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Great White
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Great White
7.9
Casual all-day café near the boardwalk with sunny sidewalk seating. Expect beach-day staples, strong coffee, and quick service from breakfast through late afternoon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Fish Tacos, Avocado Toast
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Easy, beach-proximate café with fast patio turnover.
Who should go: Casual beachgoers and coffee people
When to visit: Late morning to miss peak breakfast lines
What to order: Breakfast burrito; fish tacos; avocado toast
Insider tip: Order online for pickup and grab a patio table on arrival.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited near Windward Circle; metered spots fill fast after 9am. Paid lots available one block inland around Pacific Ave.
Dress code: Beach casual—flip-flops, sundresses, and shorts are all common; most guests come straight from the sand.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect street sounds and steady patio chatter, but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not open for dinner; closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes typical wait during peak hours; mornings before 10am usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many items like the avocado toast, grain bowls, and smoothies are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes—several plant-based options including bowls and toasts; modifications easily accommodated.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available for toasts and sandwiches; some bowls are naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key beach vibe—casual, outdoor, and daylight-focused. Not ideal for intimate or evening dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. Arrive before 10am on weekends or early afternoon on weekdays for minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. Highchairs available, staff are accommodating, and outdoor tables make it easy with strollers. Expect other families during brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more relaxed than nearby brunch spots like Gjusta; great for grab-and-go or casual patio meals steps from the beach.
Skip if: You’re seeking full-service dining or a quiet conversation—this is a bustling, beachy café best for daytime energy.
Great White
7.8
This Australian-inspired all-day cafe serves hand-cut rustic fries with sea salt and rosemary alongside their health-conscious menu. The twice-cooked technique creates substantial potato wedges that complement their fresh salads and grain bowls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rosemary Sea Salt Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Charcoal Salmon
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Aussie-style hand-cut fries with gourmet seasoning
Who should go: Health-conscious brunch crowd and Melrose shoppers
When to visit: Weekend mornings for people-watching
What to order: Rosemary fries, acai bowl, flat white
Insider tip: Dog-friendly patio fills up fast on weekends
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered 2hr max. Arrive before 10am weekends or use nearby paid lot ($8)
Dress code: Melrose casual - athleisure, sundresses, anything Instagram-ready works
Noise level: Bustling cafe energy - fine for conversations but gets lively during peak brunch
Weekend wait: Usually no wait - they're quieter after 3pm
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during lunch rush (12-2pm), walk-in friendly otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection including grain bowls, salads, and veggie burgers
Vegan options: Yes - can modify most dishes, dedicated vegan section with 4-5 options
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads and bowls work, but fries share fryer with breaded items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime dates - the patio creates a relaxed vibe and the health-conscious menu shows you care about wellness without being pretentious
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but weekend brunch (9am-2pm) expect 20-30 min wait. Pro tip: solo diners and pairs get seated faster at the counter
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for well-behaved kids - no kids menu but they'll do simple modifications. The patio works best for families
Best For
Better for: Superior fries to typical brunch spots - the rosemary seasoning and twice-cooked method beats standard cafe offerings. Better outdoor seating than most Melrose cafes
Skip if: Want a full dinner experience or cocktail-focused meal - they excel at daytime dining but thin out after 4pm. Choose Joan's on Third for more substantial dinner options