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Doubting Thomas
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Doubting Thomas
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Small-batch artisan coffee shop and bakery serving elevated breakfast fare in minimalist white space. Owner Naomi Shim's pastry skills shine in seasonal rotating creations alongside savory dishes like braised pork shoulder breakfast burrito. Open daily 7am-4pm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Doubtless Breakfast Burrito with Pork Shoulder, Seven-Grain Pancakes, Seasonal Pastries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-owner's pastry background elevates coffee shop into artisan bakery experience
Who should go: Coffee enthusiasts and remote workers seeking quality breakfast
When to visit: Early morning 7-9am for full pastry selection before sellouts
What to order: Pork shoulder breakfast burrito, seasonal pastries, pour-over coffee
Insider tip: Follow Instagram for limited-run seasonal pastries like tomato danish
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Sunset Blvd and Temple St. Best luck mornings before 10am. Bring quarters.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, work-from-home attire perfectly acceptable. This is a laptop crowd.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - minimalist space with good acoustics for conversation or focus work
Weekend wait: N/A - closes at 4pm
Weekday lunch: Counter service, no wait for ordering. May wait 5-10 min for food during 12-1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including seasonal veggie scrambles and pastries
Vegan options: Limited - oat milk available, ask about current vegan pastry options
Gluten-free options: Very limited - primarily a bakery, cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates or casual meetups. The minimalist space is Instagram-pretty but counter service and small-batch means less 'occasion' feeling. Great for low-pressure coffee dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's counter service with limited seating (maybe 15 seats). Weekday mornings before 9am you'll find space. Weekends 9am-12pm expect to order and possibly stand/take to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - tiny space, no high chairs, adult coffee shop vibe. Kids welcome but this is really built for solo workers and couples. No kids menu.
Can I work on my laptop here? Yes but be considerate - small space means during peak hours (9am-1pm weekends) camping isn't cool. Weekday mornings and afternoons are laptop-friendly.
Do the pastries really sell out? Yes - small-batch daily means popular items (especially seasonal specials) gone by 10-11am weekends, noon weekdays. Come early or call ahead to reserve.
Best For
Better for: Doubting Thomas wins on pastry quality and Instagram aesthetics - this is chef-driven baking, not Sysco pastries. Better coffee than typical brunch spots. Best for mornings when you want excellent coffee + food without full sit-down service.
Skip if: You want leisurely table service, boozy brunch, or feeding a group. Also skip if you need guaranteed seating - the tiny footprint means flexibility required. Choose elsewhere for special occasions or if gluten-free is essential.
Doubting Thomas
8.3
Small-batch pastry shop and pour-over coffee cafe by pastry chef Naomi Shim, formerly of Salts Cure and Coffee Commissary. Daily-rotating pastries feature farmers market ingredients while breakfast offerings include standout pork shoulder burrito and herbed chicken biscuit sandwich.
Must-Try Dishes:
Doubtless Breakfast Burrito with Pork Shoulder, Herbed Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, Daily Rotating Pastries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Pastry chef-driven cafe with exceptional farmers market pastries
Who should go: Pastry enthusiasts and coffee lovers seeking refined breakfast
When to visit: Early morning for best pastry selection before sellout
What to order: Pork shoulder burrito, seasonal pastries, dirty chai
Insider tip: Parking difficult on Temple Street but worth the search
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Temple Street is challenging - arrive early or use nearby residential streets. No dedicated lot. Plan extra 10 minutes.
Dress code: Casual - athleisure and coffee run attire perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate space ideal for conversation or laptop work
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - herbed chicken biscuit has veggie alternative, plus pastry-focused menu
Vegan options: Limited - some pastries accommodate but selection varies daily; ask staff
Gluten-free options: Very limited - primarily wheat-based pastry program, not GF-friendly
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime first dates - low-pressure coffee environment, easy conversation setting, impressive food without pretension. Skip for evening dates (closes early).
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - strictly walk-in. Weekdays before 9am are safest bet; weekends expect 15-25 min wait during peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids - small space means less running room, but pastries appeal to all ages. Best for kids 5+ who can sit for a meal. No changing table.
Good for solo dining? Excellent solo spot - counter seating, laptop-friendly atmosphere, no pressure to linger or leave. Regulars clearly feel comfortable here.
Do the pastries justify the hype? Yes - Naomi Shim's pastry pedigree shows. Farmers market ingredients elevate standards, though daily rotation means you can't count on specific items. Worth multiple visits.
Best For
Better for: Choose Doubting Thomas for pastry quality over quantity, intimate coffee experience, and chef-driven seasonal approach. Best-in-class for solo breakfast work sessions with exceptional coffee.
Skip if: Need gluten-free options, want full lunch/dinner service, require guaranteed seating (no reservations), or seeking Instagram-famous brunch scene. Go to larger brunch spots for groups 4+.
Doubting Thomas
8.3
Owner Naomi Shim brings pastry expertise to this Historic Filipinotown cafe, baking seasonal creations like passionfruit tart and tomato danishes on-site. The Doubtless Burrito features braised pork shoulder, smashed Yukon potatoes, and runny eggs, while seven-grain pancakes with apple verjus showcase refined breakfast fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Doubtless Burrito, Seven-Grain Pancakes, Seasonal Pastries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Small-batch handcrafted pastries meets hearty breakfast in artisan cafe setting
Who should go: Pastry enthusiasts and brunch seekers wanting more than standard cafe fare
When to visit: Weekday mornings 7am-9am for fresh pastries and calm atmosphere
What to order: Doubtless burrito, seasonal danish, dirty chai
Insider tip: Seasonal pastries rotate frequently and sell out by mid-morning
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Beverly Blvd and side streets - moderately difficult mornings, easier afternoons. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure, jeans, t-shirts perfectly fine. Neighborhood cafe vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate - calm cafe atmosphere, easy conversation, background music at comfortable level
Weekend wait: N/A - Breakfast/brunch only, closes mid-afternoon
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait possible 11am-1pm for tables, counter seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including seven-grain pancakes, seasonal veggie-focused pastries, egg dishes
Vegan options: Limited - inquire about current seasonal pastries, some items can be modified
Gluten-free options: Very limited - primarily a pastry-focused cafe with wheat-based baked goods
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates - relaxed atmosphere, quality food encourages conversation, and sharing pastries is natural. Skip if you want evening/dinner ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - no reservations accepted. Arrive before 9am on weekends for best selection of pastries and shorter waits, or after 1pm for calmer service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual environment welcomes families. High chairs available. Kids will enjoy pastries and pancakes. Best for well-behaved children as it's a small, quiet space.
Good for working on laptop? Yes during off-peak hours (9:30am-11am, after 2pm) - WiFi available, comfortable seating. Limited outlets. Expect to yield table during busy brunch rush.
Do they have coffee? Yes - full espresso bar with dirty chai as standout. Quality coffee program matches the pastry caliber.
Best For
Better for: Choose Doubting Thomas when you want pastry-chef-level baked goods with your breakfast, appreciate seasonal rotating menus, and prefer intimate neighborhood spots over bustling brunch scenes. The handcrafted approach and owner's pastry background elevate it above standard cafes.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options, want traditional diner-style breakfast portions, require evening dining, or prefer places that take reservations. Also skip if you're rushing - this is a savoring experience, not grab-and-go speed.