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Garcons de Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Garcons de Cafe
8.1
A Francophile wine bar and café tucked into the Spring Arcade, combining a small French market with a cozy bistro perch. The food is simple and well-done—charcuterie, croques, salads, pastries—meant to pair with an excellent French-leaning wine list. It’s a mellow, under-the-radar spot that feels like stepping into a tiny Paris lounge downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcuterie and cheese board, Croque monsieur, Seasonal tart or pastry
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Wine-first French café-market hybrid with real bistro intimacy.
Who should go: Wine lovers and low-key date fans.
When to visit: Early evening for a quiet glass and snacks.
What to order: Charcuterie board, croque, pastry of the day.
Insider tip: Let them pick a Loire or Rhône bottle to match your bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Historic Core; look for metered spots on Spring or Broadway, or use nearby paid garages in the $6–$12 range.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests lean effortless and slightly European—jeans are fine, but many dress up a bit for wine night.
Noise level: Moderate; the arcade setting creates soft ambient buzz but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal waits due to its wine-bar format; finding a table or counter seat typically takes 5–15 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though seating is lighter during the early afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including salads, cheese boards, and select pastries.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly small bites like olives or select salads without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Some charcuterie, salads, and snacks work; baked items and croques are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate, low-pressure wine-bar setting makes it ideal for a quiet first date with easy conversation and light bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely needed. Arrive early evening to guarantee a table, especially if you prefer sitting inside the arcade corridor.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; it’s more suited to adults due to its wine-forward menu and compact seating, though well-behaved older kids could fit in during off-hours.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more intimate glass of wine and French bites compared to louder Downtown bars or full-service brasseries.
Skip if: You want a full-scale dinner, large entrées, or a high-energy scene—this is a relaxed, wine-led café more than a full restaurant.
Garcons de Cafe
7.8
Garcons de Cafe is a tucked-away French wine bar in the Spring Arcade that leans light in the morning but serves croissants, tartines, and simple breakfast plates alongside espresso and wine. It’s more of a European-style café stop than a full American breakfast, but feels transportive when you want something casual and French.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter croissant with jam, Croque monsieur, Charcuterie and cheese board
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Parisian-style wine bar that doubles as a relaxed, croissant-forward morning café.
Who should go: Francophiles craving light breakfast with a European feel.
When to visit: Late morning for a quiet pastry-and-coffee pause.
What to order: Butter croissant, croque monsieur, a small charcuterie plate.
Insider tip: Sit at the arcade-side tables to feel like you’re on a tiny indoor Parisian street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Spring and Broadway is limited but feasible in the late morning; nearby paid garages in the Historic Core are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual European café attire — anything from jeans and a light sweater to a relaxed button-down fits the setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversations are easy, especially at arcade-side tables where foot traffic is gentle rather than loud.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a daytime café and wine bar with no dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; you can almost always walk up for a pastry, tartine, or table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — pastries, tartines with cheese, and a few light plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — pastries and most tartines contain dairy; vegans may find only 1–2 viable options like fruit or simple café snacks.
Gluten-free options: Limited — baked goods are wheat-based, but some lighter breakfast plates can be gluten-free depending on the day.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key daytime meetup. The Parisian café vibe feels charming and intimate without forcing a full meal commitment, making it ideal for a casual first-date coffee or pastry.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typically used here. Most guests walk in, and mid-morning is especially reliable for quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who enjoy pastries or sitting at a café will be fine, but there’s no children’s menu, high chairs, or dedicated space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, European-style breakfast with wine-bar charm — perfect for a light pastry-focused start or a café moment that feels distinctly French.
Skip if: You're craving a full American breakfast with eggs, sides, or substantial plates; nearby brunch restaurants offer more robust menus.
Garcons de Cafe
7.9
Tucked into the Spring Arcade, Garcons de Cafe functions as a Parisian wine bar that doubles as a relaxed morning and mid-day café. Croissants, tartines, and charcuterie lean light, making it a transportive stop when you want a French-leaning brunch rather than a heavy spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter croissant, Charcuterie and cheese board, Smoked salmon tartine
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.1
What makes it special: Parisian-style wine bar that feels like a casual neighborhood brunch salon.
Who should go: Francophiles wanting light brunch with good wine options.
When to visit: Late weekend mornings or early afternoon for a mellow pace.
What to order: Butter croissant, smoked salmon tartine, glass of French rosé.
Insider tip: Slide through to the arcade passage for quieter two-top tables away from the main bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Spring and Broadway is the main option; spots can be tight midday. Several paid lots within a 2–3 minute walk around Spring Arcade.
Dress code: Casual chic—elevated café wear. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean toward light Parisian-inspired outfits.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The wine bar setting stays conversational, especially at the arcade-side tables.
Weekend wait: N/A for brunch-focused service; weekend midday wait is usually 10–20 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are the norm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—pastries, tartines, salads, and cheese plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited; most pastries and tartines contain dairy or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Minimal options; they occasionally offer GF substitutes but not guaranteed daily.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, low-pressure, and has a European café charm that feels special without being formal. Great for light bites and a glass of wine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. The space is walk-in friendly, especially if you’re flexible about sitting along the arcade passage or grabbing a two-top near the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, but best for older kids or teens. There’s no dedicated kids menu, and the vibe leans adult café/wine bar rather than family brunch spot.
Best For
Better for: Light, French-leaning brunch with wine; intimate ambiance; a more transportive European feel than most DTLA brunch options.
Skip if: You want a hearty American-style brunch, large portions, or significant vegan/gluten-free choices.