"Sometimes we wake up in the morning and think about where we would be - both personally and as a city - if it wasn’t for Alcove. A scary thought, to be sure, because Alcove is one of LA’s most essential everyday cafes. Located on Hillhurst not far from Griffith Park, Alcove occupies two converted houses and has as perfect a patio as you’ll ever find. To be clear - Alcove isn’t some hidden, untapped gem. Anyone living East of La Brea knows exactly what Alcove is and uses it frequently. But despite the consistent crowds, Alcove somehow maintains a calming vibe that makes you want to just take a step back and breathe. It’s all going to be OK. Thank you Alcove, we needed that. Hangover breakfast? Lunch with the parents? Casual dinner date? Late night dessert run? All these needs can be fulfilled within Alcove’s always-welcoming confines. The expansive menu has some definite highlights, but you’ll also be hard-pressed to find anything disappointing. Prices are reasonable and portions are hearty. Plus, with Alcove’s attached Big Bar and its solid wine list and cocktails, you’ve got just about everything you need on the premises. We want to say we wish more places could be like Alcove, but that would be a disservice to what makes it so special in the first place. Alcove is an easy-peezy, California cafe where everybody can just hang out. Nobody’s trying too hard and neither should you. So grab a coffee, or a piece of cake, or anything else you see, and enjoy a sunny day or starry night at one of the best outdoor spaces in town. We live in Southern California, let’s go ahead and take advantage of it. Food Rundown Brioche French Toast Made with French vanilla and rum. We’ll say that again. French vanilla and rum. (Kinda) Classic Benedict The secret here is the maple-glazed ham. Overall, this is one of the better benedicts on the Eastside. Blackened Salmon Tacos We don’t usually condone ordering fish tacos from a place that doesn’t specialize in them, but Alcove is one of the few exceptions to that rule. The avocado salsa on top is next-level. Bean+Bean+Bean Salad Three different types of beans are piled high in this filling salad. Perfect for a post-Griffith Park hike. Turkey Hummus Melt Surprisingly hearty yet light, this is a great go-to for a quick afternoon bite. Alcove Burger Prime angus beef, bacon, and avocado make this a solid choice for any time of day. This isn’t the best burger we’ve ever eaten, but if you’ve got a craving it will definitely do you right. Lamb Burger Alcove’s lamb burger is juicy, delicious goodness. Its olives and goat cheese make it a true winner. Local Harvest Sandwich A vegetarian pride party, this overloaded sandwich stuffed with fresh veggies and pesto is a great order, whether you eat meat or not. Red Velvet Cheesecake Generally speaking, Alcove has some of the best desserts in town, but this one in particular will forever have our heart. And our love handles." - Brant Cox
