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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Highland Park
Best Brunch in Highland Park
Master Critic Review
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.
Consider Alternatives 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.
Hours
Monday8am - 3pm
Tuesday8am - 3pm
Wednesday8am - 3pm
Thursday8am - 3pm
Friday8am - 4pm
Saturday7am - 4am
Sunday7am - 3am