Totally empty but they refuse to let you be on a laptop here for a couple hours after 5pm. Stop policing what customers are doing and instead provide a welcoming atmosphere for community to gather, work, write or do whatever else makes them thrive. Not recommended. read more

Ordered the chicken sandwich. It looked so good in the photos, I felt like I had to go for it. For $22 (just for the sandwich...no side!) I was expecting to be somewhat blown away, but unfortunately it came up waaay short. The flavor and consistency of the biscuit was all I could taste/feel. Way too bread heavy. No real flavor except biscuit. The ratio of chicken to biscuit was about 1 to 4. Small cutlet, and the chicken was mushy. Not crisp at all. Also, it was a mess to eat. Biscuit falling apart, sauce and lettuce falling everywhere. I really wanted to like it, but again for the price this thing should hit way different. I feel like I just ate a heavy gut bomb with no upside... Bummer! read more

It's a very comfortable place, and it's a place where you can feel its own vibe. It's a place that I'll go to often in the future. The food is also my leaf. read more

Re/creation Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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One of my favorite LA cafes I've been to!! FOOD: Ordered the fries, Cali toast and LA dog. All were good! LA dog has a kick to it, Cali toast was nice and light, fries were bomb with some herbs mixed in. Drinks: ordered Vietnamese coffee and an iced matcha americano with soy. Both good, Vietnamese coffee wasn't as authentic as I hoped but still good - not too sweet. Matcha was pretty good! AMBIANCE: Loved it. Big open space, high ceilings. Cute patio, loved the music choices. Ample space for seating, only down side was that there wasn't a lot of plug ins to charge (only by the big sofa by the entrance). SERVICE/PRICE: Both good! No complaints. Food & Beverages: 4 Ambiance & Cleanliness: 4.5 Price Point: 4 Overall Experience: 4.4 read more

Re/creation Cafe - Matcha Americano, LA dog, Cali Toast, Vietnamese Coffee - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The pickford breakfast sando was delicious. The sausage was very flavorful and moist. We also tried the Crenshaw cowboy sandwich was amazing. The fried chicken and the biscuit were so good and everything went so well. I would go back for both. We also had the maca Latte and the cafe de la olla. The hot maca late was perfect on a rainy day. read more

Re/creation Cafe - Maca Latte and cafe de olla - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Nice cafe to grab lunch, do some work, catch up with a friend, etc. I see they have a drum set up so they also have live music. Came in on a Saturday just to chill for a bit. I ordered the charcoal latte and avocado toast. The latte was really good and they have oat milk which is a bonus in my book. I enjoyed the avocado toast as well. The service was quick and friendly. Knocking off a star mainly because I wanted to have my egg scrambled or fried hard and it wasn't. I'll be back to try something else though read more

Re/creation Cafe - Avocado toast - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Still a favorite neighborhood spot for me and my family. Great for a group meet up or grabbing a solo bite. You'll definitely see me there at the monthly Neighbor Nights - you don't need to be a neighbor to go, but a perfect way to meet more people in the community. The live bands are the best. Delicious food. read more

Re/creation Cafe - Band stage - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Such an amazing community spot! Dancing, music, art, drinks, food - they have it all. I stopped in for their Aries party in April (where you got a few free drinks during happy hour if you are an Aries) and it was so fun! The owner has a really cool idea here, everyone in LA should definitely check this place out! read more

Amazing! What a great find! I'm so happy my friend and I found this place. We were looking for something for dinner but wanted something light. I wish I was hungrier so I could explore the menu more. I got a Caesar salad and she got the cob. They have an interesting selection of beers and pastries. She really wanted to try the biscuits and jam. I loved the layout. There's a beautiful mural on the wall that looks like it was made by the community and a nice outdoor area in the back with a fireplace and blankets. My favorite part was the live music. We saw a band called Space Flowers that sounds like blues and rock. It was such a nice surprise and made the evening really special. I love that they have trivia night, comedy shows and salsa too. Can't wait to come back. read more

Location - very nice inside and patio area. Spacious, comfy. Clean. It has been nice to see all walks of life in here. Folks - Tito & Sydney are fantastic. Knowledgeable and make you feel right at home. I met a Jimmy, too, that was very friendly. The service overall is great. Many thanks to the kitchen for consistency. Food - Tasty. Solid. From my multiple trips, my family has gotten vanilla and chai lattes, the common breakfast plate, the breakfast sandwich, the breakfast burrito and side of eggs with avocado. Good portions and well made. Even to go orders are packaged nicely and carry well. The only funky mention I have is about the hash browns. They aren't traditional, it's different. They aren't bad, just not great per my liking. The jam is good tho! This place is a must visit. read more

I stayed in LA in the mid city /west adams area for two months and I came here with family and friends multiple times. So much greatness here. The staff is amazing and go above and beyond. I came in one day with a big party and they helped with organizing a table for us. Even though this is self seating. Its the little things I appreciate. The food is so fresh and everything on the menu is a must try my fave by far is the Pickford breakfast sandwich and the cafe de olla . This place just screams California with all the fresh local ingredients. Lastly if you have the opportunity check out their live music events . This place is a great place for someone trying to get back into touch with their creative side and unlock their inner child. The paint social is so much fun. I definitely will be back read more

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Negative experience with the owner nick. I felt very unwelcome. I noticed he was very friendly with certain patrons. Perhaps I did not fit the demographic. I am a mid city native and try to give new establishments a fair try. But then people like nick come along and make the natives feel like they do not belong. No thanks to nick and no thank you to gentrifiers making natives feel unwelcome in their own neighborhood. We were here before it was trendy. Shame on you Nick. Some humility would go a very long way for you sir. read more

What a great meal! The double turkey burger and chicken sandwich really hit the spot. I love the relaxing atmosphere and chill music read more

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Best vibe in LA. Great people. Great food. Great staff. A true local gem! They opened a year ago and created an Oasis in Mid-City. Free amazing music every Saturday night, club cafe Sunday DJ sets, monthly comedy night. Neighbors night open jam sessions. It's a vibe! read more

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What an amazing little spot. Mediterranean plate is absolutely perfect, and the chicken tenders are super elevated. Great selection of teas and elixirs. Must try if you're in the area. read more

Being in the neighborhood i would like to give it a good review but I just want to be honest. The coffee portions are too small. They are always filming making unsafe for pedestrians to enjoy a nice walk. The inside is nice but other than that the few times I been there I haven't been satisfied with the food. read more

Love, Love, Love. There are too many things to love about Re/creation Cafe. Come enjoy our favorite community place and its wonderful world. In addition to the excellent food, we especially appreciate the twice-monthly Wednesday PLAY nights, where anyone is welcome to join the band and either play, sing, or dance. All comers (and all abilities) welcome. It is always special. Join their mailing list to see what entertainment they have to offer each week. A recent standout was a show put on by the teenage musicians/singers of Hamilton High! It was truly a treat - community at its finest! read more

The chicken sandwich was AMAZING! Super crunchy and flavorful. Big portions! Cute ambiance.

Amazing neighborhood gem! We have come for breakfast a handful of times. It's a super cute artsy place with yummy coffees and amazing food! They also have a nice patio outback, add wine and beer available too! Yay! read more

Yum Yum Yum. Just happened to drop in after a quick yelp search and the food was amazing. The drinks were delicious, the service was wonderful! Parking wasn't bad. There were ample spots on the street right next to it. Will definitely be coming back on one of their jazz/band nights! read more

Re/creation Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're looking for a place to work in the day, a good breakfast burrito + a friendly working staff -- this place is nice. There aren't a ton of spots like this in Mid City/West Adams and the outdoor / indoor mix makes it unique. It's overpriced for the area + lacks a good parking option, but it's OK as a restaurant. If you're looking for a community space like this spot touts itself on all its bios to hold a meetup -- this isn't it. In fact, my attempt to do one here on a Thursday at 6 PM, a time where there were only 3 other tables occupied in an open seating layout of a huge space, was met with the owner cornering me to reprimand me for having people sit down to introduce themselves and moving tables that weren't occupied and aren't even assigned since you pay in front and get a number -- it's open seating with no waiter. For context I co-run a national Asian American creative nonprofit filled with members who work in entertainment marketing, events and live music who would potentially pay to use this space in the future too. I picked this spot for our meetup in an effort to invest more in local biz, put on this spot which I'd been to before and thought was cute, and provide a spot for the meetup that wasn't solely liquor focused. I emailed several times with the owner to explain what I was trying to do, a mentorship meetup with 10-20 people. We spoke on the phone and it seemed fine. I got there and the staff was nice, but it was the owner Nick who attacked me and went out of his way to make me feel uncomfortable for brining a community event to a space that brands itself as a community space (I was hosting the event so didn't have time to survey the seating patterns of open seating as I was facilitating intros with the members). He asked several people who came in "when is this over" and upon accosting me, I fixed the tables and chairs we moved so people could sit and apologized to him. Instead of being cool -- he doubled down and accused me of lying about what type of event this was -- a happy hour meetup at an open seating restaurant with no waiters and at that time, barely any customers other than us who were segregated to the back in our own little area of a huge space. He then said I misrepresented the amount of people which cracked me up -- dude, it's LA at 6-8 PM, no one knows who will and won't show up at that time because of traffic. Also I have never heard the owner of a local biz on a dead Thursday night complain that people came into their establishment and bought food and drinks. I brought them business and he literally made me feel like we were trying to swindle him. I attached some pics here to show you us sitting down to intro each other + then when we got up and bought food and drinks. Since the prices are not cheap - I'd estimate they did OK from the 20+ people who ended up coming. I've never had a biz owner speak to me that way and the cocky pompousness he hit me with when I apologized, was even crazier. The furthest thing from a community vibe + frankly, just bad management. I've worked in service before and run multiple events in NYC + LA every year -- we've never run into this kind of issue. In a time where small biz needs the boost more than ever -- I couldn't believe he not only acted like that, but couldn't get over his ego enough even after I apologized, to rectified this non issue. This is NOT a community space and I'd rather give my money to Highly Likely or another biz in the area that doesn't treat the people of the community who actually live in it, like trash. Based off that interaction: a hard pass for me. I'd rather take my money elsewhere and you should too. read more

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My best friend brought me here as it's her fav cafe, and I instantly fell in love! Everything we ate and drank was delicious, and each item was wonderfully thought out. I learned that everything is made in-house as well, from the tortillas to the ketchup, and it was easy to taste how fresh everything was. The food came out quickly, and the service was excellent; everyone had nice chill vibes and was attentive. I love the atmosphere too, it's comfy cozy and makes you want to hang out for hours! Thank you for such an amazing experience!! read more

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I waited until I'd been here a few times before writing up a review, and I was really hoping I'd love this place, as it's only a few short blocks from my home. I am a Los Angeles native, and I've lived in Mid City for several years now. I saw this place being built on one of my favorite walking routes, and was so excited to see it opened, but I must say, I'm pretty disappointed by what it has offered me. I am one of many people who is displeased by the "no laptop" policy in place here, which I was sadly told by a polite busser when I sat down last Saturday evening about 6:30 PM. I'm told the policy is in place during weekend dinner service, and that there may or may not be signs posted, but that doesn't take away from my experience, as I came to write and drink some wine. The policy prevented me from staying longer and spending more money there, and even worse, it will prevent me from coming back. The couple of times I came prior were fine, neither good nor bad. I think the menu is a bit overpriced, and though I think the wine is tasty, the food, in my opinion, is just okay. I try to be a reasonable person, and I certainly don't want to take up any space meant for paying customers, but if I am a paying customer, I cannot understand why I am not entitled to use my personal device while I am in your establishment. Alas, I will take my business elsewhere, further away from my home. I am just one person, but reading other reviews, I see I'm not alone. I'm attaching a photo of the nearly empty dining room during dinner service while I sat and finished my one glass of wine before I moved on to my favorite spot down the street. read more

Re/creation Cafe - Dining room, August, 16th, 6:30 PM - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

An absolute gem that celebrates the food, drinks, music, art, community and overall culture of the Mid City Neighborhood. What Nick and his team have built here is remarkable and deserving of all praise and support...morning noon or night. read more

I really love the community feel if this place. Not just the staff is friendly but the customers are too. I do coffee meetings there a lot and I've just struck up conversations randomly with people. I have only been able to try a few things on the menu so far (all breakfast items), but everything has been very tasty. Friday and Saturday nights there are great if you're looking for something to do. Friday is always an art themed night with painting classes or other activities, and Saturdays are free live music. This place is a brand new gem in Mid City. read more

I came here on a Saturday afternoon to do some reading with some coffee. I love that this is open later on the weekends so it's a perfect place for that kind of afternoon. I got a decaf americano. Was yummy and not overpriced! Also was not crowded at all and parking in the area was easy. Overall the ambiance is really casual and seems like they have a lot of community events that go in in the space, which is very spacious! I didn't get a chance to try the food here but they have a solid pastry selection and a nice dinner menu, I'm definitely planning to be back some time! read more

Delicious food, great drinks, ambiance and friendly service. We had a breakfast burrito and chicken strips. Their Paloma was delicious and so was the margarita. You pay at the counter and they take your food to your seat. I'm intrigued to go back for some of the events they have. read more

The location is so cute. The food is good. The coffee is even better. I recommend sitting inside instead of on the patio.

Cute spot, but I just wasted $9 on a matcha to get some work done and was immediately ordered to put my laptop away. The rule itself is fine- I noticed the sign right before paying and almost left to go elsewhere. But, the barista assured me it was okay if I worked outside. So, I wasted my money, picked a spot on the patio, and pulled out my computer. Almost immediately, I was told to put my computer away or sit at a table out on the street in the sun. I wouldn't have wasted my time or money if the cashier had been forthright. It was frustrating and honestly a little shady. Won't be returning. read more

Great first experience! Loved the vibes, menu, parking options, food. Nick brought our food over and was very personable and explained about the plantains to my friend. I'll be sure to come back! read more

Nice vibe. Friendly staff. Good food and great variety of hot and cold drinks and elixirs. Looking forward to more visits to this unique and creative space. read more

Re/creation Cafe - west coast crispy chicken tacos - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I love this place! The food is great, the vibe is outstanding, and there is always something fun and entertaining going on. The staff are friendly and the service is excellent. Re/creation Cafe is a gift to our community. read more

Recreation is a gem, love this spot! Coffees and pasties are on point, and really curated menu. The design and vibes are strong, extremely relaxing to eat and hang here. We really needed this in our neighborhood. read more

Re/creation Cafe - Iced coffee - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The vibes. The food. The service. I could live here. Everything was IMMACULATE. My fiancé got the fried chicken sandwich and I got the breakfast plate. I usually don't order something so simple but oh my goodness the veggies it came with and the chicken sausage HIT THE SPOT!!!! Also.... DO NOT sleep on the strawberry mimosa or the iced coffee. I swear it is the best iced coffee I've EVER had. It truly tastes like espresso and leaves the MOST pleasant aftertaste. Absolutely incredible. Will definitely be returning. read more

Food and vibes are impeccable. Service was great. We were there on a weekday afternoon and it felt like a little vacation sitting outside. I had the fish tacos (great) and my friend had the Mediterranean plate which was as delicious as it was gorgeous. The fruit cart was a very fancy of the street cart version. All had amazing presentation. The one thing I wish was that they'd refill the iced tea. Iced tea did not have refills and the glass was quite small. Other than that, it was great. I plan to go back. read more

Food was beyond amazing! Service was great and the ambiance set the tone for the rest of my day. Let's just say my day was far beyond great after having brunch at this hidden gem. read more

Re/creation Cafe - Cortado, berry smoothie, ricotta waffles and the Wellington egg breakfast will definitely be coming back! - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I came here a couple times shortly after this place opened and was excited to see it was finally open since it is right down the street from where I live. The space is beautiful. The coffee is ok. I have only had a scone for food so far which was also decent. The prices are a bit high for the neighborhood. read more

Went to the grand opening tonight. Re/creation cafe is a beautiful space with super delicious food & drinks. So excited to have this new addition to the neighborhood! You order at counter, they give you a number & you can sit indoors or out. Their patio is a vibe and amazing. What we had: Zucchini bread - yes! Delicious Chicken tacos - you get 3. Bbq flavored, so yummy! Eggplant Parmesan - so delicious!!! Elixirs aka mocktails ($12 each) Happy Baby - it's like an old fashioned No Stress - this was citrusy & sweet Love Drunk - hibiscus forward & tangy They also had live music. Can't wait to try them for breakfast. Highly recommend! read more

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This is one of my top choices when I'm in LA. The menu is inspired by healthy, fresh, high quality food that really hits the spot. The service has always been great, present, attentive & helpful. The vibe is the best & they often host live music. If you're in the fence, it's time to step into yes! This place will not disappoint read more

Came for breakfast with family and immediately decided we have to come back for lunch /dinner. Nick, the owner, chatted with us and gave hugs all around. It's always so nice to feel like more than just a customer. - Cornmeal waffle & fried chicken: both were very good. The pickled topping is worth ordering on the side to add to the Breakfast sandwich. Next time I would order with plain salted butter. - Breakfast sandwiches: delicious. The English muffins had their own starring roles. - Breakfast burrito: Mmmmmm. Added request for the order were executed perfectly, thx to the kitchen. - Coffee, smoothies.... All deliciously memorable. read more