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The Highland Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Highland Cafe
7.8
The Highland Cafe is a neighborhood standby where locals fuel up on strong coffee, hefty breakfast burritos, and classic breakfast sandwiches. Skateboards on the wall, a casual crowd, and dog-friendly sidewalk seating make it a relaxed, slightly scruffy spot for a quick York Boulevard sandwich stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Egg & Cheese Sandwich, Breakfast Burrito, Cali Burrito with Rojo Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A laid-back cafe with legitimately craveable breakfast sandwiches and burritos.
Who should go: Locals wanting casual, filling brunch or lunch.
When to visit: Early morning on weekdays before families and laptops arrive.
What to order: Bacon egg & cheese sandwich, breakfast burrito, Cali burrito.
Insider tip: Order ahead online on weekends to skip the line at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along York Blvd and nearby residential streets; generally easy on weekdays, tighter on weekend mornings.
Dress code: Totally casual — tees, hoodies, and weekend athleisure fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — steady chatter and espresso-machine noise, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the cafe closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal; expect a 5–10 minute line during the peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several breakfast sandwiches and burritos can be made vegetarian, plus veggie-focused sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable options if you omit dairy and choose plant-based add-ons.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free with modifications, but there’s no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for super casual morning vibes. It’s relaxed and friendly but not romantic — better for low-pressure coffee meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Seating is first-come, first-served, and weekday mornings are easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, especially on weekends. Plenty of high-energy outdoor space and simple food kids tend to like.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty breakfast sandwiches and burritos in a laid-back, neighborhood setting with strong coffee and grab-and-go ease.
Skip if: You want a polished brunch, extensive vegan/gluten-free options, or a quiet workspace — it gets busy and can feel cramped during peak hours.
The Highland Cafe
8.0
A true neighborhood hang, The Highland Cafe pairs strong coffee with a broad brunch menu of huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and sandwiches in a casual, order-at-the-counter setting. It’s less polished than newer spots but offers reliable plates, friendly staff, and a patio that fills with locals and laptops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles Rojo, Pollo de Padre Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Long-running, affordable brunch with a neighborhood patio and strong coffee program.
Who should go: Locals wanting casual brunch and space to linger.
When to visit: Sunny weekend mornings on the patio with coffee and chilaquiles.
What to order: Huevos rancheros, chilaquiles rojo, a latte or cold brew.
Insider tip: Lines spike late morning; early birds get easier parking and patio tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa and adjacent residential blocks; usually easy on weekdays, tighter after 10am on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—brunch attire, tees, jeans, and sandals are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate—busy patio chatter but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — the cafe focuses on breakfast and lunch service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to none; you can usually order and sit right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of options like chilaquiles, avocado toast, salads, and customizable egg dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—think tofu scramble (when available), veggie sides, and modifications on bowls or salads.
Gluten-free options: Some GF-friendly dishes like bowls and salads; no dedicated GF kitchen, so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for a low-key, daytime vibe. The casual setting and patio make it feel relaxed, but it’s not ideal if you want something more polished or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with open seating. On weekends, come before 10am for the best chance at patio space without hovering.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—ample patio seating, a laid-back environment, and simple brunch staples make it easy for families with toddlers to early teens.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed brunching with strong coffee, a true neighborhood feel, and lots of patio space for lingering compared to more polished or pricey Highland Park newcomers.
Skip if: You want upscale brunch, craft cocktails, or ultra-refined plating—newer spots nearby might suit you better.