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Larchmont Bungalow Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Larchmont Bungalow Cafe
8.4
Airy bohemian cafe serving all-day breakfast with modern comfort food in spacious indoor-outdoor setting. Menu features signature red and blue velvet pancakes, eggs benedict variations, and lobster mac and cheese. Open Mon-Sat 7:30am-9pm, Sunday until 5pm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Eggs Benedict, Red & Blue Velvet Pancakes, Breakfast Potatoes
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Legendary colored velvet pancakes with cream cheese spread and candied walnuts
Who should go: Families and brunch lovers seeking generous portions and variety
When to visit: Weekdays 8-10am before crowds for best seating selection
What to order: Salmon eggs benedict, red & blue velvet pancakes, breakfast potatoes
Insider tip: Located behind Cosa Buona; look for Suite N entrance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - moderately difficult. Residential permits after 8am on surrounding streets. Arrive early or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual LA brunch - athleisure, sundresses, jeans all common. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch - expect bustling cafe energy. Better for groups than intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait typical Fri-Sat evenings, shorter Sunday (closes 5pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait weekdays before 11am, 10-15 min during 12-1pm lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie benedicts, avocado toast, pancakes, and multiple egg dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes (pancakes without dairy, veggie plates), but not specialty vegan menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available for substitution, naturally GF egg dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd-3rd dates. The bustling atmosphere and Instagram crowd creates fun energy but makes intimate conversation challenging. Great if you want relaxed vibes without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Weekdays before 10am or after 2pm you'll likely walk right in. Weekend brunch (9am-1pm) expect 20-45 min waits. They don't take reservations, so arrive early or put your name in and explore Larchmont Village.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - one of the best family brunch spots in Silver Lake. Spacious seating, high chairs available, kids menu with pancakes, and outdoor patio where noise isn't an issue. Perfect for toddlers through teens.
Is it good for large groups? Yes - they can accommodate groups of 6-8 with advance notice (call ahead). The spacious indoor-outdoor layout and lengthy menu with something for everyone makes it ideal for mixed groups and celebrations.
Do they have WiFi for working? Yes, but not ideal for extended laptop sessions during peak hours (8am-2pm weekends). Better as a weekday morning work spot before 10am when it's quieter.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, variety across the menu, and all-day breakfast availability. The colored velvet pancakes are genuinely unique. Best when you want reliable crowd-pleasers that satisfy picky eaters or groups with different preferences.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge culinary innovation or a quiet intimate setting. If you're seeking adventurous small plates or a romantic ambiance, choose Republique or Cafe Stella instead. Also skip if you're avoiding Instagram brunch crowds.
Larchmont Bungalow Cafe
8.4
All-day neighborhood cafe serving breakfast from morning through evening with signature red and blue velvet pancakes. Relocated from Larchmont to Echo Park with expanded seating including leafy patio, exposed brick interior, and diverse menu covering vegan options to lobster crab cake benedict.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red & Blue Velvet Pancakes, Lobster Crab Cake Benedict, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Signature red and blue velvet pancakes with cream cheese spread
Who should go: Families and brunch lovers seeking all-day breakfast options
When to visit: Saturday mornings around 9am for best table selection
What to order: Red & blue velvet pancakes, lobster benedict, steak and eggs
Insider tip: Plenty of parking available, hidden behind Cosa Buona
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot hidden behind Cosa Buona - ample spaces available, street parking also easy
Dress code: Casual neighborhood vibe - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts all perfectly fine
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can easily chat across the table, family-friendly buzz
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical on Saturday/Sunday evenings without reservation
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait weekdays, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie benedicts, avocado toast, plant-based breakfast items
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan menu section with pancakes, scrambles, and toast options
Gluten-free options: Limited - can modify some dishes but no dedicated GF pancakes or bread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners - the bright, bustling atmosphere and all-day breakfast menu creates relaxed vibes without pressure, though it's not intimate or quiet
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekdays and early weekend mornings (before 10am) - arrive by 9am Saturday for best selection, expect 20-30 min waits during peak brunch hours (10am-1pm weekends)
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, high chairs available, pancakes and familiar breakfast items kids love, outdoor patio great for families, locals bring children regularly
Is the Instagram hype worth it? Yes if you love photogenic food - the red and blue velvet pancakes are genuinely stunning and taste great, not just a gimmick, plus the leafy patio and exposed brick interior photograph beautifully
How long should I budget for a meal? Plan 60-75 minutes total - service is friendly but relaxed neighborhood pace, not rushed, ideal for leisurely weekend brunch not quick business breakfast
Best For
Better for: All-day breakfast availability (serves breakfast through dinner), Instagram-worthy signature pancakes, casual family atmosphere with ample parking, vegan-friendly options in a breakfast-focused spot
Skip if: You want quiet romantic ambiance, need quick service for business meetings, prefer savory/lunch-focused menus over breakfast items, require extensive gluten-free options