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Friends & Family
Master Critic Review
Friends & Family
8.2
Husband-wife chef team Daniel Mattern and pastry chef Roxana Jullapat created this East Hollywood cafe combining exceptional house-baked breads with California-seasonal breakfast plates. The bright, modern space feels like a comfortable safe haven for morning meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Olive Oil Fried Eggs, Egg Salad Sandwich, White Cheddar Biscuit
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Acclaimed pastry chef Roxana Jullapat's exceptional breads meet chef-driven breakfast
Who should go: Food enthusiasts seeking elevated-casual breakfast and stellar baked goods
When to visit: Weekday mornings, open daily 8am-3pm only
What to order: Olive oil fried eggs, egg salad, any pastry, take bread home
Insider tip: The husband-wife team previously made Cooks County a neighborhood favorite
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Vermont Ave and side streets, easier on weekday mornings. Small lot behind building, arrives early.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure, weekend brunch attire perfectly fine
Noise level: Low to moderate - bright open space with good acoustics for conversation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - most menu is vegetarian-friendly, egg dishes can be customized
Vegan options: Limited but quality - a few dedicated options, pastries mostly butter-based
Gluten-free options: Challenging - bread is their specialty, some salads and egg dishes work
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal for daytime first dates - casual atmosphere removes pressure, exceptional food gives you something to talk about, and the 8am-3pm hours suggest coffee/brunch territory which keeps things light and time-bounded.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Weekday mornings are easy walk-ins. Weekend peak (9am-11am) expect 20-40 min wait, but the pastry case browsing makes time fly. Arrive before 9am or after noon for shorter waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, welcoming for families - casual vibe, quick service, simple egg dishes kids enjoy. Best for well-behaved elementary age and up. The bakery case is a natural kid magnet. Not a dedicated kids menu but staff accommodates simple requests.
Can I work on my laptop here? Yes during off-peak hours - WiFi available, but be mindful during weekend rush. Weekday mornings (especially 8-9am and after 1pm) are laptop-friendly. Order generously if camping for a while.
What if I just want coffee and pastry? Perfect for that - counter service for quick grab-and-go. The pastry selection alone justifies the visit, and with Roxana Jullapat's pedigree, you're getting some of LA's best baked goods without committing to a full meal.
Best For
Better for: Choose Friends & Family when you want accomplished chef-level breakfast without fine dining formality, when bread and pastry quality matters most, or when you want a safe-bet neighborhood spot that delivers consistency. The husband-wife team's pedigree (Cooks County alums) means cafe-casual execution with fine-dining sensibility.
Skip if: You need dinner service (closes 3pm), want boozy brunch or full bar, prefer tableside service over counter-order, or require extensive gluten-free options. Also skip if you're seeking Instagram-showy presentation - this is understated excellence, not spectacle.