I've been a huge fan of The Highland Café, located in the heart of Highland Park, for many years. So when news of them opening their second location--walking distance from my home--reached my ears, I was ecstatic. Granted, I was a bit sad to see the iconic Polka restaurant shut its doors. After all, that location helped put our area on the culinary map way back in the Guy Fieri's days. People didn't know where Glassell Park was, but they knew that iconic spot on the corner across from the weird gas stations intersection. Well, I will fondly remember the cute couple who started it and served meals that could feed a small country. But admittedly, I have not been there in years. My first visit to The Highland Cafe was during their soft launch period. Much to my delight, the breakfast menu was the same as the York location. I ordered one of my classic faves on their menu: Ginger Chai. As usual, it had the right kind of kick and pretty flower sprinkles on top, creamy and delish. Now if only it came with bottomless servings ;) The space was light, bright, and clean. There were a few other customers, but I think Mondays might be slower after the early coffee rush. And finding a booth or clean place to sit was easy and comfy too. TIP: Street parking around the corner is always available since the lot can be a bit busy at times with multiple businesses, including a laundromat. Eat & drink, then fluff & fold, anyone? I hope that THC becomes the next spot that everyone beyond the Eastside recognizes and recommends. And yes, they will prob preface it as the cafe on the corner across from those weird gas stations. read more

The Highland Cafe - Spicy Chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Second location that I discovered. It's easy to miss and while not as large as the one on York. Offerings are still good and actually more on my way to my destination. You will still find much of the usuals read more

Sadly, I had a rather poor visit. Walked in for lunch and it wasn't busy but it took 40 minutes to start getting food. I know this because I looked at the time stamp on my receipt. This is the second time I've visited recently where they bring out 2 of the 3 dishes ordered. Last time at breakfast they brought out two plates too with a delay in the third plate. The 2 of us, like last time were already half done with our meals by the time the 3rd plate came out. Additionally, the my dishes Burger and fries were lukewarm. What added to situation was that the burger patty was completely too salty! I gave it to my two dining partners and they agreed. I was unfortunately starving and had to be somewhere or else, I would have sent it back. I was afraid it would take another 40 minutes. I quite honestly can say this was the worst burger I have had in a very long time. I was so thirsty the rest of the afternoon. The sandwich ordered had the thinnest slice of turkey meat. As in one slice! The onion slice was very thick even thicker than the lunch meat. The sandwich tasted like onion my dining partner said. The food came out and we had no drinks. We had to get up and ask for our drinks. They had only brought a coffee after we ordered and ironically, it was for the person who didn't get their food. The two of us with food had to wait for the drinks to come after we had dug into the food. We also had to try and slow down and not eat because we didn't want the third person to feel left out. The girl who took our order was perfectly nice but she was absorbed in training a kid and who knows what was going on in the kitchen? There was only one other person dining, I'm really not sure why it took 40 minutes for luke warm food to come out. This wasn't an enjoyable experience at all. I hesitate writing this, as I live nearby and have wanted a place to open up for a very long time, but this is now twice where they don't bring out the food for all the diners. And honestly, that burger was horribly salted. Several days later, I still wish I had sent it back. read more

We were looking a light breakfast and ended up finding this gem! Food was delish and those potatoes were scrumptious! The service was excellent! We will definitely be back read more

I had a mixed experience here. The food was mostly delicious, the chilaquiles were the best, and the ricotta pancakes were super yummy. Don't order side potatoes. On the downside, the customer service wasn't great. I didn't get any coffee refills (even though it's just drip coffee), and while the coffee itself was really good, it would've been nice to get topped off. They also open at 8am, but when I arrived around 8:30, the tables were still dirty and the "closed" sign was still up, which was a little confusing. Would I go back? Maybe,because the food really was delicious. But I'm hoping the service improves. read more

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Cute little cafe that you won't want to miss ! They have indoor and patio seating, parking is limited. Staff was friendly and great service. They had cute decors with plants and La dodgers around. Some good tunes playing. I got a lemon blueberry ricotta pancake with turkey sausage and sunny side up eggs. The pancakes 10000/10 so good ! And my bf ordered a chicken sandwich and he was satisfied with it. For drinks I got the iced chai with an extra shot of espresso. Chai was strong which i love ! I would definitely come back to try other items on the menu :) pleasant experience read more

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Really enjoyed this small breakfast location. It is self seating and you order at the register. The custom service was great and recommended great food options. Only down side is the parking but highly recommend you try this spot out. read more

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We were in this area for an appointment and we had time to kill. This was the first place we saw that had parking. We were greeted upon entering. The hostess was super friendly and helpful. The chef was the. I like these kind of unexpected treasure finds. read more

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Ambience is adequate. Specialty coffee was good. Had breakfast there once and it was fine. Took a friend for lunch more recently. The bread on her sandwich was burnt. Not acceptable. The cook gladly changed it, but why would it be served that way? My friend didn't even eat it. Said she'd fix it up at home. Probably won't be back. read more

18$ breakfast burrito w no meat. 10$ McMuffin. Chilaquiles was cold and 12$ kids french toast Order at the counter. With tip 75$ breakfast First and last time read more

The food here is delicious!! I got the best breakfast burrito in LA. The staff is super nice as well. If there is no parking in the lot, there is always parking in the neighborhood that's very close. I'm not a fan of Little Ripper across the street because the food is so overpriced and portions are tiny. Go to Highland Cafe instead of Little Ripper! read more

I'm loving the new highland cafe location! They have booths, a nice outdoor seating area, and the same great food and coffee as the original location. I went with a simple protein breakfast for today with a delicious iced americano. Thank you for the great food and service! read more

The Highland Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Just ok tbh. Dine-in customers ordering meals get charged for a second cup of coffee. Insane. Food is hit or miss. I've experienced both locations. read more

Coffee is amazing! But I waited over 20 minutes for two coffees. If you have time to spare try it.

What a gem! Delicious food, great portion sizes and options, and some of the friendliest hard workers I've ever met! A cute cafe with WiFi and just an overall great atmosphere. It's such a treat! Definitely check it out read more

The Highland Cafe - Chicken tinga bowl! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

What a great location, the place has a vibe inside. Perfect menu and yet they haven't figured out yet how to get the service piece right or the food prep right yet. Have been twice in the last month first time for lunch both of our orders the French fries were cold. Went for breakfast this morning and was served cold coffee and the eggs on my order were cold. Everything else was fine. It feels like they need an assistant in the kitchen and the one more helper out front. I can see how this staffing model would break down with just two people for the whole place. Hey owners of this place, step up and get your people some help if you want to survive cuz I'm giving this place one more shot and then I figure it's 3 strikes your out read more

A+ cold brew and A+ breakfast sandwich! Super cute interior and very friendly service. I've been meaning to try this place out for a while as it's in my neighborhood and so glad I finally made it. This is my new favorite breakfast and brunch spot!! read more

Perfect location for another breakfast spot in the area. We've been going to the other location for years and are so happy they kept the same vibe plus booths! Service is quick and the servers were helpful. The food is made up of simple ingredients you can taste and consistent every time. read more

I was craving a bagel and lox, and decided to check this spot out. I went into this establishment, and ordered it to go. The bagel and lox was gross. I couldn't eat it. The bagel was soggy, the tomato slice was too big, the red onion was cut too thick, it had too much cream cheese, and the lox was just thrown on top of the bagel. I called to provide feed back, spoke to the manager, and he offered to refund me. I have yet to be refunded; if you're not going to refund me, he shouldn't have offered. I don't mind paying for a good meal, BUT this was a waste of money and food. read more

So happy to have this spot in our neighborhood! The James brown latte was the perfect cinnamon-sweet blend. The York burrito was delish with the salsa. Loved that it wasn't a massive burrito and just a good size to feel full but not like I need to lay down for a while. Service was quick and friendly. I like the vibe of being a cool, not overly aesthetic cafe. Feels refreshing. Seems like a great family friendly spot which is a great fit for the area. Will definitely be back soon to try the different lattes! read more

Lovely local cafe in Verdugo Village. I love their place in Highland Park and stopped by for lunch on a Friday and ordered a salad. Took a bit of time but was fresh and delicious. I like the unpretentious and friendly vibes and especially the good food. A welcome addition to this very local corner in an evolving Glassell Park. Can't wait to come back for their tasty breakfast and lunch options. read more

Was getting the car smoged Accross the street and stoped in for a coffee. Great little spot. We will be back for breakfast in a couple of days. Very personalizable man behind the counter. Looking forward to coming back. read more

Great food and even better service! This is a must-try for breakfast or lunch in Glassell Park! I also like their York location but this place hits the spot!!!! read more

I've been going to the location on York for about 11 years, so was delighted to see that they opened a location near me. Their breakfast choices are unrivaled - lots of good LA-centric and Mexican items like chilaquiles and several different kinds of breakfast burritos. Also some vegan options as well. The coffee is always on point. I was able to get the same things I normally order at the other location. Best of all, the staff are very genuine people and it's always enjoyable seeing them! read more

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Great addition to the area. The Rooster Burrito was up there with some of the best breakfast burritos I've had in L.A. and the service was friendly and fast. Highly recommend trying. read more

Great little place in an un-busy part of the city. I loved the iced tea and the quick service. Next time I'll try breakfast.

Stopped by for dinner yesterday, Saturday, at 5 pm. They were closed. Their website says they're open Saturdays from 8 am-3 am. On Yelp I see their hours on Saturday are 8 am-2pm. They need to change their hours on their website. read more

California bagel was a great vegan option, on a fluffy bagel with fresh produce. Breakfast sandwich was also really tasty with nice thick crisp bacon. Had a great chat with Oscar who offered to replace the cream in a dish with an avocado sauce for my vegan husband next time we stop by. read more

We're so happy Highland Café opened a second location! The food is always fresh and delicious, the coffee is top-notch, and the staff makes every visit feel welcoming. It's one of those spots that truly brings the community together, and now with another location it's even easier to enjoy. A neighborhood favorite we'll keep coming back to! read more

Warm service. Excellent chilaquiles. Mayan latte made me say "wow" out loud. It's great to have another solid cafe in Glassell Park.

New Breakfast spot. CA breakfast burrito was soo good! Also recommend trying their London Fog coffee Also good! And the staff are so nice! read more

I tried the chilaquiles and California burrito with red fries (fries smothered in red chilaquiles sauce) and they worth both delicious I did have to take some of the fries out of the burrito because it got a bit too spicy for me but overall delicious. read more

The Highland Cafe - California burrito with red fries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Zoe makes the best almond milk latte! Pure perfection every single time... and the latte art is a bonus. I absolutely love this coffee shop, it's such a gem in our neighborhood! The new location is gorgeous and has such a welcoming vibe read more

The Highland Cafe - Almond milk latte... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great Local Coffee Shop that deserves more flowers in a neighborhood that does not get enough love .Walkable location. You might miss it when your driving by but you should absolutely take your time to stop by and visit . The baristas and cooks are amazing . The food and drinks are consistent and they are always releasing something new . Give it a try and support local businesses! read more

Parking is a real challenge. Limited beverage selection and food was not prepared to order. Had to pull onions off sandwiches. Help was very friendly. read more

The food was average. I didn't think it was worth the price. For 2 of us it was $50.00, I had a salad with watered down dressing and the bowl was half full. The other was fried chips with green salsa. Additionally, the service was very slow. We were the only people in the restaurant. read more

Nice neighborhood spot. Kid friendly. I've had a breakfast burrito which had a nice crunch inside. Not too big but flavorful. The bacon egg and cheese on brioche was sizable and delicious. Just the right spice in the sauce. The americano was also delicious. All around recommended. Staff is very friendly. read more

We live nearby and are SO happy this opened! Two of us shared the York Blvd Burrito which was flavorful and the perfect size (not too big but gets you full), salsa had great spice, and a hashbrown side which was perfectly crispy. We also got iced lattes which were delicious. The service was great! Super accommodating with our dog on the patio, helpful, and friendly. Can't wait to make this our new regular spot! read more