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The Griddle Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
The Griddle Cafe
8.3
The Griddle Cafe is a breakfast institution at the base of the Hollywood Hills, famous for colossal pancakes, French toast, and all-day brunch plates served in diner-style digs. Lines form early for over-the-top stacks that double as social-media bait and bona fide comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Velvet Pancake, The Golden Ticket pancakes, Mom’s French Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running Hollywood brunch spot known for skyscraper pancakes and all-day breakfast plates.
Who should go: Brunch crews and families craving over-the-top pancakes.
When to visit: Arrive near opening on weekends to avoid epic lines.
What to order: Red Velvet Pancake, The Golden Ticket, Mom’s French Toast.
Insider tip: Split a single pancake order between two people and add savory sides instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Sunset and nearby residential streets; spots are scarce during peak brunch hours. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — athleisure, jeans, and weekend-brunch wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak brunch; conversation is doable but expect constant bustle and kitchen noise.
Weekend wait: N/A — breakfast and brunch–focused; evenings are typically closed.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate waits, typically 10–20 minutes depending on tourist traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — several pancake, French toast, and egg-based plates are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable options, but most signature dishes rely on dairy and eggs.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some scrambles, omelets, and sides are naturally gluten-free, but pancakes and French toast have limited substitutions; no dedicated GF griddle.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates chaotic, high-energy brunch culture — the portions are huge, the vibe is playful, and the room can be loud. Not ideal for deep conversation but great for a fun, low-pressure morning meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a first-come basis. Arriving early is key; lines swell quickly on weekends, and mid-morning waits can exceed an hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — large booths, oversized portions, and a playful menu make it ideal for families. Expect strollers, highchairs, and plenty of younger diners, especially before noon.
Best For
Better for: Oversized, photogenic pancakes and indulgent brunch plates that dwarf what nearby diners or cafés offer; great for groups who want a memorable, over-the-top breakfast experience.
Skip if: You prefer quiet brunch settings, light/healthy morning meals, or gluten-free/vegan-focused menus — nearby cafés or bakeries will be a better fit.
The Griddle Cafe
8.9
The Griddle Cafe is a Hollywood Hills West breakfast institution known for giant, dessert-leaning pancakes and all-day lines along Sunset. Locals and tourists pack the narrow room for skillets of red velvet and banana-stuffed griddle cakes that easily feed two or more.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Velvet Pancakes, Banananana Pancakes, Black Magic Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Oversized, indulgent pancakes served in a long-running Hollywood breakfast institution.
Who should go: Pancake lovers who don’t mind a wait
When to visit: Early weekday mornings to avoid the longest lines
What to order: Red Velvet Pancakes, Banananana Pancakes, Black Magic Pancakes
Insider tip: Split one stack between two people and add a savory side to balance the sugar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Sunset and surrounding residential streets; meters can be tight during peak breakfast hours. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests arrive in everyday attire suitable for a laid-back breakfast spot.
Noise level: High during peak hours due to the tight dining room and constant turnover; conversations are possible but not private.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the restaurant is a breakfast and brunch destination with earlier hours.
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes depending on tourist flow; earlier in the day is typically faster.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pancake flavors, omelets, and sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited; pancakes and many items contain dairy and eggs, but sides and certain scrambles can be modified.
Gluten-free options: A few options available; gluten-free substitutions are limited, and cross-contamination precautions are modest.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, lively brunch spots. The tight room and heavy plates make it more fun and energetic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant is walk-in only. Arrive early morning to minimize wait times, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and the oversized pancakes are kid-approved. Strollers may be difficult to maneuver due to the narrow layout.
Best For
Better for: Oversized, dessert-style pancakes and an iconic Hollywood breakfast experience with a lively, tourist-friendly vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, fast service, or lighter, health-focused breakfast dishes.
The Griddle Cafe
8.8
The Griddle Cafe is a Hollywood Hills West institution where towering pancakes, bottomless coffee, and all-day lines define the brunch experience. Locals and visitors alike come for over-the-top griddle cakes and big skillets that easily feed two, making it a destination-level brunch in 90046.
Must-Try Dishes:
Red Velvet Pancakes, Banananana Pancakes, Teacher's Pet Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Oversized, dessert-leaning pancakes served in a long-running Hollywood brunch landmark.
Who should go: Pancake obsessives and brunch groups willing to wait
When to visit: Early weekday mornings to dodge the longest weekend lines
What to order: Red Velvet Pancakes, Banananana Pancakes, Teacher's Pet
Insider tip: Split one pancake order between two or three people and add a savory plate to balance the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Sunset can be scarce during peak brunch hours; arrive early for the best chance. Metered spots fill up fast and nearby lots are limited.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests come in weekend wear, from athleisure to jeans and tees.
Noise level: High during peak hours due to packed seating and an always-busy griddle line; expect energetic brunch noise rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—this is primarily a breakfast and brunch spot, but late morning/early afternoon on weekends can see 60–90 minute waits.
Weekday lunch: Shorter waits, typically 0–15 minutes depending on time and weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several sweet and savory vegetarian options built around pancakes, French toast, and egg dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—the menu leans heavily on dairy- and egg-based plates; modifications are possible but choices are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Limited—most signature pancakes contain gluten; however, there are a few protein-focused plates that can work for gluten-conscious diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a fun, casual, over-the-top brunch. The noise level and portion sizes make it less ideal for intimate conversation, but great for a playful daytime date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—The Griddle Cafe operates on a walk-in system. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid major lines. Weekdays offer the easiest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—large pancakes and a lively atmosphere make it popular for families. Kids who enjoy sweet breakfasts will love it, though long waits on weekends may be tough for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Massive, indulgent pancakes and a quintessential Hollywood brunch experience unmatched by smaller cafes in the area.
Skip if: You prefer lighter, health-focused brunch options or a quiet environment—other WeHo or Melrose cafés offer calmer, more balanced menus.
The Griddle Cafe
8.5
The Griddle Cafe is a Hollywood landmark for over-the-top pancakes, French toast, and scrambles, now serving all-day brunch with massive portions and a full bar. Outdoor seating along Sunset turns the wait and crowd into part of the spectacle, especially on sunny mornings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Golden Ticket Pancakes, Banananana Pancakes, Mom's French Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Giant, playful pancakes and French toast served at a legendary brunch spot with outdoor tables right on Sunset.
Who should go: Brunch fans who don’t mind a wait for huge portions.
When to visit: Early weekday mornings to enjoy the patio without long lines.
What to order: Golden Ticket or Banananana pancakes plus Mom’s French Toast.
Insider tip: Portions are enormous—plan to share plates so you can sample more and actually finish your order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset and surrounding residential blocks is limited and often competitive during peak brunch hours; meter spots turn over fastest before 10am. No valet service available.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; guests typically arrive in relaxed brunch attire. Outdoor seating makes sun-friendly clothing and layers a good idea.
Noise level: High during peak hours due to crowds and street traffic; conversations are possible but not intimate. Quieter on early weekdays.
Weekend wait: Not applicable since this is an all-day brunch spot, but late-afternoon visits can still see 20–40 minute waits.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait before 11am; expect 10–20 minutes during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very good selection — many pancakes, French toast, and egg dishes are naturally vegetarian, with multiple ways to customize.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified (like fruit plates and some sides), but core dishes are dairy- and egg-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some scrambles and non-pancake dishes work gluten-free, but pancakes/French toast are not available in gluten-free versions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if the date is casual and fun-focused — the oversized dishes and lively patio make for an easy icebreaker. Not ideal if you want quiet conversation or a more polished, romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — The Griddle Cafe operates largely on a walk-in basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid the longest waits. Smaller parties get seated fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families with young children frequent the restaurant, and the huge portions, sweet dishes, and casual outdoor seating work well for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Massive, playful brunch portions on a lively outdoor patio; iconic pancakes and French toast that are unmatched in size and novelty.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, gluten-free pancakes, faster service, or a more refined dining environment without crowds and street noise.
The Griddle Cafe
8.8
The Griddle Cafe is a daytime-only pancake institution where oversized Red Velvet stacks, loaded scrambles, and kid-pleasing plates fuel long, chatty family breakfasts. Lines wrap down Sunset on weekends, but huge portions, friendly service, and shareable dishes make it a destination for multi-generation brunch meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Golden Ticket banana pancakes, Red Velvet pancakes with cream cheese topping, Muscle Bound Scramble with turkey maple sausage
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Daytime-only Hollywood breakfast landmark known for giant, playful pancakes.
Who should go: Families who want over-the-top brunch and huge portions.
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid long weekend lines.
What to order: The Golden Ticket pancakes, Red Velvet pancakes, Muscle Bound Scramble.
Insider tip: Split one pancake order for the table; portions easily feed two to three.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Sunset and adjacent residential streets; meters are limited and weekend mornings can be difficult. Arrive early for the easiest spots.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; families come in everything from workout gear to relaxed brunch attire.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch hours, with plenty of kid chatter and bustling tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the restaurant is daytime-only.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short wait, often 5–15 minutes depending on the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — many scrambles, pancakes, and sides are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few customizable options like oatmeal, fruit plates, and some modified scrambles.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free items available; some pancakes can be made GF upon request but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you want is fun, casual, and chaotic. Giant pancakes and bustling energy can be charming, but it’s not ideal for intimate conversation or a quieter get-to-know-you feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early on weekends or target weekday mornings to minimize long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely. Big portions, playful pancakes, and a lively room make it easy for kids of all ages. High chairs are available, and staff is used to serving families and large groups.
Best For
Better for: Oversized, playful pancakes and shareable brunch plates that create a fun, memorable outing — especially for families seeking a 'wow' factor.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, fast service, or a healthier, lighter meal; portions are large and the room is consistently busy.