. Parking can be challenging so come hungry and with time to look for parking if arriving after happy hour. read more

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Ah-mazing experience ! Ambiance is pretty casual, considering the level of cuisine, we felt very comfortable. The service was fantastic, they guided us through their menu for our first time there and we picked the perfect dishes yo share. First up, the crudo was amazing, (even though the portion is really not to share) I'd have that again on my own! The Lingua Franca burger was top three of the best burgers of all time! I can't say enough about it, you just have to trust me and order it. You won't be disappointed. The matchstick fries will become one of your faves, I suggest you order them with the burger. :) My only complaint would be there's really no place to put your purse or coat if you have one when you sit outside. But I'm not taking off any stars for that because everything was so delicious. We will definitely be back soon. :) read more

Lovely little spot along the LA River. We went for happy hour and had a couple drinks and the olives, bread, and crudite plate. I would like to come back for dinner and try the full menu. The indoor space is lovely. Nicely lite and spacious read more

Great little spot to drop by when you're walking or biking along the La River. Dog friendly and cute patio area! Fresh crudités and coool crunchy French fries. Orange wine on draft hits the spot on a sunny hot day. Free street parking around the neighborhood. Overall nice casual vibe for a chill time. Wouldn't go out of my way tho. read more

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This has been one of my favorite new discoveries lately! My girlfriends and I decided to take a wonderful stroll on the LA river path, and this restaurant was a place that one of my friends recommended since she came during happy hour. We were PLEASANTLY surprised at how cute the place was. Outdoor seating had some heaters, which my (always) cold friends were thrilled about. Vandro was kind enough to take notice on my friends' shivering and offered to turn on a heater for us. Later, he checked in with us to see if the heat sufficed. He kindly offered to turn on another heater for us and our gals could not have been more thankful. I myself enjoy some cold, but the other half of the table were not enjoying the outdoor chill as much as I did anyway, that's all to say THANK YOU, Vandro, for being so attentive. Brittany (sp?) was also so sweet. She was welcoming, as well as excited to tell us about their dinner menu because we told her our lunch was so great. We all enjoyed their service and enjoyed even more their food. Here are what we ordered - (an absolute MUST) Lingua "Patricia" melt - Lingua Burrito for brunch (the cheesiness of it was outstanding, as well as the type of bacon!) - chef's Kiki's pancakes were delicious and not too cake-y - and sesame noodle salad Nice little plus, ladies, they stored some sanitary products for us for free in the bathrooms! I appreciated that, even though I didn't need it. Parking, it seemed to have lots of free parking along the side streets. I also appreciated their variety of drinks! There are some good alcoholic choices, and even delicious mocktails! I was in the mood for coffee so I got a chai latte with pistachio milk. I love that they had that as an option! I was telling my friends that the quality of the food was so good, it reminds me of farm-to-table restaurants. Obviously there aren't any farms near it, but the quality of the food and service was just so good. I can't wait to try their dinner! Thank you for the thought that was evidently placed into this restaurant! I really enjoyed this place and will be back for more read more

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Yummy food and drinks. Amazing service. Adorable spot by the LA River. Inside or outside seating is fabulous. read more

Lingua Franca - Burgers Near Me - Los Angeles, California