Homegirl Café

Been wanting to come here for awhile now, so finally got the opportunity, and it was NO disappointment. The service and staff were welcoming and professional. The food was on point. Nice clean establishment. They’ve done a really great job with the design layout for seating. Nothing but good vibes. I’m happy to see this cafe, and the results of positive support for people who have such great potential and talents. The quality of food, portions , and cost all in balance. Support for Homegirl cafe and homeboy industries should be everyone’s priority.. Thanks for a great experience-

We were in the area and looking for breakfast and drove past Homegirl Cafe. We stopped in and hands down recommend this place. The food and service from the staff was Excellent!!!

First time here, parking is tight. Paid lots and street parking are what I saw, possibly more around back. Lots of people outside as there are many offices attached. Very clean over here, just outside of down town. Small menu but good and fresh! Fair prices. Seating available inside, also has an actual restaurant as well. Friend staff. Would recommend and would return, especially since it’s for a good cause. Keep it up!

Stopped in for a latte and a cinnamon roll and felt good knowing proceeds support Homeboy Industries. The latte was creamy and the cinnamon roll was sticky-sweet in the best way. Trainee baristas were warm and earnest, offering menu suggestions. It’s relaxed but energized—locals working, chatting, students studying. I like the sense that my coffee is doing more than just waking me up.

I love this place the food is really good! Their service is amazing! I will come back here! If good food you want to enjoy I highly recommend it!

ALWAYS MAKES ME FEEL RIGHT AT HOME BEING IN HERE. POLITE FOOD SERVICE WORKERS AND VERY PROFESSIONAL AND ATTENTIVE. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND GOING HERE EARLY AS THEY SELL OUT SO FAST FROM THE COFFEE CAKES (WHICH ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR). IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SAVORY I SUGGEST TRYING THE CHILAQUILE PLATE.

The excellent food, great service, unique ambiance, and friendly staff are enough to give 5 stars. But, reading about the community service aspect makes this a must visit Cafe.

Food was so good with large portions. I went at opening time (7:00am) and everyone was so friendly. Such a great vibe for breakfast.

My first review on Homegirl Cafe but not my first experience with the cafe. I have often seen them pop up in local spots and farmers markets and I have always brought back great baked goods and food. I just recently went to the actual cafe near Chinatown and it was an amazing experience. They were celebrating Father Greg's (of Homeboy Industries) birthday and they had a prix fixe menu of an entree, a drink and dessert for $24.99. I ordered the chilaquiles with carnitas and it was amazing! Eggs were fluffy, carnitas were moist and flavorful, black beans were served generously and the tortilla was fried crisp. I did not eat for the rest of the day as it kept me full! The avocado toast that my friend's daughter ordered was made beautiful and it was also very flavorful, served over a slice of their own sourdough bread. I also took home a loaf of bread. The bakers warned me that it is made fresh with no preservatives so it's best to eat quickly and/or placed in a freezer. The customer service is top-notched. We were greeted warmly and friendly and they checked up on us frequently to make sure we are having a good experience. The cafe itself has plenty of indoor seating (no outdoor) and has bright, shaded light coming in from the windows. Great business and great business model - I highly recommend visiting and supporting Homegirl Cafe.

I will not be able to speak high enough of my experience at this restaurant today! The food is absolutely, hands down, super delicious and authentically made! I had the chilaquiles with carne asada and it was absolutely outstanding as was my Cafe De Olla! The thing that stands out in my mind the most and forever will, as I am a Christian Drug Alcohol and Addiction Counselor, a minister and a Christian recording artist and performer, was the happiness and the excitement and the true awesome pride that all of these workers had, serving and cooking and waiting on customers! I applaud this program and I would not be able to speak high enough of it so I'm just going to leave it right there! I love what they do and every one of those people that goes through that program ends up getting trained and they'll help you get your GED and they actually not only do they help you rehabilitate and get you out of your gang life, but they teach you skills and put you to work and integrate you back into society maybe in a way that you never experienced before and I absolutely love this for every person! I have not been in a restaurant with that grade of service in a really really long time! Allen was our server, and as I understand he was the manager and although other people also came to make sure we had water, to see if we needed anything else and every single person in there was an A+, gold star worker, he was INCREDIBLE and his testimony was fantastic!! I picked up a couple things from their gift shop because I will absolutely support this organization! My 2 friends and I completely loved this field trip! (we came from the inland empire)

This was my first visit here; I came to try their DineLA breakfast/lunch special. I had heard about Homeboy Industries, founded over 30 years ago by Father Gregory Boyle to help young men and women transition out of gang life. Homeboy and Homegirl Cafe are situated in the same building, just below the Chinatown Metro stop. Parking can be a challenge, so the Metro is a good option. The Cafe has both take-out /delivery and a sit-down restaurant, and they offer breakfast and lunch items. It seems a lot of staff went through Homeboy programs. They are known for their chilaquiles, which is what their DineLA special featured. The special included a pastry and drink as well. The chilaquiles were fab, The tortilla chips were still crunchy, topped with red or green sauce (I asked for both) that I found moderately spicy. There were black beans and 2 eggs prepared as you like. You can add a carnitas too. I came at lunch time, so I was also given chips and salsa. I chose their famous coffee cake as my pastry, and it was delish, topped with a cinnamon streusel. But their croissants, muffins and danish looked equally delicious in the display case. My drink of choice was their very refreshing berry fresca; they also have pineapple cucumber. A tasty and worthy breakfast/lunch option.

I'm sad the size of their chilaquiles are much smaller than they previously were but they were still super tasty and I'd definitely come back. Service was a bit absent but super nice. I think I'd want to try their ube cake next time.

Homegirl Café totally blew me away! The food and service were both amazing. I ordered the $3 cup of soup as a side for my sandwich and was shook when they brought out a full bowl so generous and seriously delicious. The marisco soup and habanero salsa were both chef's kiss, packed with flavor and so fresh. My boyfriend ordered the chilaquiles and loved them perfectly done with just the right amount of spice and crunch. We enjoyed everything we tried and were already planning our next visit to try more of the menu. Cozy vibe, sweet staff, and an incredible mission behind it all.

I love it here! Everything they make is made to perfection and with love. The chile relleno grilled cheese is my favorite thing on the menu. It's so different and unique. It's also extremely filling! You can order to go at the bakery counter or you can dine in. When you dine in, you get chips and salsa. The salsa has an excellent kick. Service is also very fast. There's plenty of seating inside and they can even accommodate large group sizes when you cal ahead. The entire space is decorated with handmade paintings, with at least half of them being done by Fabian who is the director of homeboy art academy. I love what homeboy industries is doing for our community and I'm thrilled to constantly support them!

Amazing food T Homegirl Cafe! Visited here for lunch and the food was so good. First of all the staff was friendly and helpful, and was recommended the child rellano grilled cheese with carnitas. The cheese pull was ridiculous, and all the savory flavors paired well with the carnitas. The caesar salad was good with the roasted corn being a nice touch. It was a delicious meal and I was definitely full after. Ambiance is nice and clean, with great energy and staff. Great experience, I look forward to my next visit!

Parking is available in the lot or on the street. As you enter Homegirl Cafe, the delicious aroma of baked goods and a hello from the staff greets you. The decorations and staff are warm and inviting. I placed an order for to go and it was quickly given to me. Accepted payment method is card. I ordered the green chilaquiles with carne asada, berry fresca, carne asada taco, and croissant. The chilaquiles are gluten free which is a plus! The chilaquiles is enough to feed two people and berry fresca is light, refreshing, with fresh fruit. There was so much food that the taco and croissant was eaten later for an afternoon snack. Will be back for the chilaquiles, berry fresca, and other yummy bakery goods!

If you are in the DTLA area you have got to check out this place. Very original. Ordered Chilaquiles and I tell you - delicious. Huge portioned and properly prepared. There is a misconception about the area and the business associates, but these folks are simply coming to work and make a difference in their personal life while helping the customers with a positive attitude and smiles - check it out

Lively even on a weekday, this place has a unique crew of servers with lots of energy. The menu is delicious and generous--the chilaquiles especially famous and huge, the omelette fluffy and packed with veggies. We sampled LA's "best coffee cake" and it was nice and fluffy but not really unique. Great house coffee infused with orange peel and cinnamon.

I tend to date chefs, but *need* to date whoever's in charge here. After years of wanting to visit I finally made it in and can't wait to return. Staff was all very kind. The food was absolutely delicious. There are plenty of spaces to sit in the cafe area. I'll bring a friend and see the dining area next time. I've visited twice in a 4-day period and recommend you do the same.

Food was on point. The ladies know what they're doing in the kitchen. They also have a bakery w a good selection of fresh baked goods. Service Was excellent! They take pride in making sure you are well attended. Make sure you have water and your food is ready. Ambiance Perfect decor in the wall. I believe it's for sale If you've never been, I think you should go at least once. It's for a great cause and we should support these men and women who have turned their life around. Kudos for the food ! The drinks were also excellent! Horchata & Jamaica

There is a parking lot in the back off Bruno st. It's very small. Street parking limited as well.We had to wait a bit for a table. Only booths were open. Playing oldies. We finally got a spot out front but the register and sat for a while. No one came. Unfortunately no one told us that out front you have to order your own food, then sit down. No waiter. Ugh. Waisted 20 minutes waiting for nothing. By the time they told us. There was a little Line and we had to wait more. Some Prices are a little steep, but it's all for a good cause. People are working and training here. This place is a busy machine! Looks like programs are going on here as well. Tons of people coming and going here. Ordered the green chiliquilles with carnitas. They have many limited options and menu items. Brunch and lunch items are only during certain times. Be mindful of that. Food was pretty good. Loved the green sauces. Had just enough kick. Came with black beans and cotija cheese. Yummy! Come to support a great cause.

Amazing food. Quick service. So so good! I have been wanting to visit Homegirl Cafe for a long time. Was finally in downtown during operating hours. It did not disappoint. The food is great, but the social mission is also worth supporting.

This was my 2nd time here. The service is outstanding! And the food.... WOW, so good!!! Thank you for delivering a great meal for myself and my employee. I will definitely be back!!! P.S.... I hope everyone enjoyed that case of Monster Energy!

I've been here twice now and I have come to the conclusion that Homegirl Cafe makes the best basic breakfast burrito I've eaten. The first time I had the breakfast burrito I couldn't get over how fluffy the scrambled eggs were. The home fried potato chunks were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The melted cheese was a generous amount but not excessive. And the warm morita salsa was fantastic. Each of the ingredients by themselves were excellent but the sum was even better than the parts. The synergy of everything was the most amazing breakfast burrito I've every experienced. And the 2nd time here I ordered it again and it was just as good as the first time. The service here was outstanding. All the servers were attentive and kind. The breakfast burrito was a good size. Not too small. Not too big...the biggest breakfast burrito award goes to George's Burgers in Santa Monica. I highly recommend Homegirl Cafe!

My group of 10 had a reservation. There is street parking available; however, we were able to park right behind the building because we also had a tour as well. The food was absolutely amazing. Everything is made fresh. I had the breakfast burrito with bacon and the berry agua fresca. If you order the breakfast burrito, you have to ask for a side of hot sauce. Everything they sell is absolutely delicious and everyone is so pleasant. I'm definitely going back! Especially to try their coffee cake!

Everybody was very helpful and accommodating, our server Stephanie went above and beyond to make sure we were satisfied with our meal. I got the green chilaquiles which were super good but the GREENJUICE with pineapple is superrrr yummy and less than $6.

First time here, parking is tight. Paid lots and street parking are what I saw, possibly more around back. Lots of people outside as there are many offices attached. Very clean over here, just outside of down town. Small menu but good and fresh! Fair prices. Seating available inside, also has an actual restaurant as well. Friend staff. Would recommend and would return, especially since it's for a good cause. Keep it up!

First time trying lunch hour here at homegirl cafe. Ordered the papa taco, Chile relleno sandwich, and hector Jr plate. The plate was ok, chicken was extremely dry, thank goodness for the sauce, there was nothing else special about the plate especially for 13 dollars. The Chile relleno was too cheesy it overpowered the flavor of the Poblano which i was hoping to taste, and it needs something acidic (salt lime chips?) on the side it was so fatty. This experience was def not the best. They also sat is in the front and we were ignored there and not to mention people waiting were standing right next to our table, so awkward. The worst thing about the whole experience was the cigarette smoke coming into the cafe. Why are people smoking right outside???

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! Every time I go to LAX, I go to Homeboy, and on my first trip to the Homegirl Cafe--Wow! My sandwich and latte were superior. Highly recommend this place. Not only are the food and coffee great, but the people there have such a positive, respectful attitude. Their upbeat interaction with each other is uplifting. Definitely will be visiting here more often--

Where do Homegirls go for their birthday lunch? I was excited when my friend suggested we meet at this restaurant in the Downtown Los Angeles area. It was my first time and I loved it, this had been on my bucket list for many years. At the entrance, you put your name in to be called by the hostess. While you are waiting, there is are baked goods and coffee available for take-out orders and a merchandise store to the right (apparel, tumblers, keychains, etc). The restaurant is an icon with a fantastic story and history. Father Greg Boyle and his Parish founded Homeboy Industries (Homegirl Cafe, Homeboy Bakery and Jobs for Future that offers job counseling services and placement for reformed gang members. We were seated and served complimentary chips, salsa and water. We ordered a Keto Salad and Claudia's Special, which is a Turkey BLT with Swiss cheese and Avocado on their famous sourdough bread. Our servers were very friendly, courteous and helpful. They came by to replenish our drinks and to check if we needed anything. In these current times of many people out of work, it was refreshing to see these young adults learning job skills and earning an honest wage. We stopped at the Homeboy Bakery counter on our way out and purchased treats to take home. Note: parking is limited, be patient as you may have to circle the block a few times for a spot to open on the street. I tried a $3 lot across the way, but it was full. Now that I had my icebreaker experience here, I can't wait to return and support this thriving business. Bring a friend and don't forget to tell 'em that Rosemary sent ya!

Carne asada taco was good, carnitas second best. Salmon was ok. the Chilaquiles looked p good. The sandwiches I didn't understand. Still kinda pricey for what you get.

After coming every week for the past three weeks, it's safe to say I love it! The first time I dined in, and the next two times I ordered to-go. Every time, the customer service was top notch! It seems that the employees are happy to be at work, and it really makes the experience feel like there's a lil love in it. The food is very fresh and flavorful. I might be addicted to the cucumber pineapple Aguas Fresca. I will say, that there is a lot of people in and around the entrance that aren't dining, don't freak out. They are part of the community, not loiterers. Enjoy!

I've never been one to order chilaquiles because I don't like eggs, especially runny eggs, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could get chilaquiles here without them! I loved the green sauce; it had a little kick to it, lots of flavor. The asada was tender and the half order of chilaquiles was the perfect size for me. I came with a big group for a work party and everyone was super accommodating and helpful. Loved it!

The food is excellent but the servers make this place very special. The mole chicken tacos are amazing.

Come on. The service is amazing! They also crack jokes with you and are even over apologetic that I was like you guys are so busy don't even worry about it! The Food: We were given complimentary chips and salsa while we browsed the menu. Salsa was really good. I look forwarding to having that again. I ordered Angela's Green Potion (green drink) and my sister got the Berry Fresca. I got the red chilaquiles (served all day) which they have with a morita sauce. The sandwich pictured is the Claudia special I believe. The beans did NOT taste out of can which was good. I've heard good word about these chilaquiles which is why I was inclined to order as I usually just make them at home and have never ordered chilaquiles at a restaurant (except in Mexico). With that being said, they were probably an 8/10. I'd definitely come back to try the green chilaquiles too. The eggs were fluffy and actually a lot! I felt like the portions were big tbh. My sister also loved her sandwich. Service was great and I love to support Homeboy Industries. Please come try them out for lunch or breakfast.

This restaurant and bakery serves delicious food and helps folks leave the gang lifestyle with the love of Father Boyle. I would always buy baked goods here to bring to my clients because they were not only delicious, but it gave me the opportunity to promote a good cause that was not necessarily known in Downtown L.A. The food in the diner is delicious and not your average menu. Loved the potato tacos! I've brought clients here for lunch and it was highly regarded by all. I've attended events where Father Boyle speaks and was deeply moved by his mission. Living in Lincoln Heights at the time, I understand the gang lifestyle and was so impressed how this restaurant and bakery was able to lift up the youth that were in that trap and give them hope for a brighter future.

Been trying to try this place out since I first heard about it a few years back. Really wanted to support. The only thing negative I can say about this establishment is that the hours suck, M-Fr 7-2 just doesn't work for many of us that work during the day and not opening on the weekends, even worse. I happen to be off this Wednesday so I finally visited! Everyone is super nice especially, Ms. Maria, she made me a bomb vanilla latte! Even though I don't do spicy the red chilaquiles were good, eggs, black beans and toppings made it better. And OMG the coffee cake was equally as good as the LAUSD coffee cake, if you know, you know! Check it out and support if you can work it into your schedule with the limited hours they have. PLEASE open at least Saturdays.

Home Girl is a terrific diner style restaurant. My experience thus far has been limited to the breakfast menu. The breakfast burrito with add-ons is well worth it, as is the coffee. Very nice host and wait staff.

Food was just excellent. Perfectly prepared and seasoned. We got avocado toast and bacon, and sandwich with egg over easy. Both were good and looked very appetizing on the plate served. The coffee cake was as good as they say. It looks unassuming but tastes great. Staff was very nice and offered us some extra cake. Will definitely go back and recommend.

Best staff ever! So friendly and helpful and quick. Highly recommend coming here whenever you can, come early (otherwise the baked goods will be slim pickings towards closing time), and eat in (so you can get the food piping hot). Note that breakfast menu is until 11 am and lunch menu is offered starting 11 am. Everything looks good and is a value, especially the breakfast items. Came today with my better half for our wedding anniversary. Sweetest guy who waited on our table. My hubby got the breakfast burrito with bacon and I got the chilaquiles. Portions are generous so we had to take it home. Don't be afraid of the protein upcharge as they're ginormous portions. Stopped by the bakery to get double chocolate chip cookies, scones and pistachio cheesecake to go. Tiny merch shop in front of bakery in case you need gifts. The decor is on brand and the place is very clean and well staffed. Tiny customer parking lot behind the restaurant with friendly staff manning the place is super helpful. What a great value! Would offer 15 stars if I could. Wish they had weekend hours to bring more folks over. Will definitely be back!

Got half red and half green chilaquiles and an iced Mexican mocha, amazing! Staff were all incredibly kind. Highly recommend a visit here! Note that breakfast is only until 11am (they close at 2pm) but chilaquiles are all day!

I had been wanting to come down here for so long & finally checked it out. Everyone was so nice, friendly & helpful & it was such a great experience! I had the best iced Mexican Mocha & a soy chorizo pastry which was delicious!!

Love this place! Not only do they have an amazing social mission, their food is absolutely delicious, and the service is also excellent!

Support the resilience of change thru this program. Excellent service everyone is so friendly here.

Best coffee cake besides my husband's. I always get a coffee cake about once or twice a month from them. Bring me back to my childhood memories of having coffee cake at school.

Got chilaquiles divorciados here and they were pretty good! It was a decent price for a quick and filling meal. I'm yet to try all the other food items, but it was pretty busy when i went in!

Had the chilaquiles w asada and chorizo. Not even spicy but was super favorable. Also had Sandia aqua Fresca. Great service

I have been a fan of the Homeboy baked items that I used to buy at local farmers markets, as well as the chips and salsas I bought a Ralph's markets. I haven't seen them at farmers markets lately, so when I was in LA Chinatown with the kiddos, I decided I need to make in a stop to Homegirl Cafe to pick up some treats. The cafe is broken up into two sections, the back part with sit down service, and the front part where you can just buy pre-made sandwiches, drinks, or snacks and sit at a booth to eat. The space is clean and organized well. This rating isn't for the sit down part of the cafe, but for the baked goods I picked up. The cashier who was helping me was a little rough around the edges, but super charming and made me laugh when she couldn't figure out the flavor of one of the muffins (since nothing is labeled) and started sniffing it. There wasn't much left when I arrived, but I picked up an apple muffin, chocolate muffin, coffee cake square, and red velvet cake slice. To drink we had a Mexican hot chocolate, and I got an Angela's Potion (spinach, mint, & lemonade). The kids couldn't wait to try the treats, so we found a booth and grabbed some forks and dug in! OMG...so good. The Angela's potion was super refreshing, like an agua fresca, but tasted healthier. The menu for the sit down cafe looks great, I will have to make another trip back to dine in (and get more baked goods)!

Late review. Stopped by for lunch on a Wednesday during the DineLA weeks. Definitely a steal. Prices are so cheap. $15 meal that includes an entree, dessert and a drink. I ordered the chilaquiles with red sauce and carne asada, pumpkin cheesecake and a pineapple cucumber fresca. They also provided complimentary chips and salsa. The chilaquiles were very good. Drenched in red sauce yet still very crunchy. The carne asada was flavorful and not dry. The pineapple cucumber fresca was very refreshing and the pumpkin cheesecake was very smooth. Overall a great meal. Service was good too and they refilled our chips and salsa. It's located next to Chinatown and have a parking lot in the back. They have people watching the parking lot gates, so just tell them you are there for Homegirl Cafe and they'll let you in.

This place is truly a community gem, there is truly no other culturally dope space like this in Los Angeles. I went during lunch to grab a sandwich and coffee, and to sit at a table while I worked on my laptop. I ordered the Chile Relleno grilled cheese, and iced americano. The sandwich was served on toasted sourdough bread that is made in house! DELICIOUS!!!! The Poblano peppers were just the right hit of spice and smoke. The sandwich was served with a strawberry, jicama salad with chipotle cream dressing. OMG AMAZING! My friend ordered the half order of Chillaquiles and a coffee. She added avocado and sour cream for extra healthy fats due to a health regimen and the staff here went out of their way to deliver when the dish wasn't sent out right the first time. Huge shoutout to the staff there who went above and beyond to give us a pleasant afternoon at Homegirl Cafe. Definitely the chill fun vibes we needed to work independently on our computers over some brunch items. Thank you Hector for coming over to the table and introducing yourself and asking if everything was ok and if we had everything we need. Exceptional service!

Excellent flavor. Lots of good food options on the menu. Be sure you get your daily serving of "green potion". Great place for lunch, feels like I am in the "true LA". Great value and a real institution in the community.

Love this place! been here twice and every time the service is exceptional. The food always taste great your coffee is amazing and let's not forget about their pastries. The coffee cake is a must. sometimes you might have to wait a bit to get a table but it's worth the wait. The ambience is great, Will definitely recommend if you've never been there

I really think that if they would learn to be professional- it would be much better. I have much more to say but I'll just leave it here, don't put people who can't differentiate from personal to professional

Pro: Chile relleno sandwich, mission of restaurant. Grow: chilaquiles a bit dry. Homegirl cafe is a must visit in LA. The restaurant is housed within homeboy industries which provides support and training for former gang related members and incarcerated people. I loved the art work and overall vibe of the place. It touched my heart to see the workers were given a second chance in life. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. They welcomed me with free chips and salsa! The chips were delicious and salsa was a carrot habanero which was perfectly sweet and spicy. Food: this is another great Dine LA lunch spot. For $15 you get a drink, entree, and dessert. The hot chocolate was creamy and just the right amount of sweet. The Chile relleno sandwich was a 10/10! The bread is made in house and it was loaded with cheese, eggs, and peppers. Two people could easily share the sandwich, I was greedy and ate it all! The chilaquiles were a bit too dry for my liking but the portion was huge! You can add chicken, steak, or eggs on top! Desserts: the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake was so good! The portion was big and it had tasty fall vibe flavors. The cookie taste like a cross between a cookie and brownie. Overall, the vibe of this restaurant was on point. The dine LA deal is one of the best in town. Come and support this great restaurant!

A drive around downtown and we found this great breakfast/brunch spot. Parking is free on their side lot and well secured. Greeted by a friendly wait staff and the restaurant itself is clean and nicely decorated. Ordered the chilaquiles with green salsa and a a side of Chile de Arbol. Excellent flavor. Loved the cafe de olla also. Overall great food, great service and experience. I've already recommended family to visit.

Great service, food, and appreciate the mission of the organization . Highly recommend

First time coming here and was very excited as I have heard a lot about homeboys industry! The service was great, the waiters were attentive and would joke around with the customers which gave it a very chill vibe. The food came in fast and was super good. Me and my friends are also able to get a last-minute tour of homeboy industry by asking the front desk, so don't be intimidated to ask if you're interested. Will definitely be coming back.