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Lo/Cal Coffee & Market
Master Critic Review
Lo/Cal Coffee & Market
7.7
Lo/Cal Coffee & Market is a neighborhood café that pairs espresso drinks with empanadas and simple sandwiches on toasted bread. It skews more everyday-casual than destination, but locals appreciate the friendly service and affordable, lighter bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey pesto sandwich, Caprese sandwich, Beef empanada
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Friendly corner café serving coffee, empanadas, and straightforward sandwiches.
Who should go: Locals needing a quick coffee-and-sandwich stop.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or early afternoons before school traffic.
What to order: Turkey pesto sandwich, caprese, a couple empanadas.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu empanada flavors rotating through the case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Fairfax and nearby residential blocks; usually manageable on weekdays but tighter during school pickup times.
Dress code: Very casual — workout clothes, jeans, and everyday wear all fit in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for calls or light conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime café with no dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; food is counter-order with quick turnaround except during brief school-hour spikes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian sandwiches and empanadas available, plus pastry items.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pastries or modified sandwiches may work depending on bread and spread choices.
Gluten-free options: No guaranteed gluten-free bread or prep area, but some fillings and empanadas may work depending on rotating flavors.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date — it’s better for casual meetups over coffee or a light bite, with a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and generally available; peak times may mean sharing the small indoor/outdoor tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops — simple food, low noise, and pastries work well for kids, though there are no dedicated amenities or play areas.
Best For
Better for: A budget-friendly, no-fuss sandwich and coffee stop with a friendly neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You want a more substantial, chef-driven sandwich or a destination-level café experience.