Chainsaw Café

Chainsaw Cafe Evokes Paris and Caracas in the Heart of East Hollywood | Eater LA

"Pint-sized and intentionally eclectic, this East Hollywood cafe from Karla Subero Pittol pairs purple-and-yellow tilework, a patchwork yellow accent wall, mismatched stools and milk crates, and a lush produce display behind the bar to evoke the small, vibrant neighborhood hangouts of Europe and Latin America. The limited menu runs savory dishes and caffeinated drinks inspired by her Venezuelan heritage, alongside the cult-favorite passionfruit lime icebox pie (whole or by the slice) and other seasonal sweets. For a proper lunch, I go for the Pead & Barnetts pork collar milanesa with lemon pepper nata (the Venezuelan take on crema), tamarind barbecue sauce, and a lightly dressed ensaladita topped with hearts of palm—slice into the craggy, crunchy cutlet, dab it in the sauces, and intersperse bites of the refreshing salad for the best effect. While the passionfruit lime icebox pie put Subero Pittol on the map, the seasonal apple, date, and strawberry double-crust pie offers a subtle yet sublime twist on a classic dessert and is the pie to visit for now. Pint-sized arepas stuffed with bean and cheese, jamón serrano and cheese, or slow-cooked beef pair well with lemon pepper nata and make a comforting but not particularly filling snack (order two if you’re actually hungry), and espresso tonic fans will appreciate the Xtina (orange) or the Karlita (grapefruit). Given the extremely limited space, come solo or with one other person, max; it’s best for a quick afternoon snack or morning pick-me-up in East Hollywood, with a wine bar planned next door in the future." - Patricia Kelly Yeo